Country profile
Romania
RO · ROUAs of: 7/21/2026Transit and hub country between Western/Central Europe, the Black Sea region and Ukraine/Moldova
Romania is an EU and Schengen member in south-eastern Europe whose port of Constanta is the Black Sea's largest and a key EU gateway for containers and grain. Via Danube, road and rail corridors it links Western and Central Europe with the Black Sea region and Ukraine.
Overview
Romania (RO) is an EU and Schengen member in south-eastern Europe and acts as a transit hub linking Western and Central Europe with the Black Sea region, Ukraine and Moldova. As part of the EU customs union the common external tariff (TARIC) applies; the Romanian Customs Authority (AVR) clears goods electronically via ICS2, NCTS-RO and AES-RO, and import VAT is 21 percent (reduced rate 11 percent). The main gateway is Constanta, the Black Sea's largest port with around 990,000 TEU and over 90 million tonnes handled in 2024; air cargo is concentrated at Bucharest Henri Coanda (OTP), Timisoara (TSR) and Cluj-Napoca (CLJ), complemented by Danube ports such as Galati and Giurgiu. Key axes are the TEN-T Rhine-Danube corridor, the A1 towards Hungary, the A2 Bucharest-Constanta and the Danube with the Danube-Black Sea Canal. Main traded goods are vehicles and automotive parts, machinery, and grain and oilseeds; leading partners are Germany, Italy, Hungary and France.
Mentioned countries
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Autoritatea Vamală Română (AVR)Import system
EU Customs Code (UCC); electronic import clearance by the Romanian customs authority via ICS2 (advance declaration), NCTS-RO (transit) and SIIV/DTI. EU customs union with common external tariff (TARIC).
Export system
Electronic export clearance via AES-RO under the UCC. Within the EU, duty-free and controls-free internal market trade; excise goods via EMCS-RO.
Import VAT
- 21 percent standard rate (since 1. August 2025, previously 19 percent)
- reduced rate of 11 percent on certain goods. Collected on import by the customs authority.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Consignment note (CMR/CIM/B/L/AWB)
- Customs declaration under the UCC
- Proof of origin for preference
- EORI number
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Export declaration (AES-RO)
- Consignment note
- Proof of origin (EUR.1/REX)
- EORI number
Origin proofs / FTA
As an EU member, application of EU preferential agreements; proof of origin EUR.1, origin declaration (REX) and supplier declarations. Within the EU no proof of origin is required.
Restricted & prohibited goods
EU-wide prohibitions and restrictions (weapons, drugs, certain foods and plants, CITES species, dual-use goods). Excise goods such as alcohol, tobacco and energy products via EMCS-RO.
Export controls & sanctions
EU Dual-Use Regulation 2021/821 and EU sanctions regimes (including against Russia and Belarus), implemented by national authorities. The Black Sea situation is shaped by the war in Ukraine.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (EU) — General process
Quick operational overview for shipments to the EU. The EU is a customs union; for imports from non‑EU countries, customs clearance and import VAT are typically key topics.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification (duties/taxes and restrictions)
- Importer EORI and (where relevant) origin/preference documents
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin/preference)
- Import clearance at the EU entry customs office (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; import VAT/duties based on classification and value
Common pitfalls
- Incoterms unclear → who clears customs/pays import VAT?
- Missing/wrong HS code/classification → delays and cost risk
- Origin/preference not properly documented → preference may not apply
- Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- Bukarest Henri Coandă (OTP, grösster Frachtflughafen)
- Timișoara Traian Vuia (TSR)
- Cluj-Napoca (CLJ)
Seaports / access ports
Inland ports & terminals
- Galați
- Brăila
- Giurgiu
- Drobeta-Turnu Severin
- Constanța (Danube-Black Sea Canal)
Road corridors & border crossings
- TEN-V Rhine-Danube Corridor
- A1 Bucharest-Arad (towards Hungary)
- A2 Bucharest-Constanța
- A3
Rail corridors
- TEN-V Rhine-Danube Corridor
- Connections to Hungary
- Danube bridge Giurgiu-Ruse (Bulgaria)
- Border crossings to Ukraine (partly broad gauge)
Top trade lanes
- Constanța - Asia (containers)
- Rhine-Danube corridor to Western/Central Europe
- Constanța - Black Sea/Ukraine transit
- Road/rail to Germany and Hungary
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Black Sea region is security-sensitive due to the war in Ukraine; Constanța transships Ukrainian grain and transit cargo, which at times leads to peaks in capacity utilisation.
Seasonal & weather risks
Continental climate with cold, partly snowy winters (road and rail disruptions) and hot summers; Danube water-level fluctuations can restrict inland waterway shipping.
Current logistics notes
Constanța is heavily utilised: after Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports, over 200 ships queued in front of the port in mid-July 2026, as grain and transit cargo from Ukraine is being diverted; delays are to be expected. Import VAT 21 percent confirmed; Schengen land borders free of controls since 1.1.2025. (As of 2026-07-21)
As of: 2026-07-21
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | National | |||
| Jan 2, 2026 | Second Day of New Year | National | |||
| Jan 6, 2026 | Epiphany | National | |||
| Jan 7, 2026 | St John the Baptist | National | |||
| Jan 24, 2026 | Union of the Romanian Principalities Day | National | |||
| Apr 10, 2026 | Good Friday (Orthodox) | National | |||
| Apr 12, 2026 | Orthodox Easter Sunday | National | |||
| Apr 13, 2026 | Orthodox Easter Monday | National | |||
| May 1, 2026 | Labour Day | National | |||
| May 31, 2026 | Orthodox Whit Sunday | National | |||
| Jun 1, 2026 | Orthodox Whit Monday and Children's Day | National | |||
| Aug 15, 2026 | Assumption Day | National | |||
| Nov 30, 2026 | St Andrew's Day | National | |||
| Dec 1, 2026 | National Day | National | |||
| Dec 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | National | |||
| Dec 26, 2026 | Second Day of Christmas | National |
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026
Second Day of New Year
Jan 2, 2026
Epiphany
Jan 6, 2026
St John the Baptist
Jan 7, 2026
Union of the Romanian Principalities Day
Jan 24, 2026
Good Friday (Orthodox)
Apr 10, 2026
Orthodox Easter Sunday
Apr 12, 2026
Orthodox Easter Monday
Apr 13, 2026
Labour Day
May 1, 2026
Orthodox Whit Sunday
May 31, 2026
Orthodox Whit Monday and Children's Day
Jun 1, 2026
Assumption Day
Aug 15, 2026
St Andrew's Day
Nov 30, 2026
National Day
Dec 1, 2026
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2026
Second Day of Christmas
Dec 26, 2026
Airports in this country
Seaports in this country
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- customs.ro
- anaf.ro
- insse.ro
- portofconstantza.com
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What import VAT applies in Romania?
The standard rate has been 21 percent since 1 August 2025 (previously 19 percent); a reduced rate of 11 percent applies to certain goods. Import VAT is charged at customs clearance.
Which customs authority and systems are responsible?
The Romanian Customs Authority (Autoritatea Vamala Romana, AVR) is responsible. Clearance is electronic via ICS2, NCTS-RO, AES-RO and EMCS-RO under the EU Customs Code.
Is Romania part of the EU single market and customs union?
Yes. Romania has been an EU member since 2007 and is part of the EU customs union. Trade within the EU is duty-free; the common external tariff (TARIC) applies to third countries.
How important is the port of Constanta?
Constanta is the Black Sea's largest port and a key EU gateway. In 2024 it handled around 990,000 TEU and over 90 million tonnes; it is a major grain hub, including Ukrainian transit cargo.
What does Schengen membership mean for the flow of goods?
Since 1 January 2025 Romania is a full Schengen member; checks on persons at internal EU land borders have been lifted (air and sea since 31 March 2024). This shortens waiting times in road and rail transit.
Which documents do I need for import and export?
Typically a commercial invoice, packing list, transport document (CMR/CIM/B/L/AWB), customs or export declaration, an EORI number and, where preferential origin applies, a proof of origin (EUR.1 or REX).
What currency does Romania use, is it the euro?
The national currency is the Romanian leu (RON). Romania is in the EU but not yet in the eurozone; payments are made in RON.
Which trade partners are important for Romania?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Romania?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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