How to ship IT equipment to Romania

CURRENCY

Romanian Leu (RON)

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

Romanian

TIME ZONE

Eastern European Time (EET) GMT+02:00

Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) GMT+03:00 during daylight saving time

CUSTOMS DUTY ON ELECTRONICS

19% VAT

Typically 19% VAT on imported goods, with possible exemptions or reductions for specific categories.

SHIPPING LEAD TIME

3-7 days

(depending on location and shipping method)

IT OUTSOURCING MARKET

$506.70 million

Romania's IT outsourcing market is experiencing significant growth and is expected to maintain this upward trend, with an annual growth rate of 9.72% projected from 2025 to 2029.

Leading the digital charge: Romania is pushing forward as a leader in digital innovation. A large portion of the population is actively engaging with online services. The country’s focus on digital transformation is especially evident in sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and tech startups, which are getting plenty of support from both public and private initiatives. It’s a perfect place for businesses looking to expand.

Top-notch IT infrastructure: With high-speed internet and a growing number of data centers, Romania is becoming a key player in cloud computing and hosting services. It’s also attracting international businesses that want to optimize and scale their digital operations.

Sustainability at the core: Sustainability is becoming a central theme in Romania’s tech sector. The government is backing initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of tech operations, and businesses are being encouraged to adopt eco-friendly IT solutions. This is paving the way for a greener future, all while maintaining a thriving digital economy.

A talented workforce: Romania's focus on tech education means there’s a growing pool of IT talent skilled in areas like coding, software development, cybersecurity, and systems administration. This makes it an ideal place for businesses looking to tap into a reliable talent pool to drive innovation.

Great for business: Romania offers a clear and supportive regulatory environment, friendly tax policies, and robust data protection laws, making it an attractive destination for global tech companies. The country is open to foreign investment and fosters international partnerships that help businesses grow.

Cybersecurity you can trust: Romania is strengthening its cybersecurity framework with strong laws and proactive measures to protect digital systems, infrastructure, and user data from emerging threats. It’s a place where businesses can feel confident about their security.

A thriving tech scene: Cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca are buzzing with tech innovation and entrepreneurial energy. The startup ecosystem is thriving, supported by venture capital, government incentives, and plenty of networking opportunities. Romania is quickly becoming the place for tech companies to innovate and expand.

Customs regulations

Customs Regulations
When you’re shipping IT equipment to Romania, it’s important to stick to both Romanian and EU customs regulations. This ensures that your shipment moves through the process efficiently and without delays.
Romania's Customs Authority
The Romanian Customs Authority is in charge of managing the import process. They make sure that all shipments meet the rules, including proper customs declarations and the payment of required duties. They’re your go-to for getting your gear cleared and on its way to you.

Duties and taxes

Customs duties: Generally, the duty rates for IT equipment range between 0% and 5%, depending on what you’re shipping. For example, laptops might not have any duties, but accessories and peripherals might come with a small fee.
HS codes: Every item you ship will have an assigned Harmonized System (HS) Code, which determines the customs duty rate. If you get this right, you won’t have to worry about overpaying for duties. So, make sure you check the correct HS Code for each item.
VAT: Romania applies a 19% VAT on most imported goods, including IT equipment. The VAT is calculated on the total cost, including the product's value, shipping fees, and any applicable customs duties. You’ll need to pay this before your goods can clear customs.
VAT exemptions: IT equipment doesn’t usually qualify for VAT exemptions, except for some specific items like energy-efficient tech or medical devices.

Required documentation

Commercial Invoice: This lists the value and description of the items.
Packing List: Details what’s inside the shipment, including quantities and packaging details.
Bill of Lading (BOL) or Airway Bill: Proof that the shipment is on its way.
Customs Declaration Form: Required for shipments from non-EU countries.
Certificate of Origin: Sometimes needed to show where your goods are coming from.
Import License: Only required for certain restricted goods, like military technology.

Import restrictions

Export control regulations: Items like encryption software or military-grade tech might need an export license before shipping.
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations: Romania adheres to the EU’s WEEE Directive for recycling and disposal of electronic waste. If you’re sending used or refurbished IT equipment, ensure it complies with these recycling standards.
Battery regulations: If your equipment contains lithium-ion batteries, be aware of specific shipping rules. You’ll need to ensure the batteries are correctly labeled and packaged and follow the restrictions on the number of batteries per shipment.

New vs. Used equipment

New IT equipment: Shipping new gear is relatively simple. Customs duties (0% to 5%) and VAT (19%) will apply based on the value and type of the equipment.
Used or refurbished IT equipment: You’ll need to be extra careful here. If shipping used or refurbished equipment, you must follow the WEEE Directive for recycling and disposal. Plus, you might need proof that you’re participating in recycling programs.

Customs clearance process

Customs declarations: Whether you’re shipping from the EU or outside of it, your goods will need to be declared to Romanian Customs. You can handle this yourself or hire a customs broker.
Clearance: After the customs declaration, you’ll pay any duties and taxes, and your shipment might be inspected. Once cleared, your IT equipment is ready for delivery!

Penalties or fines for non-compliance

Fines: If you don’t follow proper disposal or recycling procedures, or if you don’t declare your goods correctly, you could be hit with fines. For improper e-waste disposal, fines range from RON 5,000 to RON 50,000 (€1,000 to €10,000).
Legal consequences: Mishandling sensitive data or failing to comply with data protection regulations (like GDPR) can lead to severe penalties, including fines up to €20 million or 4% of your global turnover, whichever is higher.
Environmental fines: Improper disposal of electronic waste, especially hazardous materials, can also result in penalties. Romania enforces strict regulations for recycling and proper disposal.

Select trusted couriers: Choose reliable couriers such as GroWrk, DHL, UPS, FedEx, or Poșta Română for international shipping. These carriers offer tracking services and have experience handling Romanian customs procedures.
Check service levels: Select the appropriate shipping option based on urgency. Express shipping (2-5 days) for high-priority deliveries. Standard shipping (5-10 days) for cost-effective options.
Use high-quality packaging: Secure laptops with sturdy, padded boxes and protective materials like bubble wrap, foam inserts, or air cushions to prevent damage during transit.
Disassemble where possible: If shipping accessories like chargers, docking stations, or monitors, package them separately to prevent damage. Remove detachable components if applicable.
Label clearly: Ensure the recipient’s name, address, and contact details are correctly labeled. Mark the package as "fragile" to encourage careful handling.
Accurate product descriptions: On the commercial invoice, provide a detailed and accurate description of the laptop, including its brand, model, and serial number. Inaccurate descriptions may cause customs delays.
Value declaration: Declare the correct value of the laptop to avoid under- or over-declaring, which could lead to customs inspections or fines. The declared value determines any applicable duties and taxes.
Customs declarations: Since Romania is in the EU, shipments from within the EU do not require customs clearance. However, for shipments from outside the EU, include the EU Single Administrative Document (SAD), commercial invoice, and packing list
Proof of origin: If applicable, include a certificate of origin to determine eligibility for preferential trade agreements, which may reduce duties.

Understand import duties & taxes: Laptops are duty-free under the EU tariff classification but are subject to 19% VAT on the declared value, including shipping costs.
Pre-pay duties and taxes: Some couriers allow for pre-paid duties and taxes to simplify customs clearance and prevent the recipient from facing unexpected charges upon arrival.
Protect against loss or damage: Consider purchasing shipping insurance for high-value laptops to protect against loss, theft, or damage during transit.
Compliance with Romanian and EU regulations: Ensure compliance with EU electronic safety standards, including CE marking, WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) regulations before shipping.
Use tracking tools: Major couriers provide real-time tracking—monitor shipments closely to anticipate customs clearance updates and delivery progress.
Stay in touch with the recipient: Notify the recipient about the expected delivery timeline, tracking updates, and any customs-related requirements to avoid delays.
Expect weather and seasonal delays: Winter weather and peak shipping periods (e.g., Christmas, Black Friday, Romanian public holidays) may cause delivery delays. Plan shipments accordingly.
Romanian domestic delivery options: For final delivery, consider working with Poșta Română, Cargus, Fan Courier, or DPD Romania for efficient last-mile distribution.

Laptops (Business Grade):

Mid-range: RON 2,500 - RON 5,500
High-end: RON 5,500 - RON 11,000
High-end models such as Apple MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, and Lenovo ThinkPad are priced on the higher end.

Monitors (Business Grade):

Standard: RON 1,400 - RON 3,100
Ultrawide/4K: RON 4,200 - RON 8,200
Monitors from trusted brands like Dell, Samsung, and LG typically range within these prices, with 4K or ultrawide models costing more.

Desktops (Business Grade):

Standard Desktop PC: RON 2,500 - RON 8,500
Workstation Desktop (for high-performance tasks): RON 8,500 - RON 22,000+
Prices depend on the brand and specifications, with options from HP, Lenovo, and Apple among the most common.

Printers (Laser):

Standard Office Printers: RON 1,200 - RON 4,000
High-Volume Printers: RON 6,000 - RON 18,000
Leading brands such as HP, Canon, and Brother offer a wide range of models for office environments.

Key public holidays in Romania:
1. New Year’s Day – January 1
2. Easter Sunday – Date varies (usually April)
3. Easter Monday – The Monday following Easter Sunday
4. Labour Day – May 1
5. Children's Day – June 1
6. Assumption of the Virgin Mary – August 15
7. National Day – December 1
8. Christmas Day – December 25
9. Boxing Day – December 26

Typical work hours for IT professionals

Standard Workweek
- The usual workweek in Romania spans 40 hours, with most professionals working from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
- Many tech companies in Romania now allow employees to choose flexible start and end times, provided they meet the 40-hour requirement.
Overtime
- Romania regulates overtime strictly. Employees are entitled to extra compensation when additional hours are needed, which could be either additional pay or time off. Under Romanian law, the average workweek, including overtime, should not exceed 48 hours over a specific settlement period.
- The typical overtime rate is 1.5 times the regular hourly wage. This rate can increase for overtime on weekends or public holidays, depending on the company's policies and the nature of the work.
Public Holiday Work
- Romania observes several public holidays, such as New Year’s Day, Labour Day, and Christmas. Many IT professionals enjoy time off on these days, as most offices close or operate on reduced hours.
- If an IT professional is required to work on a public holiday, they usually receive either extra pay (at a premium rate) or additional time off, to be used later. This ensures that employees who work during public holidays are properly compensated for their time.

Local delivery and logistics services

GroWrk: GroWrk provides a trusted global logistics solution for retrieving IT assets. By collaborating with top shipping companies, GroWrk ensures an efficient process for collecting and delivering IT equipment throughout Romania. Their services include compliance with local regulations, real-time tracking, and end-to-end logistics management, offering secure and timely handling of all your assets.
DHL Express Romania: DHL Express offers fast and reliable delivery services within Romania, with same-day or next-day shipping options. They ensure that IT equipment is securely packaged and offer real-time tracking to keep you informed throughout the delivery process.
UPS Romania: UPS has a well-established network for both domestic and international deliveries. In Romania, they offer a range of services, including standard and expedited delivery options and secure packaging and tracking capabilities. UPS is an excellent option for businesses that need to retrieve valuable IT assets quickly and securely.
GLS Romania: GLS offers efficient parcel delivery services across Romania, with standard and express delivery options. Their real-time tracking, flexible delivery schedules, and reliable service make them great for retrieving IT equipment, ensuring safe and on-time delivery.
InPost: InPost is a modern logistics company in Romania that offers innovative solutions like automated parcel lockers. It offers flexible delivery options, including express services, and provides real-time tracking. InPost’s efficient and secure delivery system makes it a solid choice for businesses looking to retrieve IT equipment, even from remote areas in Romania.

Inventory management

Update asset records: As IT equipment is retrieved, update your inventory management system to reflect the return of assets. This allows for accurate tracking and reporting of company property.
Use barcodes/asset tags: If possible, use barcode labels or RFID tags for easy identification and tracking of returned assets.

Logistics challenges for remote locations

Longer delivery times: Delivering to remote parts of Romania can take longer than usual. Limited infrastructure, fewer local hubs, and less frequent shipping routes contribute to delays, making it essential to factor in extra shipment time.
Higher shipping costs: Shipping to rural or isolated areas often comes with higher costs. These areas are more difficult to access, so extra mileage, fewer delivery options, and special handling needs can drive up the price of transportation.
Limited service availability: Not all logistics companies cover Romania’s more remote regions. For those that do, delivery schedules might be less regular, making it harder to guarantee timely shipments.
Customs and regulatory challenges: While Romania is part of the European Union, specific local rules or extra clearance steps may still apply for goods going to isolated regions. Special documentation or compliance with local regulations could be necessary to avoid delays.
Limited tracking updates: Tracking shipments to more remote areas can be challenging. Updates may be less frequent or, in some cases, unavailable, making it difficult to get real-time information on the status of your delivery.

Equipment agreement with employees

Ownership and usage: Clearly state that the equipment is the company's property and is to be used exclusively for work-related tasks.
Maintenance and care: Outline the employee's duty to maintain the equipment in good condition, including guidelines for regular upkeep and proper handling.
Data security: Specify protocols for data protection, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding sensitive information and adhering to company security policies.
Return procedures: Define the process for returning equipment upon termination or when it's no longer needed, including timelines and the conditions in which items should be returned.
Liability for damage or loss: Detail the consequences for damage beyond normal wear and tear or failure to return equipment, which may include financial responsibility or other disciplinary actions.

Data wiping

Data wiping: Before discarding any IT equipment, it’s vital to erase all data from your devices securely. Using certified software to wipe hard drives, SSDs, or other storage devices ensures that sensitive information is permanently deleted and can't be recovered.
Shredding and destruction: For an extra layer of security, consider physically destroying your storage devices. Techniques like shredding or crushing ensure that no one can retrieve any data from the equipment, offering peace of mind in data protection.

WEEE compliance (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive)

Certified E-Waste disposal: Just like in the EU, it’s essential to dispose of electronic waste responsibly in Romania. Businesses must use certified e-waste disposal services that meet the European Union's WEEE Directive. These services handle the safe equipment disassembly, ensuring that hazardous materials like batteries or mercury are disposed of properly.
Recycling centers: You can bring small electronic devices to designated recycling centers, while larger equipment like servers or office-wide IT systems often require specialized services to be disposed of safely and efficiently.

Repurposing IT equipment

Donation to charitable organizations: Rather than sending functional IT equipment to the landfill, why not donate it? Many schools, charities, and non-profits in Romania are happy to accept working devices. It’s a great way to extend the life of the equipment and support good causes.
Internal repurposing: If your company is constantly upgrading, consider repurposing older equipment within your organization. These devices can be assigned to less critical tasks or passed to departments with lower technological needs.

Manufacturer take-back programs

Many IT manufacturers in Romania offer take-back programs, which allow you to return old devices for recycling or reuse. These programs help ensure that your equipment is disposed of properly while adhering to Romanian environmental regulations.

Certified e-waste recycling providers

When choosing third-party disposal services, ensure they are certified by Romania’s environmental authorities. These certified providers will manage the entire process, ensuring that the disposal complies with local regulations and provide you with the necessary certificates of destruction or recycling.

1. Wide global coverage

GroWrk offers a smooth IT outsourcing experience across over 150 countries, including Romania. With a deep understanding of the local market, we tailor our solutions to meet Romanian regulations and best practices, ensuring your teams get the best support possible, right where they need it.

2. End-to-end asset management

From purchasing to disposal, GroWrk takes care of the entire lifecycle of your IT assets. By managing your equipment, we allow your teams to focus on what truly matters—growing your business—while we handle all things IT in Romania.

3. Intuitive platform for easy deployment

Our platform makes managing IT assets simple. With it, you can deploy equipment, track usage, and monitor shipments all in one place. We consolidate asset management, removing logistical headaches and improving the efficiency of your operations in Romania.

4. Smooth delivery and equipment retrieval

GroWrk ensures the seamless delivery of IT equipment, like laptops, to your employees across Romania. We also streamline the return process when employees leave, saving you time and effort while keeping everything efficient and cost-effective.

5. Compliance with Romanian import regulations

We make sure that every shipment adheres to Romania’s import regulations, customs rules, and tax laws. Whether it's managing VAT or handling import duties, we ensure that your IT equipment clears without delays, so you can avoid unnecessary compliance headaches.

6. Efficient repairs and maintenance

We provide swift repair and maintenance services to keep your IT devices running smoothly. GroWrk minimizes downtime by quickly addressing repairs, so your teams in Romania can stay productive and continue their work without interruptions.

7. 24/7 Support for peace of mind

Our dedicated customer support team is available around the clock to help with anything related to asset management, logistics, or shipping. Whether it’s during working hours or after, GroWrk is here to ensure that your IT operations in Romania are always running smoothly.

How to send IT equipment to Romania

At a glance

Overview of IT operations in Romania

Shipping IT equipment to Romania: What you need to know

Checklist for sending laptops to Romania

Average cost of IT Equipment in Romania

Public holidays & IT work hours to plan your shipment

What to consider when retrieving IT equipment from employees in Romania

How to dispose of IT equipment in Romania

Data wiping

WEEE compliance (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive)

Repurposing IT equipment

Manufacturer take-back programs

Certified e-waste recycling providers

Local IT Outsourcing Solutions in Romania

Procure, configure, and deploy your IT devices from one platform