Can I pick mushrooms in the forest?
It depends: picking mushrooms is regulated and, as a rule, needs authorisation. Picking mushrooms and wild berries is regulated by the Forestry Code, which states that forest products belong to the owner of the forest. In practice, to pick lawfully you should notify the forestry district or the owner and get an authorisation for access and collection. In many areas, forestry districts issue permits for a modest fee, giving you the right to collect a certain quantity. The areas where you can pick must not be protected natural areas or reserves. Note: the legislation is deficient, and for commercial quantities additional authorisations are needed. Whatever the rules, don't pick mushrooms you can't identify with certainty — the risk of poisoning is real.
📋 The rules
- Regulated by the Forestry Code; forest products belong to the owner
- To pick: notify the forestry district and get authorisation
- Districts issue permits for a modest fee
- Protected areas and reserves: picking banned
- Commercial quantities: additional authorisations
🔓 Exceptions
- Permits issued by the forestry district for a certain quantity
- Protected natural areas and reserves: picking isn't allowed
- Commercial quantities: require additional authorisations
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Those who pick mushrooms or wild berries without the necessary authorisations can be sanctioned with fines up to 5,000 lei — as a rule between 500 and 5,000 lei, by severity and the quantity collected. Picking in protected areas or reserves is banned and sanctioned separately. To pick lawfully and safely: notify the forestry district or the forest owner and get the picking permit, observe the approved quantity, avoid protected areas, don't destroy the soil and vegetation, and don't pick mushrooms you can't identify with certainty, to avoid poisoning. For commercial harvesting, get the additional authorisations required by law.
📎 Official sources
- Forestry Code (Law 46/2008) →
- Romsilva · Non-timber forest products →
- Forestry district · Picking permits →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I need authorisation to pick mushrooms?
As a rule, yes. Picking mushrooms is regulated by the Forestry Code, and forest products belong to the owner. To pick lawfully, you should notify the forestry district or the owner and get an authorisation for access and collection. Districts often issue permits for a modest fee.
Where am I not allowed to pick mushrooms?
In protected natural areas and reserves protected by law. There picking is banned and sanctioned. You should also avoid restricted-access areas and observe the forestry district's rules on the quantity and the areas where collection is allowed.
What fines do those picking without authorisation face?
Fines can reach up to 5,000 lei, as a rule between 500 and 5,000 lei, by severity and the quantity collected. Picking in protected areas or reserves is banned and sanctioned separately. So it's advisable to get the permit from the forestry district before picking.
Can I pick mushrooms for personal use?
Yes, but still observing the rules. Even for personal use you should notify the forestry district or forest owner and, where applicable, get the picking permit, observing the approved quantity. For commercial quantities, additional authorisations provided by law are needed.
Is it dangerous to pick mushrooms I don't know?
Yes, very. Many poisonous mushrooms resemble edible ones, and eating them can cause serious poisoning or even death. Never pick or eat mushrooms you can't identify with certainty. If needed, turn to a specialist or a mushroom-checking point.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “picking mushrooms forestry permit”
- “where can't i pick mushrooms”
- “fine picking mushrooms without authorisation”
- “picking wild berries permit”
- “forestry code forest products”
- “picking mushrooms personal use”