Importing Goods from China to Romania: What You Need to Know for a Smooth Process

Importing products from China is an excellent opportunity for online businesses, but it comes with challenges such as strict regulations, hidden costs, and essential logistical decisions. Whether you already own an online store or are just getting started, you must follow the right steps to avoid delays, customs issues, and unexpected expenses.

In this article, we’ll cover important information about delivery timeframes, permitted imports, the customs clearance process, required documentation, and the costs associated with shipping goods from China to Romania.

How Long Does It Take for Products to Arrive from China to Romania?

Delivery time is a critical factor when sourcing products from China. Sometimes, you need stock quickly, while in other cases, waiting longer isn’t an issue, depending on the season, inventory levels, and demand.

If your business sells seasonal products, such as Christmas decorations or swimwear, you must order months in advance to avoid delays. On the other hand, if your online store sells products that aren’t time-sensitive, such as home accessories or gadgets, you can opt for slower but more cost-effective shipping methods.

Here are the main shipping options:

– Sea Freight – The cheapest but slowest method. Delivery takes between 35 and 40 days and is ideal for bulk products like furniture, appliances, or textiles.

– Rail or Road Freight – Faster but more expensive alternatives. Shipping takes 20–30 days and is commonly used for electronics, auto parts, and other goods that need to arrive faster but aren’t urgent.

– Air Freight – Ideal for high-value or time-sensitive products, such as watches, jewelry, or IT components. Delivery takes 3–8 days, though costs are significantly higher.

– Express Courier Services – If you need ultra-fast delivery, several major courier companies can transport goods within 3–5 business days. This method is mainly used for samples, documents, or luxury goods that require immediate delivery.

Choosing the right shipping method depends on your budget, product type, and urgency. A well-planned strategy can help you reduce costs and ensure you always have the necessary stock available.

Permitted and Restricted Imports

Romania follows EU regulations regarding imports, meaning that certain products are prohibited or require special permits. Understanding what can and cannot be imported helps you avoid legal issues and extra costs.

Among the prohibited products are meat and dairy products from outside the EU, as well as products derived from protected species (e.g., ivory, coral, reptile skins, etc.), which are regulated under the CITES convention.

Restricted products include categories such as:

– Electrical and electronic equipment containing hazardous substances, which must comply with the RoHS Directive and bear the CE mark. This includes household appliances, laptops, phones, and electronic toys.

– Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, which may require special approvals if they contain ingredients restricted under EU regulations.

– Food and dietary supplements, as some products require sanitary certification or additional import approvals.

If the product you want to import is not on the restricted list, check the specific regulations for each category. You can visit the customs authorities’ website or work with a customs broker to prevent delays and legal issues.

Customs Clearance Process in Romania

Customs clearance is one of the most important steps in the import process. Properly preparing the required documentation can save you time and money. If all documents are in order, customs procedures can be completed quickly, without unexpected costs or delays.

Customs Declaration

Any imported goods must be officially declared to customs authorities. This process is typically done electronically, and in most cases, your shipping provider or a customs broker will handle it for you.

Submitting Documentation

To complete the customs clearance process, you must provide documents, such as:

– Single Administrative Document (SAD) – The primary customs declaration form.

– Commercial invoice – Contains details about the exporter, importer, value, and description of the products.

– Packing list – Specifies the contents of the shipment, weight, and dimensions.

– Bill of Lading / Air Waybill (AWB) – A transport document confirming the shipment.

– Certificate of origin – Required for some products to determine applicable taxes.

– Licenses or special permits – Mandatory for restricted items.

– EORI number – A unique identification number required for all non-EU imports.

Tax Assessment

After submitting the documents, customs authorities will calculate the applicable customs duties and VAT, which in Romania is 19% for most products.

Goods Inspection

Depending on the type of products being imported, customs may decide to physically inspect the shipment. If the documentation is complete and the goods meet regulatory standards, the clearance process can be completed within a few hours.

Import Costs

When importing goods from China, various costs must be considered to ensure accurate profit margins:

– Product costs – The amount paid to the supplier in China.

– Shipping charges – Vary based on the selected method.

– Insurance – Optional but recommended for protection against loss or damage.

– Customs duties – Determined by the product’s HS code classification.

– VAT – Standard rate of 19% in Romania.

– Customs brokerage fees – Charged for professional customs clearance services.

– Storage and handling fees – Apply if goods are held at customs for inspections.

To avoid unexpected expenses, working with a reliable freight forwarder or customs broker is advisable. They can provide a detailed cost estimate tailored to your shipment.

How Can Altexpress Help with the Import Process?

If you want to simplify the import process, Altexpress is the perfect partner for handling international deliveries. The platform provides customized solutions for online businesses, covering everything from transportation to customs clearance and fast delivery.

With Altexpress, you benefit from optimized shipping solutions, allowing you to choose the fastest and most cost-effective delivery method. Additionally, you receive expert assistance in handling customs formalities, ensuring a stress-free import process, without the risk of unexpected delays.

Conclusion

Importing goods from China to Romania is a profitable strategy for online stores but requires careful planning. Selecting the right shipping method, complying with customs regulations, and efficiently managing costs are essential for success.

By partnering with a trusted provider like Altexpress, you can streamline every step of the import process and focus on growing your business without worrying about logistics and customs clearance.