Romania’s parliament has recently adopted a new law that made changes to existing legislation and had a direct effect on VOD services operating in the country.
According to Business Review, it requires them to pay a 4% levy on revenues generated in Romania, from subscriptions or single transactions for viewing audiovisual works through data transmission services.
It also imposes a 3% levy on the price paid by viewers for each audiovisual work downloaded, by way of data transmission services or streaming platforms. This provision existed previously but was amended to expand its applicability.
VOD providers are required to pay the levies directly to the National Centre of Cinematography (CNC). Significantly, they have the option of paying 40% of the 4% levy directly in local film, but not TV, production.
The levies are applicable to both Romanian and foreign VOD services operating in the country.