Import
Importing from Ukraine to the EU by rail
Cargo coming from Ukraine travels on 1520 mm broad gauge and cannot continue on the European network without changing wagons. At the Romanian border it is transshipped onto 1435 mm wagons or onto trucks. We do that physical step at our terminal in Dornești, together with storage and customs warehousing where the goods are not yet cleared.
Why the cargo has to stop
Ukraine uses 1520 mm track, the European Union uses 1435 mm. A wagon built for one cannot run on the other. That is not a policy problem, it is a physical one, and it applies to every consignment regardless of what is inside.
There are two ways past it: move the cargo to a different wagon, or change the wheelsets under the wagon. We explain both in the break of gauge and in bogie exchange.
What the sequence looks like
- The broad-gauge wagon arrives at the terminal.
- The cargo is unloaded — by crane, forklift, grab or tipping, depending on what it is.
- It either loads straight onto a European wagon or a truck, or it goes into storage.
- Where it has not been cleared, it can sit under the customs warehouse regime.
- Once released, it loads and continues into the EU.
What typically comes this way
- Grain and other agricultural products.
- Timber and sawn wood.
- Metal and rolled steel.
- Ore and bulk minerals.
- Industrial equipment and machinery.
- Building materials.
Where we fit
We are the terminal operator. We handle the physical transfer, the storage and the loading for the onward leg.
We are not a freight forwarder and not a customs broker. Your forwarder organises the transport and your broker handles the declarations; we do the part that happens on the ground. In practice most clients reach us through their forwarder.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Why can a Ukrainian wagon not continue into the EU?
Because the track gauge differs — 1520 mm against 1435 mm. The wagon physically does not fit.
How long does transshipment take?
It depends on the cargo, the volume and the method. Describe the consignment and we will give a realistic estimate.
Can the goods stay uncleared?
Yes, under the customs warehouse regime, until the formalities are complete.
Do you handle customs formalities?
No. We are not a customs broker. We work alongside the broker you appoint.
Can cargo continue by truck instead of rail?
Yes. Wagon to truck is a normal operation here.
Bringing cargo out of Ukraine?
Tell us what it is and how much, and we will explain how it would be handled at the border.