ROMANIA
Since May 2001
Since March 1996, last amended in April 2022
Since March 1996, last amended in April 2022
Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) |
Indicator Copyright law with clear exceptions
Directive 2001/29/EC
Law No. 8 of March 1996, on Copyright and Neighboring Rights (Legea nr. 8 din 14 martie 1996 privind dreptul de autor și drepturile conexe)
Law No. 8 of March 1996, on Copyright and Neighboring Rights (Legea nr. 8 din 14 martie 1996 privind dreptul de autor și drepturile conexe)
There is no general principle for the use of copyright-protected material comparable to the fair use/fair dealing principles. Directive 2001/29/EC defines an optional but exhaustive set of limitations from the author´s exclusive rights under the control of the “three-step test” in line with the Berne Convention that establishes three cumulative conditions to the limitations and exceptions of a copyright holder’s rights. Romania has transposed the Directive through several amendments of Law No. 8 of March 1996 on Copyright and Neighboring Rights, including the Government Emergency Order amending Law No. 8/1996 on copyright and related rights, Law No. 15/2019 amending Law No. 8/1996 on copyright and related rights, among others.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230324153855/https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/copyright-legislation
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230811144019/https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text/545969
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241211215028/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/NIM/?uri=CELEX:32001L0029&qid=1690476450953
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ROMANIA
ITA signatory?
I
II
Pillar Tariffs and trade defence measures applied on ICT goods |
Indicator Effective tariff rate on ICT goods (applied weighted average)
Effective tariff rate to ICT goods (applied weighted average)
0.86%
Coverage rate of zero-tariffs on ICT goods (%)
76.48%
Coverage: ICT goods
QATAR
Since August 2010, entry into force in September 2010
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Framework for consumer protection applicable to online commerce
Decree Law No. 16 of 2010 on the Promulgation of the Electronic Commerce and Transactions Law
مرسوم بقانون رقم (16) لسنة 2010 بإصدار قانون المعاملات والتجارة الالكترونية
مرسوم بقانون رقم (16) لسنة 2010 بإصدار قانون المعاملات والتجارة الالكترونية
Chapter 8 of the Electronic Commerce and Transactions Law establishes a comprehensive legal framework for consumer protection, expressly applicable to online transactions.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251018152456/https://www.cra.gov.qa/-/media/System/A/2/B/A/A2BAC69B96EC540AB3FB4AAE348AF00F/2010-08-19-Decree-Law-No-16-ECommerce-and-Transactions-Law-unofficial-translat...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251018152424/https://www.unescwa.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/ABLF-2023-consumer-CP-Qatar-english.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251018152513/https://unctad.org/page/cyberlaw-tracker-country-detail?country=qa
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QATAR
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Ratification of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Lack of signature of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Qatar has not signed the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts.
Coverage Horizontal
QATAR
Since August 2010, entry into force in September 2010
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce
Decree Law No. 16 of 2010 on the Promulgation of the Electronic Commerce and Transactions Law
مرسوم بقانون رقم (16) لسنة 2010 بإصدار قانون المعاملات والتجارة الالكترونية
مرسوم بقانون رقم (16) لسنة 2010 بإصدار قانون المعاملات والتجارة الالكترونية
Qatar has enacted national legislation, namely the Electronic Commerce and Transactions Law, which is derived from or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Commerce.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251018152456/https://www.cra.gov.qa/-/media/System/A/2/B/A/A2BAC69B96EC540AB3FB4AAE348AF00F/2010-08-19-Decree-Law-No-16-ECommerce-and-Transactions-Law-unofficial-translat...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251024002347/https://eprints.lancs.ac.uk/id/eprint/83401/1/2016Abdulrahmanphd.pdf
QATAR
Since August 2010, entry into force in September 2010
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures
Decree Law No. 16 of 2010 on the Promulgation of the Electronic Commerce and Transactions Law
مرسوم بقانون رقم (16) لسنة 2010 بإصدار قانون المعاملات والتجارة الالكترونية
مرسوم بقانون رقم (16) لسنة 2010 بإصدار قانون المعاملات والتجارة الالكترونية
Qatar has enacted national legislation, namely the Electronic Commerce and Transactions Law, which is derived from or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Signatures.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251018152456/https://www.cra.gov.qa/-/media/System/A/2/B/A/A2BAC69B96EC540AB3FB4AAE348AF00F/2010-08-19-Decree-Law-No-16-ECommerce-and-Transactions-Law-unofficial-translat...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251024002347/https://eprints.lancs.ac.uk/id/eprint/83401/1/2016Abdulrahmanphd.pdf
QATAR
Reported in 2022, last reported in 2025
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Licensing schemes for digital services and applications
Reported licensing requirement for VoIP service providers
It is reported that the Government of Qatar requires providers of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services to obtain a licence; however, such licences are granted solely to companies intending to establish operations within Qatar. It is also reported that this requirement constitutes a significant barrier to entry for foreign or Internet-based service providers, with Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar remaining the only authorised VoIP providers in the country, both being majority-owned by state-controlled entities.
Coverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services
QATAR
Since November 2006, last amended in October 2017
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other import restrictions, including non-transparent/discriminatory import procedures
Decree-Law No. 34 of 2006, Promulgating the Telecommunications Law
مرسوم بقانون رقم (34) لسنة 2006 بإصدار قانون الاتصالات
مرسوم بقانون رقم (34) لسنة 2006 بإصدار قانون الاتصالات
Under Art. 68 of Decree-Law No. 34 of 2006, importing telecommunications devices for commercial purposes requires a licence issued by the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA). Non-compliance with this requirement is punishable by up to one year of imprisonment and a fine of up to QAR 20,000 (approx. USD 5,500). The CRA implements this via its Import Authorisation Licence and type-approval regime.
Coverage Telecom equipment
QATAR
Reported in 2022, last reported in 2024
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other import restrictions, including non-transparent/discriminatory import procedures
Reported complaint burdensome import procedures
It is reported that Qatar requires import documentation for goods coming from abroad to be authenticated, or "consularised", by a Qatari embassy, consulate or chamber of commerce in the exporting country. This process involves obtaining official stamps or certifications for documents such as the commercial invoice and certificate of origin, verifying their legitimacy prior to shipment. Although its purpose is to ensure the authenticity of commercial documents, this authentication requirement is reportedly often a burdensome and costly one for exporters, as it adds administrative red tape, delays and fees.
Coverage Horizontal
QATAR
Reported in 2025
Pillar Technical standards applied to ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Self-certification for product safety
Supplier Declaration of Conformity allowed for foreign businesses
It is reported that Qatar permits self-certification for radio transmission equipment concerning electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards. Foreign manufacturers may demonstrate compliance through a Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC), whereby the supplier or manufacturer affirms that the equipment satisfies the relevant technical and administrative requirements. Where testing is undertaken, the choice of laboratory remains at the discretion of the supplier or manufacturer. The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) accepts results issued by accredited testing and measurement bodies officially recognised by the Authority, a list of which is published on its website.
Coverage Electronic products
QATAR
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Licensing scheme for e-commerce providers
Reported licensing requirements for e-merchants
According to Qatar's eCommerce Portal, enterprises seeking to operate as e-merchants in Qatar must first register their business, domain name and trademarks. To engage in commercial activities within the country, all businesses, including e-merchants, are required to obtain a commercial registration.
Coverage E-merchants
QATAR
Since January 2015, last amended in 2025
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Threshold for ‘De Minimis’ rule
Unified Guide for Customs Procedures at First Points of Entry in the GCC Member States
الدليل الموحد للإجراءات الجمركية بمنافذ الدخول الأولى لدول الخليج
الدليل الموحد للإجراءات الجمركية بمنافذ الدخول الأولى لدول الخليج
The de minimis threshold, defined as the minimum value of goods below which customs duties are not levied, is SAR 1,000; however, its application is limited to business-to-consumer transactions and does not extend to business-to-business consignments. The threshold is specified in the "Unified Guide for Customs Procedures at First Points of Entry in the GCC Member States", which states that parcels and personal shipments with a declared value not exceeding SAR 1,000 are exempt from customs duties (this value is approximately equal to QAR 970 or USD 265).
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://www.customs.gov.qa/English/Procedures/UnifiedGuide/Documents/الدليل%20الموحد%20للإجراءات%20الجمركية%20بمنافذ%20الدخول%20الأولى%20لدول%20ال...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251023224546/https://www.customs.gov.qa/English/PassengersIndividualsPortal/Pages/IndividualsExemption.aspx
- https://global-express.org/index.php?id=271&act=101&profile_id=-1&countries%5B%5D=-2&search_terms=&question-filter=&qid_34=1&qid_34_optid=1&qid_35=1&qid_36=1&qid_92=1
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250308002439/https://www.gcc-sg.org/en/MediaCenter/DigitalLibrary/Documents/1435652105.pdf
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QATAR
Since September 2010
Pillar Intermediary liability |
Indicator Safe harbour for intermediaries for any activity other than copyright infringement
Decree Law No. 16 of 2010 on the Promulgation of the Electronic Commerce and Transactions Law
مرسوم بقانون رقم (16) لسنة 2010 بإصدار قانون المعاملات والتجارة الالكترونية
مرسوم بقانون رقم (16) لسنة 2010 بإصدار قانون المعاملات والتجارة الالكترونية
Decree Law No. 16 of 2010 on the Promulgation of the Electronic Commerce and Transactions Law establishes a safe harbour regime for intermediaries beyond copyright infringements.
Under Arts. 45–48, electronic commerce service providers enjoy limited liability for intermediary activities, including transmission, caching, and hosting, provided specific conditions are met. Liability exemptions apply when providers act as mere conduits, without initiating transmissions, selecting recipients, or modifying content, and when any storage is purely transient. Caching is similarly protected if undertaken solely to enhance efficiency, provided the provider complies with access and update rules, refrains from altering content, and removes or disables access promptly upon obtaining actual knowledge of unlawful material. Hosting services are likewise exempt where the provider lacks actual knowledge of illegal activity or information and acts expeditiously to remove or disable access once notified, so long as the user is not operating under the provider’s authority.
Under Arts. 45–48, electronic commerce service providers enjoy limited liability for intermediary activities, including transmission, caching, and hosting, provided specific conditions are met. Liability exemptions apply when providers act as mere conduits, without initiating transmissions, selecting recipients, or modifying content, and when any storage is purely transient. Caching is similarly protected if undertaken solely to enhance efficiency, provided the provider complies with access and update rules, refrains from altering content, and removes or disables access promptly upon obtaining actual knowledge of unlawful material. Hosting services are likewise exempt where the provider lacks actual knowledge of illegal activity or information and acts expeditiously to remove or disable access once notified, so long as the user is not operating under the provider’s authority.
Coverage Internet intermediaries
QATAR
Reported in 2021, last reported in 2024
Pillar Intermediary liability |
Indicator User identity requirement
Identity requirement for SIM cards
It is reported that Qatar requires mobile network operators to collect and store a user's personal information and proof of identity for SIM registration. The relevant legislation could not be found.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/sim-card-registration-laws/#Type_of_ID_required_by_country
- https://qatarvisaqvc.com/how-to-get-a-sim-card-in-qatar-guide/
- https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/mobile-for-development/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Digital-Identity-Access-to-Mobile-Services-and-Proof-of-Identity-2021_SPREADs.pdf
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