CECAEN Rev 3
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Sections Correlation Guide About the Project Contact
Group 267

Manufacture of optical instruments, photographic equipment and magnetic/optical media

This category includes the manufacture of instruments and devices that manipulate light, including lenses, cameras, video cameras, optical and magnetic storage media, as well as components for optical telecommunications. In other words, it covers the production of goods that help capture, store or transmit information through light.

Included Activities & Applicability

  • ✅ Manufacture of lenses
  • ✅ mirrors and optical prisms Manufacture of optical measuring and control instruments Manufacture of photographic cameras
  • ✅ video cameras and projectors Manufacture of magnetic and optical media (discs
  • ✅ tapes
  • ✅ cards) Manufacture of optical cables and optoelectronic components

Excluded Activities & Restrictions

  • ❌ Manufacture of lighting equipment (including LED)
  • ❌ Manufacture of medical instruments with optical function (e.g. endoscopes)
  • ❌ Manufacture of contact lenses and spectacle lenses
  • ❌ Installation and maintenance of fibre optic networks
  • ❌ Retail trade of optical photographic products

Subordinate Structure

2670 Manufacture of optical instruments, magnetic and optical media; manufacture of photographic equipment
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Detailed Analysis & Commercial Insights

Industry Overview

The optics and photographic equipment industry is a niche sector with strategic relevance in Romania's economy, especially in the context of accelerated digitalisation. CAEN code 267 covers the manufacture of optical instruments (lenses, microscopes, telescopes), photographic equipment and magnetic and optical media. Although this industry's share of GDP is modest, it contributes essentially to value chains in fields such as healthcare (optical components for endoscopes), defence (sighting systems) and telecommunications (fibre optics).

Market Trends

In recent years, demand for optical media has declined due to cloud storage, but the production of components for cameras and sensors has increased thanks to the development of smartphones and the automotive industry (LiDAR sensors). Entrepreneurs in this sector face challenges related to high investments in precision machinery and fierce competition from Asian manufacturers. Specialised labour in optics is limited, putting pressure on wages and innovation capacity.

Opportunities for Romania

Nevertheless, Romania can leverage its tradition in physics research and engineering to develop a centre of excellence in applied optics, supported by European funds and partnerships with technical universities. The evolution of this niche depends on firms' ability to reposition themselves towards high value-added products, such as optical systems for augmented reality or components for 5G infrastructure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, although a narrow field, CAEN 267 can be a vector for innovation and differentiation in the Romanian economy, provided there is sustained support for research and professional training.