Navigating the Romanian Import Landscape
For savvy shoppers and businesses looking to source products from the United States, understanding the intricacies of the Romanian customs system is essential. Since Romania is a member of the European Union, it follows the Union Customs Code (UCC), but local enforcement through the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF) has specific nuances that can impact your bottom line. To ensure a smooth experience when shipping from USA, you must account for three primary costs: customs duties, Value Added Tax (VAT), and administrative fees.
The De Minimis Threshold and VAT Realities in 2026
In the world of international logistics, the 'de minimis' value refers to the threshold below which no duties or taxes are collected. However, it is crucial to distinguish between customs duties and VAT. As of 2026, the European Union maintains a strict policy regarding imports from non-EU countries like the USA.
- Customs Duty Threshold: Goods with an intrinsic value of less than €150 are generally exempt from customs duties.
- VAT Threshold: There is no de minimis for VAT. Since the 2021 reforms, all commercial goods imported into Romania from the USA are subject to VAT, regardless of their value.
This means even a $10 item will incur VAT charges upon arrival. When you use a reliable package forwarder like comGateway, understanding these costs upfront helps you avoid 'sticker shock' when your package reaches the Romanian border.
Standard Tax Rates for Romania
The primary tax you will encounter is the Value Added Tax. In 2026, the standard VAT rate in Romania remains 19%. This is applied to the total landed cost of your shipment, which includes the product price, insurance, and the shipping rates paid to transport the item.
| Category | Threshold | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| VAT (Value Added Tax) | €0.01 and above | 19% (Standard) |
| Customs Duty | Over €150 | 0% - 17% (Depends on HS Code) |
| Excise Duty | Specific goods | Varies (Alcohol, Tobacco) |
Calculating Customs Duties
If your shipment's value exceeds €150, customs duties will be calculated based on the Harmonized System (HS) code of the product. For example, many electronic items like laptops and smartphones often carry a 0% duty rate, while apparel or luxury goods might be taxed at 12% or higher. These percentages are applied to the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight).
To accurately estimate shipping costs to Romania, always include a buffer for these potential duties if your items are high-value. If you are unsure about how a specific product is categorized, you can check our FAQ for more information on common shipping classifications.
Pro-Level Strategies for Cost Optimization
Advanced shippers use several tactics to minimize expenses and prevent delays at the Otopeni or Constanta customs offices:
- Consolidation: By combining multiple US orders into one box, you pay the processing fee only once rather than for every individual package.
- Accurate Documentation: Ensure your commercial invoice clearly states the 'Intrinsic Value' and the 'Shipping Cost' separately. Romanian customs officers are meticulous; discrepancies can lead to audits and storage fees.
- IOSS vs. DDU: Some retailers use the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) to collect VAT at checkout. If they do not, your shipment will be sent Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU), and the local courier (like Fan Courier or Poșta Română) will collect the VAT plus a handling fee upon delivery.
Restricted and Prohibited Items
Beyond taxes, Romania enforces strict regulations on certain goods. Weapons, counterfeit items, and certain chemicals are strictly prohibited. Furthermore, supplements and vitamins often require additional documentation or are limited to personal use quantities. Before placing an order, it is wise to support center resources to verify that your items are eligible for export from the USA and import into the EU.
By mastering these customs rules, you can enjoy the vast selection of the US market while ensuring your packages arrive in Romania efficiently and without unexpected financial hurdles in 2026.
