Romanian authorities are moving to tighten regulations on second-hand vehicle imports, proposing a limit of two used cars per person per year as part of broader efforts to combat illegal trafficking and align with European Union environmental standards.
The initiative, discussed by Environment Minister Diana Buzoianu, aims to curb activities by intermediaries who bring in large volumes of vehicles for commercial purposes, which officials say undermines legal markets and contributes to pollution from older, high-emission models.
According to government sources, the proposed restrictions target vehicles that do not meet Euro 3 emission standards, effectively banning the import of older, more polluting cars although encouraging cleaner alternatives. The measure is part of a draft ordinance currently under review to harmonize Romania’s used car market with EU regulations.
Officials emphasized that the restrictions are designed to protect both consumers and the environment, reducing the influx of vehicles that may pose safety risks or fail to meet modern technical requirements.
As Romania continues to align its automotive policies with European standards, the proposed limits reflect a growing focus on sustainable transport solutions and stricter oversight of cross-border vehicle trade.
