When you’re looking to ship cargo or import shipments from China to Romania, you’ll find a variety of options to meet your needs. The choice between air, sea, and rail freight depends on your priorities, whether it’s speed, cost, or a balance of both.
- Urgency: How quickly do you need your goods delivered?
- Volume: What is the size and quantity of your cargo?
- Cost: What is your shipping budget?
Efficient shipping is important for businesses trading between China and Romania. Freight forwarding providers offer ocean freight services using large cargo vessels, as well as multimodal transport combining ship, truck and rail. Consolidation of smaller cargo loads into FCL containers helps lower transportation costs.
In this article, we will provide you with detailed information on shipping goods from China to Romania.
Shipping Methods From China to Romania
Sea FreightÂ
Sea freight from China to Romania is a popular choice for shipping large volumes of goods, as it’s often more cost-effective. You have the choice between Full Container Load (FCL) where you pay for and use a whole container, which can be ideal for large shipments. For smaller shipments, Less than Container Load (LCL) might be more suitable; here, you share container space with other shippers. Sea freight takes longer than other methods but can be significantly more affordable, especially for heavy items.
Air FreightÂ
If your priority is speed, then air freight could be the right choice for you. Planes fly from China to Romania frequently, and although it’s more expensive, it’s much faster. Air freight shipping is ideal for items that are time-sensitive, perishable, or high-value. However, there are limits on the weight and size of shipments that can be carried by plane.
Items Prohibited On The Plane
| Category | Prohibited Items |
|---|---|
| Animals & Plants | Live animals; endangered wildlife products (ivory, fur, etc.) |
| Obscene Materials | Lewd or indecent items |
| Waste | Hazardous/restricted waste under the Basel Convention |
| Dangerous Goods | Explosives, compressed gases, flammables, oxidizers, toxic materials, radioactive materials, corrosives |
| Drugs | Illicit narcotics, anesthetics |
| Weapons | Guns, ammunition, fireworks, firecrackers |
It’s important to note that laws and regulations in this area can be subject to change over time. If you need assistance ensuring your items can be shipped by air, I recommend checking in with our team of experts. Our staff regularly monitors updates to rules. We aim to provide the most up-to-date information and authoritative guidance tailored to your specific product and situation. Don’t hesitate to contact us so we can help navigate any new developments.
The Weight Limit For Air Freight
| Shipment Type | Weight Limit |
|---|---|
| Single Package | 130-170 kg (300-400 lbs) |
| Container Shipment | 2,500-3,000 kg (6,000-6,500 lbs) |
| Bulk Shipment | 128-158 kg (300-350 lbs) |
Dimensions, packaging, customs regulations and total shipment weight all factor into what can realistically be shipped by air. Furthermore, the specific aircraft type used can impact limits, as their internal dimensions and weight ratings vary. Generally, cargo planes have higher capacities than passenger aircraft.
Rail and Road Freight
Railway freight offers a balance between speed and cost, making it a suitable choice for various types of cargo. It’s faster than sea shipping and more environmentally friendly than air shipping. Combined with road freight, it often forms part of what’s known as multimodal transportation, ensuring your cargo reaches its final destination after rail transport. Road freight is also flexible; we provide door to door delivery.
Items Can’t Be Shipped By Railway Freight
| Prohibited Rail Freight Items |
|---|
| Electronics (tablets, cell phones) |
| Liquids |
| Powders |
| Knives |
| Weapons |
| Hazardous items |
Express Shipping
Express shipping is one of the fastest and most reliable methods for transporting goods from China to Romania. Though more expensive than options like sea freight, express delivery offers unmatched speed. Though pricier than sea or rail, express freight simplifies the shipping process with inclusive pricing, door pick-up and delivery, online tracking and a coordinated customs clearance process. For time-sensitive deliveries, express services provide an unparalleled combination of speed, reliability and convenience.
Key Shipping Destinations in Romania and China
When considering shipping goods between China and Romania, it’s essential to be aware of the major transport hubs in both countries. These hubs serve as the gateways for international trade, facilitating the flow of goods across continents.
Major Chinese and Romanian Airports and Seaports
| Country | Transport Mode | Key Hubs | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | Airports | – Beijing Capital Intl Airport | One of the world’s busiest airports, a major hub for air cargo |
| – Other major airports | Support freight transport across China | ||
| Seaports | – Shanghai | World’s busiest container port with extensive global shipping routes | |
| – Ningbo-Zhoushan | Second busiest port globally, a significant role in trade | ||
| – Shenzhen | Major hub handling the large volume of China’s international trade | ||
| – Guangzhou | Modern facilities and infrastructure enabling global shipping | ||
| – Qingdao, Tianjin, Dalian | Other vital ports supporting maritime logistics | ||
| Romania | Seaports | – Port of Constanta | Largest port in Romania, key Black Sea hub |
| Airports | – Henri Coandă Intl Airport | Main airport in Romania for international air cargo | |
| – Other airports | Limited role compared to Henri Coandă |
Main Railway Routes Run from China to Europe
CR express refers to a network of scheduled container block trains that transport cargo over land between major cities in China and destinations in Europe. These long-haul rail services operate on fixed routes, timetables and transit times. Some of the key routes include trains departing from China that pass through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, and into countries like Poland, Germany, France and Spain.
The trains utilize standardized gauges and intermodal containers to facilitate seamless transloading across borders. The services provide an alternative to maritime shipping by connecting manufacturing centers in China with consumer markets in Europe via rail in as little as 12-18 days.
At over 12,000 km in length, the CR express forms the longest land freight route in the world, helping facilitate trade and economic development along the Belt and Road Initiative.
Freight routes from China to Europe
| Route | Origin City | Main European Destinations | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zhengzhou-Europe | Zhengzhou, China | Malaszewicz, Poland; Hamburg/Munich, Germany | – Almost daily departures – Handles all container types |
| Yuxinou | Chongqing, China | Multiple cities across Europe | – First China-Europe railway route – Extensive European presence |
| Harbin-Europe | Harbin, China | Europe | – |
| Han-Europe | Wuhan, China | Poland, Germany, France | – Higher freight rates than other routes |
| Chengdu-Europe | Chengdu, China | Lodz, Poland; Nuremberg, Germany; Tilburg, Netherlands | – Weekly departures – Fastest China-Netherlands option |
| Hunan-Europe | Changsha, China | Germany, Hungary, etc. | – Differentiated European services |
| Guangzhou-Manchuria | Guangzhou, China | Moscow, Russia | – |
Routes that CR express pass within Romania：
Shipping Time From China to Romania
| Shipping Method | Transportation Route | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Express Shipping | Door-to-door | 3-7 days |
| Air Freight | Port-to-port | 5-10 days |
| Rail Freight | China to Romania | 15-25 days |
| Sea Freight | China ports to Constanta, Romania | 30-40 days |
Notes:
- Proximity and infrastructure efficiency at load/discharge ports impact times. Further or congested ports take longer to load/offload cargo, which delays transit.
- Adverse weather like storms can significantly impact schedules. Severe weather may force vessels to seek shelter, delaying voyages. Flights may be canceled or rerouted during hurricanes/typhoons.
- The busiest Seasons Are January and July-September. Chinese New Year in January and summer holidays see export/import peaks that overwhelm port capacity, leading to delays. Careful planning is needed during these periods.
Shipping Cost From China to Romania
The Freight Costs
Freight Costs from China to Romania
| Shipping Method | Transportation Route | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Express Shipping | Door-to-door | $5-$7 per kg |
| Air Freight | Airport-to-airport | $3-$5 per kg |
| Rail Freight | China to Romania | $5,000-$8,000 per FCL container |
| Sea Freight | China ports to Constanta, Romania | $1,500-$2,000 per FCL container |
Please remember these are just average prices. We will provide you with a lower quotation. Luckystar works with each customer individually to develop customized shipping solutions tailored to their needs and budget. You can expect competitive pricing that aims to deliver great value. Please contact us to discuss your shipping needs – Luckystar looks forward to putting together an unexpected price for you.
How to Calculate the Freight WeightÂ
Follow these steps and you can quickly calculate the volume of your cargo：
Measure shipment dimensions Length, Width, and Height in cm.
Then, Calculate the volume
- Volume (V) = Length x Width x Height
- V = l x w x h
- Units = cubic centimeters (cm3)
Convert to cubic meters
- Volume (m3) = Volume (cm3) / 1,000,000
Calculate volumetric weight
- Volumetric Weight (kg) = Volume (m3) x 167
- Where 167 is the conversion factor
Compared to actual gross weight (GW) in kg
Determine chargeable weight (CW):
- If volumetric weight > gross weight
- CW = Volumetric weight
- Else
- CW = Gross weight
Calculate shipping cost:
- Shipping Cost = Chargeable Weight x Rate per kg
The rate per kg depends on the mode of transport (air, sea, etc.)
Factors Affecting Freight Rates
- Several factors can cause freight rates to fluctuate, making your shipping cost vary:
- Demand and Supply: The balance between available shipping capacity and the demand for shipping space plays a critical role.
- Fuel Costs: Changes in fuel prices can significantly impact freight rates.
- Season: Peak seasons may see increased shipping activity, leading to higher prices.
- Distance: The farther the shipment has to travel, the more you will likely pay.
- Customs and Duties: These are not included in freight quotes and can affect the overall cost of importing goods.
To effectively manage your shipping from China to Romania, you need to be well-versed in how freight costs are calculated and the various factors that influence these rates.
When you request a freight quote, it’s important to provide specific details regarding your shipment to your freight forwarding. The cost to ship a container internationally isn’t a one-size-fits-all figure; each quote is tailored based on your needs.
Tax and Fees
When shipping from China to Romania, you’ll encounter various taxes and fees that can affect the total cost of your shipment. These are important to consider for your budget.
Value-Added Tax (VAT): Romania imposes VAT on imported goods, mirroring the standard EU practices. As of the current rules, the standard VAT rate is 19%. The calculation of VAT is typically based on the CIF value of the goods (Cost, Insurance, and Freight).
Import Duties: The specific duty rate varies depending on the product classification according to the Harmonized System (HS) codes. Duty rates can range from 0% to high percentages of the item’s CIF value.
Customs Clearance Fees: When your goods arrive in Romania, customs brokers charge fees for handling the documentation and clearance process. These fees are generally standard but may vary depending on the complexity of your shipment.
Here is a detailed table summarizing the key import taxes for goods shipped to Romania:
| Tax | Description | Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Import Tariffs / Customs Duties | Levied on cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of imported goods | 0-17% depending on product category |
| Value Added Tax (VAT) | Applied on CIF value + import tariffs | Standard rate: 24% |
Additional details:
Some goods like books, laptops, and phones are exempt from tariffs
VAT threshold:
- Imports below EUR 150 exempt from tariffs
- Imports below EUR 10 exempt from VAT
The key import taxes are tariffs/customs duties and VAT. Rates vary based on product type. There are also anti-dumping duties for certain categories like bicycles from China. Small shipments below EUR 150 or EUR 10 value are exempt from tariffs or VAT respectively.
Prohibited and Restricted ItemsÂ
When shipping from China to Romania, you must be aware of specific items that are either entirely prohibited or subject to certain restrictions. Your compliance with these regulations is crucial for smooth customs clearance.
| Category | Prohibited Items | Restricted Items | Why Banned or Restricted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildlife Products | Ivory and ivory products | To protect endangered species | |
| Drugs | Illegal narcotics | Some medications (require approval) | Public health and safety |
| Weapons | Unauthorized firearms and ammunition | Public safety | |
| Hazardous Materials | Substances that pose a safety risk | Environmental protection and public safety | |
| Military Equipment | Items related to military use | National security | |
| Intellectual Property | Counterfeit goods | To protect intellectual property rights | |
| Alcohol & Tobacco | Limited quantities, taxes apply | Revenue generation, public health | |
| Food | Must meet safety standards, require certificates | Public health and safety | |
| Plants & Seeds | Require sanitary inspections | Prevent the spread of pests/disease |
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s advisable to consult the TARIC (Trade Tariff) database and the import policies of both the European Union and Romania before shipping.
Produced by the EU, it necessitates detailed listings on the customs declaration form. This helps avoid delays and ensures a smoother customs process.
Special Considerations When Shipping Your Goods
When shipping from China to Romania, certain items require special attention due to their sensitive nature and regulatory implications, such as machinery, electronics, textiles and apparel. Here, you’ll find focused guidelines to help you navigate the complexities of importing those things.
Dealing with Machinery and Electronics
When importing machinery and electronics from China, it’s important to ensure that all items comply with both China’s export regulations and Romania’s import regulations. Here’s what you should consider:
Regulatory Compliance
Machinery must comply with the European Union’s safety standards and have the CE marking to show compliance. This includes standards on noise emissions, safety components, emergency stop devices, etc.
Electronics must comply with EU regulations on RoHS, WEEE, REACH, and other environmental and safety standards.
EU Regulations
| Directive | Full Name | Purpose | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| RoHS | Restriction of Hazardous Substances | Restricts hazardous materials in electronics to prevent toxic e-waste | Limits lead, mercury, cadmium, etc. |
| WEEE | Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment | Makes manufacturers responsible for recycling e-waste | Manufacturers must collect and recycle electronics |
| REACH | Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals | Assesses health/environmental impacts of chemicals | Registration and review of chemical substances |
| Ecodesign | N/A | Sets energy efficiency standards for products | Minimum energy performance standards |
| EMC | Electromagnetic Compatibility | Prevents electromagnetic interference between devices | Ensures immunity and controlled emissions |
| Low Voltage | N/A | Specifies safety requirements for electrical equipment | Protects users from electric shocks, burns, fires |
Packaging Standards
- Use sturdy packaging materials like wood, metal, rigid plastic, etc. to protect sensitive electronics during transit
- Secure items properly inside boxes to prevent damage from shocks/vibrations.
- Use moisture-absorbing packets to keep electronics free from humidity.
- Label boxes with fragile markings and arrows pointing up.
Importing Textiles and Apparel
When importing textiles and clothing from China, be aware of:
- Duty rates for textiles range from 4-12% depending on fabric type (silk, cotton, wool) and product category (shirts, trousers, blankets)
- Ensure the supplier complies with labeling standards and can provide certificates of origin.
- Communicate product specifications clearly to avoid non-compliance issues.
- Get the supplier’s experience with Romania’s import processes.
Overall, maintain regular communication with suppliers in China to foresee any potential customs clearance or documentation issues. Consider working with a reputable freight forwarder who understands both China’s export regulations and Romania’s import requirements.
Required Shipping Documents
You’ll need to prepare several key documents to facilitate smooth customs clearance:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Single Administrative Document | Customs declaration form submitted to customs authorities with shipment details |
| Bill of Lading / Air Waybill / Sea Waybill / Courier Waybill | Serves as a contract between the shipper and carrier, and receipt showing goods were shipped |
| Entry Summary Declaration | Provides customs authorities with advance information on shipments |
| Certificate of Origin | Certifies where goods were produced / manufactured |
| CMR | Standard document for road transport between European countries |
| Packing List | Details contents of shipment (quantity, weight, dimensions, etc.) |
| CIM Consignment Note | Standard document for rail transport in Europe |
| Certificate of Shipment | Confirms when and where goods were shipped |
| Commercial Invoice | Provides value and other details of goods for customs and duties |
Keep in mind that incorrect or incomplete documents can lead to delays and additional costs. Consulting freight forwarders and staying updated on regulations is important to ensure proper documentation.
Why Choose Us? Luckystar Logistic
Established in 2022, Luckystar is an esteemed member of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and operates as a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC). The company’s mission is to deliver superior service quality at reduced costs, primarily serving China, the USA, Canada, and Europe. With core team members boasting over 20 years of experience in logistics, Luckystar brings considerable expertise to the table. Since its inception, the company has been dedicated to offering global door-to-door transport and logistics solutions, emphasizing dependability, adaptability, and responsiveness.
We’re not just any company; we are experts in transportation! Offering industry-leading solutions, we take pride in providing premium shipping services at a fraction of the cost of other freight forwarders, both in China and across the globe. Here’s why partnering with us is the smart move:
Accuracy You Can Count On:
Say goodbye to delivery delays and hello to timely delivery, which is vital for businesses needing to deliver goods swiftly to their customers.
Your Passport to Global Reach:
Our wide network of delivery destinations virtually covers the entire globe, offering extraordinary opportunities for businesses aiming to expand their reach. You can be assured that your package will find its way to almost any corner of the world, taking your business global!
Track with Ease:
Say goodbye to guesswork. Our stringent procedures afford you a live tracking mechanism, making it easy for you to follow your shipment’s progress at every stage of its journey. Stay informed and enjoy peace of mind, knowing exactly where your shipment is anytime you need to know.
Personalized Service, Every Step of the Way:
One of our dedicated team members will personally oversee your shipment from start to finish. This, coupled with our commitment to transparency and constant communication, ensures you are kept updated on the progress of your cargo every step of the way.
When shipping hazardous materials, it’s crucial to work with experienced service providers to ensure that your shipment is handled safely and efficiently. By partnering with us, you can have peace of mind knowing that your shipment is in good hands.
Are you looking for an experienced freight forwarder to assist you in shipping? Contact us. We’re always ready to help. Offering the unbeatable cheapest shipping rates for international shipping, our services are more affordable than you’d believe. Don’t hesitate! Get in touch with us today to make your shipping to Romania from China an easy way to go.