CUSTOMS DUTIES: SOUTH AFRICA TO ROMANIA

Overview of Customs Duties from South Africa to Romania

When exporting goods from South Africa to Romania, exporters must navigate the European Union's customs framework. Since Romania's accession to the EU on January 1st, 2007, it has applied the common EU tariff system to all imports, including those from South Africa. This means that South African exporters are subject to the same tariff rates and regulations as other non-EU countries. Understanding these requirements is essential for successful trade operations and avoiding delays or penalties at customs.

The EU's integrated tariff system, known as TARIC (Tarif Intégré de la Communauté), governs all import duties and trade regulations for goods entering Romania. Tariff rates vary significantly depending on the product's Harmonized System (HS) code classification, and certain products may be subject to additional anti-dumping or countervailing duties.

General Duty Rates and Product Classification

Tariff rates for goods imported into Romania vary substantially by product category and HS code. The following table identifies key product categories subject to special duties:

HS Code	Product Description	Applicable Charges
1516 20	Vegetable fats and oils	Anti-dumping & Countervailing duties
1518 00	Animal or vegetable fats/oils (other)	Countervailing duty
2207 10	Ethanol (undenatured)	Anti-dumping duty
2207 20	Ethanol (denatured)	Anti-dumping duty
2208 90	Spirits and liqueurs (other)	Anti-dumping duty
2210 12	Vinegar and substitutes	Anti-dumping duty
3814 00	Organic composite solvents	Anti-dumping duty
3820 00	Antifreeze preparations	Anti-dumping duty
3824 99	Chemical products (other)	Anti-dumping duty

Note: For products not listed above, tariff rates vary by HS code. Exporters should consult the TARIC database or contact trade experts to determine applicable duty rates for specific products.

Required Documentation

• Commercial invoice with detailed product descriptions and values
• Packing list clearly identifying contents and weights
• Bill of lading or airway bill for transportation
• Certificate of origin confirming South African origin
• Product-specific certifications (health certificates, safety standards, etc., as applicable)
• Import license or authorization (if required for the specific product)
• Customs declaration forms as required by Romanian and EU authorities
• Insurance documents and proof of payment

Important Regulations and Restrictions

All goods imported into Romania must comply with EU standards and regulations. The TARIC database should be consulted to determine if any licenses, permits, or special authorizations are required for specific products. Certain products may be prohibited or restricted entirely.

Products subject to anti-dumping or countervailing duties require careful documentation to ensure compliance. These additional duties are imposed to protect EU industries from unfair trade practices and are applied in addition to standard tariff rates.

Labeling and marking requirements must comply with EU standards. Products must be properly marked with country of origin, and certain product categories have specific labeling requirements that must be met before goods are released from customs.

Trade Agreements and Preferential Access

South Africa and the European Union maintain trade relations, though South Africa does not currently have a preferential trade agreement with the EU that would reduce tariff rates below the standard applied tariff (SAT). Therefore, South African exporters are generally subject to the full EU common external tariff rates when exporting to Romania.

For the most current and accurate tariff information, exporters should consult the online TARIC database maintained by the EU's Directorate-General for Taxation and the Customs Union, which is updated daily. This resource allows searches by country of origin, HS code, and product description.