How to Ship a Package from USA to Romania: Step-by-Step Guide

Shipping to Romania (EU member) requires customs paperwork and a reliable carrier. Don't just scribble "John Doe, PO 41, Bucharest" on a box—it will stall at customs.

Step-by-Step

1. Choose Carrier:
   • USPS: First-Class Package Intl (≤1 lb, 10–20 days), Priority Mail Intl (6–10 days), Priority Express Intl (3–5 days). Cheapest for <2 lbs.
   • UPS / FedEx / DHL: 2–5 business days door-to-door. Includes customs brokerage. Better for >2 lbs, value >$100, time-sensitive.
2. Pack Properly:
   • Sturdy box, 2" cushioning. Seal with 2" packing tape (H-pattern).
   • Inner invoice (3 copies): item description, quantity, value (USD), HS code, country of origin, "Personal Gift" or "Commercial Sample" if applicable.
3. Complete Customs Forms:
   • USPS: PS Form 2976 (CN22) for ≤$400 / 2976-A (CN23) for >$400. Attach outside in pouch.
   • Private carriers: Electronic Commercial Invoice (ECI) via their software — they generate CN23.
4. Address Format (Romania):

   John Doe
   Str. Exemplu 41, Ap. 5
   Sector 1
   010123 BUCUREȘTI
   ROMÂNIA
   Phone: +40 7xx xxx xxx
   

5. Pay & Ship: Get tracking. Declare value accurately — Romanian customs (Vamă) assesses VAT (19%) + duty (0–10% by HS code) on value >€150. Recipient pays on delivery unless DDP (sender prepays).
6. Track: USPS tracking transfers to Poșta Română after customs. Private carriers track end-to-end.

Prohibited / Restricted

• Meat, dairy, plants, seeds (phyto cert needed).
• Medicines (prescription + import license).
• Alcohol/tobacco (excise + limits).
• Lithium batteries (IATA rules — carrier dependent).

Cost Estimate (2024)

For a simple package: USPS Priority Mail International with CN23, tracking, and insurance. For anything valuable/urgent: DHL Express (best EU customs integration).