New Amendments to Romania’s RO e-Transport System

Today, we are delving into the intricate details of the recent changes to Romania’s e-Transport System. Our guide through this labyrinth of questions is Mr. Valeriu Faighenov.

Valeriu possesses extensive knowledge in client support, account management, and project management. With nearly 20 years of experience, he combines his expertise with the legal knowledge gained from law school and numerous connections within the transport industry, making him an asset for the e-transport challenge.  Valeriu has been closely following the latest amendments to the Romanian transport legislation.

Mr. Faighenov, thank you for joining us today. Could you please start by describing the RO e-Transport System?

Valeriu Faighenov: On December 15, 2023, significant modifications to the RO e-Transport System were enacted, aiming to enhance the monitoring and regulation of road transport for goods within Romania. This electronic system is designed to oversee the transportation of goods with high fiscal risks and international road transport, ensuring greater transparency and compliance.

Can you provide an overview of the RO e-Transport System?

Valeriu Faighenov: Certainly. The RO e-Transport System is managed by the Ministry of Finance through the National Fiscal Administration Agency and the Romanian Customs Authority. Its primary purpose is to monitor the movement of goods across Romania’s national territory, particularly focusing on those with a high fiscal risk. Goods exceeding 500 kg or valued over 10,000 RON must be declared within this system for both national and international road transport.

What are the key changes effective from December 15, 2023?

Valeriu Faighenov: One of the most significant changes is the introduction of stringent sanctions for non-declaration of goods involved in international road transport, effective from July 1, 2024. These changes emphasize the importance of compliance and the need for all stakeholders to adhere to the new regulations.

Who is obligated to declare goods related to international transport in the RO e-Transport System?

Valeriu Faighenov: The obligation to declare goods falls on several users, including:

Recipients registered in import customs declarations or shippers in export customs declarations.

Romanian beneficiaries purchasing goods from EU countries.

Romanian suppliers delivering goods to EU countries.

Warehouse owners handling goods in transit, both for storage and subsequent shipments.

Economic operators for goods with high fiscal risk transported within the national territory.

Service providers and clients involved in non-transfer commercial operations.

Interviewer: What are the declaration obligations for high fiscal risk goods?

Valeriu Faighenov: Similar to international transport, users responsible for declaring high fiscal risk goods include import/export declarants, Romanian beneficiaries and suppliers, warehouse owners, economic operators, service providers, and clients engaged in stock disposal regimes.

Are there any technical and operational requirements for transport operators?

Valeriu Faighenov: Yes, transport operators must equip their vehicles with GPS devices capable of transmitting real-time positioning data. This requirement ensures continuous monitoring of the transport vehicle’s route and compliance with the system’s regulations.

What are the specific obligations of transport operators?

Valeriu Faighenov: Transport operators are required to:

Equip vehicles with GPS and telecommunication devices.

Ensure the transfer of current positioning data throughout the transport route.

Provide the driver with the generated UIT code related to the transported goods.

And what about the obligations of drivers?

Valeriu Faighenov:

Drivers must:

Activate the positioning device before starting transport on the national territory and deactivate it after delivery or upon exiting the national territory.

Present transport documents and the UIT code upon request by the National Fiscal Administration Agency, Romanian Customs Authority, or Romanian Police.

Who enforces these regulations and what are the penalties for non-compliance?

Valeriu Faighenov: The authorities responsible for enforcing these regulations include the National Fiscal Administration Agency, Romanian Customs Authority, and the Romanian Police. Drivers without the necessary UIT code will face fines ranging from 5,000 RON to 10,000 RON.

Which goods are subject to declaration?

Valeriu Faighenov: The list of goods with high fiscal risk that must be declared includes:

Vegetables, fruits, and tubers (NC codes 0701 to 0714, 0801 to 0814).

Beverages, including alcoholic drinks (NC codes 2201 to 2208).

Salt, sulfur, soils, and stones (NC codes 2505 and 2517).

Clothing and accessories (NC codes 6101 to 6117, 6201 to 6212, 6214 to 6217).

Footwear and parts (NC codes 6401 to 6405).

Cast iron, iron, and steel (NC codes 7213 and 7214).

In conclusion, what do these recent amendments signify for Romania?

Valeriu Faighenov: The recent amendments to the RO e-Transport System highlight Romania’s commitment to ensuring the proper monitoring and regulation of goods transportation, particularly those with high fiscal risks. These changes aim to enhance compliance, reduce fiscal evasion, and improve overall transparency in the transport sector. All stakeholders, including transport operators and drivers, must familiarize themselves with these new requirements to avoid penalties and ensure smooth operations within the national and international transport framework.

If there are additional questions or a need for assistance, how can people get help?

Valeriu Faighenov: Move Expert is a consultancy company specializing in the implementation of EU Law concerning transport operators. We have offices and representatives in 11 countries, including Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, Lithuania, Germany, and the Czech Republic. We have represented more than 14,000 transport operators across the EU. Additionally, we have a blog where you can ask questions, and our lawyers are available for specific advice related to the transport sector. I am also responsible for all questions related to the Romanian market.