Division 98

Activities of private households producing goods for own consumption

This broad CAEN division covers activities of private households producing goods strictly for their own consumption, not for sale. This includes subsistence gardening, raising animals for personal needs, processing food at home, or making household items. Activities carried out on a commercial or paid basis are not included.

Included Activities & Applicability

  • Agricultural production for own consumption (cultivation of cereals
  • vegetables
  • fruits
  • etc.) Raising animals for own consumption Production of milk
  • cheese
  • eggs for own consumption Processing of meat
  • fish
  • and other food products for own consumption Making clothing
  • textiles
  • and footwear for personal use Making furniture and other household items for own consumption Collecting firewood and other natural resources for own consumption Subsistence fishing and hunting Energy production activities (e.g.
  • solar panels) for own consumption Provision of unpaid household services (e.g.
  • repairs
  • gardening)

Excluded Activities & Restrictions

  • Production of goods intended for sale (including sale of agricultural products on the market) Paid employment or provision of services for a fee Maintenance and repair activities carried out by specialized firms Large-scale industrial production (factories
  • plants) Service activities in IT
  • finance
  • legal
  • medical
  • etc. Construction of buildings and infrastructure carried out by companies Transport and logistics activities for third parties Retail or wholesale trade Any activity generating monetary income or profit

Detailed Analysis & Commercial Insights

CAEN Division 98

CAEN Division 98 represents an atypical macroeconomic category in the Romanian economic landscape, as it refers to activities carried out by private households exclusively for their own consumption, without involving commercial transactions. In Romania, this sphere has deep roots in rural tradition, where many families grow their own vegetables, raise animals for meat and dairy, or make household textiles. Although it does not generate direct monetary income, these activities contribute significantly to the non-observed economy and to household food security, especially in areas with limited access to markets. From a macroeconomic perspective, the share of these activities in GDP is difficult to quantify, but they reduce dependence on external purchases and increase economic resilience to shocks. The main challenge for those operating in this segment is the lack of official recognition and the inability to access financing or subsidies, as production is not intended for commercialization. However, the transition towards a more sustainable economy and the growing interest in self-consumption could bring to the forefront the need for policies to support these practices without turning them into market activities. In the current context of inflation and high food costs, more and more Romanians are rediscovering the benefits of self-production, giving CAEN 98 a new relevance, even if it remains in the shadow of official statistics.