How to Import Normal Chemical Products
from Shanghai, China to Romania

Romania, as a major industrial and agricultural hub in Central and Eastern Europe, has a steady demand for a wide range of chemical products. China is one of the key suppliers. The main imported categories include:

Sample shipping is the first step in trade development. Usually small in volume and time-sensitive. Follow this standard process:

1. Confirm sample properties: Provide MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) and product description to determine if it is non-hazardous or limited quantity dangerous goods.
2. Choose courier channel:
   • Non-hazardous: Use DHL, FedEx, UPS – delivery in 3~5 working days.
   • Limited quantity dangerous goods (e.g., small alcohol solutions, corrosive samples): Use dangerous goods express service with compliant packaging and declaration.
3. Packaging & labeling: Use sturdy outer cartons with internal cushioning, seal bottles against leakage; affix “Chemical Sample” and “Fragile” labels.
4. Customs clearance:
   • China export: Provide commercial invoice and packing list; declare value accurately (samples can be marked “no commercial value”).
   • Romania import: The consignee must have an EORI number (EU Economic Operator Registration). Shipments under €150 are usually duty-free.
5. Transit time & tracking: Courier channels offer full tracking; we assist with local Romanian customs brokerage for quick release.

Air freight is the preferred choice for time‑sensitive shipments, especially for volumes between 100kg ~ 1000kg. Key points:

• Route selection: From major Chinese airports (Shanghai Pudong PVG, Shenzhen SZX, Guangzhou CAN, Zhengzhou CGO) to Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP), via direct or connecting flights (Istanbul, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, etc.).
• Product classification:
  • Non-hazardous: Handled as general cargo; MSDS and transport condition certificate required (some airlines may require).
  • Limited quantity dangerous goods (e.g., small quantities of paints, adhesives): Must comply with IATA DGR packaging and declaration; only airlines with dangerous goods qualifications can carry.
• Required documents:
  • Export customs: commercial invoice, packing list, customs declaration entrustment, contract, etc.
  • Airline requirements: MSDS, transport condition certificate (non‑hazardous proof), air waybill (AWB).
  • Romania import: invoice, packing list, certificate of origin (CO or Form A), CE mark (if applicable).
• Transit time & cost: Total air freight time approx. 5~8 working days (including customs clearance). Freight is charged by chargeable weight (volume vs. actual weight, whichever greater). Chemicals are usually dense, so actual weight is more favorable.
• Precautions:
  • Powders and liquids must provide MSDS and transport condition certificate.
  • Some chemicals (e.g., oxidizers, organic peroxides) are forbidden on passenger aircraft – check in advance.

Less‑than‑Container‑Load (LCL) is cost‑effective for shipments between 1~15 CBM. The process:

• Port of loading & destination:
  • Main Chinese load ports: Shenzhen (Shekou/Yantian), Shanghai (Yangshan/Waigaoqiao), Ningbo, Guangzhou (Nansha/Huangpu), Qingdao, Tianjin.
  • Main Romanian destination port: Constanta Port – the largest Black Sea port and Romania's primary maritime gateway.
• LCL procedure:
  1. Booking: Provide cargo details (name, pieces, weight, volume, MSDS) to book with the shipping line or LCL consolidator.
  2. Delivery to warehouse: Send cargo to the designated LCL warehouse for inspection and consolidation.
  3. Export customs: We or your broker complete Chinese export declaration.
  4. Sea transit: Cargo loaded into container and shipped to Constanta – voyage approx. 30~40 days (depending on routing and transshipment).
  5. Destination clearance: Upon arrival, our Romanian partner agent handles import customs, including duties payment and inspections.
  6. Delivery: After customs release, arrange truck delivery to any city in Romania (Bucharest, Timișoara, Cluj‑Napoca, etc.).
• Document checklist:
  • Export documents: commercial invoice, packing list, customs declaration, contract, MSDS (non‑hazardous certificate).
  • Shipping documents: Bill of Lading (B/L), manifest, packing list.
  • Import clearance: invoice, packing list, certificate of origin (CO or Form A for duty preference), CE certificate (if required), Romanian import license (for certain products).
• Cost components: Sea freight (per CBM) + origin charges (THC, DOC, AMS/ENS) + destination charges (clearance, THC, storage, delivery).

Full Container Load (FCL) is ideal for larger volumes, typically ≥ 20 CBM or ≥ 15 tons. It offers greater control and efficiency:

• Container types:
  • 20' GP: internal ~5.9×2.35×2.39m, ~33 CBM, payload ~28 tons.
  • 40' GP: ~12.0×2.35×2.39m, ~67 CBM, payload ~26 tons.
  • 40' HQ: ~12.0×2.35×2.69m, ~76 CBM, payload ~26 tons.
• Procedure:
  1. Booking: Confirm sailing schedule and rate with the shipping line.
  2. Pick‑up & loading: Pick up empty container at the load port and deliver to your factory/warehouse for loading (we can arrange door pick‑up).
  3. Export customs: Complete Chinese export declaration (via our broker or self‑declared).
  4. Ocean transit: Full container loaded on vessel, direct or transshipment to Constanta – voyage approx. 28~35 days.
  5. Destination clearance & delivery: Our Romanian agent handles import clearance, then we arrange truck delivery to your specified address.
• Advantages of FCL:
  • Lower unit cost: More economical than LCL for large volumes.
  • Faster transit: No waiting for consolidation; fixed sailing schedules.
  • Better cargo safety: Container remains sealed, reducing handling damage and pilferage.
• Precautions:
  • Secure cargo inside container and protect against moisture (use desiccants or moisture‑proof liners).
  • For chemicals that react with water, use ventilated containers or reefer containers (temperature‑controlled).

Chemical transport involves three stages – export, shipping, and import – each with specific requirements:

Compliance is the cornerstone of chemical export. Focus on these dimensions:

• Product compliance:
  • Confirm whether the product is dangerous goods (refer to the Dangerous Goods List and UN number).
  • Non‑hazardous products need MSDS and non‑hazardous identification report from an accredited lab.
  • For dual‑use items, an export license is required.
• Packaging compliance:
  • Packaging must meet UN standards (if dangerous); non‑hazardous use strong commercial packaging with leak‑proof, shock‑proof, and moisture‑proof measures.
  • Outer cartons must have proper labels (product name, gross/net weight, MADE IN CHINA, etc.).
• Declaration compliance:
  • Export customs declaration must match the actual cargo – name, composition, use must be true and accurate.
  • When booking sea/air freight, declare cargo nature truthfully (whether dangerous, contains batteries, temperature‑controlled, etc.).
• Transport compliance:
  • Select carriers with chemical transport qualifications (shipping lines, airlines, trucking companies).
  • Dangerous goods must comply with IMDG (sea) or IATA DGR (air) rules.
  • Purchase cargo insurance to cover all risks during transit.
• Destination country compliance:
  • Understand Romania's import control policies for chemicals (e.g., REACH registration, CLP classification).
  • Ensure the consignee has import qualifications (EORI, relevant licenses).