Romania Import Restrictions
In order to enter Romania, certain goods are subject to specific controls and, regardless of their value and quantity, they require the consent of Romania government, preferably, license must be obtained prior to passage through the customs, preventing the goods from being retained. On this page, you will see what kinds of items are prohibited from entering the Romania, and which items need special documentation before exporting to Romania.
Romania, as a member of the European Union (EU), adheres to the EU’s common trade policies and regulations, which also govern the importation of goods into the country. However, Romania has additional domestic regulations that control the entry of certain products, ensuring that they meet national safety, health, environmental, and security standards. These regulations cover both prohibited items and those that require special import licenses, which aim to protect the population, the economy, and the environment. Understanding these regulations is essential for businesses and individuals involved in importing goods into Romania.
Prohibited Items
Romania has strict laws regarding the importation of certain goods that are considered to pose a risk to public health, the environment, or national security. These items are prohibited from entering the country, and any attempt to import them can result in penalties, fines, or the confiscation of goods. Below are the key categories of prohibited items in Romania:
Narcotic Drugs and Controlled Substances
Romania has stringent laws prohibiting the importation of narcotic drugs and controlled substances. This includes illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and other recreational substances, which are prohibited for any reason. The country has signed international treaties that require it to control the trafficking and distribution of these drugs, and violating these laws can result in serious penalties, including imprisonment and heavy fines.
In addition to illicit drugs, some pharmaceutical products containing controlled substances may also be restricted. These medications can only be imported for specific medical uses and must have the necessary permits from health authorities. Prescription drugs containing substances such as opiates or other narcotics require proper documentation, and importers must ensure that they comply with Romania’s pharmaceutical regulations. Unauthorized importation of narcotics or controlled substances is considered a serious criminal offense.
Firearms, Ammunition, and Explosives
Romania enforces strict regulations regarding the importation of firearms, ammunition, and explosives. The country has stringent laws governing the ownership and use of firearms, and only authorized individuals or institutions, such as law enforcement agencies, military personnel, or licensed security firms, are allowed to import firearms and ammunition. Private individuals are prohibited from importing these items unless they have a valid permit issued by the relevant authorities.
Explosives, including fireworks, dynamite, and other hazardous materials, are also subject to strict regulations. These materials can only be imported for specific, authorized industrial or commercial purposes. Importers must ensure they have the necessary permits to bring explosives into Romania. Unauthorized importation of firearms, ammunition, or explosives can lead to severe legal consequences, including fines, confiscation of goods, and criminal prosecution.
Pornographic Material
Romania follows strict laws regarding the importation of pornographic material. This includes explicit films, publications, images, and any digital content deemed to be offensive or obscene. The government regulates these materials to preserve public decency, and the laws prohibit the importation of such goods under any circumstances.
The Romanian National Authority for Management and Monitoring of Public Order enforces these regulations, and any attempt to import pornographic content is subject to penalties. Violators may face legal action, and the goods will be confiscated by customs authorities. Businesses or individuals engaged in the media and entertainment industries must ensure that they comply with these regulations and avoid importing prohibited material.
Hazardous Chemicals and Materials
The importation of certain hazardous chemicals and materials is prohibited in Romania to protect public health, the environment, and the country’s industrial infrastructure. These substances include toxic chemicals, hazardous waste, industrial solvents, and other dangerous materials that may pose health risks or environmental threats if mishandled.
Chemicals such as carcinogens, pesticides, and certain industrial products are prohibited unless they comply with strict safety and environmental standards. The Romanian Ministry of Environment and the National Environmental Protection Agency regulate the importation of these substances, ensuring they meet the country’s safety standards. Importers must adhere to the proper handling and safety measures, and failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties, including the seizure of goods and fines.
Counterfeit Goods
Romania takes intellectual property rights very seriously, and the importation of counterfeit goods is strictly prohibited. These goods include imitation products that infringe on trademarks, patents, or copyrights, such as counterfeit electronics, clothing, pharmaceuticals, and accessories. Counterfeit goods are often substandard, potentially harmful to consumers, and detrimental to legitimate businesses.
The Romanian government enforces strict laws against the importation of counterfeit products, in line with its obligations as a member of the European Union and under the World Trade Organization’s Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement. Importers of counterfeit goods face legal consequences, including the confiscation of goods, fines, and criminal prosecution. Companies and businesses must ensure that they do not engage in the importation or distribution of counterfeit items.
Products Requiring an Import License
In addition to prohibiting certain goods, Romania requires an import license for products that could pose risks to public health, safety, or the environment. The importation of these goods is regulated by the relevant authorities, and businesses must obtain a license before importing them. Below are some key categories of products that require an import license:
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices
The importation of pharmaceuticals and medical devices is highly regulated in Romania to ensure that these products are safe, effective, and meet the country’s health standards. The Ministry of Health and the National Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (NAMMD) oversee the importation of drugs and medical equipment to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
Pharmaceuticals must be registered with the NAMMD before they can be imported and marketed in Romania. This registration process includes providing detailed information about the product’s composition, manufacturing processes, and clinical trials. Importers of pharmaceutical products must submit the necessary documentation to prove that the products meet the required safety standards. Similarly, medical devices, including diagnostic tools, surgical instruments, and therapeutic devices, require approval from NAMMD before they can be imported.
Medical products that do not meet the required standards or are not approved for sale in Romania will not be granted an import license. Importers must ensure that all medical products are in compliance with local and international regulations to avoid penalties.
Agricultural Products
The importation of agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, and animal products is subject to strict regulations in Romania. The country has a robust system for ensuring food safety and preventing the introduction of pests, diseases, or other threats to its agricultural industry. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority, regulates the importation of agricultural goods.
Importers must obtain an import license for agricultural products and submit the necessary certifications. This includes phytosanitary certificates for plant-based products, which certify that the goods are free from harmful pests or diseases. Animal products, such as meat, dairy, and eggs, must also meet strict health and safety regulations and be accompanied by health certificates from the relevant authorities in the country of origin.
Certain agricultural products may be subject to inspection upon arrival, and some products may need to undergo a quarantine period to ensure that they do not pose a risk to Romania’s agricultural sector. The government enforces these regulations to protect both the local economy and the environment from potential harm caused by foreign agricultural goods.
Additional Import Requirements
Romania has a series of additional import regulations that businesses and individuals must adhere to when bringing goods into the country. These regulations help ensure that imports comply with national and EU laws, contributing to public safety, consumer protection, and environmental sustainability.
Documentation and Customs Declarations
All goods imported into Romania must be accompanied by the correct documentation. This includes invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and shipping documents, as well as any relevant permits or licenses for controlled goods. Importers must submit a customs declaration upon arrival, providing detailed information about the goods, including their value, origin, and classification.
The customs declaration is used by Romanian customs authorities to assess whether the goods comply with import regulations and to determine the applicable duties, taxes, and fees. Failure to provide accurate documentation or submit the necessary customs declarations can result in fines, delays, or confiscation of goods. Businesses should work closely with customs brokers or agents to ensure that all paperwork is properly completed.
Tariffs and Duties
Romania imposes tariffs and duties on a wide range of imported goods. The rates of duty depend on the classification of the goods, their value, and the country of origin. As a member of the European Union, Romania follows the EU’s common customs tariff system, which applies uniform duties across the EU for most products. However, some goods may benefit from preferential tariff rates under various trade agreements that the EU has signed with other countries.
In addition to customs duties, goods imported into Romania may be subject to the EU Value Added Tax (VAT), which is applied to most imported goods. VAT is typically calculated based on the value of the goods and their customs duties. Importers should be aware of the applicable duty rates and VAT rates to calculate the total cost of importing goods into Romania.
Environmental Considerations
Romania is committed to environmental sustainability, and this is reflected in its import regulations. Goods that could harm the environment, such as non-biodegradable plastics or hazardous chemicals, are subject to additional scrutiny. The Ministry of Environment and other regulatory bodies work to prevent the introduction of products that could negatively impact Romania’s ecosystem.
For example, the country has implemented regulations regarding the importation of plastic products, promoting the reduction of single-use plastics and encouraging sustainable packaging. Importers must comply with these regulations to avoid penalties or rejection of goods. Products that do not meet the country’s environmental standards may be subject to increased tariffs, taxes, or outright bans.
Vehicles and Automotive Parts
The importation of vehicles and automotive parts is regulated to ensure that these products meet Romania’s safety and environmental standards. Vehicles must comply with local emissions standards, and used vehicles are typically subject to more rigorous inspections to ensure they are roadworthy. Automotive parts, such as tires, engines, and suspension systems, must also meet safety standards before being allowed into the country.
Importers must ensure that vehicles and automotive parts comply with European Union standards for safety and emissions. Any vehicle or automotive part that does not meet these requirements may be rejected or require modification before it can be registered for use in Romania. Importers should consult with Romanian authorities to ensure their products comply with local regulations before shipping.
