Introduction
As of January 1, 2026, the road transport landscape in Romania will undergo a fundamental digital transformation. The RO e-Transport system will become fully operational and mandatory, bringing a new set of rules, procedures, and responsibilities for all stakeholders in the logistics chain. Although the transition period, marked by the suspension of sanctions, ends on December 31, 2025, many transport operators and companies shipping or receiving goods still have unanswered questions.
This article is your complete guide to successfully navigating the requirements of the RO e-Transport system. We will explore in detail what this system is, who it affects, the specific obligations, how the UIT code and mobile app work, and what you need to do, step-by-step, to ensure your business is 100% compliant. Ignoring these regulations is not an option, given the drastic sanctions, which can include the confiscation of the value of the goods.
At Crystal Logistics Services, we have taken on the role of being more than just a carrier; we are your strategic partner in navigating these complexities. Let’s decode the RO e-Transport system together and turn this challenge into an opportunity for efficiency.
What is the RO e-Transport System and What is Its Purpose?
The national RO e-Transport system was established by Government Emergency Ordinance (OUG) no. 41/2022 and subsequently regulated by orders of the ANAF President. The primary goal of this system is to monitor road transport of goods with high fiscal risk on national territory, to prevent illicit trade and increase tax collection for the state budget.
In essence, RO e-Transport is a digital platform managed by ANAF and the Romanian Customs Authority that tracks vehicles carrying specific categories of goods in real-time via GPS. Each such transport must be declared in the system before it begins, generating a unique code—the UIT code—which must accompany the goods throughout the journey.
"The national system for monitoring road transport of goods, RO e-Transport, an important component in the digitalization of ANAF, aims to increase efficiency in tax collection while targeting the prevention and combat of illicit trade." – Official Guide of the Ministry of Finance
List of Goods with High Fiscal Risk
While the system applies to all goods in international transport, for domestic transactions, monitoring is mandatory only for the following product categories, defined by NC (Combined Nomenclature) codes:
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Vegetables, plants, roots, and edible tubers (NC Codes 0701 to 0714 inclusive)
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Edible fruits; peel of citrus fruit or melons (NC Codes 0801 to 0814 inclusive)
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Beverages, spirits, and vinegar (NC Codes 2201 to 2208 inclusive)
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Salt; sulfur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime, and cement (NC Codes 2505 and 2517)
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Clothing and clothing accessories (NC Codes 6101 to 6117 and 6201 to 6212, 6214-6217)
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Footwear, gaiters, and the like (NC Codes 6401 to 6405 inclusive)
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Cast iron, iron, and steel (NC Codes 7213 and 7214)
How the System Works: The UIT Code and Mobile App
The centerpiece of the system is the UIT Code (Unique Identification of Transport). This is an alphanumeric code generated by the RO e-Transport system, which must be obtained at most 3 calendar days before the transport begins. The UIT code is valid for 5 calendar days from the start date of the transport.
The transport operator’s obligations are clear:
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Equip transport vehicles with GPS tracking devices.
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Ensure the driver starts the monitoring device at the beginning of the trip on Romanian territory.
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Present the UIT code to authorities (Police, ANAF) upon request throughout the transport.
The driver uses the RO e-Transport mobile application to record the start and end of the trip. The app automatically transmits data about the vehicle's position to the ANAF system at regular intervals (usually every minute).
Step-by-Step Guide: Enrollment and Declaration
Complying with the new rules may seem complicated, but by following these steps, the process becomes much simpler.
Step 1: Registration in the Private Virtual Space (SPV)
If you are not already registered, the first step is obtaining access to the SPV on the ANAF website. This is the portal through which most of the agency's digital services are accessed. You will need a qualified digital certificate.
Step 2: Accessing the RO e-Transport System
Once authenticated in the SPV, you will find the section dedicated to RO e-Transport. Here you can declare transports and generate UIT codes.
Step 3: Declaring Transport and Generating the UIT Code
For each transport, you must complete an electronic form with the following data:
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Sender and beneficiary details
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NC code, description, quantity, and value of the goods
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Loading and unloading location
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Carrier details and vehicle registration number
After submitting the data, the system will generate the UIT code, which you must provide to the carrier.
Step 4: Driver Obligations During the Trip
The driver must have the RO e-Transport mobile app installed on a smartphone with internet connection and GPS.
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At the start: Open the app and enter the received UIT code.
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Confirmation: The system validates the code and registration number.
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Start Trip: The driver presses the button to start monitoring.
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During the trip: The app runs in the background, transmitting location data.
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At the end: The driver presses the button to stop monitoring.
Step 5: Presenting Documents at Checks
In the event of a roadside check, the driver must present, in addition to standard transport documents (CMR, notice, invoice), the UIT code (which can be presented digitally on the phone).
Drastic Sanctions for Non-Compliance
From January 1, 2026, failure to comply with RO e-Transport obligations will attract severe penalties. Fines for transport operators who cannot present the UIT code range between 20,000 and 100,000 RON. More critically, authorities can confiscate the value of undeclared goods.
Current Challenges and Practical Solutions
The National Union of Road Hauliers from Romania (UNTRR) has repeatedly pointed out several technical malfunctions of the system, including:
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Mobile App Instability: UIT code association errors, crashes during GPS/GSM signal loss.
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Inconsistencies: Differences between official guides and legislation.
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Unclear Scenarios: Situations such as trailer changes or operational changes on the route are not clearly regulated.
Our recommendations:
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Don’t wait until the last minute: Start the SPV enrollment process and familiarize yourself with the platform as soon as possible.
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Train your staff: Ensure both office staff (who declare transports) and drivers perfectly understand the procedures.
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Equip vehicles properly: Check the compatibility of GPS devices and ensure drivers have functional smartphones.
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Use a specialized partner: An experienced logistics partner like Crystal Logistics Services can take over much of the administrative burden, ensuring all transports are declared correctly and on time.
Conclusion: Turn Obligation into Opportunity
The RO e-Transport system represents a paradigm shift in Romanian logistics. Although it brings new obligations and technical challenges, its goal—combating tax evasion and creating a fair, competitive business environment—is beneficial in the long run for all honest economic actors.
The key to success is preparation. A deep understanding of the requirements, team training, and collaboration with reliable partners will allow you not only to avoid sanctions but also to streamline your operations in a digitalized ecosystem.
Do you have high-fiscal-risk goods to transport? Are you ready for January 1, 2026?
Don't let RO e-Transport compliance become a problem. The Crystal Logistics Services team is here to offer you consultancy and complete transport solutions, perfectly aligned with the new legislative requirements. Contact us today for a personalized offer and worry-free transport!
