Importing Personal Effects into Romania: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2024 · Download the Romania Import Guide (PDF)

Non-Diplomatic shipments

• No restrictions applicable for EU countries - the following documents are required for import:
• Transport documents and waybill
• Invoice if available
• Restrictions are applicable for outside EU countries:
• Import custom clearance
• Customs duties and value added tax (VAT)

• Relief from import duties do not apply to:
• Household goods belonging to natural persons transferring their secondary residence in the customs territory of Romania.
• Alcohol, tobacco products, exceeding below quantities, non-food.
• Customs duty/Customs guarantee will be applicable or not depending on shipper’s status in Romania (diplomat, expatriate under a local working contract, returning Romanian national, tourist, etc.).

• Exemption of duties for alcohol and tobacco in shipments of personal effects.
• The value of imported goods is one of the three ‘elements of taxation’ that provides the basis for assessment of the customs debt, which is the technical term for duty that must be paid, the other elements of taxation being the origin of the goods and the customs tariff.
• In Romania, the standard rate of VAT 19 %
• Romanian Custom Office has implemented several new rules in relation to shipments with cars / motorcycles / motor vehicles / boats / jet-skis.
• The new rules state that Customs duty/Customs guarantee will be applicable or not depending on shipper’s status in RO (diplomat, expatriate under a local working contract, returning Romanian national, tourist, etc.).

Personal effects and used household goods

• Copy of Passport – simple scan is enough
• Copy of the Romanian residence permit / registration certificate = CNP, simple scan is enough
• Letter of employment in Romania.
• Lease contract for the residence in Romania
• Statement of the client that the goods in the
• shipment belong to him for at least 6 months, that are not meant for commercial purposes and that he lived outside Romania for the last 12 months
• Notarized “Power of attorney” at the name of the destination agent in Romania
• Photos (in 2 copies) of the following items: paintings, carpets, trinkets or ornaments, jewellery, antiques, old pieces of furniture, etc. with packing list corresponding numbers. (Check with the destination agent in Romania if applicable).
• Packing list of personal effects.
• Client’s inventory in English, dated and signed.
• SWB, AWB or CMR indicating weight and usual information (provided by the initial mover at origin)

• Import duties are not applicable for returning citizens still holding a valid Romanian ID, the following documents are required for import free of duties and taxes:
• Copy of passport and Romanian ID Card.
• Copy of working permit/ residence permit from origin.
• Letter from the company (s)he worked for at origin, in original.
• Notarized power of attorney and declaration, in originals - those must be done at a public notary in Romania, as these are needed in Romanian language.
• All the documents must proof that the client lived outside European Union min. 12 months prior import date. If this cannot be proof, import customs duties and taxes will apply.
• Import duties are not applicable for citizens which can meet all the conditions for dutyfree import in accordance with Romanian law.

• Exemption of duties for alcohol and tobacco in shipments of personal effects in accordance with Romanian law.
• Quantities are restricted to 1 l over 22° or 2 l of 22°, 4 l of wine, 16 l beer, 40 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 g
• tobacco. Mix of qualities can be allowed but sum of % used from each and all categories shouldn’t’ exceed 100%.
• All quantities exceeding will be considered as commercial cargo and cannot be imported as part of household shipment.
• Food of any type increases the risk of customs inspection; therefore, it is highly recommended to avoid including it.
• There is no relief from import duties for HHGS belonging to natural persons transferring their secondary residence in the customs territory of Romania without a grounded reason such as employment, marriage, inheritance, or studies.

Diplomatic shipments

• Passport copy – simple scan is enough.
• Certificate for import free admission of household goods (“CERERE DE IMPORT”) legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mentioning date of starting to work and period of assignment in Romania, weight, and value of the goods, together with the inventory of the goods in Romanian language.
• “Power of attorney” at the name of the destination agent.
• Copy of diplomatic Passport (if available)
• Copy of diplomatic Identity Card (if available)
• Packing list of personal effects.
• Photos (in 2 copies) of the following items: paintings, carpets, trinkets or ornaments, jewellery, antiques, old pieces of furniture,
• etc. with packing list corresponding numbers. (Check with the destination agent in Romania if applicable)

• Import of alcohol is allowed for diplomats but limited to annual quota agreed by the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the respective embassies in the country. Please contact your local Embassy before shipping because these agreements are overriding general quota.
• General quota is allocated per year and is 300 l alcohol above 220 and 2000 packs of cigarettes (x20 pcs/pack) for each mission and 50 l alcohol above 220 and 500 packs of cigarettes (x20 pcs/pack) for each family. The mission will issue a separate application to Ministry of Foreigner Affairs for such products, which will not be considered as part of household goods shipment.

• Usually, the Embassy of the representative in Romania obtains all the documents on behalf of the client.
• The destination agent in Romania can help to get all the document.

Prohibited items

• Non-Lethal and Lethal Firearms and ammunitions are subject to authorization from Romanian Embassy in country of departure, which should be available for the import customs clearance. Some lethal weapons are prohibited.
• The foreigner who wishes to travel in Romania with non-lethal weapons submitted to notification, including with the afferent ammunition, must demand in advance, to the diplomatic representative or to the consular office of Romania in the state where (s)he is, the notice for the introduction of the non-lethal weapons on the territory of Romania. This concerns diplomats too.

• Unlawful drugs.
• Alcohols/tobacco: 1 l over 22° or 2 l of 22° , 4 l of wine, 16 l beer, 40 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 g tobacco. Mix of quantities can be allowed but sum of % used from each and all categories shouldn’t’ exceed 100%. All quantities exceeding will be considered commercial cargo and cannot be imported as part of household shipment.
• Protected species and products thereof as listed by the CITES (Washington Convention) for example ivory, tortoise shell, coral, reptile skin, wood from Amazonian forests.

• Currency
• No restrictions if coming from EU country.
• Declarable for all travelling outside EU when the amount exceeds 10.000 euro or equivalent in another currency.
• Medicines: small quantities (some might need to be declared, please check before shipping).
• Non-lethal weapons and ammunitions – weapons and ammunitions for a utilitarian purpose or for entertainment or selfdefence, manufactured so as, though they use, they shall not cause the death of the persons; this category includes as well the old weapons.
• Your destination agent can assist with any kind of information regarding prohibited items in Romania.

General comment

• Since 19 August 2010, an EORI number is required for all imports and exports to clear customs in Romania.
• The Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number was introduced by the European Commission in July 2009 to enhance security. This unique identification number should be used by everyone in the European Union (EU) currently having their goods shipped.
• This applies to all business operators and individuals in their private capacities. The EORI number must be used in all electronic communications with customs offices and other government departments and agencies. This number is valid in all EU member states and replaces all customs identification numbers, including the TIN (Traders Identification Number).
• How do you obtain an EORI number?
• All business operators and private individuals already established in the EU will be registered within their respective EU member states.
• All business operators and private individuals not established in the EU must obtain the EORI number from the authorities in the respective EU member states wherein they operate/residence

• It is recommended that you leave this EORI operation to the responsibility of the destination agent in Romania.
• Your destination agent can assist with obtaining this number by determining the country in which to apply, including the preparation of the forms and collection of information required for the application and registration process.

Exporting Personal Effects from Romania: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2024 · Download the Romania Export Guide (PDF)

Non-Diplomatic shipments

• No restrictions applicable for E.U. countries the following documents are required for export:
• Transport documents and waybill
• Invoice if available
• Restrictions are applicable for outside EU countries and must always be checked with the destination agent in the destination country:
• Export custom clearance are applicable
• Transport documents and waybill
• EORI number

• Consecutively, starting in April 2016, Romanian Customs implemented a working schedule to develop and install the electronic systems envisioned by the EU Customs Code. The Romanian Customs has drafted 25 legislative orders to be signed by the President of National Agency for Fiscal Administration and to be published in the local Official Journal.
• The new orders will impact procedures referring to: companies’ registration, customs representation, origin of goods, taxation, special regimes and free-zones, temporary warehouses, re-export notification and electronic signatures.

• Customs export formalities can only be done with a Customs Broker;
• Customs export formalities will take 1-2 days depends on the customs point.
• The goods must be loaded, or the goods must be available in the customs point.

Personal effects and used household goods

• Copy of Passport – simple scan is enough.
• Copy of the Romanian residence permit / registration certificate = CNP, simple scan is enough.
• Letter of employment in Romania.
• Statement of the client that the goods in the shipment belong to him for at least 6 months, that are not meant for commercial purposes and that he lived in Romania for the last 12 months
• Notarized “Power of attorney” at the name of the origin agent in Romania
• Photos (in 2 copies) of the following items:
• paintings, carpets, trinkets or ornaments, jewellery, antiques, old pieces of furniture, etc. The cultural heritage issued by the Ministry of Culture may be applicable (Check with the origin agent in Romania if applicable)
• Packing list of personal effects.
• Client’s inventory in English, dated and signed.
• EORI number.

• Export duties are not applicable for citizens who will leave Romanian for a short or long period of time.
• All the documents must proof that the citizens lived in Romania min. 12 months. This is a proof, import customs duties and taxes will apply. shipment belong to him for at least 6 months, that are not meant for commercial purposes For Romanian citizens no proof for live in Romania is required.
• Export duties are not applicable for citizens which can meet all the conditions for duty-
• free export in accordance with Romanian law.

• Exemption of duties for alcohol and tobacco in shipments of personal effects in accordance with Romanian law. No restriction for the quantity and value of exported items when leaving to Non-E.U. / E.U. country.
• It is mandatory to check with the destination agent in your new location because for sure the restrictions for import are applicable in accordance with your new destination country law.
• Clothes or shoes made of protected animals will need special authorization
• Food of any type increases the risk of customs inspection; therefore, it is highly recommended to avoid including it.
• Currency - no restrictions if leave from Romania country. Declarable for all travelling outside EU when the amount exceeds 10.000 euro or equivalent in another currency.

Diplomatic shipments

• Passport copy – simple scan is enough
• Certificate for export free admission of household goods (“CERERE DE EXPORT”) legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, weight, and value of the goods, together with the inventory of the goods in Romanian language
• “Power of attorney” at the name of the origin agent.
• Copy of diplomatic Passport (if available)
• Copy of diplomatic Identity Card (if available)
• Packing list of personal effects
• EORI number

• No restrictions applicable for export of a diplomatic shipment from Romania
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs will approve all export request without any restriction
• According to the agreements export duties are not applicable.

• Usually, the Embassy of the representative in Romania obtains all the documents on behalf of the client
• The origin agent in Romania can help to get all the documents.

Prohibited items

• The cultural heritage issued by the Ministry of Culture may be applicable (check with the origin agent in Romania if applicable).
• Clothes or shoes made of protected animals will need special authorization.
• Currency - no restrictions if leave from Romania country. Declarable for all travelling outside EU when the amount exceeds 10.000 euro or equivalent in another currency.

• Customs inspection are a random request from Romanian Custom Office - this procedure is perfectly legal.
• Any request from the Romanian Customs Office may generate additional charge.

• Your origin agent can assist with any kind of information regarding the export prohibited items from Romania.

General comment

• Since 19 August 2010, an EORI number is required for all imports and exports to clear customs in Romania.
• The Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number was introduced by the European Commission in July 2009 to enhance security. This unique identification number should be used by everyone in the European Union (EU) currently having their goods shipped.
• This applies to all business operators and individuals in their private capacities. The EORI number must be used in all electronic communications with customs offices and other government departments and agencies. This number is valid in all EU member states and replaces all customs identification numbers, including the TIN (Traders Identification Number).

• It is recommended that you leave this EORI operation to the responsibility of the origin agent in Romania.
• Your origin agent can assist with obtaining this number by determining the country in which to apply, including the preparation of the forms and collection of information required for the application and registration process.

Romania Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Romania Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Transport documents and waybill
• Invoice (if available)

• Copy of passport (simple scan acceptable)
• Copy of Romanian residence permit or registration certificate (CNP -- personal numeric code), simple scan acceptable
• Letter of employment in Romania
• Lease or rental contract for the residence in Romania
• Client statement (template provided by destination agent) confirming: goods have been owned for at least 6 months, are not intended for commercial purposes, and the client has lived outside Romania for at least 12 months prior to the import date
• Notarised Power of Attorney at the name of the destination agent in Romania, in original -- must be executed at a public notary in Romania and in Romanian language
• Notarised declaration, in original (same notary requirement)
• Photos in two copies of the following items where present in the shipment: paintings, carpets, trinkets or ornaments, jewellery, antiques, old pieces of furniture -- with corresponding packing list numbers (confirm with destination agent whether applicable)
• Packing list of personal effects
• Client's inventory in English, dated and signed
• Sea Waybill (SWB), AWB, or CMR indicating weight and standard transport information (provided by origin mover)

Romanian nationals returning from abroad who still hold a valid Romanian ID are entitled to duty-free import. The following additional documents are required instead of the notarised power of attorney set:

All documents must prove that the client lived outside the European Union for a minimum of 12 months prior to the import date. If this cannot be proven, import duties and taxes will apply.

• Copy of passport and Romanian ID card
• Copy of working permit or residence permit from the country of origin
• Original letter from the employer at origin confirming the working period

Alcohol is permitted in diplomatic shipments, but is limited to the annual quota agreed between the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the respective embassies. General annual quotas are 300 litres of spirits (above 22%) and 2,000 packs of cigarettes (20 per pack) per mission, and 50 litres of spirits and 500 packs of cigarettes per family. Embassy-specific agreements may override these general quotas. The Embassy must submit a separate application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for alcohol and tobacco, which will not form part of the household goods shipment.

• Copy of passport (simple scan acceptable)
• Certificate for duty-free import of household goods ("Cerere de Import"), legalised by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stating the date of commencement of work, period of assignment in Romania, weight and value of goods, together with the inventory in Romanian
• Power of Attorney at the name of the destination agent
• Copy of diplomatic passport (if available)
• Copy of diplomatic identity card (if available)
• Packing list of personal effects
• Photos in two copies of paintings, carpets, ornaments, jewellery, antiques, and old furniture (confirm with destination agent)

Specific Information

Romania joined the Schengen Area in March 2024, eliminating border controls with other Schengen member states. Customs treatment for goods arriving from non-EU countries remains unchanged, but road shipments transiting through Schengen countries benefit from reduced border formalities.

RO e-Transport System: Since July 2024, Romania requires pre-declaration of road transport goods over 500 kg or valued over RON 10,000 (approximately EUR 2,000) via ANAF's online portal before movement begins. A Unique Transport Code (UIT) is generated and must accompany the driver. This applies to international road shipments (import, export, transit, intra-EU acquisitions). Non-compliance fines range from RON 10,000 to RON 100,000, plus potential confiscation of undeclared goods. Confirm with the destination agent whether this applies to specific household goods shipments.

The duty-free TNR exemption does not apply to: household goods belonging to persons transferring only a secondary residence to Romania without a grounded reason such as employment, marriage, inheritance, or studies; alcohol and tobacco exceeding the allowances in Section 4; and non-food goods exceeding duty-free thresholds.

Goods must not be sold within two years after customs clearance.

An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number has been required for all imports and exports clearing Romanian customs since 19 August 2010. This applies to business operators and private individuals alike. The EORI number must be used in all electronic communications with customs authorities and is valid across all EU member states. Delegate this to the destination agent, who can assist with registration.

Food of any type increases the risk of customs inspection and is strongly recommended to be excluded from shipments.

Valued inventories showing serial numbers of electrical appliances and photographs of antiques, art, carpets, lamps, paintings, silver, and crystal items (two copies each) are required for shipments containing such items.

Duties & Taxes

Romania is an EU member state. Shipments originating within the EU require no customs clearance and move under EU free movement principles -- transport documents and a waybill (and invoice if available) are sufficient. Shipments from outside the EU are subject to Romanian customs clearance, import duties, and VAT at the standard rate of 19%.

The duty-free TNR (Transfer of Normal Residence) exemption is available to qualifying importers under EU Regulation 1186/2009. Whether customs duty or a customs guarantee applies depends on the shipper's status in Romania: diplomat, expatriate under a local working contract, returning Romanian national, tourist, or other. Confirm applicable treatment with the destination agent before shipping.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

The following items are prohibited or strictly controlled on import into Romania:

• Unlawful drugs and narcotics
• Pornographic material
• Alcohol and tobacco exceeding the personal allowances in Section 4 (excess treated as commercial cargo)
• Protected species and products thereof listed under CITES (Washington Convention), including ivory, tortoiseshell, coral, reptile skins, and wood from Amazonian forests
• Certain lethal firearms and ammunition without prior authorisation (see Section 4)
• Food (not formally prohibited, but strongly discouraged due to customs inspection risk)

No customs duties apply to shipments from other EU member states.

The following personal-use allowances apply duty-free. A mixed combination may be imported, provided the sum of percentages used from each category does not exceed 100%. Quantities exceeding these limits are treated as commercial cargo and cannot form part of a household goods shipment.

Alcohol: 1 litre of spirits above 22% ABV, or 2 litres of spirits at or below 22% ABV, plus 4 litres of wine and 16 litres of beer.

Tobacco: 40 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco.

Currency: no restriction for amounts arriving from EU countries. Amounts exceeding EUR 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared when travelling from outside the EU.

Medicines: small personal-use quantities are generally permitted but some may need to be declared. Confirm with the destination agent before shipping.

Firearms (non-lethal, for personal or sporting use): foreigners wishing to bring non-lethal weapons and accompanying ammunition into Romania must apply in advance to the Romanian diplomatic representative or consular office in their country. This requirement applies to diplomats as well.

Lethal firearms and ammunition require authorisation from the Romanian Embassy in the country of departure, to be available at import customs clearance. Some lethal weapons are prohibited outright.

Consignment Instructions

Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially regarding differences between air, sea, and road shipments.

An EORI number is required for all customs clearances in Romania. Delegate EORI registration to the destination agent, who can assist with the application and registration process.

The notarised Power of Attorney and accompanying declaration must be executed at a public notary in Romania and in Romanian language. These are originals -- scans or copies are not accepted. Allow sufficient lead time before the shipment arrives.

Photos in two copies are required for all paintings, carpets, ornaments, jewellery, antiques, and old furniture in the shipment, cross-referenced to the packing list. Serial numbers of electrical appliances should be listed on the valued inventory.

For road shipments, the RO e-Transport pre-declaration system may apply (see Section 1). A UIT code must be generated through ANAF's SPV portal before transport begins. The declarant of the goods must provide the UIT code to the carrier before the vehicle's departure. Confirm applicability with the destination agent.

For temporarily imported vehicles, a bank guarantee is required at customs clearance and is released on re-export. The RAR technical audit is a separate client expense.

Exclude food items from all shipments to avoid triggering inspection of the entire consignment.

Goods imported duty-free may not be sold within two years of customs clearance.