As reported by local outlet Economica, the US-backed bill was passed on 15th April, paving the way for a new law stipulating that communications providers must only use 5G equipment and software from suppliers approved by the Prime Minister following an assessment by the Supreme Council of National Defence (CSAT), reports Developing Telecoms.

The new law will require vendors that manufacture 5G equipment and software to apply for authorization, submitting information about their corporate identity and parent firm as well as demonstrating a transparent shareholding structure, reports the news portal.

A large number of Romania’s major operators use equipment from Chinese vendors Huawei and ZTE, alongside European vendors such as Nokia and Ericsson.

The providers will be ordered to remove 5G equipment from any vendors that are not cleared by the approval process. They will be given five years to complete this process from the date that the law comes into effect; failure to comply will result in a fine of between 1% and 5% of annual revenue, reports the news portal.