2551
Metal coating
This CAEN code covers metal coating activities such as galvanizing, enameling, lacquering, oxidation, phosphating, chromating, sandblasting, thermal or vacuum metallization, and other surface treatments. Essentially, if your business applies a protective or decorative layer on metal parts (from jewelry to auto components), this is the appropriate code. It does not include painting or varnishing with a brush or spray gun, but only specialized industrial processes.
Entrepreneur Profile
Acest cod este destinat SRL-urilor, microîntreprinderilor sau PFA-urilor care oferă servicii de finisare și protecție a suprafețelor metalice pentru terți. Este util atelierelor de galvanizare, firmelor de tratamente anticorozive, producătorilor de piese metalice care externalizează finisarea, precum și companiilor care produc bijuterii sau obiecte decorative metalice.
Who should avoid:
Avoid the exclusive use of code 2551 if the main activity of your company shifts towards other commercial or related branches not specified in the official description. See the excluded activities section below.
Authorization procedure and Trade Register aspects for CAEN 2551
For registration with the Trade Register (ONRC) of CAEN code 2551 – "Metal coating" – the exact legal name according to the classification is "Metal coating (nickel plating, zinc plating, chrome plating, etc.)". When drafting the articles of incorporation, the main object of activity must be mentioned with the full name and CAEN code. It is recommended to also include relevant secondary objects, such as 2562 (General mechanical operations) or 4672 (Wholesale trade of metals and metal ores). Required documents include the registration application, the articles of incorporation, the affidavit under Law 359/2004 regarding compliance with operating conditions, and the proof of registered office (lease contract, land registry extract). Specific environmental and occupational safety approvals are obtained later, but mentioning them in the affidavit is mandatory.
Regulatory framework, specific approvals, and control institutions
CAEN code 2551 involves galvanic (electrolytic) and chemical metal coating activities. The main legislative acts are Government Emergency Ordinance 195/2005 on environmental protection, Government Decision 445/2009 on waste regime, and Law 278/2013 on industrial emissions. The basic control institutions are the National Environmental Guard (GNM) and the Environmental Protection Agency (APM). Economic operators must obtain an environmental authorization or environmental agreement depending on production capacity and substances used (cyanides, acids, heavy metals). Also mandatory is the fire safety authorization (ISU) and the approval from the Territorial Labor Inspectorate (ITM) regarding occupational safety, due to chemical risks. Storage and neutralization of used solutions requires contracts with authorized hazardous waste collection companies.
Tax management, ANAF audit risk, and specific accounting
From a fiscal perspective, metal coating activities fall under the Fiscal Code (Law 227/2015). They are taxable with VAT at the standard rate (19% in 2025). The tax base includes the value of the service provided and consumed materials. Companies must register in the RO e-Factura, RO e-Transport, and RO e-TVA systems if they exceed the legal thresholds. Accounting must distinctly record costs of raw materials (metals, salts, solutions), electricity (high consumption), and labor. Implementing a job order costing system is recommended, as prices are negotiated per batch. A major ANAF audit risk arises from declaring stocks of precious metals (gold, silver) and metal waste. The fiscal vector must be updated with the corresponding codes (corporate income tax, VAT). For micro-enterprises, the income tax rate is 1% (if they do not exceed EUR 500,000 turnover and do not carry out excluded activities). Monthly declarations (D300, D394) and annual declarations (D101, D205) must be submitted according to the ANAF calendar. Non-compliance with environmental regulations leads to substantial fines and suspension of activity.
Included Activities
- ✅ Galvanizing of metals
- ✅ Enameling of metals
- ✅ Lacquering of metals (by immersion or industrial spray)
- ✅ Anodic oxidation of metals
- ✅ Phosphating of metals
- ✅ Chromating of metals
- ✅ Sandblasting of metals
- ✅ Thermal metallization (electric arc or flame spraying)
- ✅ Vacuum metallization
- ✅ Surface treatments by chemical or electrochemical deposition
Excluded Activities
- ❌ Painting and varnishing with brush or spray gun (code 4334)
- ❌ Printing activities on metals (code 1812)
- ❌ Heat treatments (code 2552)
- ❌ Ultrasonic or steam cleaning (code 8129)
- ❌ Sandblasting activities without coating (code 8129)
- ❌ Manufacture of finished metal products (codes 2511-2599)
Similar or Related CAEN Codes:
From the same category of economic activities:
Întrebări Frecvente
What environmental authorizations are required for CAEN code 2551?
Depending on the processes used and the quantities of chemicals, obtaining an environmental authorization (from the Environmental Protection Agency) or a notification regarding hazardous substances may be required. Also, for air and water emissions, limits imposed by environmental legislation (Law 104/2011, Law 107/1996) must be observed.
Can I carry out painting activities under the same CAEN code 2551?
No, painting and varnishing with a brush or spray gun fall under code 4334 (Painting and whitewashing). Code 2551 covers only industrial coatings through electrochemical, thermal, or immersion methods, not manual or compressed air painting.