Shipping a Car to Romania from the UK: A Complete Guide

Since Brexit, shipping a car from the UK to Romania requires a formal customs export declaration in the UK and an equivalent EU import declaration when the vehicle arrives, as Romania is an EU member state and the UK is now treated as a third country for customs purposes. This means duty and VAT can apply unless you qualify for a relief such as transfer of residence.

Romania recognises the same EU-wide transfer of residence relief as other member states, which can allow individuals relocating their main home to Romania to import a personally owned vehicle without paying duty and VAT, provided ownership and usage conditions are met and the application is made correctly before or shortly after the vehicle's arrival.

Given Romania's distance from the UK, most vehicles are moved either by enclosed car transporter travelling overland through mainland Europe, or via a combination of ferry crossing and road transport. Sea freight direct to a Romanian Black Sea port such as Constanța is possible for RORO or container cargo but is less commonly used for single private vehicles compared with overland transport.

The Ship Cars can arrange collection from anywhere in the UK and coordinate the full journey to Romania using trusted European transport partners, with typical transit times of around one to two weeks depending on the specific route and any consolidation with other vehicles travelling the same corridor.

Transport costs to Romania are influenced by distance, vehicle type, and whether you choose an open or enclosed transporter. Enclosed transport offers better protection for higher-value vehicles but comes at a premium compared with open transporters typically used for standard family cars.

On top of transport costs, if transfer of residence relief does not apply, importers should expect to pay EU customs duty of around 10% for passenger cars plus Romanian VAT at 19%, both assessed on the vehicle's value including transport costs. It is worth calculating these potential charges early, as they can materially affect whether importing your existing car makes financial sense compared with buying one locally.

Before a car can be registered in Romania, it typically needs to pass through the Registrul Auto Român (RAR), which verifies the vehicle meets Romanian technical and environmental standards, and issues a technical inspection book (carte de identitate a vehiculului) if one is not already recognised for the model.

Once RAR approval is obtained, registration is completed with the DRPCIV (vehicle registration authority), where you will need to present the customs clearance documents, proof of Romanian insurance, and identification confirming your residence in Romania. Number plates are issued once the registration is finalised.

To avoid delays, prepare the original V5C registration certificate, purchase invoice or bill of sale, your passport, and evidence of Romanian residency or an approved transfer of residence application if applicable. If the vehicle is still on finance or subject to a lease, additional documentation from the finance provider will be required before it can be exported.

Having all paperwork translated into Romanian by a certified translator can speed up both the RAR technical approval and DRPCIV registration steps, as officials will generally expect documents in the local language alongside the English originals.

Moving a car to Romania involves more steps than shipping within the old EU single market used to require, but with the right preparation it remains a straightforward process. The Ship Cars can advise on the best transport method for your route and budget, and help you understand what customs charges, if any, are likely to apply to your specific situation.

We recommend requesting a detailed quote covering transport, insurance, and an estimate of destination charges, so you can plan your budget with confidence before the vehicle leaves the UK.