Imminent obligations and penalties for non-compliance in the implementation of the e-Invoice RO system, starting from 1 January 2024

From 1 January 2024, economic operators in Romania will undergo a significant transformation in terms of e-invoicing. The fundamental changes brought about by the introduction of the national RO e-Invoice system will affect the way invoices are issued, transmitted and managed between companies.

Phase 1: Obligations from 1 January 2024

Acording to Ministry of Finance, in the first phase, from 1 January to 30 June 2024, economic operators in Romania, whether registered for VAT or not, are obliged to report all invoices issued in their dealings with other businesses and public institutions via the e-Invoice system. This applies to all invoices issued during this period.

Also, economic operators who are non-established taxable persons, but registered for VAT in Romania, must report in the RO e-Factura system all invoices issued in B2B relations for supplies of goods and services carried out in Romania.

Exceptions to the obligation to use the RO e-Invoice apply to import-export transactions.

The deadline for submitting invoices issued in the e-Invoice system is 5 working days from the date of issue of the invoice, but no later than 5 working days from the deadline for issuing the invoice.

Step 2: All other forms of invoices become illegal on 1 July 2024

From 1 July 2024, all other forms of invoices become illegal. Issuers are obliged to send electronic invoices via the e-Invoice system to recipients.

Receiving and registering a B2B invoice, issued in Romania, without being sent via RO e-Invoice is an offense and is punishable by a fine equivalent to the amount of VAT shown on the invoice.

These changes represent a significant development in the Romanian business environment and an important step towards a more efficient and transparent management of e-invoicing.