Effective 16 September 2026, the General Anti-Fraud Directorate (DGAF) within ANAF commenced Operation F.O.C.U.S. (Fiscalizarea Operațiunilor și Conformarea Unităților de Schimb), a coordinated nationwide tax compliance initiative targeting 180 currency exchange bureaus across Romania. The operation aims to verify the fiscal correctness of foreign exchange transactions, ensure adherence to anti-money laundering (AML) reporting obligations under Law 129/2019, and validate the accurate declaration of revenues derived from currency spreads and service fees. Inspectors will examine compliance with VAT legislation (particularly the exemption regime for financial services under Article 89 of the Fiscal Code), corporate income tax reporting, and the proper issuance of cash receipts via the mandatory e-Cash Register system. The simultaneous deployment across all regional ANAF directorates signals a strategic shift towards sector-wide risk-based enforcement in the non-bank financial services segment.
Key Takeaways
- Sector-Wide Compliance Sweep: Operation FOCUS represents the first simultaneous national control action specifically targeting the currency exchange bureau sector, covering 180 entities in a single coordinated effort.
- Multi-Tax Verification Scope: Inspections encompass VAT exemption application, corporate income tax accuracy, AML/CTF reporting compliance, and e-Cash Register utilization, addressing the full fiscal footprint of exchange operations.
- Deterrence and Behavioral Change: Beyond immediate assessments, the operation aims to establish a heightened compliance baseline across the sector, reducing opportunities for tax evasion and illicit financial flows through regulated exchange channels.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement