You might be eager to drive your own car in Romania. Perhaps you’ve found a model you like in a market from another country and wish to purchase it and bring it into the country?
This guide will walk you through the entire process of importing a car to Romania, from understanding the legal requirements to registering your vehicle.
Before you start the process, it’s essential to understand the regulations governing car imports in Romania. As Romania is part of the European Union, which has very strict rules for environment protection, the rules are designed to ensure that imported vehicles meet safety and environmental standards.
This means that you cannot import any car to Romania, as there are minimum eligibility criteria that must be met, such as:
Romania has restrictions on the age of imported vehicles. Generally, cars older than 8 years are subject to higher taxes. This means that, even if you found a car at a convenient price, the taxes that you’ll have to pay for an old car may double your costs. So, in the end it may not be so convenient for you.
You must be aware that vehicles must meet certain EU emission standards (rules regarding pollutants that vehicles can emit). These are very strict and cars that do not meet the criteria may require modifications or might not be allowed at all on public roads.
Proper documentation of the car is crucial if you want to bring a car to Romania. The authorities are very demanding regarding the original documentation of the car. So, be very careful with preparing all documents possible. This includes the original purchase invoice, vehicle registration certificate from the country of origin, and documents for proof of ownership.
Further we’ll walk you through the essential steps for importing a car to Romania, providing you with the insights and practical advice you need to successfully complete the process.
Here are the essential steps explained:
One of the most critical steps is the process is ensuring that you have all the necessary documentation. Without the right paperwork, you could face significant delays, additional costs, or even refusal of your vehicle at customs. Below is an expanded explanation of each document you will need for successfully importing the car:
The original purchase invoice is a very important document, as it serves as proof of the transaction between you and the seller. This invoice should include the following details:
The invoice must accurately reflect the details of the purchase. Please note that that very often the Romanian customs authorities require the invoice to be translated into Romanian or accompanied by an official certification to confirm its legitimacy. Therefore, prepare well in advance with an authorized translation of the document.
The vehicle registration certificate, often referred to in Romanian as the “carte de identitate” is a document issued by the vehicles registration authorities of the car’s country of origin. It provides detailed information about the vehicle, including:
This document must be presented at Romanian customs to prove that the car was legally registered in its country of origin. If the vehicle has been deregistered for export, this detail will also be noted on the certificate. In some cases, a temporary export registration might be necessary, especially if the car is being driven into Romania rather than shipped.
Proof of ownership is another vital document, typically in the form of a sale-purchase contract or any equivalent deed of sale. This document officially transfers ownership of the vehicle from the seller to you as the buyer. It should include:
Without the sale-purchase agreement, you may face significant issues during the customs clearance process. The Romanian authorities require clear evidence that the vehicle has been legally purchased and is not stolen or otherwise fraudulently obtained.
In some countries, when a vehicle is exported, the local authorities issue an Export Certificate. This document is necessary to deregister the vehicle from the country of origin and facilitate its legal export. The export certificate usually contains the vehicle details (information about the car, similar to what is found on the registration certificate), the export approval (confirmation from the local authorities that the vehicle is allowed to leave the country), and export date (the official date when the car was exported).
Not all countries require an export certificate, but if the exporting country does, this document is very important. The absence of an export certificate could result in complications at Romanian customs. This is because the authorities need assurance that the car has been cleared for export by its country of origin.
In addition to the primary documents listed above, there are a few other documents and considerations you should keep in mind when importing a car to Romania, such as:
The next critical step in importing a car to Romania is customs clearance. This is where the Romanian authorities assess your vehicle to ensure it complies with local laws and regulations. Successfully clearing customs involves several key steps, including submitting the necessary documentation, paying customs duties and other vehicle taxes, and undergoing a vehicle inspection.
Below is an expanded explanation of what to expect during customs clearance.
The first step in the customs clearance process is the customs declaration. This involves officially notifying the Romanian customs authorities about the arrival of your vehicle. The declaration serves as a formal record of the vehicle’s entry into the country and is essential for processing the import.
To complete the customs declaration, you will need to present a comprehensive set of documents. These typically include:
It’s very important to ensure that all documents are accurate and complete. Any discrepancies or missing documents can lead to delays in the customs clearance process. If you’re uncertain about the paperwork, consider hiring a customs broker to assist with the process. They can help ensure that everything is in order and submitted correctly.
Once your documents are in order and the customs declaration has been successfully done, you will need to pay the applicable customs duties and taxes. All these taxes are essential for legalizing the vehicle’s entry into Romania and vary depending on several factors:
Customs duty: generally, the customs duty must be paid if you bring the car to Romania from a country outside the EU. In this case, customs duty is calculated as a percentage of the car’s value, typically around 10%. The value is based on the purchase price of the vehicle, as stated on the original purchase invoice. Customs authorities may also reference market values to ensure accuracy.
Value added tax (VAT): depending on several circumstances, VAT may also be required to be paid when importing a car to Romania. The VAT rate is 19%. This tax is calculated on the car’s value. For example, if the car is new, in most cases the VAT will be due. For VAT purposes, a vehicle is considered new as long as it has traveled no more than 6,000 kilometers or has been delivered to the owner within 6 months from its first registration.
Environmental tax: known also as the “environmental stamp,” this tax is based on the vehicle’s engine size, emissions norm, and age. Older vehicles with higher emissions are subject to higher taxes, while newer, more environmentally friendly cars may have reduced rates or exemptions.
Paying these duties and taxes is mandatory before the vehicle can be released from customs. Failure to pay the full amount can result in penalties, or in extreme cases, the seizure of the vehicle. It’s important to budget for these costs when planning your car import to Romania, so to avoid any financial surprises.
The next step is the vehicle inspection. This inspection is conducted by Romanian authorities to ensure that the car meets the country’s safety, environmental, and technical standards.
Technical inspection (ITP): the car must undergo a periodical technical verification (Inspecția Tehnică Periodică, or ITP) to verify that it meets minimum standards for driving it on the Romanian public roads. This inspection covers various aspects of the vehicle, including the brakes, lights, steering, suspension, and overall structural integrity.
Emissions test: Romania, as EU member state, has strict environmental regulations, so your car will need to pass an emissions test to ensure it meets EU standards. Vehicles that do not meet these standards may require modifications, such as the installation of a catalytic converter, to reduce emissions.
Compliance with Romanian specifications: if you’re importing a car to Romania from outside the EU, the vehicle will also be checked for compliance with specific Romanian regulations, which may differ from those in the car’s country of origin. This can include requirements for lights, seat belts, and other safety features.
If the car passes the inspection, it will be cleared for registration in Romania. If it fails, you may need to make the necessary repairs or modifications before the vehicle can be registered and legally driven in Romania. This step is important, as failure to pass the inspection can result in further delays and additional costs.
After successfully clearing customs, the final step to legally drive your imported car in Romania is registering the vehicle with the local authorities. Vehicle registration is a mandatory process that involves several key steps. Below is a detailed breakdown of each step involved for registering a foreign car in Romania:
The first step in registering your car in Romania is to ensure it passes the Periodical Technical Inspection or Inspecția Tehnică Periodică (ITP). As already mentioned above, this inspection is essential for verifying the roadworthiness of the vehicle and ensuring it complies with Romanian and European Union safety and environmental standards. The ITP must be conducted at an authorized inspection station in Romania.
Once your car passes the ITP, it will receive a certificate and a sticker indicating the next inspection date. The validity period varies depending on the age and type of the vehicle. For example, newer cars typically need an inspection every two years, while older cars may require annual inspections.
If the car fails the ITP, you will receive a list of the issues that need to be addressed. You must repair these faults and undergo a re-inspection before proceeding with registration. Ensuring your vehicle is in good condition before the inspection can help avoid delays and additional costs.
After passing the periodical technical inspection, the next step is to apply for Romanian license plates. This must be done at the local vehicle registration office (Direcția Generală Permise de Conducere și Înmatriculări – DGPCI). Registering the vehicle and obtaining Romanian license plates is the last crucial step for legalizing the car’s status in Romania.
While applying for Romanian license plates, you will need to provide several documents to the DGPCI, including:
Once the documents are verified and the fees are paid, you will receive your new Romanian license plates. You will also be given a Romanian registration certificate (Certificat de Înmatriculare), which must be kept safe.
Obtaining Romanian license plates officially marks the vehicle as registered in Romania, allowing you to legally drive on public roads. Make sure to securely attach the plates to your car as required by Romanian law.
After obtaining your Romanian license plates, an additional important step is to pay the Romanian road tax (also called Rovinieta). This tax is mandatory for all vehicle owners in Romania and is used to fund road maintenance and infrastructure development.
The Rovinieta is similar to road taxes or tolls found in other countries, but it is unique in that it applies to the entire network of national roads, not just specific highways or bridges.
The cost of the Rovinieta depends on two key factors: type of vehicle (the tax is determined by the category of the vehicle, ranging from A to H), and the validity period (depending on the duration of its validity). Drivers can choose from several validity periods: 1 day, 7 days, 30 days, 90 days or 12 months.
You can read more details on the Romanian road tax and how you can easily pay it online in our article here: Pay Romanian road tax online – all steps explained.
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