How to Import from China to Romania?
Table of Contents
How to Import from China to Romania
1. Research Import Regulations
- Customs Duty and VAT: Romania, as part of the EU, imposes customs duties and VAT (19%) on imported goods. The customs tariff depends on the type of product and is governed by the EU’s Common Customs Tariff (CCT).
- Tariff Codes: Identify the HS code (Harmonized System) of your product, which determines the tariff rates.
- Import Licenses: Depending on the product, certain imports may require licenses (e.g., pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food products).
2. Find Reliable Suppliers
Use platforms like Alibaba, Global Sources, or other B2B sites to find Chinese suppliers. Consider supplier audits and product inspections to ensure quality and reliability. Negotiate terms like price, MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity), and delivery timelines.
3. Agree on Shipping Terms (Incoterms)
Use Incoterms to define responsibilities and risks between buyer and seller. Common terms include:
- FOB (Free on Board)
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight)
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
Decide who will handle shipping logistics, insurance, and customs clearance.
4. Choose a Shipping Method
- Sea Freight: Ideal for large, bulk orders, but slower (30-45 days).
- Air Freight: Faster (5-7 days), but more expensive, suitable for urgent or smaller shipments.
- Courier (Express) Services: For small packages or samples, use services like DHL, FedEx, or UPS.
5. Handle Documentation
Ensure you have the following documents:
- Commercial Invoice: Provided by the seller, stating the value and description of goods.
- Bill of Lading (BOL): A document issued by the carrier that details the shipment and ownership.
- Packing List: Lists the contents of each package.
- Certificate of Origin: May be required for certain products to verify the product’s origin.
- Import Declaration: Required by Romanian customs to assess duties and taxes.
- Insurance: Consider insuring your shipment, especially for high-value items.
6. Customs Clearance in Romania
Ensure all documents are in order for Romanian customs authorities. Pay duties, VAT, and any additional fees. Consider working with a customs broker to simplify the process.
7. Work with Freight Forwarders or Customs Brokers
Freight forwarders assist with logistics, while customs brokers handle customs clearance.
8. Local Delivery
Arrange for local delivery after customs clearance to your warehouse or business.
Import from China to Romania Pro Tips
- Product Quality Control: Conduct pre-shipment inspections to verify quality and compliance.
- Compliance: Ensure products meet EU standards (e.g., CE marking for electronics).
- Costing: Account for total landed cost (cost of goods + shipping + customs duties + VAT).
How can I find the best freight forwarder from China to Romania (at the cheapest rates) or what is the best shipping method from China to Romania?
There are many freight ads online—just search “freight rate” on Google or Baidu. From there, it’s a simple matter of sending an email or calling the service line to request a quote.
Shipping options to Romania vary based on what you’re shipping and the quantity:
- Sea freight: Ideal for large shipments, it’s the most cost-effective option but takes the longest. It can handle dangerous goods (DG) like perfumes or eyeshadows, which airlines often reject.
- Air freight: The fastest option with the highest cost, it’s best if speed is more important than budget.
- Eurasia train: Cargo travels by train to Poland or Germany and then is transferred by truck to Romania. This option offers a balance between time and cost, taking about 20-25 days—one-third of the time of sea freight—at about half the cost of air freight (or 1.2 to 1.5 times the cost of sea freight). However, it shares the same safety restrictions as air freight, so items like batteries and flammable liquids are usually prohibited.
