Romania’s 25-Leu Fee for Parcels From Outside the EU

From 1 October 2025, Romania will introduce a series of tax changes that will directly affect consumers ordering products from outside the European Union. These include a fixed 25-leu fee for every parcel valued at under €150 originating in non-EU countries. This article explains in detail who will pay the fee, the exemptions, its impact on consumers and e-commerce, and how to prepare for these changes.

For further information, see The impact of Romania’s VAT increase from 19% to 21%: What every Romanian needs to know, which explores an aspect directly related to this topic.

Context for the new fees

Online commerce has grown rapidly in recent years, and imports from outside the EU have become increasingly popular among Romanian consumers. However, this growth has also created tax challenges, as many parcels valued at under €150 were not subject to customs duties and VAT, resulting in significant tax losses for the state. The new tax measure aims to reduce these losses and protect the national economy.

Purpose of the measure

• Combating unfair competition: Romanian retailers are affected by imported products subject to reduced or no charges.
• Increasing tax revenue: The state estimates it will recover approximately 10.86 billion lei over the next two years.
• Regulating online commerce: The measure ensures fair taxation for all products sold in Romania.

Who pays the fee?

The 25-leu fee will be collected by postal services and courier companies. It applies to:

• Parcels valued at under €150
• Products originating in non-EU countries
• Items intended for consumers in Romania

In practice, the final consumer will bear the cost, which will be added to the parcel payment or charged on delivery.

Exemptions from the fee

Not all parcels from outside the EU will be charged. Exemptions include:

• Companies that establish logistics hubs in Romania and distribute products from within the country
• Parcels delivered between companies registered for VAT in Romania
• Products intended for public institutions or non-profit organisations, in accordance with the legislation in force

Impact on consumers

Romanian consumers will see the following effects:

• An additional 25-leu charge on every affected parcel
• Possible adjustments to sale prices to offset the fee
• Changes in purchasing preferences, with shoppers turning to EU retailers or local stores

Practical examples

If a consumer orders three parcels from outside the EU, each valued at under €150, they will pay an additional 3 × 25 lei = 75 lei. This may affect purchasing decisions and lead consumers to choose retailers with hubs in Romania or products from the EU.

Impact on e-commerce

E-commerce will need to adapt quickly:

• International platforms will have to inform consumers about the new fees
• Romanian online stores will benefit from a more level playing field
• Non-EU companies will be encouraged to open logistics hubs in Romania to avoid the additional fee

Outlook for companies

Companies that rely on international deliveries valued at under €150 need to review their strategies:

• Establishing a local warehouse may reduce additional costs
• Providing customers with transparent information about fees will reduce disputes and returns
• Optimising prices to absorb part of the fee may preserve competitiveness

Legal and tax considerations

The new fee is part of the legislative package proposed by the Ministry of Finance. It is important for both consumers and companies to comply with the rules:

• Correct declaration of parcels and their value
• Collection and payment of the fee to the authorities
• Compliance with the legal exemptions

Penalties for non-compliance

Breaching the rules may result in penalties:

• Fines for companies that fail to collect the fee
• Parcels being held by customs until the fee is paid
• Possible penalties for incorrect declarations

How consumers can prepare

Consumers can reduce the impact of the new fees by:

• Choosing EU-based stores or stores with a logistics hub in Romania
• Comparing prices before placing an order
• Understanding the total cost, including fees and delivery

Planning online purchases

Romanians are advised to plan their orders to avoid unpleasant surprises upon delivery. An effective strategy may be to group orders to reduce the frequency of fees, or to choose stores offering free delivery with prices that have already been adjusted.

The introduction of the fixed 25-leu fee for parcels from outside the EU is a tax measure intended to balance the market, protect local retailers and secure additional revenue for the state. Consumers need to stay informed and adjust their purchasing strategies. International companies must adapt quickly to remain competitive and comply with the new tax rules.

Ultimately, this change highlights the importance of tax transparency and of the market adapting to the realities of globalised online commerce.