Many importers I speak with in Romania tell me: “Buying from Alibaba is easy, but shipping to Romania is where the problems start.” I completely understand why. Once you place your order, the real work begins—choosing the right transport channel, controlling costs, clearing Romanian customs, and handling the 19% VAT correctly.
With more than 12 years of experience helping businesses and individuals import from China, I’ve guided Amazon sellers, wholesalers, e-commerce entrepreneurs, and small companies through the shipping process. In this guide, I’ll share practical steps and insider tips so you can ship from Alibaba to Romania smoothly and without stress.
Why should you buy from Alibaba and ship to Romania?
Before diving into logistics, it’s important to understand why so many businesses in Romania and across Europe choose Alibaba as their sourcing platform.
Here are the main advantages I’ve seen:
- Lower sourcing costs: Chinese suppliers often provide better prices than EU-based sources.
- Product variety: From electronics and furniture to auto parts, textiles, and packaging, you’ll find almost anything.
- Scalability: You can start small with sample orders or cartons and later scale up to LCL or FCL container loads.
- EU access: Once goods clear Romanian customs, they can circulate freely across the European Union.
For many of my Romanian clients, Alibaba is more than just a marketplace—it’s a competitive advantage. The challenge is ensuring shipments arrive on time, with VAT and customs handled correctly.
Related reading: How to find the right freight forwarder in China
How does shipping from Alibaba to Romania work?
Once you’ve confirmed your order on Alibaba, the logistics chain begins. Many new importers don’t realize how many steps are involved, and that’s where delays often happen. Let me break down the process I usually manage for my Romanian clients.
- Supplier coordination in China – pickup from your supplier, consolidation if you have multiple orders, labeling, or repacking if needed.
- Export customs clearance in China – preparation of documents and export declaration.
- International transport – shipping by express, air, sea, rail, or truck.
- EU and Romanian customs clearance – shipments usually arrive at Bucharest Otopeni Airport or the Port of Constanța, though some also enter via Hamburg or Rotterdam before being trucked to Romania. At this stage, duties and 19% VAT must be applied.
- Final delivery – direct delivery to your warehouse, retail shop, or Amazon FBA center.
Most of the issues I’ve seen happen during customs clearance—incorrect HS codes, undervalued invoices, or missing compliance documents. That’s why many importers prefer DDP shipping, where freight, customs, duties, and VAT are included in one fixed landed cost.
Should you let your Alibaba supplier handle the shipping?
One of the most common questions I hear is: “Can’t I just let my supplier take care of the shipping to Romania?” Let me explain when that works and when it doesn’t.
When it can work
If you’re ordering small samples or lightweight packages, supplier-arranged courier shipping can be quick and easy.
The risks
For larger shipments, relying on your supplier often results in:
- Higher freight costs.
- Slower transit times, since suppliers usually choose the cheapest route.
- No support for Romanian customs or VAT.
- Importer is fully responsible for 19% VAT and duties.
Why I recommend using a freight forwarder
Most of my Romanian clients turned to DFH Logistics after experiencing these problems. By working with a professional forwarder, you get:
- Multiple transport options to balance cost and timing.
- Consolidation services if you buy from several suppliers.
- Full support for export and import customs clearance.
- Door-to-door delivery with VAT included under DDP.
What are the shipping methods from Alibaba to Romania?
Choosing the right shipping method depends on your shipment size, urgency, and budget. Here’s how I guide my Romanian clients through the options.
Express Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
- Transit time: 3–7 days door-to-door
- Best for: Small, urgent shipments under 100 kg
- Advantages: Fastest and most convenient, customs often handled by the courier
- Limitations: Very expensive for bulky cargo due to volumetric weight charges
Air Freight
- Transit time: 3–5 days to Bucharest Airport, 7–12 days door-to-door
- Best for: Shipments between 100–500 kg
- Advantages: Faster than sea, cheaper than express, reliable for time-sensitive cargo
- Limitations: Requires customs clearance and last-mile delivery unless DDP is chosen
Sea Freight (LCL & FCL)
- Transit time: 40–50 days (usually via the Port of Constanța, or sometimes through Hamburg/Rotterdam before trucking into Romania)
- LCL (Less than Container Load): Best for 1–15 CBM
- FCL (Full Container Load): Best for 20ft or 40ft containers above 20 CBM
- Advantages: Lowest cost per unit for large shipments
- Limitations: Slowest method, possible port congestion
Railway Freight
- Transit time: 25–35 days (China–EU hubs, then trucked into Romania)
- Best for: Medium shipments balancing speed and cost
- Advantages: Faster than sea, cheaper than air, relatively stable
- Limitations: Limited space, restrictions on some goods (batteries, liquids, etc.)
Truck Freight
- Transit time: 18–25 days
- Best for: Flexible EU-wide delivery, including Amazon FBA
- Advantages: Avoids seaports, stable timing, good for regional distribution
- Limitations: Not the cheapest option for very large shipments
DDP Shipping (Delivered Duty Paid)
- Transit time: 7–15 days by air, 40–50 days by sea
- Includes: Pickup, export clearance, freight, Romanian customs clearance, duties plus 19% VAT, and final delivery
- Best for: Importers without VAT/EORI or those wanting a predictable landed cost
Read more about: What is DDP Shipping
How is chargeable weight calculated for shipments to Romania?
Once you decide on a shipping method, the next question is usually about pricing. Many importers are surprised by how carriers calculate charges. Let me explain.
Express and Air Freight
- Charged on the higher of actual weight vs volumetric weight.
- Formula: Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ 5000.
- Example: A box of pillows weighing 20 kg may be billed as 60 kg due to size.
Sea Freight
- LCL: Billed per CBM (minimum 1 CBM).
- FCL: Flat rate per container (20ft/40ft). More cost-effective once volume exceeds 15–20 CBM.
Railway and Truck Freight
- Charges may be based on weight or CBM depending on the route and cargo type.
DDP Shipping
- One all-inclusive landed cost, covering freight, duties, and Romania’s 19% VAT.
Related reading: How to calculate chargeable weight
What packaging tips should you follow for Alibaba shipments to Romania?
I always tell my clients that packaging is not just about protecting products—it also affects costs and compliance. Poor packaging often causes delays, damages, and higher fees.
Use export-quality materials
Reinforced cartons or wooden crates are essential. For sea shipments, moisture protection is a must.
Palletize your cargo
Stacking cartons on pallets improves handling and reduces damage. It also optimizes container space.
Label for compliance
If you’re shipping to Amazon FBA or retailers, labels must follow their specific rules. At DFH, we often re-pack and relabel at our Shenzhen warehouse to ensure compliance.
Protect fragile items
Electronics, glassware, or delicate goods should have foam inserts, corner protectors, or cushioning.
Request photo proof
Always ask for photos of packed goods before shipment. This confirms packaging and labeling are correct.
How much does it cost to ship from Alibaba to Romania?
Shipping costs vary depending on method, weight, and volume. Here are the typical ranges I’ve arranged for clients importing into Romania.
| Method | Transit Time | Cost Range (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Courier | 3–7 days | $6–$10 per kg | Urgent small parcels under 100 kg |
| Air Freight | 5–8 days | $4–$8 per kg (100–500kg) | Medium shipments needing faster transit |
| Sea Freight LCL | 40–50 days | $1.8–$4.5 per kg | Shared container loads (1–15 CBM) |
| Sea Freight FCL | 40–50 days | $1,200–$2,600 per 20ft | Full containers above 20 CBM |
| Railway Freight | 25–30 days | $2–$4 per kg | Medium shipments with balanced needs |
| Truck Freight | 18–25 days | $2.5–$4.5 per kg | Flexible EU-wide delivery |
| DDP Shipping | 7–50 days | All-inclusive fixed quote | Importers without VAT/EORI, FBA sellers |
From my experience:
- Sea freight works best for high-volume cargo.
- Air and express are ideal for time-sensitive shipments.
- Rail and truck balance cost and speed.
- DDP is the simplest option, since it includes freight, customs, and Romania’s 19% VAT in one landed cost.
How is customs clearance in Romania handled?
For many first-time importers, customs clearance is the most stressful part. I’ve seen shipments delayed for weeks because of incorrect paperwork. Here’s how it usually works in Romania.
- Invoice, packing list, HS codes, and compliance certificates (CE, RoHS, REACH if required) are checked.
- Goods arrive at Bucharest Otopeni Airport or the Port of Constanța, or sometimes through EU ports like Hamburg/Rotterdam before trucking into Romania.
- Import declaration is filed with Romanian customs.
- Duties and 19% VAT are calculated and applied.
- Customs may conduct inspections or request additional documents.
- Once cleared, cargo is released for final delivery.
Common challenges when do the customs
- Wrong HS codes resulting in unnecessary duties.
- Under-declared values leading to penalties.
- Missing certificates for sensitive products like electronics, toys, or cosmetics.
This is why many clients choose DDP shipping, where I handle VAT and clearance on their behalf.
How long does shipping from Alibaba to Romania take?
Transit times vary by method. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on my past shipments.
- Express Courier: 3–7 days
- Air Freight: 5–8 days
- Sea Freight (LCL/FCL): 40–50 days
- Railway Freight: 25–30 days
- Truck Freight: 18–25 days
- DDP by Air: 7–15 days
- DDP by Sea: 40–50 days
Keep in mind that peak seasons like Chinese New Year or European holidays can add extra delays.
So the tips to save shipping time and costs is avoid arrange urgent shipments during the peak season.
How to avoid shipping scams on Alibaba
In 2025, scams on Alibaba haven’t gone away—they’ve simply evolved. The biggest trap I see is suppliers offering shipping quotes that are far below the market rate. These “too-good-to-be-true” prices usually involve under-declared goods, which can lead to customs seizures, fines, or endless delays.
Common shipping scam red flags
Based on my experience, here are some of the most dangerous red flags importers should look out for when dealing with Alibaba shipping:
| Red Flag | What It Usually Means | How to Protect Yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Suspiciously low DDP quote | Goods may be undervalued at customs | Request official shipping documents before paying |
| Supplier insists on EXW only | Pushes all responsibility to buyer | Avoid unless you already work with a trusted forwarder |
| No tracking or waybill info | Possible fake or unregistered shipper | Use only recognized couriers and verified platforms |
When I see these signs, it’s usually a signal to step back and re-check the supplier. Remember—if the price looks impossible, there’s always a catch.
The safest strategy I’ve used is combining Trade Assurance with DDP shipping. Trade Assurance now comes with integrated logistics tracking, so you can see every movement of your shipment. At the same time, DDP covers freight, customs clearance, duties, and VAT in one fixed landed cost. Together, these tools reduce risks and give you confidence that your goods will arrive safely.
What is the step-by-step process for shipping from Alibaba to Romania?
Many importers ask me: “What exactly do I need to do step by step?” Here’s the process I usually follow with my Romanian clients.
Step 1 — Confirm your order and terms
Agree with your supplier on Incoterms (EXW, FOB, CIF, or DDP). Request a commercial invoice and packing list.
Step 2 — Choose your shipping method
Select express, air, sea, rail, or truck. If you prefer a stress-free option, go with DDP.
Step 3 — Arrange pickup and consolidation
We collect cargo from one or multiple suppliers. Many clients ship everything to our Shenzhen warehouse for free consolidation.
Step 4 — Export customs clearance in China
We prepare the export declaration and review all documents before submission.
Step 5 — International transport
Cargo is moved by your selected method. We book in advance to secure stable rates.
Step 6 — Import customs clearance in Romania
We declare the goods, pay duties and 19% VAT, and provide compliance documents if required.
Step 7 — Final delivery
We arrange delivery directly to your warehouse, store, or Amazon FBA.
Why should you choose DFH Logistics for shipping from Alibaba to Romania?
You might be wondering why importers prefer DFH over handling shipping on their own. From my experience, here’s what they value most.
- End-to-end service from China to Romania.
- DDP expertise: we cover customs clearance, duties, and 19% VAT.
- Multiple shipping options: express, air, sea, rail, and truck.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden charges.
- Free consolidation and 30 days warehousing in Shenzhen.
- Compliance support for CE, RoHS, and REACH certification.
- Amazon FBA preparation and delivery across Europe.
Most of my clients tell me that once they work with us, they no longer worry about customs or delays—they simply focus on growing their business.
Conclusion
Shipping from Alibaba to Romania can be profitable but also complicated. The key is selecting the right method, preparing documents carefully, and handling 19% VAT without mistakes.
If you want a predictable and stress-free solution, my team and I are here to help.
Ready to ship from Alibaba to Romania?
Contact DFH Logistics today for a tailored shipping plan. Let us manage the logistics while you focus on growing your business.
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