CAEN Rev.3 in Romania: How and When to update your Company’s Activity Codes

Romania implemented CAEN Rev.3 on 1 January 2025. This new version of the national classification of economic activities was introduced through Order No. 377/17.04.2024 by the National Institute of Statistics. It aligns with NACE Rev. 2.1, the latest European standard, which was updated by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/137.

The implementation of CAEN Rev.3 was formalised through Government Decision No. 284/2025, published in Official Gazette No. 257/25.03.2025. From that date, the new classification became binding. Romanian companies and authorised professionals must begin using it to stay compliant.

What is CAEN Rev.3?

CAEN Rev.3 is the new official classification system for businesses in Romania. It replaces CAEN Rev.2 and reflects the structure of today’s economy. These codes are essential. Authorities use them for company registration, tax filings, reporting, and licensing.

This update ensures that Romania’s classification matches the current realities of business and aligns with the broader EU system.

What changes were introduced in CAEN Rev.3?

CAEN Rev.3 includes both technical and structural updates. For example, several older CAEN Rev.2 codes now match a single CAEN Rev.3 code. In other cases, one old code splits into multiple new ones. Many names and activity groupings have changed to improve clarity and accuracy.

To support this process, the National Institute of Statistics has published the complete list of CAEN Rev.3 codes, together with a correspondence table showing how the old and new codes match.

Who must update their CAEN codes?

All Romanian legal entities and authorised professionals must update their activity codes. This includes companies such as SRLs and SAs, as well as PFAs, individual enterprises (IIs), and family enterprises (IFs). The Trade Registry (ONRC) requires this update to ensure the activity object is correct and compliant.

What are the official and practical deadlines?

Two important dates apply.

The legal transition period is 18 months, starting on 25 March 2025. During this time, authorities accept both CAEN Rev.2 and CAEN Rev.3. This means the legal deadline to update is 25 September 2026.

However, the practical deadline is 31 December 2025. Many ONRC offices already ask companies to submit filings using only CAEN Rev.3. If companies continue using outdated codes, they risk rejections or delays. Therefore, businesses should aim to complete the update before the end of 2025.

How should companies file the update?

From 1 January 2025, every company must use the new CAEN Rev.3 forms. Legal entities must use Annex 2a, while PFAs, IIs, and IFs must use Annex 2b.

Filing options include the ONRC online portal, submission at a registry office, or sending documents by courier or post.

If your filing only updates CAEN codes, you usually need only the form. If someone else files on your behalf, a power of attorney is required. However, when you submit the CAEN update alongside other changes (such as changing directors or addresses), all documents must follow the new classification.

Are there limits on the number of CAEN codes?

Yes, for some businesses. According to Government Emergency Ordinance No. 44/2008, a PFA may register up to five activity codes, while an individual enterprise (II) may register up to ten.

These limits still apply under CAEN Rev.3. Companies such as SRLs and SAs are not limited, but should still avoid listing activities that are irrelevant to their operations.

Why act early?

Although the legal deadline is September 2026, waiting may cause problems. Some ONRC registrars have already refused filings if companies had not updated their activity codes. Others delay the process or accept filings inconsistently. This makes it difficult to predict outcomes.

To avoid delays or rejections, companies should start early. Review your current codes, map them to CAEN Rev.3, and prepare your documents as soon as possible, especially if you’re also updating other company information.

Need help with the CAEN Rev.3 update?

Klea helps legal, tax, and compliance teams manage the full CAEN Rev.3 process. We support everything from mapping the correct codes to preparing updated documents and submitting your file. If you manage multiple entities or want to avoid last-minute delays, we’ll handle the process from start to finish.

For more insights into processes in other jurisdictions, explore our article, Director Changes in Denmark: Legal Steps and Compliance Guide.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided on Klea’s website is made available “as is” for informational purposes only. Klea does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice and is not responsible for any actions taken or not taken based on the content found on this website. In no event shall Klea be liable for any loss or damages arising from reliance on the information contained herein.

For specific legal or compliance support tailored to your business needs, please contact Klea directly. Our team provides personalized guidance and expert solutions. Any reliance on general content without direct consultation does not establish any legal responsibility or liability on Klea’s part.