Exporting from India to Romania: A Step-by-Step Guide for SMEs

For Indian businesses exploring international growth, Romania may be a market worth evaluating depending on the product, target customer and commercial opportunity.

Romania is a member of the European Union. Exporters therefore need to consider India's export formalities alongside EU customs procedures and the product-specific rules that apply in the destination market.

Careful preparation helps businesses understand their obligations, estimate costs and reduce avoidable documentation or shipping problems.

Research the Romanian Market

Start with market evidence and a clear understanding of potential customers.

Before investing in international expansion, investigate whether Romanian customers have a credible need for your product. Identify the industry segments and types of buyers most likely to purchase from your business.

Key areas to investigate

• Market demand: Identify relevant product applications and customer segments.
• Potential buyers: Research importers, distributors, wholesalers and manufacturers.
• Competition: Compare prices, product specifications, quality and delivery capabilities.
• Product requirements: Investigate standards, packaging, labelling and other obligations.
• Commercial feasibility: Estimate the cost of production, transportation, insurance and compliance.

Official trade statistics, industry directories, trade events and business networks can support your research. Verify important findings before making significant financial commitments.

Identify Your HS Code and Check Import Duties

The Harmonized System (HS) code classifies goods for customs purposes. Classification can affect tariffs, product restrictions, required documents and other import procedures.

Use the European Commission's Access2Markets Trade Assistant to investigate the requirements for your product. Select India as the export country and Romania as the destination.

Verify the following information

• Applicable import duties and trade measures.
• Product-specific import requirements.
• Relevant rules of origin, where applicable.
• Required certificates, standards or testing.
• Customs procedures and supporting documentation.

Check India's Export Policy

Confirm whether your product is freely exportable, restricted, prohibited or subject to particular conditions under India's current foreign trade policy.

Consult the official Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) website for applicable policy information and procedures.

Some products may require additional licences, authorisations, certificates or sector-specific approvals. Establish whether these apply before accepting an order or arranging dispatch.

Obtain or Verify Your IEC

An Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) is generally required for Indian businesses exporting goods, subject to applicable exemptions.

Review the current application and registration requirements through the DGFT portal. Keep your business details accurate and complete applicable updates within prescribed timelines.

IEC registration does not replace product-specific export permissions, destination-market compliance or other requirements that may apply to your transaction.

Verify the Buyer and Agree on Commercial Terms

Conduct reasonable due diligence before committing production resources or dispatching goods. Verify the prospective buyer's legal identity, business address, contact details and relevant commercial references.

Confirm these terms in writing

• Product specifications, quality requirements and order quantity.
• Price, transaction currency and payment schedule.
• Delivery date, destination and agreed Incoterms rule.
• Packaging, labelling and inspection arrangements.
• Responsibility for freight, insurance and customs-related costs.
• Procedures for damaged or non-conforming goods.
• Dispute resolution and other relevant contractual terms.

A written contract or purchase order helps both parties understand their responsibilities. Assess payment risks carefully, particularly when dealing with a new buyer.

Confirm EU Product Compliance

Verify applicable product rules before manufacturing or dispatch.

Products that meet Indian export requirements do not automatically satisfy every requirement in the European Union. The applicable rules depend on the product category, composition, use and relevant legislation.

Depending on the goods, compliance checks may include:

• Product safety and technical standards.
• Conformity assessment and technical documentation.
• Testing, certification and labelling requirements.
• Chemical, environmental and packaging obligations.
• Food safety or sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, where relevant.

CE marking is mandatory only for product categories covered by relevant EU legislation. It is not a universal requirement for every imported product. Review the European Commission's CE marking guidance.

Prepare the Export Documentation

Accurate documentation supports coordination between the exporter, buyer, freight forwarder and customs representatives. Requirements depend on the product, transaction and shipping method.

This is a planning list rather than a universal list of mandatory documents. Check the current requirements for your particular goods and transaction.

Indian customs information is available through ICEGATE. For EU import requirements, consult Access2Markets.

Plan Freight, Insurance and Delivery

Choose a suitable shipping method based on product dimensions, weight, value, delivery deadline and destination. Sea freight, air freight or multimodal transport may be suitable depending on the consignment.

Before booking your shipment

• Compare freight quotations and transit times.
• Confirm packaging and handling requirements.
• Review insurance coverage and exclusions.
• Check destination charges and potential storage costs.
• Agree on the named delivery point and Incoterms rule.
• Confirm who handles import clearance and destination costs.

Ensure the buyer and exporter understand their contractual responsibilities before the goods are dispatched.

Coordinate Customs Clearance

Export customs clearance in India and import clearance in Romania are separate stages of an international shipment.

On the Indian side, applicable export declarations and customs procedures must be completed. When goods arrive in the EU from outside its customs territory, the relevant import procedures must be completed before release for free circulation.

Customs duties, import VAT and product-specific restrictions or approvals may apply. Coordinate with the buyer, freight forwarder and customs representatives to confirm who will provide each document and complete each step.

Refer to the European Commission's customs procedures guidance for further information.

Complete Post-Shipment Follow-Up

The process continues after dispatch. Share shipment information with the buyer and monitor delivery progress, payment and any documentation queries.

• Track the shipment and communicate delivery updates.
• Monitor payment against agreed contract terms.
• Complete applicable banking, tax and export-record requirements.
• Retain invoices, customs declarations and transport documents.
• Record damage, delays or product-quality concerns.
• Review actual shipment costs and collect buyer feedback.

Confirm export-proceeds requirements with your authorised dealer bank and relevant professional advisers.

Your Export Readiness Checklist

Use this checklist to track the preparation of your export transaction. Tick each item as it is completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Export Resources

• Directorate General of Foreign Trade — Indian export policy and IEC information.
• EU Access2Markets — tariffs and product-specific trade requirements.
• European Commission CE marking guidance.
• ICEGATE — Indian customs electronic services.
• European Commission customs procedures.