CAEN code (Romanian NACE activity code)
Quick answer
The Romanian economic-activity classification code identifying a company's business object, used for registration, licensing and tax reporting; harmonised with EU NACE.
Key takeaways
- Company registration - the business object is declared at ONRC
- Licensing - some codes require special authorisations (e.g. food, transport)
- Tax - influences VAT regime, taxation and eligibility for funding/state aid
- Statistics - INS reporting, sector analysis
What the CAEN code is
The CAEN code (Classification of Activities in the National Economy) is a 4-digit code identifying a Romanian company's business activity. It is harmonised with the European NACE nomenclature, so a Romanian firm's activity is statistically comparable across the EU. Each company declares a primary CAEN code and, optionally, several secondary CAEN codes at the Trade Register (ONRC).
CAEN Rev. 2 vs Rev. 3
From 1 January 2025, Romania moved to CAEN Rev. 3 (updated by INS Order 377/2024). Companies must update their codes to the new classification. The old nomenclature (Rev. 2) remains a reference for historical data.
Where the CAEN code is used
- Company registration - the business object is declared at ONRC
- Licensing - some codes require special authorisations (e.g. food, transport)
- Tax - influences VAT regime, taxation and eligibility for funding/state aid
- Statistics - INS reporting, sector analysis
Code structure
The code has 4 digits grouped hierarchically: section (letter) → division (2 digits) → group (3 digits) → class (4 digits). Example: 4711 = retail sale in non-specialised stores with food predominating.
Link to CRMconnect operations
CRMconnect is not accounting software and does not handle registration or CAEN codes - these stay with ONRC and the accounting tool. What CRMconnect does, as an operational layer wired into accounting/ERP: during B2B partner validation (at order and invoicing) it can surface the client/supplier CAEN code pulled from public registers, helping quickly assess risk profile and commercial fit before data is passed to accounting.
Real-world example
A distributor opening new B2B customer accounts manually checked each firm's CAEN code to set the credit limit. With CRMconnect as the operational layer, the CAEN code and company status appear automatically at customer creation, and sales set the credit limit in seconds, not hours.
Last updated:
Frequently asked
What does CAEN code mean?+
The CAEN code (Classification of Activities in the National Economy) is a 4-digit code identifying a Romanian company's business activity, harmonised with the European NACE classification.
What is a primary vs secondary CAEN code?+
The primary CAEN code is the company's core activity, declared at registration. Secondary codes cover additional activities the company may legally perform.
What is CAEN Rev. 3?+
CAEN Rev. 3 is the new classification applicable from 1 January 2025, replacing CAEN Rev. 2. Companies must update their codes to the new structure.
Where can I find the list of CAEN codes?+
The full list is published by Romania's National Institute of Statistics (INS) in the official CAEN Rev. 3 nomenclature and is also available on the ONRC portal.
Does CRMconnect manage CAEN codes?+
No. CRMconnect is not accounting software and does not handle registration. It can only surface partners' CAEN codes during B2B account validation, as operational support for sales.