Considering today’s technological capabilities, it is not surprising that card payments have become mandatory for various companies.
This article will provide you with all the useful information about the obligation to accept card payments and what this entails for businesses and large companies in Romania in 2025.
For many people, paying by card has become a habit, a reflex, and also a way to save time.
Thus, to simplify the purchasing process, merchants use the POS (Point of Sale), which is an IT system capable of processing sales transactions.
Given the increasing trend of card usage, the Government and authorities have implemented rules regarding the mandatory acceptance of card payments, which entrepreneurs need to be aware of to ensure the proper functioning of their business or company.
Mandatory POS 2025 in Romania
According to OUG 193/2002, “Legal entities engaged in retail and wholesale trade, as defined by Government Ordinance No. 99/2000 on the commercialization of products and market services, republished with subsequent amendments and completions, as well as those providing services, which generate cash receipts exceeding 50,000 RON in a year, are required to accept debit, credit, or prepaid cards through a POS terminal and/or other modern acceptance solutions, including applications that facilitate electronic payments.“
In Romania, the obligation to accept cashless payments was expanded in 202 through Law 406/2023, which amends OUG 193/2002 on the introduction of modern payment systems, published in the Official Gazette of Romania, Part I, No. 942 of December 23, 2002, and approved with amendments and completions by Law No. 250/2003.
According to the new provisions, all individuals and legal entities registered with the Trade Register, regardless of their organizational form (commercial companies, PFA, individual and family enterprises, etc.), are required to accept at least one cashless payment instrument, as defined in Law 209/2019 on payment services.
Practically, starting June 16, 2024, all merchants, including small retailers, must allow customers to pay by card or other electronic payment instruments.
Among the businesses and companies affected by this law are:
- Stores, supermarkets, and various businesses selling products or services
- Restaurants, cafes, and other businesses in the food service sector
- Hotels – as the hospitality sector involves a large number of guests from all over the world
- Companies issuing invoices – customers will have the option to pay invoices securely by card.
In other words, the obligation to accept electronic payments applies to all entities registered with the Trade Register, regardless of their organizational form – commercial companies, PFA, individual or family enterprises – as stipulated in Article 4, paragraph (1) of Law 265/2022. This provision specifically targets small merchants, who will need to comply with the new legal requirements.
The obligation to accept electronic payments aims to facilitate consumer purchases and reduce the risk of fraud, considering that everything is electronic and can be precisely analyzed by the competent authorities.
Failure to comply with these legal provisions may result in penalties that vary depending on the severity of the violation, potentially leading to fines or even the suspension of commercial activities.
It is extremely important for every merchant in Romania to be aware of the obligations imposed by their specific business activities and to comply with these legal provisions in 2025, including the acceptance of electronic payments, to avoid fines. Businesses must comply with the mandatory acceptance of card payments, and consulting business lawyers in Romania can help ensure full legal compliance while avoiding potential fines and operational disruptions