RESTRICTED  
  
WT/TPR/S/ 428 
15 June  2022 
(22-4647) Page: 1/118 
Trade Policy Review Body   
 
 
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
REPORT BY THE SECRETARIAT  
REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA  
This report, prepared for the second Trade Policy Review of the Republic of Moldova, has been drawn 
up by the WTO Secretariat on its own responsibility. The Secretariat has, as required by the 
Agreement establishing the Trade Policy Review Mechanism (Annex  3 of the Marrakesh Agreement 
Establishing the World Trade Organization), sought clarification from the Republic of Moldova on its 
trade policies and practic es. 
 
Any technical questions arising from this report may be addressed to  Mombert Hoppe 
(tel. 022 739 6098),  Xinyi Li (tel. 022 739 5579) , and Fatima Chaudhri (tel. 022 739 6384) . 
 
Document WT/TPR/G/ 428 contains the policy statement submitted by the Republ ic of Moldova.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: This report is subject to restricted circulation and press embargo until the end of the 
first session of the meeting of the Trade Policy Review Body on the Republic of Moldova. This report 
was drafted in English.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  CONTENTS  
SUMMARY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  6 
1   ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  ................................ ................................ ........................  11 
1.1   Major Features  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 11 
1.2   Recent Economic Developments  ................................ ................................ ................... 12 
1.2.1    Fiscal policy  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 15 
1.2.2    Monetary and exchange rate policies  ................................ ................................ .......... 15 
1.2.3    Response to the COVID -19 pandemic  ................................ ................................ ......... 17 
1.2.4    Balance of payments  ................................ ................................ ................................ 18 
1.3   Developments in Trade and Investment  ................................ ................................ ........ 19 
1.3.1    Trends and patterns in merchandise and services trade  ................................ ................ 19 
1.3.1.1    Merchandise trade  ................................ ................................ ................................ .19 
1.3.1.2    Services trade  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......22 
1.3.2    Trends and patterns in FDI  ................................ ................................ ....................... 23 
2   TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES ................................ ................................ ...........  25 
2.1   General Framework  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....25 
2.2   Trade Policy Formulation and Objectives  ................................ ................................ ........ 26 
2.3   Trade Agreements and Arrangements  ................................ ................................ ........... 27 
2.3.1    WTO ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 27 
2.3.2    Regional and preferential agreements  ................................ ................................ ........ 28 
2.3.3    Other agreements and arrangements  ................................ ................................ ......... 29 
2.4   Invest ment Regime  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....29 
2.5   E-commerce  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 34 
3   TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  ................................ ........................  36 
3.1   Measures Directly Affecting Imports  ................................ ................................ .............. 36 
3.1.1    Customs procedures, valuation, and requirements  ................................ ....................... 36 
3.1.2    Rules of origin  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 39 
3.1.3    Tariffs  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 39 
3.1.3.1    WTO bound tariffs  ................................ ................................ ................................ .39 
3.1.3.2    MFN applied tariffs  ................................ ................................ ................................ 40 
3.1.3.3    Preferential tariffs  ................................ ................................ ................................ .43 
3.1.4    Other charges affecting imports  ................................ ................................ ................. 43 
3.1.4.1    Other duties and charges  ................................ ................................ ....................... 43 
3.1.4.2    Internal taxes collected at the border  ................................ ................................ ......43 
3.1.5    Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  ................................ ............................ 44 
3.1.5.1    Import p rohibitions  ................................ ................................ ............................... 44 
3.1.5.2    Import restriction and licensing  ................................ ................................ .............. 45 
3.1.6    Anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures  ................................ ................ 46 
3.1.7    Other measures affecting imports  ................................ ................................ .............. 46 
3.2   Measures Directly Affecting Exports  ................................ ................................ .............. 47 WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  3.2.1    Customs procedures and requirements  ................................ ................................ .......47 
3.2.2    Taxes, charges, and levies  ................................ ................................ ........................ 47 
3.2.3    Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  ................................ ............................. 47 
3.2.4    Export support and promotion  ................................ ................................ ................... 48 
3.3   Measures Affecting Production and Trade  ................................ ................................ .......48 
3.3.1    Incentives  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 48 
3.3.2    Standards and other technical requirements  ................................ ............................... 51 
3.3.3    Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements  ................................ ................................ ....53 
3.3.4    Competition policy, state aid, consumer protection, and price controls  ........................... 55 
3.3.5    State trading, state -owned enterprises, and privatization  ................................ ............. 59 
3.3.6    Government procurement  ................................ ................................ ......................... 61 
3.3.6.1    Legal framework  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...63 
3.3.6.2    Procurement methods, procedures, and outcomes  ................................ .................... 65 
3.3.7    Intellectual property rights  ................................ ................................ ........................ 67 
3.3.7.1    Domestic IP regime and recent developments  ................................ .......................... 68 
3.3.7.2    Enforcement  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 72 
4   TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  ................................ ................................ .....................  74 
4.1   Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  ................................ ................................ ............... 74 
4.1.1    Main features  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 74 
4.1.2    Trade  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 76 
4.1.3    Regulatory framework and policy instruments  ................................ ............................. 78 
4.1.3.1    Border measures  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..79 
4.1.3.2    Internal measures  ................................ ................................ ................................ .80 
4.1.4    WTO notifications ................................ ................................ ................................ .....83 
4.2   Mining and Energy  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......83 
4.2.1    General features  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......83 
4.2.2    Regulatory framework and changes  ................................ ................................ ........... 84 
4.2.3    Electricity  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 86 
4.2.4    Hydrocarbons  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 86 
4.2.5    Renewable energy  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...87 
4.3   Services  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 88 
4.3.1    Financial services  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....88 
4.3.1.1    Banking  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 89 
4.3.1.2    Insurance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 93 
4.3.1.3    Other non -bank financial institutions and capital markets  ................................ ........... 95 
4.3.2    Telecommunication and postal services  ................................ ................................ ......96 
4.3.3    Transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  100 
4.3.3.1    Road transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 101 
4.3.3.2    Rail transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 102 
4.3.3.3    Aviation  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  103 WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  4.3.3.4    Waterways  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  104 
4.3.4    Tourism  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  104 
5   APPENDIX TABLES  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 106  
 
CHARTS  
 
Chart 1.1 Product composition of merchandise trade by main HS section, 2015 and 2021  ........... 21 
Chart 1.2 Direction of merchandise trade, 2015 and 2021  ................................ ....................... 22 
Chart 3.1 Average applied MFN and bound tariff rates, by HS section, 2015 and 2021  ................ 40 
Chart 3.2 Distri bution of MFN applied tariff rates, 2015 and 2021  ................................ ............ 41 
Chart 4.1 Total primary energy supply, 2015 and 2020  ................................ .......................... 83 
 
TABLES  
 
Table 1.1 Basic economic and social indicators, 2015 -21 ................................ ......................... 12 
Table 1.2 Selected macroeconomic indicators, 2015 -21 ................................ .......................... 13 
Table 1.3 Remittances, 2015 -21 ................................ ................................ .......................... 15 
Table 1.4 Government relief and support measures  ................................ ................................ 17 
Table 1.5 Balance of payments, 2015 -21 ................................ ................................ .............. 18 
Table 1.6 Merchandise trade by main SITC Rev.3 classification categories, 2015 -21 ................... 20 
Table 1.7 Trade in services, 2015 -21 ................................ ................................ .................... 23 
Table 1.8 Direct investment liabilities, and FDI inward stock, 2015 -21 ................................ ......24 
Table 3.1 Benefits of Authorized Economic Operators, 2021  ................................ .................... 37 
Table  3.2 Tariff structure, 2015 and 2021  ................................ ................................ ............. 41 
Table  3.3 MFN applied rates exceeding bound rates, 2021  ................................ ...................... 42 
Table  3.4 Tax revenue by source, 2015 -21 ................................ ................................ ............ 44 
Table  3.5 Import prohibitions introduced in the period of 2015 -21 ................................ ........... 45 
Table  3.6 Import licensing requirements, 2021  ................................ ................................ ......45 
Table 3.7 Development of FEZ activity, 2015 and 2021  ................................ ........................... 49 
Table 3.8 Competition enforcement statistics 2015 -21 ................................ ............................ 57 
Table 3.9 The largest 10 SOEs by sales, 2020 ................................ ................................ ........ 60 
Table 3.10 Government procurement, 2016 -20 ................................ ................................ ......62 
Table 3.11 Value and share (%) of procurement methods, 2015 -21 ................................ ......... 66 
Table 3.12 IP – domestic legal framework  ................................ ................................ ............. 69 
Table  3.13 Main features of the IPR regime  ................................ ................................ ........... 69 
Table 3.14 Applications for trademarks, industrial designs, and patents,   
and patents granted, 2017 -20 ................................ ................................ ............................. 71 
Table 3.15 IPR related cases dealt with by General Prosecutor's Office, 2015 21  ........................ 72 
Table 3.16 IPR related cases dealt by Customs Service, 2015 21  ................................ ............. 73 
Table 3.17 IP cases dealt with by the Competition Council, 2015 -21 ................................ ......... 73 
Table 4.1 Production and area of main agricultural items, 2015 -2021 ................................ .......74 WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  Table 4.2 Agricultural exports and imports, 2015 -21 ................................ .............................. 76 
Table 4.3 Disbursements under the FNDAMR, 2016 -21 ................................ ........................... 81 
Table 4.4 Disbursements of post -investment subsidies by supported activity, 2017 -21 ............... 81 
Table 4.5 Renewable energy capacity, 2021  ................................ ................................ .......... 87 
Table 4.6 Financial services  2015-21 ................................ ................................ .................... 88 
Table 4.7 Banking sector, 2014 -21 ................................ ................................ ....................... 90 
Table 4.8 Bank credit to private sector, by economic activity, 2015, 2018, and 2021  .................. 91 
Table 4.9 Telecommunications indicators, 2017 -21 ................................ ................................ 97 
Table 4.10 Pricing dat a for mobile telephony, 2020  ................................ ................................ 97 
Table  4.11 Pricing data for fixed broadband, 2020  ................................ ................................ ..98 
 
APPENDIX TABLES  
 
Table A1.1 Merchandise exports by HS sections and major  
HS chapters/subheadings, 2015 -21 ................................ ................................ ....................  106 
Table A1.2 Merchandise imports by HS sections and major  
HS chapters/subheadings, 2015 -21 ................................ ................................ ....................  107 
Table A1.3 Merchandise exports by destination, 2015 -21 ................................ ......................  108 
Table A1.4 Merchandise imports by origin, 2015 -21 ................................ .............................  109 
Table A2.1 Selected notifications from January 2015 to March 2022  ................................ ....... 110 
Table A3.1 Tariff structure, 2021  ................................ ................................ .......................  112 
Table A3.2 Excise duty rates, 2015 -20 ................................ ................................ ................  114 
Table A3.3 Membership in international agreements, conventions, and treaties  .......................  117 
Table A3.4 Membership in regional agreements  ................................ ................................ ... 118 
 
  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  SUMMARY  
1. The Republic of Moldova is a small, open, landlocked, upper -middle -income country. The 
services sector dominates the economy, accounting for 64% of GDP, while agriculture continues to 
play an important role as well ( accounting for 12% of GDP and around 21% of employment ), 
particularly in rural areas. Remittances represented nearly 15% of G DP in 2021, and the population 
has continued to decline as relatively young workers emigrate. The Republic of Moldova is dependent 
on imports of fossil fuels (including gas , which is also used to generate electricity), while state -owned 
enterprises continue to play a n important  role in the economy, particular ly in terms of employment.   
2. During the review period, the Republic of Moldova generally saw strong growth until the 
COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to the economy, as it particularly affected key client -facing 
service s sectors. A severe drought in 2020 also affected the agricultural sector, reducing output by 
more than a quarter. Growth rebounded strongly in 2021 to 13.9%, led by the agriculture sector 
and increases in spending, and GDP exceeded pre -pandemic levels. The  war in Ukraine has clouded 
the outlook for 2022 as a result of increases in international prices, production chain disruptions, 
and large inflows of Ukrainian refugees that increased the fiscal burden on the Government.  
3. To alleviate the adverse economic and social impacts of the pandemic, the Government 
undertook several mitigation measures including certain tax relief, support to enterprises and 
workers, and measures related to access to finance. Fiscal spending expanded in 2020, leading to a 
deficit of 5.3% of GDP, much higher than the moderate and stable deficits in previous years.  
Estimates by the Government and the IMF regarding the final budget outcome for 2021 differ.  
4. The Republic of Moldova maintains a managed floating exchange rate regime  consist ent with 
an inflation target of 5% as the nominal anchor for monetary policy. Inflation overall moderated 
during the review period but started to increase in 2019 when the National Bank of Moldova (NBM) 
also started to tighten monetary policy and to reduce  the difference between the higher reserve ratio 
for deposits in Moldovan leu ( MDL) and a lower ratio for those in freely convertible currency. In 
response to the COVID -19 pandemic, the NBM reduced the policy rate from 5.5% in early 
March  2020 to 2.65% by November  2020, and lowered the reserve ratio for MDL -denominated 
deposits while raising the ratio for freely convertible currency. As inflation started to increase in 
2021 and accelerated later that year , the authorities raised the key rate gradually to 15 .5% by 
May 2022.  
5. Throughout the review period, the Republic of Moldova had a negative current account 
balance. While it imported more goods than it exported, the services balance, primary income, and 
secondary income accounts were in surplus. The negative  current account balance was financed 
primarily by "other investment" inflows , which have dominate d the financial account since 2016. 
Merchandise and services exports and imports grew over the review period ; however, they slumped 
in 2020, and recovered strongly in 2021.  
6. Merchandise exports are dominated by manufactured goods (food and beverages, apparel, 
and transport equipment) and agricultural products, while main import items include capital goods 
(equipment) and other inputs (energy and chemicals). Tra nsportation, travel, telecommunication, 
computer, and information services account for nearly 70% of services exports, while transportation 
and travel services also account for two thirds of services imports. The EU member States (EU-27) 
are by far the mos t important trading partner s of the Republic of Moldova, and also the most 
important foreign direct investor s.  
7. In 2018, Parliament approved a new development strategy, Moldova 2030 (replacing an 
earlier one), which focuses on sustainable and inclusive dev elopment, strengthening human and 
social capital, institutional reform, and ensuring certain fundamental rights for citizens. Trade and 
trade -related policies in the Republic of Moldova aim to exploit its geographic position and ultimately 
achieve closer e conomic integration with its neighbours to the west (the European  Union), while 
maintaining preferential trade relations with its eastern partners (mainly via the Commonwealth of 
Independent States FTA). Industrial platforms, Free Economic Zones  (FEZs) , and the Strategy for 
Investment Attraction and Export Promotion for 2016 -2020 aim to attract investment and increase 
and structurally diversify exports . WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  8. The Republic of Moldova -European  Union  Association Agreement , signed in June 2014  and 
fully in force sinc e July 2016, also established the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area 
(DCFTA). The Agreement covers, inter alia , goods and services (covering all four modes of supply ), 
general transparency disciplines, a special dispute settlement mechanism, rules on c ompetition, 
trade defence instruments, and government procurement. It foresees a gradual approximation of 
legislation, rules, and procedures of the Republic of Moldova with those of the European  Union  in a 
wide range of areas  relating to, inter alia , SPS, TBT, trade in services, customs, procurement, 
taxation, auditing, statistics, and the energy sector. It also foresees extensive cooperation in a 
number of areas including  among  regulatory and supervisory authorities to promote regulatory 
quality and perfor mance. The Agreement has provided guidance for policy action in areas covered 
in this Review , as the Republic of Moldova has continued to align its regulatory framework with the 
EU acquis . In March  2022, the Republic of Moldova applied for EU membership.  In addition, RTAs 
with T ürkiye  and the United Kingdom (signed in 2020) entered into force during the review period, 
bringing the number of RTAs in force to 15, covering 46 partners.  
9. The Republic of Moldova is strongly committed to the multilateral trading system and is an 
active participant in discussions and reform initiatives at the WTO, including the four Joint Statement 
Initiatives (JSI) and some informal working groups. It is a party to the Information Technology 
Agreement , and the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA  2012)  since 14 July 2016. It 
ratified the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA) on 24  June 2016 and  accepted the Protocol 
Amending the TRIPS  Agreement in 2015 . It also endorsed the Buenos Aires Declaration on Trade  
and Women's Economic Empowerment . The Republic of Moldova  submitted its pre -finalization 
schedule of specific commitments as part of the JSI on Services Domestic Regulation. Compared to 
the period prior to this Review , it significantly increased its notif ication efforts  including regarding 
TBT and SPS measures,  although at least five notifications remained outstanding at the end of 
February  2022, in particular those relating to the Agreement  on Agriculture. During the period under 
review, the Republic of M oldova was only involved in dispute settlement cases as third party.  
10. Reforms of  the regulatory framework improved the environment for domestic and foreign 
investors . The reforms included revisions to the Civil Code, the Fiscal Code, and the approach to 
regulating economic activity. The authorities reduced the number of activities subject to licensing, 
and permissive documents  (e.g. authorizations or permits)  are generally issued electronically 
through a system operating as a one -stop shop. They also reduced  the number of inspection bodies 
and inspections with a view to  lower ing regulatory costs for businesses while increasing the efficiency 
of controls. Some progress was made regarding a comprehensive public administration reform  
agenda aimed at modernizing public services, improving policy making, and improving public 
financial management , although some shortcomings remain . In 2019, the concept of a branch of 
foreign companies was introduced while that of a representative office was eliminated . A Citizenship -
by-Investment programme was in place between 2018 and September 2020. New mechanisms for 
the conclusion of investment agreements between the Government and investors, and the prior 
approval of investments in sectors of importance for state security were e stablished.  
11. While the Government has put in place a National Integrity and Anticorruption Strategy, 
challenges , such as those relating to corruption or the rule of law, continue to affect the 
attractiveness of the investment and business environment and n egatively affect the productivity of 
firms and ultimately their competitiveness.  
12. E-commerce in the Republic of Moldova has grown, particularly during the pandemic, but it 
remains limited compared to  that in other economies in the region. Since 2020, the G overnment has 
implement ed a roadmap for boosting digitization of the national economy and development of 
e-commerce. Key enabling conditions for e -commerce , such as regulations regarding electronic 
signatures, personal data protection, rules for consumer p rotection, or those affecting the 
import/export of small parcels, are in place. Since October 2019, exporting SMEs have been able to 
use the periodic declaration facility, submitting one single electronic customs declaration for all 
transactions below a ce rtain threshold carried out within one month.  
13. Customs procedures and other requirements remained largely unchanged  during the review 
period, but a  new Customs Code was passed by Parliament and is expected to  enter into force on 
1 January  2023. During the r eview period, the Republic of Moldova continued its trade facilitation 
efforts. It launched a trade information portal, provided simplified procedures such as a periodic 
declaration facility for MSME exporters, and improved the Approved Economic Operator r egime. WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  Seven measures, including the single window and expedited clearance, remain in Category  C under 
the TFA, requiring technical assistance for implementation.  
14. All tariff lines are bound , with the difference between bound and MFN applied rates generally  
small. The simple average bound tariff rate is 7.7%, compared to the simple average MFN applied 
rate at 6.2%  (unchanged from the time of the previous Review) . The 2021 MFN schedule contains 
18 tariff bands, including a newly introduced band of 1%. The majority of the MFN tariffs are at 
ad valorem  rates (the highest rate being 75%  levied on imports of sugar ), and about 36% of total 
lines are zero -rated. Applied  rates exceed the corresponding bound rates for 24 tariff lines. Specific 
rates (mostly applied to alcoholic drinks and tobacco products) and compound or mixed rates (mostly 
for meat and dairy products) apply to 414 tariff lines. Tariff rate quotas (TRQs) are maintained for 
certain agricultural goods and allocated on a "first come, first  served" basis upon registration of the 
import declaration, with no advance application for quotas possible. To benefit from preferential 
tariffs, preferential rules of orig in are applied, with bilateral cumulation applying in most cases, and 
diagonal cumulation allowed for goods from participants of the pan-Mediterranean regional 
convention . No trade contingency measures were initiated, imposed, or terminated during the revi ew 
period.  
15. Imports of used motor vehicles are no longer prohibited since 1  January  2021, while exports 
of personal protection equipment were temporarily banned between late -May and mid -October 2020. 
In the context of the state of emergency declared followi ng the start of the war in Ukraine, exports 
of maize, sugar, wheat, and certain medical consumables and equipment are prohibited. Licences 
for importing or exporting restricted goods are , in practice,  authorizations for engaging in such 
activities, and are  hence valid for one to five years depending on the activity.  
16. A new regime for residents in Information Technology (IT) parks was established in 2017, 
complementing other investment platforms such as FEZ s and Industrial Parks. The number of 
residents in t he IT park set up in 2017 has grown to more than 1,000, with firms generating at least 
70% of their sales revenue from predominantly IT -related activities. The use of FEZs by domestic 
and foreign investors continued to increase as investment and employment  more than doubled, and 
total production and exports more than tripled during the review period. In 2018, a reform of the 
Fiscal Code introduced a single rate of 12% for corporate and individual income taxes (except 
farming households and SMEs).   
17. During th e review period, the Moldovan regimes for TBT and SPS measures were modernized 
and aligned to the ones applied in the European  Union . The authorities note that more than 85% of 
the roughly 35,000 applicable Moldovan standards were adopted from European and  international 
standards. The Republic of Moldova adopts the "new approach" to administering technical 
regulations. For products subject to technical regulations, conformity certificates issued by 
accredited foreign certification bodies are accepted, as ar e testing reports issued by accredited 
foreign laboratories. A new Law on Food Safety entered into force in December 2019. Imports of 
animal products must be sourced from establishments that are approved by the National Food Safety 
Agency. Imports of food products  whose remaining shelf life is less than half of their original shelf 
life have been prohibited since 29  February  2020, on the ground of food safety.   
18. The competition policy framework remains broadly unchanged. To address existing regulatory 
barrie rs to competition and anti -competitive barriers  in some economic sectors , having a negative 
impact on economic activity, the authorities developed a national program me to open economic 
sectors to competition and effectively monitor state aid. They also undertook efforts  to address 
weaknesses in enforcement regarding anti-competitive practices , and around 30  investigations were 
initiated per year during the review period. To transpose the 2019 EU  Directive on strengthening of 
competition enforcement, the aut horities developed a draft law. A number of products  and services 
remain subject to regulated prices.  
19. State -owned enterprises (SOEs) continue to play an important role in the economy, although 
their number f ell during the review period as the authorities continued to privatize state assets, 
including Air Moldova. SOEs are generally concentrated in a number of backbone services considered 
important to the overall competitiveness of the economy ; they remain acti ve in many sectors and 
employ nearly 25% of the labour force. The authorities undertook efforts to address challenges with 
SOE governance, transparency, and information disclosure. A new Law on Works Concessions and 
Service Concessions was adopted  in 2018 . WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  20. The share of total government procurement spending covered by the commitments made 
under GPA  2012 ranged between 17.1% and 37.2% between 2017 and 2020, after the Republic of 
Moldova became a party  to the Agreement . Reforms were undertaken to  align the rel evant 
framework to that of the EU  acquis , streamline the (electronic) government procurement system, 
centralize procurement processes, increase transparency, and ensure better value for money. The 
Law on Public Procurement (amended repeatedly during the re view period) covers government 
procurement by contracting authorities above national thresholds, while a separate law has 
regulate d procurement in the areas of energy, water (and sewerage), transport, and postal services 
since 2021. Tenders at or above sep arate thresholds require publication in the Official Journal of the 
European  Union. Procurements above the threshold are all completed using an improved electronic 
government procurement system. Since November 2020, beneficial owner information has to be 
included as part of the documentation submitted with tenders and is published for all entities signing 
contracts. There are no preferences for local suppliers.  
21. The Republic of Moldova's main intellectual property ( IP)-related objective is to ensure a level 
of protection similar to that in the European  Union, including effective means of enforcement. To 
harmonize the legal framework with the EU  acquis , it has been amended although its key features 
remain unchanged. In November 2018, the Trade Secret Protectio n Regime was amended. Since 
2020, two new electronic systems have allowed the exchange of IP-related data among relevant 
Moldovan agencies.  Since  2017, cooperation with European Union Intellectual Property Office 
(EUIPO)  has increased, widening the range o f tools offered to IP users, including the integration of 
the Moldovan trademark and design data into the EU databases, and later aligning trademark and 
design examination practices with those of the European  Union. Indicators of enforcement generally 
increased during the review period.  
22. Agricultural production , dominated by cereals and sunflower , increased during the review 
period , although it declined as a share of GDP. In 2020, a major drought led to significant declines 
in agricultural production, especially for wheat and maize crops, which fell to roughly half of the 
average production over the past years. Production more than recovered in 2021. The Republic of 
Moldova remains a net exporter of agricultural goods ; its total exports and imports increased during 
the review period. Average applied tariffs for agricultural goods at 13.9% remain higher than the 
average for non -agricultural products (4.3%) ; they have increased slightly since 2015 largely due 
to the introduction of mixed tariff s. The Republic of Moldova applies TRQs on sugar -related tariff 
lines as well as some preferential TRQs for agricultural goods. There are no restrictions on foreign 
investment in the agricultural sector , although  foreigners cannot purchase agricultural or forest land 
(they can lease it for 99 years). Reforms of the Law on Internal Trade introduced a requirement  for 
(non-itinerant) traders selling  certain food items included in a list, to allocate at least 50% of the 
shelf length to products manufactured and/or processed on the territory of the Republic of Moldova.  
23. A new law in 2016 established a framework for agricultural subsidies, reflecting the  priorities 
to modernize the agro -industrial sector and rural development outlined in the Strategy for 
Agricultural and Rural Development. Support measures are implemented via the National Fund for 
Agriculture and Rural Development (F NDAMR), including inve stment subsidies (mostly at a basic 
rate of 50%  of total investment ), disaster compensation (in 2020), and direct payments ( for 
livestock, since 2021). Investment subsidies accounted for the largest share of support measures, 
primarily for investments aime d at increasing competitiveness through restructuring and 
modernization. The insurance subsidy scheme was revised in 2020. Important changes to 
agricultural support following the introduction of the FNDAMR are not yet covered in the latest 
available notifi cation on agriculture domestic support (for 2016). The authorities indicate that they 
have requested technical assistance from the WTO Secretariat regarding the preparation and 
submission of pending agriculture domestic support notifications.  
24. The Republic of Moldova continues to be highly dependent on energy imports, particularly of 
natural gas, which is its main source of energy supply, as well as oil and petroleum. Electricity is 
mainly generated from gas . Some renewable energy and energy from waste is ge nerated 
domestically. To approximate its legislation to the EU  acquis , the Republic of Moldova introduced 
five new laws during the review period and undertook additional reforms, notably in the electricity 
and gas sectors where the regulator approved marke t rules. The authorities undertook steps to 
separate energy supply and generation from the operation of transmission networks . In late 2021, 
the supply of electricity under non -regulated prices reached around 10% of consumption but fell 
back to zero in the beginning of 2022 due to economic developments with the supplier. In 
March  2022, the electricity grids of Ukraine and Republic of Moldova were successfully synchroni zed WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  with the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO -E), in what had 
initially been planned only as a test. The grids are now synchroni zed with the Continental European 
Power System, instead of the electricity system to the east.  
25. The Republic of Moldova is connected to the Ukrainian gas system that carries all gas imports 
from the Russian  Federation, accounting for nearly all national gas imports. In late 2021, the 
Republic of Moldova's  gas sector faced supply shortages as a gas delivery contract between 
Moldovagaz and the Russian  Federation's Gazprom was set to  expire. Negotiations concerning a new 
gas supply contract with Gazprom were lengthy and were concluded only days before the earlier 
contract expired, allowing for continued gas supply via the traditional route.  
26. Banking continues to dominate the financial  sector, although the importance of insurance and 
non-bank financial services increased during the review period. As part of its regulatory responses 
to the 2014 -15 bank fraud, the NBM continued to reform the regulatory framework in areas such as 
improv ing monitoring, strengthening corporate governance, addressing large exposures, using a 
risk-based supervisory approach, and improving information transparency of banks. The Republic of 
Moldova also undertook additional reforms to strengthen its Anti-Money La undering (AML) and 
counter -terrorism financing (CTF) frameworks. From 2018, the NBM advanced the gradual 
transposition of Basel III into the national regulatory framework. At the beginning of 2020, the 
deposit guarantee scheme was expanded to also cover th e deposits of legal entities and the ceiling 
for all deposits was increased. Significant changes to the ownership (structure) of banks took place 
and the share of foreign investments in the capital of banks stood at 86.6% at the end of 2021. The 
solvency p osition of banks remain s solid.  
27. The insurance market in the Republic of Moldova remains relatively small with a penetration 
rate of 0.7% of GDP. Discrimination of insurance contract pricing based on gender has been explicitly 
prohibited  since January 2017.  Since January 2019, residents of the Republic of Moldova can only 
conclude insurance contracts with nationally registered companies or branches of foreign companies 
unless such insurance is not available domestically. A new law strengthened the regulatory  
framework for other non-bank financial institutions, covering non -bank lending (excluding deposit 
taking) and financial leasing operations. Regulation of the insurance sector, non -bank credit 
organizations, and savings and credit associations is expected to shift from the National Commission 
for Financial Markets ( NCFM ) to the NBM starting in  July 2023. To improve the supervision of financial 
conglomerates and to transpose relevant EU  legislation, the authorities established additional capital 
adequacy req uirements for financial conglomerates.  
28. Total annual revenues in the telecommunications sector, as well as the number of subscribers, 
declined during the review period as market concentration remained elevated and prices  remained  
moderate. Legislative chan ges to align regulations to the EU  acquis  introduced provisions to foster 
competition, network integrity, data privacy, consumer protection, and net neutrality. Regulations 
for active and passive infrastructure sharing were introduced in 2016 . The sector r egulator is tasked 
with identify ing providers of electronic communications networks or services with significant market 
power, and tak ing remedial actions. The regulator also monitors the quality of service indictors and 
related consumer rights. A luxury t ax of 2.5% for mobile services was abolished in late 2021. There 
are no restrictions on foreign ownership in the telecommunications sector. Regarding postal services, 
since September  2021, the transportation of all letters  has been fully liberalized, and competitors 
have been allowed to set tariffs freely for these services.  
29. The quality of transport infrastructure combined with regulatory barriers increase s the costs 
of trade. Trucks and trains transported 99% of freight in 2021. Roa d transport operators for 
passengers or freight must be established locally and licensed by the National Agency of Road 
Transport (ANTA). There are no restrictions on foreign capital participation in road transport. Firms 
undertaking cross -border transport  must also be ANTA -licensed. Ride -hailing services are not 
allowed in the Republic of Moldova. Efforts to modernize the regulatory regime for railways started 
in February 2022. The regulatory regime for aviation was modernized in 2017 and 2018, reflecting 
the Republic of Moldova's membership of the European Common Aviation Area (ECAA). Most of the 
22 bilateral air services agreements cover up to fourth freedom rights. Aviation transport expanded 
considerably during the review period. All Moldovan carriers h ave foreign equities.  
 WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 1  ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
1.1  Major Features  
1.1.  Situated between Ukraine and Romania, the Republic of Moldova is a small landlocked 
upper -middle -income group country with a GDP per capita estimated at USD  5,267 in 2021 and a 
declining population (Table  1.1).1 Its economy is dominated by the services sector, although 
agriculture continues to play an important role, especiall y regarding employment. The Republic of 
Moldova relies heavily on remittances and is one of the most remittance -reliant countries in Europe.2 
During the review period, the Government pursued a trade -led development strategy and increased 
coverage of its b ilateral and regional cooperation agreements. The Republic of Moldova is dependent 
on fossil fuel  imports  (including natural gas  which is also used to generate  electricity ), as domestic 
sources accounted for only 32.3% of its energy demand in 2020 (Section  4.3). 
1.2.  The services sector  dominates the economy , contribut ing 63.9% of GDP in 2021 (Table  1.1). 
According to the authorities, the sector employed 57.1% of total employment in 2020 (most recent 
statistics available). The main services subsectors are wholes ale and retail trade, real estate, 
information and communication, and transport and storage. The services sector, however, was 
severely affected by the COVID -19 pandemic; a contraction was observed in most subsectors, 
including the transport and storage se ctor.3 By contrast, a positive dynamic in 2020 was attested in 
the health and social work and the information and communication subsectors, a trend that 
continued in 2021.  
1.3.  The agricultural sector, which is the backbone of the rural economy, also plays an important 
role, accounting for 12% of GDP in 2021. In 2020, the sector employed 21.1% of the population.4 
In the face of the pandemic and unfavourable meteorological conditions for some agricultural crops 
from the end of 2019 and during 2020, agricultural  production decreased by 26.4% compared to 
2018 before rebounding strongly in 2021 (Table  1.1 and Section  4.1). 
1.4.  Manufacturing accounted for 10.9% of GDP in 2021, a decline from 13.7% of GDP in 2015, and 
the construction sector for 9.5% of GDP in 2021, an i ncrease from 2015. In 2020, the manufacturing 
sector employed approximately 14.6% of the workforce, and the construction sector 7.2%.5 
State -owned enterprises (SOEs) continue to operate across many sectors of the economy (including 
in manufacturing) and to employ a notable share of the labour force, but are concentrated in sectors 
providing backbone services where they often play an important role (Section  3.3.5).  
1.5.  The trend of relatively young workers emigrating has resulted in negative demographic trends.  
According to some observers, in 2010, the share of young people aged between 19 and 24 was 
estimated to be 12% of the total population and in 2021 the share decreased to 6%.6 The emigration 
trend has weighed on medium -term growth not only by reducing the  working -age population, but 
also by lowering labour force participation, as remittances increase the reservation wages7 of those 
who stay at home.8 Remittances as a share of GDP declined from the 18.7% in 2015 to 14.8% of 
GDP in 2021 (Table  1.3). The European  Union is the main source of the Republic of Moldova's total 
remittance inflows, accounting for nearly 50% in 2020.9 
 
1 Unless otherwise stated, data contained in this Review do not include Transnistria (Section  2.1). 
2 IFAD (2021), Helping Remittances Reach Rural Areas in Moldova . Viewed at:  
https://www.ifad.org/en/web/latest/ -/helping -remit tances -reach -rural-areas -in-moldova . 
3 National Bank of Moldova (NBM) (2021), Annual Report 2020 . Viewed at: 
https://www.bnm.md/files/Annual_Report_2020.pdf . 
4 National Bureau of Statistics,  Statistical Yearbook of the Republic of Moldova, 2021 . Viewed at: 
https://statistica.gov.md/pagevi ew.php?l=en&id=2193&idc=263 .  
5 National Bureau of Statistics, Statistical Yearbook of the Republic of Moldova, 2021 . 
6 Balkan Insight (2022), "Number of Moldovan Students Collapses as Youngsters Flee Country", 
17 January. Viewed at: https://balkaninsight.com/2022/01/17/number -of-moldovan -students -collapses -as-
youngsters -flee-country/ . 
7 Reservation wage  is the lowest wage rate at which a w orker would be willing to accept a particular 
type of job . 
8 IMF (2020), Republic of Moldova: Staff Report for the 2020 Article  IV Consultation and Sixth Reviews 
Under the Extended Credit Facility and Extended Fund Facility Arrangements . Viewed at: 
https://www.elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/002/2020/076/article -A001-en.xml . 
9 In 2014, according to the previous TPR report, remittances from the Russian  Federation  accounted for 
more than 50%. In 2020 49.3% of remittance inflows originated in the European  Union (in particular from WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 Table 1.1 Basic economic and social indicators, 2015 -21 
 
2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Real GDP, 2010 prices (MDL  billion)  103.6  108.1  113.2  118.1  122.7  .. .. 
Current GDP (MDL  billion)  145.8  160.8  178.9  192.5  210.4  199.7  241.9  
Current GDP (USD  billion)  7.75 8.07 9.67 11.46  11.97  11.53  13.68  
GDP per capita (USD)  2,733  2,880  3,511  4,230  4,490  4,401  5,267  
Population (million)  2.835  2.802  2.755  2.708  2.665  2.620  2.597  
GDP by economic activity at constant prices (% change)  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing  -13.3 18.4 8.6 2.6 -0.7 -26.4 45.0 
Mining and quarrying  -4.1 -2.6 -0.4 13.9 5.7 7.9 26.9 
Manufacturing  4.3 3.4 4.0 3.6 3.0 -6.3 -0.2 
Electricity, gas and water supply  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
Construction  0.6 -4.1 5.1 17.5 13.6 3.7 -16.0 
Services  .. .. .. .. .. .. ..  
Wholesale and retail trade  0.1 7.3 9.2 5.7 5.8 -6.6 14.5  
Accommodation and food service activities  3.2 2.2 4.1 8.7 7.8 -35.7 57.6  
Transport and storage  0.9 5.5 6.9 5.4 4.8 -13.8 45.9  
Information and communication  8.5 5.0 2.0 1.7 9.0 -1.6 24.3  
Finance and insurance  -9.6 9.3 2.0 1.4 5.5 5.7 9.5  
Real estate  1.2 1.3 0.3 2.2 1.8 -4.5 0.1  
Professional, scientific, and technical activities  9.6 6.9 -0.4 1.9 -1.3 -13.3 7.0  
Business support services  12.0 4.7 6.8 8.7 3.1 -16.8 42.3  
Public administration and defence  0.5 0.0 0.9 -0.9 0.1 -0.9 3.6  
Education  -1.2 -1.5 -4.4 -1.4 -0.4 -9.7 7.9  
Health and social work  -0.5 -0.8 1.6 -1.1 1.5 5.9 8.5  
Other service activities  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
Share of sectors in current GDP, at basic prices (%)  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing  13.2 13.0 13.3 11.9 11.7 10.8 12.1 
Mining and quarrying  0.3 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.5 
Manufacturing  13.7 13.6 13.3 13.0 12.2 11.7 10.9 
Electricity, gas and water supply  3.8 3.7 3.7 3.8 3.5 3.0 3.1 
Construction  8.3 7.8 8.0 9.1 9.8 11.5 9.5 
Services  60.8 61.6 61.5 61.9 62.4 62.5 63.9  
Wholesale and retail trade  15.9 16.4 17.3 17.6 17.9 17.4 17.4  
Accommodation and food service activities  1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 0.8 1.0  
Transport and storage  5.2 5.4 5.5 5.7 5.6 4.0 4.9  
Information and communication  5.6 5.6 5.4 5.5 5.5 5.6 6.4  
Finance and insurance  2.8 3.7 3.6 3.6 4.2 3.5 3.3  
Real estate  10.4 9.8 9.0 8.9 8.4 9.5 8.2  
Professional, scientific, and technical activities  2.5 2.6 2.4 2.4 2.2 2.4 2.1  
Business support services  1.3 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.2 1.4  
Public administration and defence  4.1 3.9 4.1 4.1 4.0 4.5 4.2  
Education  5.5 5.3 5.0 5.1 5.1 5.7 5.7  
Health and social work  4.1 4.0 4.1 4.1 4.2 5.3 6.3  
Other service activities  2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.6 2.6 3.0 
.. Not available.  
Source:  National Bureau of Statistics.  
1.2  Recent Economic Developments  
1.6.  After contracting marginally in 2015, the Republic of Moldova's real GDP expanded between 
2016 and 2019 before being negatively affected by the COVID -19 pandemic (Table  1.2). Growth 
was strongest during 2016 -18; however, these results fell substantially sh ort of the 6% growth 
aspirations posited in the Moldova 2020 strategy.10 In 2019, growth slowed slightly to 3.9% 
(Table  1.2), led by a decrease in infrastructure spending, tighter monetary policy11, and a slowdown 
in the manufacturing sector (Table  1.1). 
 
Italy, Germany, and France), 18.8% in CIS  countries (in particular the Russian  Federation), and the remainder 
in other countries (in particular Israel, the United  Kingdom, and the United  States). NBM (2020), Statistical 
Yearbook "International accounts of the Republic of Moldova" 2020 , pp. 78 and  140. Viewed at:  
https://www.bnm.md/en/content/statistical -yearbook -international -accounts -republic -moldova -2020. 
10 Government of the Republic o f Moldova, Moldova 2020 . Viewed at: 
https://cancelaria.gov.md/sites/default/files/document/attachments/1100271_en_moldova_2020_e.pdf . 
11 IMF (20 19), Republic of Moldova; Fourth and Fifth Reviews under the Extended Credit Facility and 
Extended Fund Facility Arrangements, Completion of the Inflation Consultation, and Request for Extension of 
the Arrangements and Rephasing of Acces s, IMF Country Report No.  19/305.  Viewed at: 
https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/CR/Issues/ 2019/09/25/Republic -of-Moldova -Fourth -and-Fifth-Reviews -
Under -the-Extended -Credit -Facility -and-Extended -48706 . WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 1.7.  In 2020, the COVID -19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to the Moldovan economy as containment 
measures and travel restrictions implemented in response to the crisis, both at home and abroad, 
exacted a heavy toll on economic activity and business and consumer co nfidence. As a result, the 
economy contracted by 7% in  2020, with both external and domestic demand declining during the 
year (Table  1.2). External demand contracted by 15.5%, mainly driven by a decline in merchandise 
trade, transport, and travel services.  Consumption contracted by 5.8%, mainly on account of a sharp 
drop in private consumption  (6.9%), associated primarily with the decrease in disposable income 
and the uncertainty associated with the COVID -19 pandemic. The reduction in domestic demand 
also a ffected imports, which declined by 8.9%. Government consumption and gross domestic 
investment also contracted in 2020.  
1.8.  Growth rebounded strongly in 2021 to 13.9%, primarily driven by an increase in private 
consumption of 15.5%, supported by the recovery in  disposable income in part by resilient 
remittances and an accommodative monetary stance. Government consumption also increased in 
2021, while both imports and exports also rebounded strongly (Table  1.2).12 
Table 1.2 Selected macroeconomic indicators, 2015 -21 
  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
National accounts (% change, unless otherwise indicated)  
Real GDP  -0.3  4.4   4.7  4.3  3.9  -7.0  13.9 
 Consumption  -2.3  2.6  4.7   3.3  2.9   -5.8  13.2 
 Private consumption  -2.5  2.9   5.3   3.9  3.2   -6.9  15.5 
 Government consumption  -1.4  0.6  1.1  -0.2  0.5   -0.5  2.0 
 Gross fixed capital formation  -4.8   -0.9  8.0  14.5  11.9  -2.4  1.7 
 Exports of goods and non -factor 
services  2.6   9.8  10.9  7.2  8.2  -15.5  17.5 
 Imports of goods and non -factor 
services  -5.8  2.8  11.0  9.7   6.2  -8.9  19.2 
 XGS/GDP (%) (at current market 
price)  31.9  32.3  31.1  30.1  30.6  27.9  30.6 
 MGS/GDP (%) (at current market 
price)  57.4  55.3  54.5  55.7  55.3  51.4  58.0 
Unemployment ratea (%) 4.7  4.0 3.9 2.9  5.1  3.8  3.2 
Prices and interest rates  
Inflation (CPI, % change)  9.7   6.4  6.6  3.0  4.8  3.8  5.1 
Deposit rate, foreign currency (%)  2.48  2.13  1.64  1.00  1.01  0.82  0.48 
Deposit rate, domestic currency (%)  11.97  10.73  5.77  4.49  4.60  3.83  3.46 
Lending rate, foreign currency (%)  7.03  5.95   5.04  4.71  4.41  4.18  4.04 
Lending rate, domestic currency (%)  14.15  14.28  10.36  8.85  8.25   8.18  7.40 
Exchange rate  
MDL/USD  (annual average)  18.82  19.92  18.49  16.80  17.58  17.32  17.68  
NEER (average, % change)  -8.2  -1.9  6.7  9.6  0.6  3.8  -3.3 
REER (average, % change)  -3.4  2.4  10.5  9.1  2.1  5.3  -2.9 
Public finance (% of GDP)  
Revenue  30.0  28.6  29.8  30.1  29.9   31.4  32.0 
 Tax revenue  ..  18.2  19.3  19.6  19.0   19.9  .. 
Expenditure   31.8  30.1   30.5  31.0  31.4  36.7  33.9 
Primary balance  -1.1  -0.4  0.5  -0.0   -0.7   -4.3  .. 
Overall balance  -1.9  -1.6  -0.6   -0.8  -1.4   -5.3 -1.9 
Central government debt (end -period)   ..   ..  28.9   27.0   25.0  34  32.1 
Saving and investment (% of GDP)  
Gross national savings  17.6 18.5 17.0 15.3 16.0 17.5 .. 
Gross domestic investment  23.6 22.0 22.8 25.6 25.4 24.2 .. 
External sector (% of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)  
Current account balance   -6.0   -3.6  -5.7  -10.6  -9.3  -7.7  -11.6 
Net merchandise trade  -27.4   -25.8  -26.4  -28.8  -27.7  -26.8  -30.6 
 Merchandise exports   19.5  19.3   19.3   17.2   17.7  16.9  18.7 
 Merchandise imports  46.9  45.1  45.7  46.0  45.4  43.7  49.4 
Services balance  1.7   2.7   3.1   3.1   2.9   3.3 3.3 
Capital account   0.7   -0.2   -0.2   -0.3 -0.5   -0.6  -0.4 
Financial account (excluding reserve 
assets)   -2.0    -11.2  -10.7  -12.5  -10.1  -14.6  -13.2 
 Direct investment net   -2.8   -0.9   -1.4  -2.3  -3.9   -1.3  -1.7 
 
12 World Bank (2021), Moldova Economic Update . Viewed at: 
https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/7bf12b95f10a3daf7b570718b2100e15 -0080012021/original/Moldova -
Economic -Update -Spring -2021-FINAL -eng.pdf . WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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   2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Balance -of-payments    -4.0    6.6  5.5  2.1    0.5   5.5  1.5 
Merchandise exportsb (% change)    -17.0  3.4  19.8  5.8  7.2  -8.2  31.8 
Merchandise importsb (% change)  -25.3  0.2   21.7  19.1   3.0  -7.2  34.0 
Service exportsb (% change)  -14.1  8.6  17.6  17.9  4.5  -17.2  27.9 
Service importsb (% change)  -16.3  -0.5    12.3  18.2  6.4  -24.9  -31.5 
Foreign exchange reserves 
(USD million, end -period)  1,756.8  2,205.9  2,803.3  2,995.2  3,059.6  3,783.5  3,901.9  
 in months of imports of goods and 
services  4.7 5.9   6.3   5.6   5.5   7.7  .. 
Gross external debt (USD  million; 
end-period)  5,931.9  6,056.0  6,833.6  7,343.2  7,446.1  8,437.7  9,013.7  
 % of GPD  76.6   75.0  70.6   64.1   62.2  73.2  65.9 
.. Not available.  
a Since 2019, the Labour Force Survey has been carried out according to the new sampling plan and 
the revised definition of employment. Therefore, figures are not strictly comparable.  
b Growth rates are based on USD.  
Source:  National Bureau of Statistics; NBM; Ministry of Finance; IMF; and data provided by the authorities.  
1.9.  The war in Ukraine and its effects have c louded the outlook for 2022, with a preliminary 
macroeconomic forecast of the Ministry of Economy estimating 0.3% growth in 2022.13 Increases in 
international prices and production chain disruptions are expected to temper external and domestic 
demand, whil e large inflows of refugees have increased the burden on the Government. According 
to the authorities, approximately 373,000 refugees entered the Republic of Moldova from the start 
of the war in Ukraine (24  February  2022) to the end of March 2022, of which  roughly 100,000  (or 
nearly 4% of the Moldovan population) remained in the Republic of Moldova. According to the 
authorities, the Government is also allocating resources to offset high gas prices, which have 
increased 2.5 times since December 2021. The eco nomic -related measures adopted by the 
authorities since the start of the war in Ukraine have included: (i)  the introduction of a ban on 
exports of wheat, sugar, and some medical products with effect from 1  March  2022 (the start of the 
state of emergency in  the Republic of Moldova); (ii)  measures to control price increases, which will 
remain in force until the end of the 60 -day state of emergency; and (iii)  the establishment of 
two "green corridors" for transport operators returning to the Republic of Moldov a from Belarus and 
the Russian  Federation. However, the authorities also expect investment activity to increase in 2022 
due to public infrastructure projects, financed from external sources of development partners.  
1.10.   The Republic of Moldova's unemployment ra te declined from 4.7% in 2015 to 2.9% in 2018, 
before increasing to 5.1% in 2019, although figures might not be strictly comparable (Table  1.2).14 
Cushioned by relief measures, the unemployment rate declined to 3.8% in 2020 and to 3.2% in 
2021. The labour force participation rate among those aged 15 -64 remained relatively low during 
the review period and stood at 49.1% in 2021 (44.9% among women and 53.5% among men), 
according to data provided by the authorities.  The amount of unemployment benefits increase d and 
eligibility criteria were expanded to cover returning migrant workers.15 In addition, the minimum 
amount of guaranteed monthly income for low -income families was increased by almost 20%. 
Furthermore, the authorities introduced a policy to partially r eimburse monthly salaries of employees 
sent into technical unemployment16 during the lockdown period ( Section  1.2.3 ).17 
 
13 Moldpres (2022), "Ministry of Economy Forecasts 0.3% Increase in Country's Economy in 2022", 
31 March. Viewed at: https://www.moldpres.md/en/news/2022/03/31/22002426 . 
14 Since 2019, the La bour Force Survey has been carried out according to the new sampling plan and 
the revised definition of employment.  
15 UNECE (2021), The Impact of COVID ‑19 on Trade and Structural Transformation in the Republic of 
Moldova . Viewed at: https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2021 -06/Impact_COVID -19_Moldova -Eng.pdf . 
16 Ministry of Finance Order No.  58 of 29  April 2020 on the Approval of the Regulation on Subsidization 
of Non-Commercial Enterprises and Organizations, Resident of the Republic of Moldova, Which Have 
Established Technical Unemployment and/or Stationary Status as a Result of the Epidemiological Situation 
(COVID -19). Viewed at: https://www.legis.md/cautare/getResults?doc_id=123705&lang=ro .  
17 UNECE (2021), The Impact of COVID ‑19 on Trade and Structural Transformation in the Republic of 
Moldova . WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 Table 1.3 Remittances, 2015 -21 
  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Personal remittances, received 
(USD million)  1,450.0  1,387.3  1,556.0  1,744.6  1,817.3  1,810.2  2,028.1  
% of GDP  18.7  17.2  16.1 15.2  15.2  15.7 14.8 
Personal remittances, paid 
(USD million)  .. 205.1  211.9  260.3  295.4  328.3  427.7  
% of GDP  .. 2.5  2.2  2.3  2.5  2.8  3.1 
.. Not available.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
1.2.1   Fiscal policy  
1.11.   In the Republic of Moldova, the Medium -Term Budgetary Framework (MTF) establishes the 
objectives of the fiscal policy and determines the framework of resources and expenditures of the 
national public budget and its components for three -year periods. Law No.  181/2014 on Public 
Finance and Fiscal Responsibility establishes the general legal framework for the development and 
approval of the MTF. Annually, in accordance with the budgetary calendar, the Government approves 
the MTF and presents it to Parliament.  
1.12.   The Government's overall balance, as a percentage of GDP, remained relatively stable 
between 2015 and 2019, when it stood at -1.4% (Table  1.2). Howeve r, in 2020 a record deficit of 
5.3% of GDP was recorded (Table  1.2). According to the authorities, the Government's overall deficit 
decreased to 1.9% in 2021 . In its most recent Article  IV report, the IMF estimates that the overall 
government deficit in 2021 remained elevated at 5.2% of GDP  as a supplementary budget adopted 
in November reduced VAT for the hospitality sector ( Section  1.2.3), and increased allocations for 
health, unemployment support, and to address the energy crisis . The IMF est imates p ublic and 
publicly guaranteed debt reach ed 37.1%  of GDP in 202 1, an increase of 9.2  percentage point s 
compared to 2019 .18 
1.13.   Budget outcomes were achieved as government revenues increased from  30% of GDP in 2015 
to 32% of GDP in 2021, while expenditur e increased from 31.8% of GDP in 2015 to 33.9% of GDP 
in 2021 , according to the Government  (with a temporary increase to 36.7% of GDP during the 
COVID -19 pandemic in 2020)  (Table  1.2). The IMF estimates that expenditures and net lending 
continued to increa se between 2020 and 2021, from 35.5% of GDP to 37.0% of GDP.19 
1.2.2   Monetary and exchange rate policies  
1.14.   According to the Law No.  548/1995 on the National Bank of Moldova (NBM), the NBM is the 
central bank of the Republic of Moldova, an autonomous public legal entity developing and promoting 
monetary and foreign exchange policies.20 Its primary objective is to ensure and maintain price 
stability. The NBM operates in accordance with the medium -term monetary policy strategy, approved 
by the Council of Admini stration of the NBM on 27  December  2012.21 According to information 
provided by the authorities, consistent with the inflation target of 5% as the nominal anchor for 
monetary policy, the NBM implements a  managed  floating exchange rate regime  without having  a 
pre-established target for the exchange rate of the domestic currency. The NBM intervenes on the 
foreign exchange market to smooth out excessive fluctuations of the official exchange rate to prevent 
any speculative operations and to strengthen internati onal foreign exchange reserves, as long as 
these interventions do not negatively affect the achievement of the inflation target and the 
fundamental path of the MDL exchange rate.  The NBM publishes data on its foreign exchange 
operations with the aim of enh ancing the market's understanding of the NBM's monetary policy 
actions.  
 
18 IMF (2022), Republic of Moldova: Staff R eport for the 2021 Article  IV Consultation , IMF Country 
Report No.  22/1.  
19 IMF Country Report No.  22/1.  
20 NBM, Monetary Policy Strategy of the NBM . Viewed at: https://www.bnm.md/en/content/medium -
term-monetary -policy -strategy -0. 
21 According to the strategy to ensure and maintain price stability, the NBM set the continuous inflation 
target, measured by the consumer price index, published monthly by the National B ureau of Statistics, at the 
level of 5.0% with a possible deviation of ±1.5  percentage points. NBM, Medium -term Monetary Policy Strategy 
of the NBM . Viewed at: https://www .bnm.md/en/content/medium -term-monetary -policy -strategy -0. WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 1.15.   Generally, there are no restrictions on foreign exchange operations related to capital inflows, 
while some notification requirements for receipts by residents from non -residents of loa ns, credits 
and guarantees remain in place for statistical purposes. Some foreign exchange operations by 
Moldovan residents ( physical and legal persons),  implying capital outflows, remain subject to NBM 
authorization, usually when exceeding a value of EUR  10,000 (or their equivalent)22, taking into 
account, inter alia , the current conditions of the money, credit and foreign exchange market, and 
the situation of the balance of payments.23 There are no restrictions on the conversion or transfer 
of funds asso ciated with foreign investment in the Republic of Moldova.  
1.16.   Between 2015 and 2018, inflation declined from 9.7% to 3% before picking up in 2019 
(Table  1.2) as pressures mounted from an expansionary fiscal stance and a currency depreciation. 
The NBM had tigh tened monetary policy between January and December 2015 when the policy rate 
stood at 19.5%. After the period of loosening between 2016 and 2017, the NBM continued the cycle 
of monetary tightening in 2019, when the policy rate was raised by 100 basis point s to 7.5%.24 In 
addition, in 2019 the required reserve ratio on the Bank's convertible currencies was raised by 
3 percentage points to 17% while that on non -convertible currencies was left unchanged at 42.5%. 
At the last monetary policy meeting in 2019, th e Executive Board of the NBM decided to reduce the 
base rate by 2  percentage points to 5.5%.25 
1.17.   To support domestic aggregate demand, the lending process, and the economy during the 
COVID -19 pandemic, the Executive Board of the NBM undertook accommodative m onetary policy 
measures and gradually reduced the monetary policy interest rate from 5.50% in early March 2020 
to 2.65% by November 2020. In addition, the NBM narrowed the corridor between overnight lending 
and deposits from ±3% to ±2.5% to ±2% during 2020  and 2021.26  As a precautionary measure to 
prevent liquidity risk and strengthen the stability of the banking sector  and to increase the efficiency 
of monetary impulses transmission in the real sector of the economy, the NBM decreased the 
minimum required  reserves of funds attracted in MDL and non -convertible currency to 32% in 
August  2020 and to 26% in April 2021.27 According to the authorities, this was  intended to contribute 
to increasing liquidity available for licensed banks, support the revitalizatio n of lending, and thus 
boost aggregate demand. At the same time, the NBM continued to increase the reserve requirement 
norm in freely convertible currency to 30% in 202028 to strengthen the banking sector in the context 
of reducing external risks and stimu lating financial intermediation in the national currency.  In 2020, 
inflation decreased to 3.8% largely due to disinflationary pressures associated with weak domestic 
demand in the context of the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic, as well as due to falling oil and 
energy prices on the international and regional markets, (Ta ble 1.2), and a slight appreciation of the 
MDL.29 
1.18.   In early 2021 inflation started to increase reaching 5.1% in 2021 (Table  1.2), mostly 
determined by external developments and increases in wages and credit, and standing at around 
22% in March 2022.30 The N BM took steps to gradually tighten monetary policy to alleviate 
inflationary pressures, gradually increasing the policy rate in late July 2021 from 2.65% to 1 5.50% 
by May 2022. It also increased the required reserves ratio of funds attracted in MDL and in 
non-convertible currency  to 28% in February  2022, aimed at, inter alia , moderating the growth of 
credit, and stimulating savings.  
 
22 These include certain purchases by residents of foreign financial instruments, granting of loans, 
credits, or guarantees by residents to non -residents, or the opening of current and deposit accou nts abroad 
with non -resident banks by residents.  
23 Law No.  62/2008 on Foreign Exchange Regulation.  
24 IMF Country Report No.  19/305.   
25 IMF Country Report No.  19/305.  
26 NBM, NBM Interest Rates . Viewed at: https://www.bnm.md/en/content/nbm -interest -
rates?base_rates_full . 
27 NBM, Report:  Required Reserves Maintained by Banks in MDL . Viewed at: 
https://www.bnm.md/bdi/pages/reports/dop/DOP2.xhtml?id=o&lang=en . 
28 NMB, Report: Required Reserves Maintained by Banks in FCC . Viewed at: 
https://www.bnm.md/bdi/pages/reports/dop/DOP3.xhtml . 
29 NBM (2020), Inflation Report No.  2, May . Viewed at: https://www.bnm.md/en/content/inflation -
report-no2-may-2020. 
30 NBM, Annual Inflation Rate . Viewed at: https://www.bnm.md/ro/content/rata -inflatiei -0. WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 1.2.3   Response to the COVID -19 pandemic  
1.19.   In response to the global COVID -19 outbreak in early 2020, restrictions were introduced: 
mass gatherings and events (with participation of more than 50 persons)  were prohibited, from 
17 March to 15  May 2020, to stem the community transmission of the virus, and save lives.31 As 
outlined above, these, and other measures taken internationally, negat ively affected the economy32, 
in particular  consumer -facing sectors (e.g. food services and retail), transport and storage, and 
business support activities.  
1.20.   According to the authorities, in 2020 the Economic Council to the Prime Minister developed 
the Poli cy Matrix for economic recovery in COVID -19 pandemic conditions, which included economic 
measures supported by the business environment. In addition, to reduce the negative effects of the 
pandemic, the Ministry of Economy developed a programme on post -COVID-19 economic measures 
for 2020 -21 to support economic recovery of the macroeconomic situation and improve the 
population's welfare. Therefore, the authorities implemented a macroeconomic policy mix and 
launched targeted relief measures, such as credit sch emes and tax deferrals. The authorities also 
reinforced and scaled up trade facilitation measures advanced under the Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation to mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic, generating savings for enterprises and 
ensuring complianc e with the World Health Organization (WHO) safety guidelines.33 These measures 
were also meant to alleviate the impact of the temporary border closures, which affected 30% 
(12 out of 40) of the country's border crossing points over the course of March -July 2020.34 Trade 
facilitation measures played an important role in developing gains in efficiency for enterprises and 
supply chain actors.35 However, to a certain extent, "these gains were undermined by the reduced 
working hours in State agencies and weaknes ses in the national transport system".36 The authorities 
also introduced two temporary measures restricting exports of certain medical equipment in 2020 
and 2022 (Sections  2.3.1 and 3.2.3). The authorities also introduced trade facilitation measures 
including eliminating excise duties on imports  of undistorted ethyl alcohol for use in antiseptic 
products ( Section  2.3.1) . 
1.21.   Between 2020 and 2021, the authorities introduced several other measures to support 
households, workers, and firms, such as income support, wage subsidies, subsidies for enterpri ses, 
grants facilitating access to credits by businesses, and provision of affordable financing (Table  1.4). 
Table 1.4 Government relief and support measures  
Area  Measure  
Tax relief  • Deferment of tax payments, from 25  March  2020 until 25  June 2020; 100% to 60% of taxes 
on salary paid to employees and economic agents who ceased their activity because of 
activity restrictions imposed by authorities.  
• Suspension of the 2019 audit obligations for enterprise s that were hard hit by lockdown 
measures until 31  December  2020.  
• The VAT rate for the food service and hotel industries (HORECA) sector was reduced from 
15% to 12% on 1  January  2021 and was further reduced to 6% on 1  October  2021.  
Enterprise 
support  • State subsidies for enterprises; financing interest rates on bank loans taken out by the 
enterprises between 1  May 2020 and 31  December  2020.  
• Exemptions from patent payments for patent holding enterprises that were forced to suspend 
operations duri ng the lockdown period.  
• Conditional grants in the amount of MDL  100 million (approximately USD  5.6 million) to 
support entrepreneurs, with a special emphasis on female entrepreneurs.  
• SME Digitalization Support Tool to encourage the digitalization of busine ss models; allocation 
of MDL 10.5  million.  
Employment  • Unemployment benefits increased and eligibility criteria were expanded to cover returning 
migrant workers.  
 
31 Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, State of Emergency . Viewed at: 
https://www.parlament.md/Actualitate/%20Noutati/tabid/89/NewsId/2374/language/ro -RO/Default.aspx . 
32 UNECE (2021), The Impact of COVID -19 on Trade and Structural Transformation in the Republic of 
Moldova .  
33 UNECE, Observatory on Border Crossings Status due to COVID -19: Moldova . Viewed at: 
https://wiki.unece.org/display/CTRBSBC/Moldova . 
34 OECD (2020), Measures Introduced in Member Countries related to COVID ‑19: Moldova . Viewed at: 
https://www.itf -oecd.org/sites/default/files/docs/md -measures -covid19_10 .pdf. 
35 UNECE (2021), The Impact of COVID -19 on Trade and Structural Transformation in the Republic of 
Moldova . 
36 UNECE (2021), The Impact of COVID -19 on Trade and Structural Transformation in the Republic of 
Moldova . WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 Area  Measure  
• The minimum amount of "guaranteed monthly income" for low -income families was increased 
by almost 20%.  
• Partial reimbursement of monthly salaries of employees sent into technical unemployment 
during the lockdown period.  
Monetary 
stimulus  • Policy rate reduced to 2.65% in November 2020; reserve ratio in local currency decreased to 
26% in April 2021.  
• From 27  March  2020, encouraging lending by non -banking sector organizations (microfinance 
organizations) to lower interest rates by at least 5%.  
• Deferral of regulatory payments to the National Commission for Financial Markets (NCFM) 
(insura nce companies, lending offices of credit histories).  
Other  • Mortgage guarantee programme; commercial banks authorized to reschedule mortgage loans 
for physical persons from 20  March  2020 to 30  June 2020.  
• Transport services assistance; cargo drivers, goods transport service personnel and 
aircraft/ships/train crews exempted from the requirement of self -isolation and 14 day of 
quarantine.  
Source:  UNECE (2021), The Impact of COVID -19 on Trade and Structural Transformation in the Republic of 
Moldova, Annex  2; WTO, COVID -19: Support Measures  (Republic of Moldova measures as notified to 
the WTO). Viewed at: 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/trade_related_support_measures_e.htm ; 
Government of the Republic of Moldova, Parliament Law. No.  60 of 23 of April 2020 on the 
Establishment of Measures to Support the Entrepreneurial Acti vity and the Amendment of Some 
Normative Acts. Viewed at: https:// www.legis.md/cautare/getResults?doc_id=121284&lang=ro ; 
and NBM, Report:  Required Reserves Maintained by Banks in  MDL. Viewed at: 
https://www.bnm.md/bdi/pages/reports/dop/DOP2.xhtml?id=o&lang=en . 
1.2.4   Balance of payments  
1.22.   Prior to the COVID -19 pandemic, the Republic of Moldova's current accoun t deficit (CAD) as 
a percentage of GDP increased from 6% of GDP in 2015 to 9.3% in 2019 (Table  1.2). The CAD 
significantly increased in 2018 driven by changes in external trade in goods, as imports increased 
more than exports (Table  1.5). This was the resu lt of strong domestic demand and decrease in 
commodity exports' growth amid a real exchange rate appreciation.37 In 2020, the CAD narrowed 
to 7.7% of GDP, amounting to USD  893 million, due to the decrease of the deficit of foreign trade 
in goods, increase of the surplus of secondary incomes, and the slight increase of the surplus of 
services.38 In 2021, the CAD as a percentage of GDP was 11.6%, amounting to USD  1,590  million; 
according to the authorities, the deficit was financed by inflows  of currency and deposit holdings and 
trade credits and advances. The trade in goods deficit increased by approximately 35.4% in 2021 
up to USD  4.2 trillion (corresponding to 30.6% of GDP) as imports increased more than exports. The 
services balance widened its surplus in 2021, continuing its trend increase from USD  132 million in 
2015 to USD  457 million in 2021 (Table  1.5). 
1.23.   The financial account recorded net inflows during the review period increasing as a share of 
GDP in 2020, and declining again in 2021 (Table  1.2). This  was attributable to increasing direct 
investments until 2019 before they declined significantly in 2020 and partially recovered in 2021. 
Other investment flows dominate the financial account since 2016 (Table  1.5). The net inflows 
recorded in 2021 were a result of the net increase of residents' liabilities to non -residents by 
USD 1,147  million generated by actual transactions, as well as the net decrease of residents' 
external financial assets by USD  455 million.39 The Republic of Moldova's change in reserve assets 
to GDP varied during the review period from –4.0% of GDP in 2015 to +5.3% in 2020 and +1.5% 
in 2021 (Tables  1.2 and 1.5).  
Table 1.5 Balance of payments, 2015 -21 
(USD million)   
2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Current account  -462.8  -288.4  -555.4  -1,211.9  -1,111.6  -892.5  -1,590.1  
Goods and services 
balance  -1,991.5  -1,858.1  -2,254.6  -2,938.0  -2,960.4  -2,712.0  -3,732.8  
Goods balance  -2,123.7  -2,078.7  -2,558.8  -3,294.0  -3,311.6  -3,094.3  -4,190.4  
 
37 IMF (2020), Republic of Moldova: Sta ff Report for the 2020 Article  IV Consultation and Sixth Reviews 
Under the Extended Credit Facility and Extended Fund Facility Arrangements, Debt Sustainability Analysis – 
Update . Viewed at: https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/dsa/pdf/2020/dsacr2076.pdf . 
38 NBM (2021), Annual Report 2020 .  
39 NBM (2021), Annual Report 2020 . WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Exports  1,506.9  1,557.8  1,866.1  1,975.1  2,118.0  1,944.4  2,562.3  
Imports  3,630.7  3,636.5  4,424.9  5,269.1  5,429.7  5,038.7  6,752.6  
Services balance  132.3  220.6  304.3  356.0  351.2  382.3  457.5  
Receipts  981.5  1,065.5  1,253.3  1,477.4  1,543.9  1,277.6  1,634.6  
Payments  849.2  844.9  949.1  1,121.5  1,192.7  895.3  1,177.0  
Primary income  449.5  446.0  555.8  535.8  615.0  390.4  376.9  
Credit  816.2  748.5  879.5  997.1  1,022.7  856.2  885.1  
Compensation of 
employees  783.2  717.6  838.8  938.9  959.8  819.6  863.8  
Debit  366.7  302.5  323.6  461.3  407.7  465.9  508.2  
Compensation of 
employees  83.3  76.2  76.7  84.7  81.7  89.4  100.7  
Secondary income  1,079.1  1,123.7  1,143.3  1,190.4  1,233.9  1,429.1  1,765.8  
Credit  1,222.0  1,245.4  1,279.8  1,353.1  1,414.3  1,619.5  2,052.8  
Personal transfers  757.0  749.6  799.1  899.1  950.1  1,057.0  1,220.8  
Debit  142.9  121.7  136.5  162.8  180.4  190.4  286.9  
Personal transfers  70.8  65.2  67.3  84.3  99.0  118.0  192.4  
Capital account  54.9  -17.8  -21.3  -35.9  -55.0  -65.7  -51.0  
Balance from current and 
capital account  -408.0  -306.2  -576.7  -1,247.7  -1,166.6  -958.2  -1,641.1  
Financial account balance  -157.6  -905.4  -1,031.6  -1,436.5  -1,209.4  -1,679.5  -1,808.4  
Direct investment  -218.6  -74.1  -138.7  -259.1  -467.9  -151.7  -238.9  
Portfolio investment and 
derivatives  -4.7  0.1  -0.7  4.7  5.0  0.5  -6.3  
Other investment  65.7  -831.4  -892.2  -1,182.0  -746.5  -1,528.3  -1,563.1  
Net errors and omissions  -56.1  -68.0  76.4  46.8  17.6  -84.0  38.5  
Reserve assets (increase 
(+)) -306.5  531.1  531.2  235.5  60.5  637.4  205.8  
Source:  NBM, Interactive Database. Viewed at: https://www.bnm.md/bdi/?lang=en . 
1.24.   The Republic of Moldova's gross external debt increased in absolute terms during the review 
period to reach USD  9 billion, while it moder ated as a share of GDP from 76.6% in 2015 to 65.9% 
of GDP in 2021 (Table  1.2). According to the authorities, in terms of maturity structure, long -term 
debt stood at USD  6.3 billion at the end of 2021, while external short -term debt amounted to 
USD 2.7 billion at the end of 2021. According to the information provided by the authorities, external 
short-term debt included: trade credits and advances (consisting of advances received for exports 
and unpaid invoices for imports) (88.1%), bank deposits of non -residents in licensed banks in the 
Republic of Moldova (5.3%), other short -term loans (3.2%), other debt liabilities (3.0%), and 
intercompany loans (0.4%).  
1.3   Developments in Trade and Investment  
1.3.1   Trends and patterns in merchandise and services trade  
1.25.   The Republic  of Moldova is an open economy, however, its trade -to-GDP ratio has been 
declining gradually from the 100% reported in 2015 to 84.4% in 2020.40 
1.3.1.1   Merchandise trade  
1.26.    Between 2015 and 2019, the Republic of Moldova exports of merchandise increased from 
USD 1,966 million in 2015 to USD  2,779  million in 2019. However, after the pandemic in 2020, 
exports in merchandise reduced to USD  2,467  million before increasing again in 2021 to USD  3,144. 
The Republic of Moldova's merchandise exports are dominated by manufactur ed goods, which 
accounted for 51.5% of total goods exports in 2021, while agriculture, a key component of the rural 
economy, represented 44.9% (Table  1.6). Similarly, between 2015 and 2019, imports of 
merchandise increased from USD  3,986  million in 2015 to  USD 5,842  million in 2019. In 2020, 
however, imports reduced to USD  5,416  million before increasing again in 2021 to 
 
40 WTO Secretariat calculations based on UN Comtrade database 2020.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 USD 7,176  million. The structure of Republic of Moldova's merchandise imports is also centred on 
manufactured products, which accounted fo r 68.6% of total imports in 2021, while the shares of 
agriculture and oil and minerals were 15.1% and 14.6%, respectively (Table  1.6). 
Table 1.6 Merchandise trade by main SITC Rev.3 classification categories, 2015 -21 
 
2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Exports (USD  million)  1,967  2,045  2,425  2,707  2,779  2,467  3,145   
(% of total exports)  
Agriculture  47.0 45.9 46.0 42.5 43.0 42.5 44.9 
Mining (incl. oil)  1.9 1.3 1.9 1.8 1.3 2.1 3.6 
Manufacturing  51.1 52.8 52.0 55.6 55.6 55.4 51.5 
Other  0.03 0.02 0.05 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.03 
Imports (USD  million)  3,987  4,020  4,831  5,764  5,843  5,416  7,177   
(% of total imports)  
Agriculture  15.7 16.0 15.5 14.2 14.8 16.5 15.1 
Mining (incl. oil) 13.4 11.9 13.1 14.2 12.9 9.3 14.6 
Manufacturing  64.1 66.9 66.6 66.3 67.3 70.9 68.6 
Other  6.7 5.1 4.8 5.3 5.1 3.2 1.7 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on UN Comtrade database.  
1.27.   Primary exports of the Republic of Moldova include food and beverages, agricultural products, 
apparel, and transport equipment. Analysed by main Harmonized System (HS) section, the Republic 
of Moldova's leading export products are vegetable products, which contributed 27.7% to total 
merchandise exports in 2021 (Tab le A1.1). Within this product group, edible fruit and nuts figured 
prominently, accounting for 7.4% of total merchandise exports in that year. In 2021, other important 
exports are machinery and electrical equipment (18.2%); prepared food, beverages and tob acco 
(13%); and textiles and textile articles (10.6%) (Chart 1.1). The Republic of Moldova is also an 
exporter of wine, accounting for 4.5% of total merchandise exports in 2021 (Table  A1.1).  
1.28.   In 2021, the main merchandise imports, in terms of HS sections, a re machinery and electrical 
equipment (including electrical machineries and mechanical appliances), which made up 18.4% of 
total imports, followed by petroleum and mineral products (13.7%), chemicals (11.3%), transport 
equipment (7.2%), textiles and textil e articles (6.9%), and base metals (6.7%) (Chart 1.1 and 
Table  A1.2). 
1.29.   Most of the Republic of Moldova's merchandise trade is carried out with EU -27, reflecting the 
country's participation in regional value chains and economic integration schemes; nonethele ss, the 
shares of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) trading partners are still considerable despite 
decreasing during the review period. In 2021, 61% of the Republic of Moldova's merchandise exports 
were shipped to markets in EU -27 (compared with 54 .9% in 2015); prominent export partners 
include Romania (26.5%), Germany (7.8%), Italy (7.6%), and Poland (3.5%) (Chart  1.2 and 
Table  A1.3). The share of exports going to the CIS was 12.5% in 2021 (a decrease from 23.6% in 
2015), with the Russian  Federatio n and Belarus receiving the majority of Republic of Moldova's 
exports to that group. Other important export destinations were T ürkiye (10%), Switzerland (3.8%), 
and Ukraine (3%).  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 Chart 1.1 Product composition of merchandise trade by main HS section, 2015 and 2021  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on UN Comtrade database.  
1.30.   In 2021, 43.9% of total merchandise imports originated in the EU -27, a slight d ecline from 
47.7% in 2015. In 2021, the share of total imports originating in the CIS was 17.3% (an increase 
from 16.3% in 2015), with the Russian  Federation accounting for the largest share with 14.7% in 
2021 (13.4% in 2015), followed by China (11.7%), Uk raine (9.3%), and Türkiye (7.6%) (Chart  1.2 
and Table  A1.4). 
Chart 1.[MDA]  Product composition of merchandise trade by main HS section, 2015 and 2021
2015 2021
Total:   USD 1,966.8 million Total:  USD 3,144.5 million  
Base metals & 
articles thereof
7.2%Animal or vegetable 
fats & oils
3.9%
Base metals &
articles thereof
6.7% 
Total:   USD 3,986.8 million Total:   USD 7,176.8 million Vegetable products
27.7%Other
12.6%
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on UN Comtrade database.Other 
22.6%Miscellaneous 
manufactured articles
5.5%
Other
18.9%Transport equipment
7.2%Prepared food, 
beverages & tobacco  
15.4%Other
12.8%
Chemicals 
11.3%Transport equipment
4.8%Miscellaneous 
manufactured articles
5.9%
Animal or vegetable
fats & oils
3.7%
Vegetable 
products
4.2%Machinery;
electrical equipment
15.8% Machinery; 
electrical equipment
18.4% 
Plastics & rubber 
6.4% Plastics & rubber 
6.4% 
Petroleum & 
mineral products
11.9%Petroleum & 
mineral products
13.7%Textiles & 
textile articles 
7.2%
Vegetable 
products
4.9%Prepared food, 
beverages & tobacco 
13.0%Exports (f.o.b.)
Imports (c.i.f.)Vegetable products
25.5%Chemicals
3.6%Chemicals
6.0%
Textiles & 
textile articles 
6.9%Textiles & 
textile articles 
13.9% Textiles &
textile articles
10.6%
Chemicals 
12.4%Machinery;
electrical equipment
18.2% Machinery;
electrical equipment
15.0% 
Prepared food, 
beverages & tobacco 
6.3%Prepared food, 
beverages & tobacco 
6.8%Base metals &
articles thereof
4.6% Base metals &
articles thereof
2.2% WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 Chart 1.2 Direction of merchandise trade, 2015 and 2021  
 
a Commonwealth of Independent States, including certain associate and former member States . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on UN Comtrade database.  
1.3.1.2   Services trade  
1.31.   Between 2015 and 2019, the Republic of Moldova's exports of services increased from 
USD 981 million in 2015 to USD  1,544  million; transport services were the main export item, 
accounting for 26.2% of total services exports. However, after the pandemic in 2020, the Republic 
of Moldova's exports in services reduced to USD  1,277  million, reflecting the restrictions on 
international mobility associated with the COVID -19 pandem ic but increased up to 
USD 1,634.6  million in 2021 mainly due to the increase in exports of travel services, computer 
services, and transport. In 2021, the share of transport and travel services stood at 20% and 25.5%, 
respectively, of total services expor ts (Table  1.7). 
Chart 1.[MDA]  Direction of merchandise trade, 2015 and 2021
2015 2021
Exports (f.o.b.)
Poland
3.5%
Total:  USD 1,966.8 million Total:  USD 3,144.5 million
EU-27
47.7%Other
10.4%
Other EU -27
15.6%Romania
13.9%Imports (c.i.f.)
EU-27
43.9%Romania
11.6%
Total:  USD 3,986.8 million Total:  USD 7,176.8 millionTürkiye
3.3%
Italy
6.2%
Türkiye
7.6%Romania
22.7%
Romania
26.5%
Italy
7.0%
a   Commonwealth of Independent States, including certain associate and former member states.
Source :  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on UN Comtrade database.Ukraine
9.3%China
9.2%Switzerland
3.8%EU-27
61.0%
Germany
7.6%United Kingdom
2.1%EU-27
54.9%Belarus
6.7%
Italy
10.0%Russian 
Federation
12.2%
Other EU -27
15.6%Other CIS 
1.6%
Germany
6.0%Russian Federation
8.8%
Ukraine
9.3%CISa
12.5%
Other
10.3%
Russian Federation
13.4%Germany
8.1%
Other EU -27
14.9%China
11.7%
Russian Federation
14.7%
Türkiye
7.2%United Kingdom
7.0%
Poland
3.1%Poland
3.6%Türkiye
10.0%Belarus 2.2 %
Poland
3.5%Other 
8.9%Other 
7.7%
Italy
7.6%
Other EU -27
12.7%Germany
7.8%
CISa
16.3%CISa
17.3%CISa
23.6%Other CIS
4.7%
Other CIS
2.6%Other CIS
2.8%Ukraine
2.3%Ukraine
3.0%WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 1.32.   Imports of services increased between 2017 -19 before falling to USD  895 million in  2020 and 
then increasing to USD  1,177  million in 2021. Transport services (35.4%), travel (31.9%), and other 
business services (mainly professional and manag ement consulting services; technical, 
trade -related, and other business services; research and development) (11.2%) accounted for the 
bulk of services imports (Table  1.7). 
Table 1.7 Trade in services, 2015 -21 
 
2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Total credit (USD  million)  982 1,066 1,253  1,477  1,544 1,278 1,635  
(% of total credit)  
Manufacturing services on physical inputs 
owned by others  14.2 13.9 13.7 16.9 17.3 18.1 14.8 
Maintenance and repair services  0.2 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 
Transportation  32.8 33.0 32.7 29.4 26.2 19.3 20.0 
Travel  22.3 24.0 25.8 25.8 25.7 24.7 25.5 
   Business  7.0 7.8 8.5 8.3 8.4 7.8 8.0 
   Personal  15.3 16.1 17.3 17.5 17.3 16.9 17.5 
Construction  0.4 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 1.0 0.8 
Financial services, incl. insurance and 
pension  0.6 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.4 
Charges for the intellectual property  0.5 0.6 0.5 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.2 
Telecommunication, computer and 
information  16.5 14.5 14.0 15.3 16.7 23.7 24.4 
Other business services  8.9 8.9 9.2 8.5 10.4 9.8 11.3 
Personal, cultural and recreational services  0.2 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 
Government goods and services n.i.e.  3.3 3.4 2.3 2.1 2.0 2.1 1.9 
Total debit (USD  million)  849 845 949 1,122 1,193 895 1,177   
(% of total debit)  
Manufacturing services on physical inputs 
owned by others  0.3 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.4 0.8 
Maintenance and repair services  1.5 1.0 0.8 1.2 1.5 1.4 1.2 
Transportation  36.0 35.4 36.4 35.7 34.9 33.6 35.4 
Travel  33.4 30.4 31.8 31.4 32.3 31.2 31.9 
   Business  14.8 12.4 13.3 12.2 12.1 12.8 10.9 
   Personal  18.6 18.0 18.5 19.2 20.2 18.3 21.0 
Construction  0.4 1.4 1.7 1.4 2.1 3.7 2.5 
Financial services, incl. insurance and 
pension  1.4 1.7 1.8 1.7 1.5 1.7 1.7 
Charges for the intellectual property  2.2 2.3 2.6 2.7 2.7 3.0 4.4 
Telecommunication, computer and 
information  9.9 9.2 8.8 8.1 8.0 9.2 7.2 
Other business services  10.2 13.3 11.4 13.5 12.9 11.2 11.2 
Personal, cultural and recreational services  0.5 0.7 1.2 1.4 1.3 1.3 0.9 
Government goods and services n.i.e.  4.0 4.4 3.0 2.6 2.6 3.3 2.8 
Source:  NBM, Interactive Database. Viewed at: https://www.bnm.md/bdi/?lang=en . 
1.3.2   Trends and patterns in FDI  
1.33.   During the review period, the services sector continued to account for the largest share of the 
total inward FDI stock (55.8% in 2020) in the Republic of Moldova, with financial and insurance 
activities leading (Table  1.8). In 2019, the total FDI stock increased as a result of an increase in 
investments by international retail tr ade chains from Eastern European countries and from 
Germany.41 The total inward FDI stock continued to increase in 2020 and 2021, while as a percentage 
of GDP, however, it decreased from 37.5% in 2015 to 35.1% in 2021 (Table  1.8). 
1.34.   During the review period,  the EU -27 remained Republic of Moldova's major investor, 
accounting for 67.5% of the total FDI stock in 2020, followed by the  Russian  Federation (19.8% in 
 
41 UNCTAD (2020), World Investment Report 2020 . Viewed at: https://unctad.org/system/files/official -
document/w ir2020_en.pdf . WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 2020) and the United Kingdom (4.9%) (Table  1.8). The Russian  Federation's share of total FDI stock 
in the Republic of Moldova decreased during the reporting period from 28.3% in 2015 to 19.8% in 
2020. On the other hand, the share of the EU -27 increased during the review period.  
Table 1.8 Direct invest ment liabilities, and FDI inward stock, 2015 -21 
 
2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Total direct investment 
(USD  million)a 2,904 2,954 3,628  4,085 4,738  4,748  4,801 
 % of GDP  37.5 36.6 37.5 35.7 39.6 41.2 35.1 
 Equity and investment fund shares 
(USD million)  1,199  1,313  1,874 2,236 2,831 2,813 2,885 
 Debt instruments (USD  million)  1,705 1,643 1,755 1,849  1,907 1,935  1,916 
Foreign direct investment inward stock, by destination (% of total inward stock)b 
EU-27 58.3 60.6 63.7 62.5 66.3 67.2 .. 
 Cyprus  8.3 8.7 9.9 8.4 16.8 17.3 .. 
 Netherlands  12.7 13.6 13.2 13.6 12.6 10.0 .. 
 Romania  5.6 5.3 6.1 8.0 8.5 9.2 .. 
 Other EU  31.8 33.1 34.6 32.5 28.4 30.7 .. 
Russian  Federation  28.3 27.4 23.7 22.6 20.4 19.8 .. 
United Kingdom  3.3 2.2 2.2 3.9 4.1 4.9 .. 
Ukraine  1.5 1.5 1.0 1.1 1.1 0.9 .. 
Other  8.6 8.3 9.4 9.9 8.1 7.2 .. 
Foreign direct investment inward stock, by sector (% of total inward stock)b 
Agriculture, forestry and fishing  .. 1.7 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.6 .. 
Mining and quarrying  .. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 .. 
Manufacturing  .. 17.5 20.9 21.1 19.4 20.5 .. 
Electricity, gas, steam and air 
conditioning supply  .. 35.1 30.5 26.6 22.0 20.6 .. 
Construction  .. 1.7 2.4 2.4 1.7 1.5 .. 
Services  .. 43.9 44.4 48.4 55.3 55.8 .. 
 Wholesale and retail trade  .. 10.5 11.4 12.1 17.8 17.4 .. 
 Transportation and storage  .. 1.6 2.0 3.5 3.3 2.5 .. 
 Accommodation and food service  .. 0.8 0.8 0.7 1.1 0.8 .. 
 Information and communication  .. 9.3 8.9 7.9 7.1 7.1 .. 
 Financial and insurance activities  .. 15.1 14.2 15.2 19.1 21.0 .. 
 Real estate activities  .. 6.0 5.4 7.1 5.2 5.1 .. 
 Other  .. 0.7 1.7 2.0 1.6 1.9 .. 
.. Not available.  
a Direct investment statistics from the international investment position, position at period -end, 
presented according to the assets/liabilities principle . 
b Statistics according to the directional principle.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations based on da ta received by the authorities.  
 WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  2  TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
2.1  General Framework  
2.1.  According to its Constitution, the Republic of Moldova is a parliamentary republic with the 
President as the head of state and the Prime Minister as the head of Government. The powers of the 
State are separated among the branches of the executive, the legi slative, and the judiciary.  
2.2.  In 2016, the Constitutional Court ruled1 that the President had to be elected by direct vote 
every four years. It found that earlier changes to the Constitution, which had resulted in the 
Parliament electing the President since  2001, had not been constitutional and reverted these 
changes. The President is elected with an absolute majority, either in the first round or in a potential 
run-off between the top two candidates based on the results of the first round.  
2.3.  Parliamentary ele ctions are also held every four years with the 101 deputies selected by 
proportional representation using electoral thresholds. The President appoints the Government 
following parliamentary approval of the Prime Minister (proposed by the President followin g 
consultations with Parliament), the cabinet, and the government programme. Based on the proposal 
of the Prime Minister, the President can revoke and appoint some members of the Government.2 
Parliament can initiate the process of establishing a new Gover nment with a vote of no confidence.  
2.4.  The judiciary consists of the Supreme Court of Justice, Courts of Appeal, and courts of law 
including special courts in certain circumstances. Presidents, vice  presidents, and judges of the 
courts of law are appointed by  the President following a proposal submitted by the Superior Council 
of Magistracy.3 Judges are initially appointed for five years, followed by an appointment for life (until 
reaching a certain age limit), while presidents and vice  presidents are appoint ed for a renewable 
four-year term. Presidents, deputy presidents, and judges of the Supreme Court of Justice are 
appointed by Parliament following a proposal submitted by the Superior Council of Magistracy. All 
judges are irremovable for the tenure of thei r mandate. The Constitutional Court reviews, upon 
appeal, the constitutionality of legal texts issued by the President, the Government, and in 
international treaties. According to the Constitution, Parliament, the Government, and the Superior 
Council of Ma gistracy each appoint two of the six judges for six -year terms.  
2.5.  The hierarchy of legal instruments is as follows: (i)  the Constitution; (ii)  organic and ordinary 
laws and decisions approved by Parliament; and (iii)  other decisions and normative acts issued  by 
the Government and other public authorities. Should the provisions of international treaties differ 
from those of national laws, the provisions of the international treaties prevail.4 All legal instruments 
are published in official sources, notably th e Official Gazette  (https://monitorul.gov.md/ ) and the 
State Register of Legal Acts maintained by the Ministry of Justice ( https://www.legis.md/ ), where 
current and past consolidated versions of legal texts are freely accessible in Romanian and Russian.  
The text of normative acts can be found by searching the document number and year on 
https://www.legis.md . 
2.6.  Draft normative legal acts a ffecting entrepreneurial activity, the state budget, and institutional 
reform have been subject to an assessment of their regulatory impact on the business environment 
since 2006.5 Such Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIA) evaluate the costs and benefits o f proposed 
regulation s including their impact on entrepreneurial activity, and they are part of the informative 
note that is an integral part of the law -making process. To address some shortcomings identified in 
20166, the Government tasked the State Chan cellery to take the lead role in regulatory reforms 
 
1 Constitutional Court (2016), "The Constitutional Court Has Restored the Right of Citizens to Elect Their 
President", 4  March. Viewed at: https://constcourt.md/libview.php?l=ro&idc=7&id=759&t=%2FPrezentare -
generala%2FServiciul -de-presa%2FNoutati%2FCurtea -Constitutionala -a-restabilit -dreptul-cetatenilor -de-a-si-
alege -Presedintele .  
2 Constitution, Chapter VI.  
3 This Council is composed of elected judges and full professors.  
4 Law No.  81/2004.  
5 Law No.  235/2006 on Basic Principles of Regulating Entrepreneurial Activity, Article  13. 
6 Europeanprofiles (2016), Support to the DCFTA Process in the Republic of Moldova . Viewed at: 
http://dcfta.md/support -on-regulatory -impact -assessment .  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  affecting entrepreneurial activity and related RIA processes and updated the RIA methodology in 
2019.7 Since 2019, RIAs have been published on the website of the State Chancellery.8 
2.7.  Public administration follows principles of local autonomy and decentralization of public services 
within the unitary state. During the review period, the Government embarked on a comprehensive 
public administration reform agenda to improve the accountability of the public administration, the 
development and coordination of public policies, the modernization of public services (including 
human resource management), and public f inancial management. Despite some progress made in 
these areas, however, the original shortcomings have not been fully remedied according to the 
post-implementation evaluation report.9 
2.8.  The Republic of Moldova is organized administratively into 32 district s, 5 municipalities, and 
2 regions with special status: 1 autonomous territorial unit (Găgăuzia), and the territorial 
administrative units from the left bank of the Dniester/Nistru River, generically known as 
Transnistria.10 While Găgăuzia continues to hav e special legal status within the legal framework of 
the Republic of Moldova, in particular in matters concerning language, budget, culture, economic 
and social policies, and public administration, policies affecting foreign trade are exclusively 
determine d by the Central Government. Unless otherwise stated, data contained in this Review do 
not include Transnistria, and the description of applied policies does not necessarily reflect the 
situation in this region, for lack of information on the application o f individual Moldovan laws and 
regulations therein.  
2.2  Trade Policy Formulation and Objectives  
2.9.  For most of the review period, the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure formulated and 
implemented trade policies in coordination with other ministries and trade -related agencies such as 
the customs service or the Ministry of Finance. In September 2021, the Ministry was split into the 
Ministry of Economy as well as the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development.11 
2.10.   The Ministry of Economy oversees policies relating to the economy, the business and 
investment environment, public property, information technology and digital economy, and quality 
infrastructure and market surveillance, as well as trade policies, WTO -related issues, and the 
negotiation a nd implementation of RTAs.12 A number of Ministry departments, such as the 
Directorates of Business Environment Development, or of Quality Infrastructure and Market 
Surveillance, play important roles in shaping the trade policy environment. The Ministry co ntrols and 
supervises the Agency for Consumer Protection and Market Surveillance, the National Institute of 
Metrology, and the Moldovan Institute of Standardization. It also monitors the operation of the 
National Accreditation Centre and coordinates with t he Organization for the Development of Small 
and Medium Enterprises (ODIMM).  
2.11.   Trade and trade -related policies in the Republic of Moldova ultimately aim at closer economic 
integration with its neighbours to the west (the European  Union), while maintaining p referential 
trade relations with its eastern partners (mainly via the Commonwealth of Independent States FTA). 
In line with the Republic of Moldova -European  Union Association Agreement (Moldova -EU 
Association Agreement) and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) concluded in 
2014, the Republic of Moldova has continued to align its regulatory framework with the EU acquis  
(Section  2.3.2). In March 2022, the Republic of Moldova applied for EU membership.  
 
7 Government Decision No.  23/2019.  
8 State Chancellery, Activity of the Working Group of the State Commission for the Regulation of 
Entrepreneurial Activity . Viewed at: https://cancelaria.gov.md/ro/apc/activitatea -grupului -de-lucru-al-comisiei -
de-stat-pentru -reglementarea -activitatii -de.  
9 CPM International (2021), Ex-post Evaluation Report of the Public Administration Reform Strategy of 
the Republic of Moldov a, draft February . 
10 Republic of Moldova, Administrative -Territorial Organization of Moldova . Viewed at: 
https://moldova.md/en/content/administrative -territorial -organization -moldova .  
11 In 2017, the Ministry of Economy had been restructured into the Ministry of Economy and 
Infrastructure, absorbing the Ministry of Transport and Road Infrastructure and the Ministry of Information 
Technology and Communications. See Government Decision No.  594 of 26  July 2017 on the Restructuring of 
the Specialized Central Public Administration.  
12 Government Decision No.  143 of 25  August  2021 on the Organisation and Functioning of the Ministry 
of Economy.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  2.12.   The Ministry of Economy undertakes public co nsultations regarding all policy initiatives under 
its purview, including the dissemination of ex ante analyses for policy proposals, via its website.13 
According to the authorities, it also consults on an ad hoc basis with the private sector during trade 
policy formulation and the negotiation of RTAs. Consultations with the private sector regarding 
reforms aimed at improving the business environment and when RIAs are discussed are led by the 
Prime Minister's Economic Council. The Moldova -EU Association Agr eement also contains 
commitments to transparency in policy making, in particular regarding public consultation including 
how to deal with comments received, the publication of relevant regulations, and their 
implementation. According to the authorities, th e Government is required to incorporate comments 
received from stakeholders to the extent possible.  
2.13.   In December 2018, the Parliament approved a new development strategy, Moldova 2030, 
replacing the Moldova 2020 strategy in place at the time of the previous  Review. Aligned with the 
UN Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Moldova -EU Association Agreement, and the DCFTA, 
it focuses on: (i)  developing a sustainable and inclusive economy; (ii)  strengthening human and 
social capital; (iii)  making the instituti ons more efficient and fairer; and (iv)  ensuring the 
fundamental right to a healthy and safe environment for citizens.14 The Government also aims to 
accelerate investment and to increase and structurally diversify exports, both through its use of 
industria l platforms, Free Economic Zones (Section  2.2.1), and the Strategy for Investment 
Attraction and Export Promotion for 2016 -2020 (Section  2.4). 
2.3  Trade Agreements and Arrangements  
2.3.1   WTO  
2.14.   The Republic of Moldova has been a WTO member since 26  July 2001 and grants  at least MFN 
treatment to all of its trading partners. It is a party to the Information Technology Agreement and 
the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA), which it ratified on 24  June 2016. Since 14  July 2016, 
the Republic of Moldova has been a party to the Agreement on Government Procurement 
(GPA 2012). It also accepted the Protocol Amending the TRIPS  Agreement in 2015.  
2.15.   According to the authorities, the Republic of Moldova strongly believes in the important role 
of the multilateral trading system and is an active participant in the discussions and reform initiatives 
at the WTO. The Republic of Moldova participates in the four Joint Statement Initiatives and 
submitted its pre -finalization schedule of specific commitments as part of the Joint Statement 
Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation.15 Moldova is also participating in the structured 
discussions around Trade and Environmental Sustainability, including on Fossil Fuels Subsidies 
Reform, and the Trade and Health Initiative; it endorsed the Buenos Air es Declaration on Trade and 
Women's Economic Empowerment; and it participates in the Informal Working Group on Trade and 
Gender. The Republic of Moldova was also among the initial co -sponsors and actively supports the 
Informal Working Group on micro, small , and medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs). It supports efforts 
aimed at restoring the dispute settlement system, is among the Members advocating for the 
replacement of Appellate  Body Members, and supports declarations and initiatives led by the Friends 
of the  System Group.  
2.16.   Between October 2015 and April 2022, the Republic of Moldova submitted 12 2 notifications 
to the WTO, a significant increase from the time before, with nearly half in the areas of agriculture, 
SPS, and TBT (Table  A2.1 for the most recent noti fications). Nevertheless, at the end of 
February  2022, at least five notifications remained outstanding, in particular relating to the 
Agreement on Agriculture as a result of capacity constraints, according to the authorities.  During 
the COVID -19 pandemic,  the Republic of Moldova notified and implemented two temporary 
measures, restricting exports of certain medical equipment and eliminating excise duties on imports 
of undistorted ethyl alcohol for use in antiseptic products during 2020.16 It also communicated a 
 
13 These are accessible at the Ministry of Economy, Public Consulting Announcements . Viewed at: 
http://www.me.gov.md/en/content/public -consulting -announcements .  
14 State Chancell ery, Moldova 2030 . Viewed at: https://cancelaria.gov.md/en/content/national -
development -strategy -moldova -2030-parliament .  
15 WTO document INF/SDR/IDS /MDA/Rev.1, 29  October  2021.  
16 WTO, COVID -19 and Trade – Moldova, Republic of . Viewed at: 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/covid_details _by_country_e.htm?country=MDA .  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  number of measures affecting trade in services and offering support to businesses.17 The Republic 
of Moldova has also regularly submitted tariff data to the WTO Integrated Database (IDB).  
2.17.   The Republic of Moldova has participated in two trade disputes, as complainant in Ukraine – 
Taxes on Distilled Spirits  (DS423) and as respondent in Moldova, Republic of – Measures Affecting 
the Importation and Internal Sale of Goods (Environmental Charge)  (DS421). In both cases, the 
panels were esta blished in 2011 but have not yet been composed. In addition, the Republic of 
Moldova has been involved as a third party in four cases.  
2.3.2   Regional and preferential agreements  
2.18.   The Republic of Moldova considers regional trade agreements (RTAs) as important 
supplements to the multilateral trading system established under the WTO, allowing further 
integration and increased trade cooperation with other economies. The Republic of Moldova 
particularly aims to exploit its geographic position between the European and A sian economic areas  
by implementing and negotiating new RTAs, an important priority for the Government, according to 
the authorities. During the review period, the RTA with Türkiye entered into force in 2016 and the 
Republic of Moldova signed an RTA with t he United Kingdom in 2020 (entering into force in 2021), 
bringing the number of RTAs in force to 15, covering 46 partners: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, 
Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the European  Union (EU -27), Georgia, Kazakhstan, 
UNMIK/Kosovo18, the Kyrgyz  Republic, North  Macedonia, Montenegro, the Russian  Federation, 
Serbia, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan.19 The 
Republic of Moldova is currently negotiating FTAs with the European Free Trade Associa tion 
(negotiations were launched in March 2021) and China (since 2017).  
2.19.   The agreement with Türkiye covers trade in goods with Türkiye eliminating tariffs on 82.9% 
of tariff lines (covering a much lower share of trade, however) and providing a number of dut y-free 
tariff rate quotas upon entry into force, while the Republic of Moldova phased out tariffs on 78.4% 
of tariff lines by 2020.20 The agreement with the United Kingdom is modelled on the Moldova -EU 
Association Agreement and covers trade in goods in ser vices. Preferential treatment under the 
Agreement has been provisionally applied by both parties as of 1  January  2021.21 During the review 
period, the Republic of Moldova also notified a third agreement, leaving 6 of the 15  agreements 
signed to be notified  to the WTO.22 
Relations with the European  Union  
2.20.   According to the authorities, the European  Union represents the main trading and strategic 
partner of the Republic of Moldova. The Moldova -EU Association Agreement signed in June 2014 also 
established the DC FTA, and the Agreement has been fully in force since July 2016 following 
ratification by all parties.23 The Agreement covers all of the territory of the Republic of Moldova and 
exporters require a registration number from the authorities in Chişinău  in ord er to benefit from 
trade preferences.24 The Agreement covers goods and services, with tariff reductions in the Republic 
 
17 WTO, COVID -19: Measures Affecting Trade in Services . Viewed at: 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/trade_relat ed_services_measure_e.htm . 
18 References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of UN Security Council Resolution  1244 
(1999).  
19 According to a notification from the Russian  Federation (WTO document WT/REG/GEN/N/8, 
1 April 2016), the bilateral F TA between the Russian  Federation and the Republic of Moldova signed in 1992 
became null and void. However, the authorities note that the bilateral trade flows continue to be covered under 
the FTA between Members of the Commonwealth of Independent States ( CIS) to which both countries are 
party. For additional information on the FTAs already in force at the time of the last Review, see Table  A2.2 in 
WTO document WT/TPR/S/323/Rev.1, 22  January  2016.  
20 The Republic of Moldova notified the free trade areas with  Türkiye in WTO document WT/REG378/N/1, 
14 December  2016. A factual presentation of the agreement was prepared by the WTO Secretariat (WTO 
document WT/REG378/1, 12  October  2017).  
21 See notification of the agreement. WTO document WT/REG439/N/1, 7  January  2021. 
22 Notification of the FTA among the GUAM Participating States (WTO document WT/REG383/N/1, 
4 April 2017). The WTO Secretariat also prepared a factual presentation of the agreement (WTO document 
WT/REG383/1/Rev.1, 24  August  2020).  
23 The DCFTA had been p rovisionally applied since September 2014 and co -existed with the 
European  Union's Autonomous Trade Preferences until the end of 2015.  
24 CEPS (2021), Inception Report for the "Ex -post evaluation of the implementation of the Deep and 
Comprehensive Free Trad e Areas between the EU and its Member States and Georgia and Moldova". Viewed WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  of Moldova being phased in over a period of 10 years (ultimately covering 99% of tariff lines), while 
the European  Union implemented tar iff cuts immediately for 99.7% of tariff lines and reductions for 
additional ones. Regarding services, the Agreement contains disciplines on establishment, trade in 
services, and electronic commerce, covering all four modes of services trade, with certain sectors 
excluded.25 
2.21.   In addition, the Association Agreement contains, inter alia,  general transparency disciplines, 
a special dispute settlement mechanism, rules on competition, trade defence instruments, and 
government procurement. It foresees a gradual approximation of legislation, rules, and procedures 
of the Republic of Moldova wit h those of the European  Union in a wide range of areas, inter alia , 
relating to SPS, TBT, trade in services, customs, procurement, taxation, auditing, statistics, or the 
energy sector. It also foresees for extensive cooperation in a number of areas includi ng among 
regulatory and supervisory authorities to promote regulatory quality and performance. The 
Government implemented two Action Plans for the implementation of the Association Agreement 
between 2014 -16 and 2017 -19, with a new one under preparation. Ac cording to the authorities, 
legislation in the Republic of Moldova has been fully harmonized regarding 213 of the 456 EU legal 
acts listed in the DCFTA for alignment.  
2.3.3   Other agreements and arrangements  
2.22.   The Republic of Moldova is eligible for trade preferenc es under the Generalized System of 
Preferences (GSP) of Canada, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, and the United  States.26 The Republic of 
Moldova also benefited from preferences under the Turkish GSP scheme until January 2016 and from 
the European  Union's Auton omous Trade Preference scheme, which coexisted with the DCFTA during 
a transition period until the end of 2015. The Republic of Moldova does not grant GSP treatment to 
any countries.  
2.4  Investment Regime  
2.23.   The Ministry of Economy designs economic and trade poli cy as well as polices affecting 
investment with a strategic objective of European integration. Key objectives of these policies include 
to attract FDI, improve the investment climate and competitiveness, and approximate relevant 
legislation, as outlined in  the Moldova -EU Association Agreement, to that of the European  Union. 
The Republic of Moldova has established investment platforms, including industrial parks, and Free 
Economic Zones (Section  3.3.1), a Free Port at Giurgiuleşti aimed at attracting and fac ilitating 
investment, and a Free International Airport at Mărculești.  
2.24.   Since 2016, it has implemented the Strategy for Investment Attraction and Export Promotion 
for 2016 -2020 and its implementation action plan . The strategy aims to increase the inflow of F DI 
while also aiming to remove horizontal constraints affecting foreign and domestic investments. Its 
Action Plan identifies seven priority sectors for policy interventions: (i)  software/ICT; (ii)  automotive 
industry; (iii)  business services and business p rocess outsourcing; (iv)  machinery products and 
parts; (v)  clothing and footwear industry; (vi)  electrical equipment; and (vii)  food processing and 
agriculture.27 The Strategy covers investment attraction, retention, and aftercare services, as well 
as crea ting economic linkages.28 According to the authorities, an investor grievance mechanism is 
not in place.  
2.25.   Amendments to Law No.  81/2004 in 2017 introduced a mechanism allowing for the conclusion 
of investment agreements for strategic investment projects bet ween the Government and 
investors.29 According to the relevant implementing regulations, such agreements can be concluded 
 
at: https://www.dcfta -evaluation.eu/wp -content/uploads/2021/07/ex -
post_DCFTAs_Draft_Inception_Report_updated -002-incl-services.pdf .  
25 WTO document WT/REG/352/1, 13  April 2015.  
26 UNCTAD, Generalized System of Preferences: List of Beneficiaries , September 2018.  Viewed at: 
https://unctad.org/system/files/official -document/itcdtsbmisc62rev7_en.pdf .  
27 According to the authorities, these sectors were selected based on the pot ential to attract foreign 
direct investment (FDI), create jobs and generate exports, and are periodically reviewed. A new list of priority 
sectors is under preparation.  
28 National Strategy for Investment Attraction and Export Promotion 2016 -2020, approved by 
Government Decision No.  511 of 25  April 2016 (Annex  1). 
29 Law No.  106 of 9 June 2017 for the Completion of Law No.  81/2004 on Entrepreneurship and 
Enterprises; and Government Decision No.  274 of 29  May 2019 approved the Regulation on the Way of WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  for large projects that meet some criteria among those on an eligibility list – such as the project 
introducing new industries, infras tructure, or technologies; contributing to improving competition in 
the economy; or aiming to produce goods or services for exports or import substitution. Agreements 
do not include tax or customs facilities, with the Government being able to commit to pro viding 
administrative support, undertake regulatory actions, or to contribute via investments in 
infrastructure. Investment agreements cannot disadvantage other investors. The procedure for 
concluding the investment agreement is initiated at the request of  the potential investor.  
2.26.   In 2021, the Government introduced a requirement for large investments (including increases 
in qualified shareholding, concession contracts, or PPPs) in sectors of importance for state security 
(in particular, energy - and infrastru cture-related) to obtain prior approval from the Council for the 
Promotion of Investment Projects of National Importance to increase transparency regarding such 
investments.30 
2.27.   During the review period, there have been important changes to the regulatory fr amework 
aimed at improving the overall business environment. They included major revisions to the Civil 
Code, changes to the way economic activity is regulated and the activities requiring licensing, 
reforms of the state control system, and efforts to stab ilize the financial sector (below and 
Section  4.3.1). Ten reforms were also reflected in the list of business reforms counted by the World 
Bank Doing Business  reports until they were discontinued, particularly in the areas of starting a 
business, paying ta xes, and enforcing contracts.31 
2.28.   However, challenges remain as outlined below and indicated in the 2019 Global 
Competitiveness Report of the World Economic Forum, where the Republic of Moldova ranked 86 
(of 141) economies, below most other economies in East ern Europe and Central Asia. According to 
international observers and despite the reforms undertaken, continued reforms to improve the rule 
of law and combat corruption to level the playing field remain important for an attractive investment 
environment an d the further development of the economy.32 
Regulatory framework  
2.29.   The regulatory framework for domestic and foreign investment is primarily spelled out in the 
Law on Investments in Entrepreneurial Activity33, while the Constitution, the Civil Code, the 
Land Code, the Fiscal Code, the Labour Code, the Law on Joint Stock Companies34, and other laws 
such as those on the environment also regulate important elements affecting investments 
(Sections  3.3.1 and 3.3. 4). The Law on Investments in Entrepreneurial Ac tivity outlines,  inter alia , 
the non -discrimination principle for investments and transparency of policies and policy making, and 
it includes standard compliance requirements for investors. The Law also contains guarantees of 
investors' rights, protection against expropriation, provisions for compensation, and the settlement 
of investment disputes.  
2.30.   According to the Law on Entrepreneurship and Enterprises35, economic activity can take the 
forms of individual enterprise, partnership (general or limited), join t stock company, limited liability 
company, cooperative (production or entrepreneurial), leasing company36, and state (or municipal) 
 
Elaborat ion, Conclusion and Monitoring of the Implementation of Investment Agreements on Strategic 
Investment Projects.  
30 Law No.  174 of 11  November  2021 on the Mechanism for Examining Investments of Importance to 
State Security spells out the scope of investments  in Article  3, relevant sectors in Article  4, and certain 
restrictions in Article  6. The Law does not apply to investment activities and transactions carried out by entities 
of the financial sector or with the participation of international financial insti tutions.  
31 World Bank Group, Doing Business Archive – Business Reforms in Moldova . Viewed at: 
https://archive.doingbusiness.org/en/reforms/overview/economy/moldova .  
32 See World Bank (2019), Moldova Policy Notes 2019 – Sustaining Stability and Reviving Growth ; IMF 
(2020), Republic of Moldova: Staff Report for the 2020 Article  IV Consultation and Sixth Reviews Under the 
Extended Credit Facility and Extended Fund Facility Ar rangements , IMF Country Report No.  20/76; and EBRD 
(2020), Transition Report 2020 -21.  
33 Law No.  81 of 18  March  2004.  
34 To align Law No.  1134/1997 on Joint Stock Companies  with certain provisions of the EU  acquis , the 
Law was amended in 2020 increasing inf ormation disclosure requirements (including on affiliated persons) and 
strengthening shareholder rights.  
35 Law No.  845/1992.  
36 "Întreprinderile de arendă" refer to companies where employees of state enterprises undertake 
entrepreneurial activity of such co mpanies using company assets under contractual relationship.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  enterprise. The Law also spells out that the State regulates economic activity while guaranteeing 
equal conditions to all e nterprises in an environment characterized by competition. It sets the 
framework for entrepreneurs to freely undertake all activities that are not explicitly prohibited or 
subject to licensing (see below). The Law further spells out some economic activitie s that only state 
enterprises can undertake.37 Certain forms of incorporation are prescribed for enterprises operating 
in the fields of banking, insurance, stock exchange, or other specialized types (Article  13-5, also 
Section  4.3.1). 
2.31.   Companies can register according to Law No.  220/2007 on State Registration of Legal Persons 
and Individual Entrepreneurs either in paper or electronic format, using an electronic signature, with 
approval granted electronically within one day unless approva l is explicitly rejected. The major 
revision of the Civil Code in March 2019 introduced the concept of a branch of foreign companies, 
with corresponding changes made in the Law on State Registration. Companies can now register a 
branch in the Republic of M oldova, while the concept of representative office no longer exists. 
According to the authorities, the revision of the Civil Code also introduced certain challenges 
regarding the application of land use rights and the concept of ownership of immovable prop erty 
which the authorities plan to address.  
2.32.   Foreigners can own all types of property, but they are not allowed to purchase lands that are 
agricultural or designated as forests (as part of the forest fund) , even via a locally domiciled 
corporation or busine ss.38 Long-term leases for such lands of up to 99 years are permitted, however. 
Foreigners may become owners of agricultural and forest lands through inheritance, but they can 
transfer it only to nationals.  
2.33.   Companies in the Republic of Moldova are subject to a 12% corporate income tax, social 
security contributions amounting to 18% of gross salaries and other remunerations, and other taxes 
and charges including a property and land tax as well as a Value Added Tax of 20%. The rate on 
social security contribu tions was reduced from 2 4% to 18% in 2018, and all taxes can be paid 
online.39 Investment incentives are available to companies incorporated in the Republic of Moldova 
regardless of nationality of ownership. Additional incentives are available in Free Economic Zones 
and similar delineated areas (Section  3.3.1). A Citizenship -by-Investment programme was in place 
between 2018 and September 2020.40 
2.34.   During the review period, the authorities continued reforms to improve the business 
environment. They revised the  number of activities subject to licensing and included them in Law 
No. 160/2011 on the Regulation by Authorization of the Entrepreneurial Activity.41 As a result, 
activities such as auditing public passenger road transport, mining activities, tourism, or grain 
warehousing were removed from the activities subject to licensing. As at July 2021, 34 economic 
activities continue to require an operating licence, down from more than 50 in 2017.42 Some 
activities that formerly required a licence now require an aut horization (e.g.  private security 
activity). In total, 118 specific activities or processes that require an authorization or a certificate 
are also spelled out in Annex  1 to Law No.  160. 
2.35.   Nearly all of the remaining roughly 150 permissive documents43 are is sued using the 
Automated Information System for the Management and Issuance of Permissive Documents 
(SIA GEAP) that was set up in 2018 and operates under the single governmental portal of public 
 
37 According to Article  10-3, these include activities related to specific medical activities, the production 
of official documents, banknotes, and symbols; military equipment; certain measurement work; or private 
security activities.  
38 Law No.  1308/1997 on  Normative Price and the Way of Selling -Buying the Land.  
39 World Bank (2019), Doing Business 2020 – Economy Profile of Moldova . Viewed at: 
https://www.doingbu siness.org/content/dam/doingBusiness/country/m/moldova/MDA.pdf .  
40 Moldova Citizenship -by-Investment. Viewed at: http://cbi.gov.md/ .  
41 Law No.  185 of 21  September  2017 on Amending and Supplementing Some Legislative Acts repealed 
Law No.  451/2001 on Regulation by Licensing of Entrepreneurial Activity and included the activities subject to 
licensing in Annex  1 to Law No.  160/2011.  
42 These include, inter alia , activities in the areas of pharmaceutics; financial services; energy and 
water; communications; industries related to alcohol, tobacco, precious stones, and weapons; or customs 
brokers.  
43 These cover documents such as licences, author izations, permits, certificates, notices, approvals, 
patents, or certificates of qualification.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  services.44 The system operates as a one -stop shop45 and inte grates document submission, 
additional information exchanges, and the issuance of permissive documents. Following the 
introduction of this system, the time to issue licences and other documents has declined significantly. 
According to the authorities, the average time to issue licences or authorizations fell from 20 -25 days 
to less than 6 days. There are reports that some permissive documents are still being issued outside 
the system manually.46 
2.36.   Reforms to the State Control system in 2016 aimed at reducing the regulatory costs to 
businesses while increasing the efficiency of controls by reducing the number of inspection bodies, 
the number of inspections, and eliminating opportunities for corruption. According to the authorities, 
focus of inspection activitie s also shifted to providing advice and assistance for compliance. Law 
No. 230 of 23  September  201647: (i) amended Law No.  131/2012 on State Control Over 
Entrepreneurial Activity; (ii)  included the requirement to comply with Law No.  131 in 23 other laws 
regulating specific inspection activities; and (iii)  reduced the number of inspection bodies from 58  to 
18. Since late 2020, inspections relating to labour, occupational safety, and health at work, which 
had been decentralized to 10 agencies, are again the re sponsibility of the central State Labour 
Inspectorate.48 
2.37.   In 2020 and 2021, the Government twice amended Law No.  231/2010 on Internal Trade.49 
The amendments regulate certain contractual terms between buyers and sellers (including relating 
to anti -competiti ve behaviour and the return of food products) and introduce a category of foods of 
the "short food chain", referring to "food products manufactured and/or processed on the territory 
of the Republic of Moldova". A list of products classified as belonging to  the short food chain was 
adopted on 14  July 2021 and contains 129 items.50 The Law regulates how (non-itinerant) traders 
have to allocate shelf space to products from this short food chain. Where traders sell products of 
the same category as those included in the list, they are required to allocate at least 50% of the 
shelf length to products manufactured and/or processed on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. 
According to the authorities, these provisions are currently not enforced and are un dergoing revision.  
2.38.   The Law on Insolvency51 was amended during the review period by, inter alia , increasing the 
priority of secured receivables in settlement, introducing the option for creditors and debtors to 
negotiate a restructuring plan and use an accelerated restructuring procedure, introducing the 
concept of post -initiation financing by debtors, and allowing for the special treatment of housing 
built under investment contracts.  
2.39.   Outside this legislative framework, other important factors continue t o affect the quality of 
the investment environment. These relate to, inter alia , corruption, property rights, enforcing 
contracts, policy stability, market concentration, weaknesses in the financial system (Section  4.3.1), 
workers' skills, or obtaining bas ic production inputs.52 All of these challenges affect the attractiveness 
of the investment and business environment and negatively affect firm productivity and ultimately 
 
44 The system is accessible at https://servicii.gov.md/ro .  
45 The framework for one -stop shops in the Republic of Mold ova is spelled out in Law No.  161/2011 on 
the Implementation of the One -Stop Shop in Carrying Out Entrepreneurial Activity, while SIA GEAP is described 
in Government Decision No.  550 of 13  June 2018 on the Approval of the Technical Concept of the Automated  
Information System for the Management and Issuance of Permissive Documents.  
46 World Bank (2019),  "Enhancing the Business Environment and Market Competition", in World Bank,  
Moldova Policy Notes 2019 – Sustaining Stability and Reviving Growth . Viewed at: 
https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/32183 .  
47 Law on Amending and Supplementing Some Legislative Acts.  
48 Law No.  191 of 19  November  2020 on the Modification of Some Normativ e Acts.  
49 Law No.  225 of 4  December  2020 and Law No.  17 of 4  March  2021.  
50 Government Decision No.  113 of 14  July 2021 on the Approval of the List of Foods from the Short 
Food Chain.  
51 Law No.  149/2012 on Insolvency, with major amendments by Law No.  141 o f 16 July 2020 on the 
Amendment of the Insolvency Law.  
52 See, for example, EBRD (2017), Moldova Diagnostic: Assessing Progress and Challenges in Unlocking 
the Private Sector's Potential and Developing a Sustainable Market Economy , November; World Bank (201 9), 
Moldova Policy Notes 2019 – Sustaining Stability and Reviving Growth ; and World Economic Forum, Global 
Competitiveness Report 2019 . WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  their competitiveness. According to the IMF, a key underlying driver for many of the se challenges 
related to weaknesses regarding the rule of law.53 
2.40.   Corruption and the rule of law are frequently identified as challenges to the investment and 
business environment, including by the IMF54, in the Global Competitiveness Index55, and the 
World wide Governance Indicators (WGI). According to the WGI, despite significant improvements 
between 2015 and 2020, the Republic of Moldova continues to rank in the bottom third of the 
distribution on the control of corruption, while the indicator on the "rule  of law" deteriorated over 
the same period.56 According to a survey of court users, only about 20% of citizens considered the 
2016 courts fair and impartial, a view that half of the lawyers who responded to the survey shared.57 
To address corruption issues , the Government has put in place a National Integrity and 
Anticorruption Strategy (2017 -22). In 2017, as part of comprehensive reform efforts that 
subsequently slowed down, the Government also reorganized the system of courts by merging a 
large number of them to improve the efficiency of the system.58 To further improve the justice 
system, Parliament approved the Strategy for Ensuring the Independence and Integrity in the Justice 
Sector for 2021 -2024 in November 2020.59 Since 2013, the National Integrity A uthority collects, 
verifies, and publishes information on income, assets, and personal assets of all public officials.  
2.41.   Despite the progress made with regulatory reforms outlined above, which are reflected in 
improvements in the WGI for the areas of regulat ory quality and government effectiveness between 
2015 and 2020, challenges remain, and more than 40% of countries continue to outperform the 
Republic of Moldova in terms of government effectiveness.60 
International cooperation  
2.42.   Over the reporting period, th e Republic of Moldova signed three additional bilateral investment 
treaties (BITs) – one each with Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada. The BIT with Canada 
entered into force, bringing the number of BITs in force to 39. These are complemented by four 
treaties with investment  provisions (including the Moldova -EU Association Agreement) that are in 
force, while the Moldova -United Kingdom Partnership, Trade and Cooperation Agreement , which 
includes investment provisions, was signed in 2020 and fully entered into force in November 2021.61 
 
53 IMF (2021), Republic of Moldova: Technical Assistance Report – Country Governance Assessment , IMF 
Country Report No.  21/167.  
54 IMF (2021), Country Report No.  21/167.  
55 Property rights and corruption are two of the challenges the Global Competitiveness Index identifies. 
The Index uses data from the Transparency International Perception of Corruption Index, where the Republ ic of 
Moldova scored 34 in 2020 and ranked 115 (of 200), an improvement from the score of 30 and rank of 123 in 
2016. Viewed at: https://www.transparency.org . 
56 World Bank, Worldwide Govern ance Indicators . Viewed at: 
https://databank.worldbank.org/source/worldwide -governance -indicators . "Control of corruption" measures 
"perceptions of the extent to which public power is exercised for private gain, including both petty and grand 
forms of corruption, as well as "capture" of the state by elites and private interests". The "rule of law" capt ures 
"perceptions of the extent to which agents have confidence in and abide by the rules of society, and in 
particular the quality of contract enforcement, property rights, the police, and the courts, as well as the 
likelihood of crime and violence".  
57 World Bank (2019), "Reforming Moldova 's Justice Sector", in World Bank, Moldova Policy Notes 
2019 – Sustaining Stability and Reviving Growth . Viewed at: 
https://openknowledge.worldbank.or g/handle/10986/32183 . 
58 Law No.  76 of 21  April 2016 on the Reorganization of the Courts, as amended by Law No.  284 of 
16 December  2016.  
59 Moldpres  (2020), "Moldovan Parliament Approves Strategy for Ensuring Independence, Integrity in 
Justice Sector for 202 1-2024", 26  November. The strategy addresses: (i)  the independence, responsibility and 
integrity of the justice sector's actors; (ii)  access to justice and the quality of the justice act; and (iii)  the 
efficient and modern management of the justice sector.  
60 World Bank, Worldwide Governance Indicators . Viewed at: 
https://databank.worldbank.org/source/worldwide -governance -indicators . "Government effectiveness" 
measures pe rceptions related to the quality of policy formulation and implementation, public and civil service, 
its degree of independence from political pressures, and government commitment to such policies. "Regulatory 
quality" measures "perceptions of the ability of the Government to formulate and implement sound policies and 
regulations that permit and promote private sector development".  
61 UNCTAD Investment Policy Hub, International Investment Agreements Navigator: Republic of 
Moldova . Viewed at: https://investmentpolicy.unctad.org/international -investment -
agreements/countries/172/moldova -republic -of. WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  Accor ding to the authorities, the Republic of Moldova is party to 50 double taxation agreements.62 
The Republic of Moldova is not a member of the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty 
Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting.  
2.43.   The R epublic of Moldova is a Member of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, a 
signatory to the 1958 New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral 
Awards (UNCITRAL) and has ratified the ICSID (International Centre for Settle ment of Investment 
Disputes) Convention. Since 2016, there have been three investment disputes, one each under the 
BITs with the United  States, with the Russian  Federation, and with Cyprus.63 
2.5  E-commerce  
2.44.   E-commerce in the Republic of Moldova has grown, part icularly during the pandemic, and 
related sales were estimated to represent 1.1% of GDP in 2021. While business -to-consumer 
e-commerce growth was the second highest in Europe in 2020, e -commerce remains limited 
compared to that in all other economies in th e region, with an estimated 34% of Moldovan residents 
participating in electronic commerce64, and purchases primarily being made from global e -commerce 
platforms, although the number of national e -commerce platforms also increased. In 2020, the 
Government presented a roadmap for boosting digitization of the national economy and development 
of e-commerce65, which the Government has started to implement, inter alia, regarding the remote 
interaction of businesses with the national authorities, simplified customs procedures for 
e-commerce, and the development of courier and payment services.66 Service providers do not 
require a special e -commerce licence but are subject to the same requirements as offline service 
providers.  
2.45.   Law No.  284/2004 on El ectronic Commerce regulates key aspects such as electronic 
communication and contracts, personal data protection, and certain transparency and liability 
provisions. It was amended multiple times over the review period, for example, adding provisions 
regard ing personal data protection and service provider liability in 2017.67 The Law also confirms 
that the provisions of Law No.  133/2011 on the Protection of Personal Data and Law  No. 105/2003 
on Consumer Protection evenly apply to electronic commerce.68 The Consumer Protection and Market 
Surveillance Agency is tasked with monit oring relevant rules, while consumers can also file 
complaints with the National Personal Data Protection Authority in relevant instances.  
2.46.   Law No.  91/2014 on the Electronic Signature and the Electronic Document introduced the 
concept of an electronic signa ture that can take the forms of simple electronic signatures, unqualified 
advanced, or qualified advanced electronic signatures. It allows for the recognition of foreign 
electronic signatures under certain conditions, with electronic signatures considered qualified as per 
EU provisions having similar value in the Republic of Moldova (Article  6). 
2.47.   A recent analysis of the e -commerce environment in the Republic of Moldova identified 
logistics and the limited use of electronic payments among the key challenges to the further 
development of the sector.69 While most payments for online purchases are made using 
 
62 Ministry of Finance, Agreements/Conventio ns for the Avoidance of Double Taxation . Viewed at: 
https://mf.gov.md/ro/content/acorduriconven%C8%9Bii -pentru -evitarea -dublei -impuneri -la-situa%C8%9Bia -
din-01072021 .  
63 UNCTAD Investment Policy Hub. Investment Dispute Settlement Navigator: Republic of Moldova . 
64 Ecommerce Europe (2021), 2021 European E -Commerce Report . Viewed at: https://ecommerce -
europe.eu/wp -content/uploads/2021/09/2021 -European -E-commerce -Report -LIGHT -VERSION.pdf .  
65 EU4Digital (2020), "Moldova presents roadmap for boosting digitization of national economy and 
development of e -commerce", 31  July. Viewed at: https://eufordigital.eu/moldova -presents -roadmap -for-
boosting -digitization -of-national -economy -and-development -of-e-commerce/ .  
66 Economic Council to the Prime Minister (2021), "First Legislative Package to Digitalise the Economy 
Adopted", 11  November; an d information provided by the authorities.  
67 Law No.  59 of 6  April 2017 for Modification and Completion of Law No.  284/2004 on Electronic 
Commerce, transposing the European Commission e -commerce directive.  
68 Law No.  114/2012 on Payment Services and Electro nic Money also applies while another law, Law 
No. 8 of 26  February  2016 on the Rights of Consumers to Conclude Contracts, was abolished as part of the 
Civil Code reform in 2018 with its provision transferred to the Civil Code.  
69 EU4Digital (2020), Recommendations Proposed for eCommerce Environment Harmonisation in the 
EaP countries: Republic of Moldova . Viewed at: https://eufordigital.eu/wp -
content/uploads/2021/04/eCommerce -report -%E2%80%93 -Recommendations -proposed -for-eCommerce -
environment -harmonisation -in-the-EaP-countries -Repub lic-of-Moldova.pdf .  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  cash-on-delivery of goods, creating challenges for parcel delivery70, data provided by the NBM 
indicate that the use of cashless payments continues to incre ase although fees remain relatively 
high (Section  4.3.1.4). While large international postal or courier service operators are active in the 
Republic of Moldova, delivery times are generally longer than in the European  Union, partially due 
to limited volume s that hamper network efficiencies. The costs of shipping abroad are evenly high 
compared to those in neighbouring countries, with customs formalities considered cumbersome, 
limiting e -commerce exports.71 Regarding the cross -border delivery of goods, indiv iduals are allowed 
to receive postal items duty -free up to a certain amount for non -commercial use (EUR  300 for those 
transported by land, and EUR  430 for those transported by air or sea)72, but shipments related to 
e-commerce (from businesses to consumers ) are subject to a lower duty -free ceiling of EUR  200 per 
shipment or parcel (Section  3.1.1).73 Since October 2019, exporting SMEs can use the periodic 
declaration facility, submitting one single electronic customs declaration for all transactions below a 
certain threshold carried out within one month (Section  3.2.1).  
2.48.   The Republic of Moldova participates in the Joint Statement Initiative on e -commerce.  
 
 
 
70 USAID (2021), Assessment Report on E -Commerce and Cashless Economy . Viewed at: 
https://ict.md/wp -content/uploads/ 2021/04/USAID -MSRP -cashless -economy -and-e-commerce -Jan-31-final-
1.pdf.  
71 EU4Digital (2020), Recommendations Proposed for eCommerce Environment Harmonisation in the 
EaP Countries: Republic of Moldova . 
72 Customs Service, International Mailings . Viewed at: https://customs.gov.md/ro/articles/trimiterile -
postale -internationale .  
73 The special treatment of e -commerce -related shipments was introduced into Law No.  1569/2002 by 
Law No.  122 of 16  August  2019 on the Amendment of Some Legislative Acts.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  3  TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1  Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.1   Customs procedures, valuation, and requirements  
3.1.  During the review period, the legal and institutional framework for customs procedures 
remained largely unchanged. The principal legislation concerning customs matters applied during 
the review period included the Customs Code (Law No.  1149/2000) and the Law on Customs Tariff 
(No. 1380-XII/1997) . A new Customs Code was approved by the Parliament on 24  August  2021, 
and will enter into force on 1  January  2023. According to the authorities, the new Customs Code 
harmonizes its provisions with the European  Union's Union Customs Code (Regulation (EU) 
No. 952/2013). The Customs Service, under the Ministry of Finance, remains the enforcement 
authority concerning customs matters. In addition to Customs, the National Food Safety Agency 
(ANSA) is also present at the border for controlling sanitary and phytos anitary (SPS) measures.  
3.2.  The Republic of Moldova ratified the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA) on 24  June 2016, 
and has submitted to the WTO its notifications on the measures under Categories A, B, and C.1 About 
58% of the TFA provisions have been imp lemented under Category A, while about 20% were 
designated under Category B. Seven measures were notified in Category C, and require technical 
assistance.  
3.3.  All customs -related legislation is published on the Official Gazette, and is available online in 
Roma nian and Russian.2 The authorities note that information related to trade with the Republic of 
Moldova, including tariff queries, is available in English on the Trade Information Portal3, which was 
launched in May 2020. The Customs Consultive Committee, composed of representatives from 
various business associations, is the mechanism for regular consultations between Customs and 
economic operators on Customs matters. According to the authorities, comments and opinions are 
taken from the Consulti ve Committee when drafting Customs -related laws and regulations. In 
addition, the Advisory Committee is a communication platform and a transparency mechanism, with 
a goal to raise the civil society's awareness of Customs Service policies, as well as to fam iliarize 
economic operators with the expected amendments to the Customs legislation.  
3.4.  All persons established in the Republic of Moldova may import or export goods to/from the 
Republic of Moldova, as long as they complete the registration formality as exter nal economic activity 
operators.4 The authorities state that there is not any trading activity exclusively reserved for 
Moldovan nationals/businesses.  Under Moldovan legislation, the term "customs procedure" means 
release for free circulation, transit, cu stoms warehousing, inward processing, processing under 
customs control, temporary admission, outward processing, exportation, free zone or free 
warehouse, and re -export from the customs territory. Imported goods may be released once all 
formalities are com pleted and any duties legally due, i.e. tariff duties, VAT , and excise duty 
(Section  3.1.4), are paid or secured. The duty -free thresholds for personal effects remain 
unchanged, according to the authorities.  
3.5.  All imports must be declared to Customs. Within 24 hours following the shipment's arrival, a 
full declaration must be lodged to the customs house, in general, in the district where importers 
register their main business activities. Importers may submit their paper -based declarations in 
person, or declar e their imports electronically on the ASYCUDA World platform. When importers use 
electronic submission, declaration may be lodged at least one hour prior to the arrival of 
consignment. There is no single window operational for customs matters. Applications  for import 
permits/licences are submitted on a different platform. The Automated Information System 
(SIA GEAP) is employed for the management and issuance of permissive documents, including for 
customs clearance. Using customs brokers is not mandatory, ex cept for the operators that are not 
 
1 WTO documents WT/PCTF/N/MDA/1, 19  September  2014; and G/TFA/N/MDA/1, 13  March  2018.  
2 Ministry of Justice, Register of Legal Act . Viewed at: https://www.legis.md/ .  
3 The Trade Information Portal of the Republic of Moldova. Viewed at: https://trade.gov.md/en .  
4 The Trade Information Portal of the Republic of Moldova, Procedure for Registration as a Subject of 
Foreign Economic Activity . Viewed at: https://trade.gov.md/en/articles/procedure -for-registration -as-a-
subject -of-foreign -economic -activity .  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  established in the Republic of Moldova (e.g. international transit operators, or declarants for 
temporary admission).  
3.6.  According to the authorities, risk profiling for imports is conducted with ASYCUDA World. Based 
on the ir risk profiles, goods may be cleared from Customs through one of the four channels: red for 
high-risk goods that need to be inspected; yellow for medium -risk goods, requiring additional 
documentation, and possible further inspection; green for goods deem ed risk -free and that may be 
released immediately without document verification or inspection; and blue for immediately released 
goods that are subject to post -clearance control. The authorities note that on average, 4.6% of 
imports each year were inspecte d in an invasive manner. Upon payment of import duties (or them 
being secured), imports will then be released from Customs custody.  
3.7.  There are no provisions concerning expedited clearance, or clearance for perishable goods in 
the current customs legislation.5 The authorities indicated that upon request, faster clearance may 
be provided for importers on a case -by-case basis. Pre -arrival clearance is not possible, either.  
3.8.  The Republic of Moldova began to implement the Authorized Economic Operator ( AEO) 
programme on 1  January  2014.6 The legislation provides for three types of AEOs statuses: 
(i) economic operators authorized for customs simplification (AEOC); (ii)  security and safety 
(AEOS); or (iii)  a combination of customs simplification and securi ty and safety (AEOF). Various 
trade facilitation privileges are accorded to the AEOs, depending on their status (Table  3.1). The 
authorities note that the Republic of Moldova's AEO programme is in line with the World Customs 
Organization (WCO) SAFE standar ds and EU standards.7 As at end -February 2022, a total of 
117 AEOs were authorized to operate in the Republic of Moldova.8 
Table 3.1 Benefits of Authorized Economic Operators, 2021  
Benefits  AEOC  AEOS  
Reduce d customs controls (document review and physical inspection)  √ √ 
Priority treatment when controlled  √ √ 
Simplified procedures when inspected  √ × 
Possibility of location choice for inspection  √ √ 
Advance notice of physical inspection  × √ 
Advance notice of extra document review  √ √ 
Up to 30 days of customs duties payment extension  √ √ 
Priority cross -borders  √ √ 
Mutual recognition with other customs jurisdictions  × √ 
√ Applicable . 
× Not applicable . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat, based on the Trade Information Portal of the Republic of Moldova, Authorized 
Economic Operator (AEO) . Viewed at: https://trade.gov.md/ro/articles/aeo . 
3.9.  Effective 1  July 2015, the Republic  of Moldova unilaterally recognized AEOs from the 
European  Union. As at end -February 2021, there were 20 EU -issued AEOS/AEOF certificate holders 
operating in the Republic of Moldova. The authorities state that the Republic of Moldova is in the 
process of n egotiating AEO mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) with the European  Union, and 
 
5 The authorities however note that the Republic of Moldova is a party to the Agreement on the 
International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs and on t he Special Equipment to be used for such Carriage 
(ATP). Viewed at: https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XI -B-
22&chapter=11&clang=_en .  
6 Customs Code of the Republic of Moldova approved by Law No.  1149/2000 (Section  28.1) and the 
Government Decision No.  647/2014 on the implementation of the provisions of Sections 27.1 and 28.1 of the 
Customs Code.  
7 The mission to va lidate the Moldovan AEO Programme taking place on 23 -25 November  2021, with 
participation from the European Commission (DG TAXUD), concluded that the implementation, management, 
monitoring processes of the AEO Program in the Republic of Moldova is compatib le with the AEO Programme in 
the European  Union.  
8 The authorities note that some operators' AEO statuses were revoked in the revaluation process after 
the status was originally granted.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  with members of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). Benefits of mutual 
recognitions may vary among MRAs, but in general benefits include fewer physical and docu mentary 
controls so to avoid duplication of security and compliance controls. The MRAs on AEOs concerns 
only AEOS and AEOF status holders in the Republic of Moldova.  
3.10.   The periodic declaration procedure, upon request, is applied to the goods circulated betwe en 
the Free Economic Zones (FEZs)/freeports and the rest of the Republic of Moldova.9 Under this 
procedure, operators are allowed to submit a single electronic customs declaration for all 
transactions carried out within one month. The applicants for this simplified procedure do not have 
to obtain an AEO status, as a prerequisite.  
3.11.   With regard to e -commerce delivered by postal consignments, the duty -free threshold for 
personal parcels is EUR  300 for parcels transported by land, and EUR  430 for those transpor ted by 
air or sea. For consignments valued above the threshold, customs valuation considers the total value 
of the consignment without deduction of the value under the threshold. In the case of commercial 
transactions by means of international postal consi gnments, for example, business -to-consumer 
activities, the duty -free threshold is EUR  200 per shipment. It is not clear to the Secretariat how 
these different thresholds are applied to parcels destinated for individuals.10 However, the authorities 
state th at parcels are not considered as commercial transactions if their contents are of an occasional 
nature, intended exclusively for the personal use of the consignees or their families, and their 
quantities are not intended for commercial or production activi ty.11 
3.12.   When customs procedures involve more than one customs authority (e.g. transit goods, 
temporary exports, outward processing operations), a transit declaration12, together with other 
supporting documents, must be lodged to the customs house of departur e by the principal (i.e. the 
legal person registered with Customs who assumes the responsibility of the transit operation). The 
principal must provide Customs with a financial guarantee, in the form of cash deposit or a letter of 
guarantee issued by a Repu blic of Moldova -based banking institution, against loss of import duties 
in cases that the transit goods enter free circulation in the economy. Upon request, a simplified 
procedures may be applied; simplification includes exemption of guarantee, using a "c omprehensive 
guarantee", using principal/consignee's own seal, and itinerary exemption.  
3.13.   For international transit goods, a TIR Carnet is used. In the case of national transit, a Waybill 
(Borderou de transport) is used. When using a Waybill, the simplified procedure is applicable to 
waive the guarantee requirement.  
3.14.   With regard to temporary admission, Customs implements the Customs Convention on the 
ATA Carnet for the Temporary Admission of Goods (ATA Carnet) at the border. The Chamber of 
Commerce and Industr y of the Republic of Moldova (CCI) is the designated ATA document issuer 
and the guarantor for the security of temporarily imported goods in the Republic of Moldova. The 
ATA Carnet is valid for up to one year.  
3.15.   The authorities note that the rules and proced ures of customs valuation are in conformity with 
the Agreement on Implementation of Article  VII of the GATT  1994.  Transaction values are the 
primary basis for customs value determination. The transaction values used are c.i.f. values. 
Customs will perform value verification based on risk profiling. In the event of disagreement by 
Customs, declarants are requested to provide supplementary information for Customs' decision. 
According to the authorities, when the transaction value method is not possible, other  methods 
provided in the Agreement on Customs Valuation are employed. The authorities note that about 
 
9 Order No.  446-O of 1  November  2017 on the Approval of the Instructi on on the Procedure for Periodic 
Declaration of Domestic Goods Introduced in Free Economic Zones and Giurgiulesti Free International Port and 
of Goods in Free Economic Zones and Giurgiulesti International Free Port When Removing Them on the Rest of 
the Cus toms Territory of the Republic of Moldova, Official Gazette , No. 434-439/2242, 15  December  2017.  
10 The authorities are developing a specialized module in ASYCUDA World to handle pre -declaring 
parcels delivered by express mail. This module is in the testing  phase.  
11 Customs Service, International Postal Consignments . Viewed at: 
https://customs.gov.md/ro/articles/trimiterile -postale -internationale .  
12 Transit procedures may  be applied to international or national transit. The international transit 
procedure is applicable when the customs bodies involved in the transit customs procedure are border customs 
bodies, while the national transit procedure is applicable when at leas t one of the customs bodies involved in 
the transit procedure is an internal customs body. Customs Code, Article  42. WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  94% of total import declaration s were accepted in accordance with the transaction value method, 
and that the major risk in customs valuation is under -invoicing.  
3.16.   Upon request, advance ruling on matters of classification and origin  may be given to 
importers. During the review period, Custo ms issued some 430 advance rulings, all of which were 
related to classification.  
3.17.   The Republic of Moldova does not have pre -shipment inspection requirement s. 
3.18.   Contests against decisions by customs authority/officers must be lodged to the Customs 
Service within 10 days of such decision being communicated to the trader. The Customs Service 
takes a decision, which is final13 in terms of administrative acts. If a tr ader is not satisfied with the 
decision by the Customs Service, the trader may seek remedy from Court.  
3.1.2   Rules of origin  
3.19.   The Republic of Moldova maintains both non -preferential and preferential rules of origin. 
During the review period, the rules of origin r emained largely unchanged.  
3.20.   Non-preferential rules of origin are regulated by the provisions of the Customs Code and Law 
on Customs Tariff. Non -preferential rules of origin are applied for the purposes of, inter alia, 
implementation of anti -dumping and coun tervailing measures, quantitative restrictions, MFN tariff 
quotas, origin marking, contingency measures, and government procurement.  
3.21.   The Republic of Moldova maintains preferential rules of origin under its 15 RTAs in force 
(Section  2.3.2). The preferential  rules of origin vary among different reciprocal trade arrangements. 
The authorities indicate that the variations are small. To benefit from preferential duties, importer 
must provide certificates of origin issued by authorized institutions in the exportin g country, so as 
to prove that the product being imported is basically "wholly obtained" or "substantially transformed" 
in the exporting country. The Republic of Moldova does not maintain any preferential rules of origin 
for imports from least developed co untries.  
3.22.   In cases where more than one country is involved in the production of a good, the country of 
origin is determined as the country where the product underwent its "substantial transformation". 
Substantial transformation may be expressed in "list rul es" as: a change of HS tariff heading or 
subheading criterion; the "completion of major process", or a more than 45% in added value 
criterion. Operations such as preserving operations to ensure that a product remains in good 
condition during transport and storage, breaking up and assembly of packages, simple mixing of 
products, simple assembling of parts are not considered to be substantial transformation.  
3.23.   There are several rules on cumulation of origin provided for traders claiming preferential origin 
status in the case of using the value -added criterion. The preferential rules in most RTAs allow 
bilateral cumulation, while diagonal cumulation is provided for materials originated from EU member 
States. The authorities note that origin from the European  Union, Türkiye, and CEFTA contracting 
parties may be cumulated as provided by the PAN -EURO -MED Convention.  
3.1.3   Tariffs  
3.1.3.1   WTO bound tariffs  
3.24.   All tariff lines in the Republic of Moldova's tariff schedule are bound. Applied rates are close 
to or coincide with their boun d rates (Chart 3.1), with a simple average bound tariff rate of 7.7%, 
compared to a simple average applied rate at 6.2% (Table  3.2).14 This suggests broad predictabilities 
in the tariff.  
 
13 Customs Code, Section  44. 
14 The simple average rates do not include the tariff lines with ad valorem  equivalents (AVEs). In the 
case of i ncluding AVEs based on imports in 2020, the simple average rates would have increased by 0.1%.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
- 40 - 
 
  Chart 3.1 Average appl ied MFN and bound tariff rates, by HS section, 2015 and 2021  
 
Note:  Including AVEs for non -ad valorem  rates, as available.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.  
3.25.   The simple average bound rate for agriculture lines  (WTO definition) was 14.8% in 2021, 
compared to 13.8% as the simple average of applied rates, while the simple average bound rate for 
non-agriculture lines (WTO  definition) was 5.9%, compared to 4.3%  as the simple average of applied 
rates in 2021 (Table  3.2). The largest deviation between the average bound rate and applied rate 
was found in machinery products (HS  Chapter 16), where the average applied rate was 3.6% while 
the average bound rate stood at 7.9%. Similar situations are also observed in transpor t equipment, 
vegetables, precious stones, textiles, and footwear, as well as pulp and paper (Chart  3.1). 
3.26.   The Republic of Moldova's latest certified binding tariff schedule is in nomenclature of the 
fifth amendment to the Harmonized Commodity Description an d Coding System (HS12).  
3.1.3.2   MFN applied tariffs  
3.27.   The nomenclature of MFN tariff and preferential tariffs for 2021 is HS17. The 2021 MFN 
schedule contains a total of 9,625 lines at 9 -digit level, with the majority of the tariff rates covered 
by 1 of the 18 diffe rent ad valorem  rates. Almost 36% of total lines are duty -free; about 17% of 
total lines had rates less than 5%, about 27% of total lines are rated between 5% and 10%; and 
about 3% of total lines bear rates higher than 15% (Chart 3.2).  
3.28.   Compared to the MFN schedule in 2015, a new band of tariff rate at 1% was introduced in the 
2021 schedule. About 1% of lines now carry rates lower than 2%, while they were zero -rated in 
2015. However, the situation in 2015 that 34 lines were subject to other types of duty rat es15 was 
rectified in the 2021 schedule (Table  3.2). 
 
15 Other types of duties referred to: (i)  goods of subheading 8707.10 (50% of the amount of excise 
duty, calculated for vehicles of the same type, but not less th an the duties calculated for a conventional diesel 
engine, capacity 1,800 cc); (ii)  for motor vehicles, subject to excise duty, of heading 8703 (10% of the amount 
of excise duty calculated for vehicles with the same engine capacity and operational period o f 5 years); and 
(iii) other types of motor vehicle engines (15% of the customs value, except for the engines of subheadings 
8407.90 and 8408.90 for pedestrian controlled tractors of heading 8432, for which the tariff was 0%).  
0%2%4%6%8%10%12%14%16%18%
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Including AVEs for non -ad valorem rates, as available.  In case of non -availability the ad valorem part of compound rates and mi xed 
rates is included.
WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.Chart 3.1   Average applied MFN and bound tariff rates, by HS section, 2015 and 2021
Note:
Source:01   Live animals & products        
02   Vegetable products
03   Fats & oils      
04   Prepared food, etc.
05   Mineral products
06   Chemicals & products07   Plastic & rubber
08   Hides & skins
09   Wood & articles
10   Pulp, paper, etc.
11   Textiles & articles
12   Footwear, headgear13   Articles of stones
14   Precious stones, etc.
15   Base metals & products
16   Machinery
17   Transport equipment
18   Precision instruments19   Arms & ammunition
20   Miscellaneous manufacturing
21   Works of art, etc.Average applied rate 2015 and 2021 
(6.3% and 6.4%, respectively)Average final bound rate
(7.8%)MFN 2015 MFN 2021 Final boundWT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  Table  3.2 Tariff structure, 2015 and 2021  
(%, unless otherwise indicated)  
 MFN applied  Final bounda   2015  2021  
Bound tariff lines (% of all tariff lines)  100.0  100.0  100.0  
Simple average rate  6.2 6.2 7.7 
   WTO agricultural products  13.4 13.8 14.8 
   WTO non -agricultural products  4.4 4.3 5.9 
Duty-free tariff lines (% of all tariff lines)  35.4 35.7 23.3 
Simple average of dutiable lines only  9.8 9.8 10.1 
Tariff quotas (% of all tariff lines)  0.3 0.3 0.3 
Non-ad valorem  tariffs (% of all tariff lines)  4.5 4.3 4.3 
Domestic tariff "peaks" (% of all tariff lines)b 4.5 4.7 1.1 
International tariff "peaks" (% of all tariff lines)c 4.5 4.7 5.4 
Overall standard deviation  6.9 7.1 6.8 
Nuisance applied rates (% of all tariff lines)d 0.0 0.7 0.0 
Total number of tariff lines  9,448  9,625  9,625  
 Duty-free rates  3,348  3,434  2,245  
 Ad valorem  rates (>0%)  5,674  5,777  6,966  
 Specific rates  209 231 231 
 Compound rates  183 95 32 
 Mixed rates  0 88 151 
 Other  34 0 0 
a Bound rates are based on the 2021 tariff schedule. The latest certified bound schedule is in HS12 
nomenclature. A comparison to the 2021 tariff schedule is done to the best possible extent.  
b Domestic tariff peaks are defined as those exceeding three times the overall simple average applied 
rate. 
c International tariff peaks are defined as those exceeding 15%.  
d Nuisance rates are those greater than zero, but less than or equ al to 2%.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data received by the authorities.  
Chart 3.2 Distribution of MFN applied tariff rates, 2015 and 2021  
 
Note:  Figures above the bars refer to the percenta ge of total lines.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.  
3.29.   On the 2021 schedule, 414 lines are not at ad valorem  rates (accounting for 4.3% of total 
lines), among which 231 lines are subject to specific rates (up fr om 209 in 2015), 95 lines to 
compound rates (down from 183), and 88 lines to mixed rates (0 in 2015).16 Using mixed rates 
makes the calculation of average rate more complicated and thus less clear. Lines with specific rates 
are mostly applied to alcoholic drinks and tobacco products. Wines of fresh grapes bear the highest 
tariff rate, with its ad valorem  equivalent (AVE) at 120.8%, based on trade data of 2020. The simple 
 
16 The authorities indicate tha t the 88 lines excluded from the 2015 Schedule were an administrative 
error that occurred during the nomenclature change in the MFN tariff schedule.  
35.4
16.527.0
13.5
3.04.535.7
17.126.8
13.0
3.14.3
05001,0001,5002,0002,5003,0003,5004,000
Duty free >0%≤5% >5%≤10% >10%≤15%  >15% Non-ad valorem rates
Note:      Figures above the bars refer to the percentage of total lines.   
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.(Number of tariff lines)Chart 3.2   Distribution of MFN applied tariff rates, 2015 and 2021
MFN 2015
MFN 2021WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  average AVE for the lines with specific rates is 19.4%. Lines with compound rates and m ixed rates 
are applied to mainly meat and meat products, as well as dairy products.  
3.30.   Twenty -eight lines are subject to tariff rate quotas (TRQs), all of which are concerned with 
sugar. The out -of-quota rate is 75%, the highest ad valorem  rates on the 2021 schedule, and the 
corresponding in -quota rate is 10%.17 The quota fill rate reached 1 00% each year during the review 
period.18 According to the authorities, TRQs are allocated on the "first  come, first  served" basis. The 
authorities further indicate that the quotas are allocated when the import declaration is registered 
with the system; no  advance application for quotas is possible.  
3.31.   Seasonal tariff rates are applied to certain agricultural products, mainly fruits and vegetables. 
These products include fresh or chilled potatoes, fresh or chilled cucumbers and gherkins, fresh 
grapes, fresh ap ples, fresh pears, fresh apricots, fresh cherries, fresh peaches, fresh plums, and 
fresh strawberries.  
3.32.   With regard to non -agricultural products (WTO definition), the industry of textile, apparel, 
and footwear manufacture has the highest protection. A maxim um 20% tariff rate is applied to 
textiles, 15% to footwear, and 12% to clothing (Table  A3.1). Most manufactured imports are subject 
to a tariff rate between 5% and 10% (Charts 3.1 and 3.2).  
3.33.   Compared to the 2015 schedule, rates for plastic and rubber produc ts were adjusted, with 
some rates increasing to 5% while others decreased to 1%. Also, a 1% tariff was newly introduced 
to eight lines of products in HS Chapter 85.19 
3.34.   Twenty -four 24 lines on the 2021 schedule have rates higher than their corresponding boun d 
rates on the WTO certified schedule (Table  3.3). 
Table  3.3 MFN applied rates exceeding bound rates, 2021  
(%) 
HS code  Description  MFN applied  Bound  
0102.29.210  Live bovine animals: cattle other than pure-bred breeding 
animals, intended for slaughter  15 5 
0102.29.410  15 5 
0102.29.510  15 5 
0102.29.610  15 5 
0102.29.910  15 5 
0308.11.000  
0308.21.000  Sea cucumbers and sea urchins, live, fresh or chilled  5 
5 0 
0 
1207.29.000  Cotton seeds, other  10 0 
2852.10.000  Inorganic or organic compounds of mercury, chemically 
defined  5.5 5.2 
3401.30.000  Organic surface -active products and preparations for 
washing the skin  6.5 5.0 
3825.30.000  Clinical waste  6.5 6.5 and 0  
4823.20.000  Filter paper and paperboard  10.0 11 and 5  
8443.91.100  Parts and accessories of printing machinery used for 
printing by means of plates, cylinders and other printing 
components of heading 84.42  10 0 and 5  
8443.91.910  10 0 and 5  
8443.91.990  10 0 and 5  
8443.99.100  Parts and accessories of printing machinery other than 
under 8443.91  10 0 and 5  
8443.99.900  10 0 and 5  
8519.50.000  Telephone answering machines  8 0 
8544.70.000  Optical fibre cables  5 0 
9001.30.000  Contact lenses  5 0 
9030.40.000  Other instruments and apparatus, specially designed for 
telecommunications  10 0 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data received by the authorities.  
 
17 There is no tariff quota for maple and syrup sugar. The tariff rate for maple and syrup sugar is 15%.  
18 WTO document series G/AG/N/MDA/.  
19 The Republic of Moldova is a signatory to the Agreement on Information Technology (ITA). These 
lines are not covered in the ITA.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  3.1.3.3   Preferential tariffs  
3.35.   The Republic of Moldova applies preferential tariffs on imports from its FTA partners 
(Section  2.3.2). All imports from these partners, except the European  Union, Türkiye, and the 
United  Kingdom, enter the Republic of Moldova duty -free.20 
3.36.   Under the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) with the European  Union, 
after a transition period of three years, the Republic of Moldova began to accord duty -free treatment 
to all non -agricultural goods originating from the European  Union in 2017. Wi th regard to agricultural 
products, the Republic of Moldova is to eliminate tariffs on most of its agricultural products after a 
transition period of up to 10 years. Also, the Republic of Moldova maintains preferential TRQs on a 
number of products such as pork, poultry, and sugar. Within the quota, the tariffs for these products 
are zero -rated. Out of quota, the MFN tariff rates are applicable to these products. Quotas for pork, 
poultry, and sugar were reviewed in 2020; the quotas for these products have in creased since the 
review. TRQs have no longer been applicable to processed meat and sweeteners since 
1 January  2021, and to dairy products since 1  January  2022; instead, the MFN rates are applicable.  
3.37.   As a result, duty -free treatment is granted to EU -origin ated goods, accounting for 98.4% of 
total lines. The simple average tariff rate for EU -originated agricultural goods is 1.5%, against the 
13.8% of the MFN schedule.  
3.38.   Currently, the Republic of Moldova's preferential schedule for goods originating from the 
United Kingdom is similar to the one for the European  Union. The TRQs for pork, poultry, and sugar 
originating from the United  Kingdom are about 13% of the quantities for the products originating 
from the European  Union.  
3.39.   With regard to the preferential sche dule for goods originated from Türkiye, the simple average 
tariff rate is 6.2%. Overall, 36.3% of tariff lines were duty -free, including 8.4% of agriculture lines, 
and 44.4% of non -agriculture lines. There are 239 lines subject to TRQs, covering agricultur al goods 
and their processed products, e.g. fruits, vegetables, fruit juices, bread, cakes, and biscuits. Similar 
to other TRQs, the in -quota rate is zero, and the MFN rates are applied to the quantities outside the 
quota.  
3.1.4   Other charges affecting imports  
3.1.4.1   Other duties and charges  
3.40.   The Republic of Moldova bound at zero other duties and charges within the meaning of 
Article  II:1(b) of the GATT  1994 in its Schedule of Concessions on Goods, which is reproduced in 
Part I of the Annex  to the Protocol of Accession.21 
3.41.   Customs charges fees for its services, including a special supervision fee, cargo examination 
fee, customs sealing fee, escorting fee, certificate issuance fee, and bonded warehouse stocktaking 
charge.22 These fees were charged at a rate to the import's customs value (with a cap), or at a fixed 
amount. The authorities note that all of these fees are commensurate with the service cost.  
3.1.4.2   Internal taxes collected at the border  
3.42.   Internal taxes such as VAT and excise duties on taxable imported products are colle cted at 
the border. The authorities maintain that these taxes are equally applied to domestically produced 
goods and imports; the authorities further indicate that that no internal taxes other than VAT and 
excise duties are payable at the Republic of Moldo va's border.  
 
20 The transition period for implementing the RTA with T ürkiye  finished in 2020. The transiti on period for 
the European  Union is expected to finish in 2024.  
21 WTO document WT/ACC/MOL/37, 11  January  2001.  
22 The Trade Information Portal of the Republic of Moldova, List of Customs Services and Amount of 
Fees for Customs Procedures . Viewed at: https://trade.gov.md/en/articles/import -rights .  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  3.43.   Both VAT and excise duties are levied on the taxable value of goods; for imports, they are 
based on the c.i.f. value plus other applicable taxes and charges.  
3.44.   During the review period, the VAT regime remained largely unchanged. The standard rate of 
20% is applied to most taxable goods and services; a reduced rate of 8% is applicable to certain 
types of supplies (e.g. certain agricultural (plant and animal) products, bread, bakery products, milk, 
certain pharmaceutical products, sugar , and supply/import of natural and liquefied gas); and 
exports, international transportation, utilities provided to population, import and/or delivery of goods 
from the grants, goods and services imported to/exported from FEZs, goods and services for the 
use of diplomatic missions, and goods delivered in duty -free shops are exempted from VAT.  
3.45.   Products subject to the excise duties include alcoholic beverages, cigarette and tobacco 
products, fuel and energy products, chemical products, perfumes, fur clothing,  and motor vehicles. 
The excise regime remained largely unchanged during the review period; excise duties on cigarettes, 
fuel, and alcohol are increasing gradually to reach the EU minimum threshold by 2025. Excise duties 
are no longer applicable on audio -video equipment since 2017, and for jewellery since 2018 
(Table  A3.2).  
3.46.   Effective 26  January  2018, the Environmental Pollution Levy is no longer collected at the 
border. Instead, the Levy is charged inland when the transaction occurs. The authorities state t hat 
the new collection mechanism is operating in a fairer manner, providing an equal treatment to 
imports and domestic products. The Environmental Pollution Levy concerns packaging materials, 
electric/electronic products, chemical and petrochemical product s (e.g. fuels, fertilizers, lubricants, 
and pesticides), and motor vehicles.23 
3.47.   Import duties including tariff, VAT, and excise duties are collected by Customs Services (CS) 
at the border, while State Tax Services (STS) collect revenues inland. Each year du ring the review 
period, tax revenues collected by Customs at the border accounted for around 60% of total tax 
revenues (Table  3.4). 
Table  3.4 Tax revenue by source, 2015 -21 
(MDL million)  
Collector  Tax 2015  2016 2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
CS Tariff 908.0  983.1  1,068.1  1,110.0  1,197.2  1,191.5  1,539.1  
VAT 10,952.4  11,761.0  13,226.2  14,364.7  15,454.4  14,914.2  19,614.6  
Excise  3,483.8  4,181.6  5,585.8  5,407.2  5,693.1  5,909.8  6,731.5  
Other  420.4  468.8  522.9  555.8  601.2  547.5  713.9  
Sub-total  15,764.5  17,394.4  20,402.9  21,437.7  22,945.9  22,562.9  28,599.1  
STS Income tax  5,553.7  4,663.4  5,541.4  6,865.9  6,860.4  6,469.1  7,695.1  
Property tax  35.9  37.9  45.3   49.6   50.8   45.6  46.4  
VAT 2,761.6  2,743.8  3,562.6  4,162.6  4,641.2  4,772.1  5,794.8  
Excise  580.9  364.1  361.2  275.5  527.0  555.9  858.8  
Other  1,290.4  921.8  1,287.9  1,266.6  1,390.9  1,366.5  1,519.5  
Sub-total  10,222.5  8,731.1  10,798.5  12,620.2  13,470.3  13,209.2  15,914.6  
Total tax revenue  25,987.0  26,125.5  31,201.4  34,057.9  36,416.2  35,772.1  44,513.7  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.1.5   Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
3.1.5.1   Import prohibitions  
3.48.   The Republic of Moldova notified the WTO of its import prohibition and restriction measures 
that are currently in force.24 The authorities maintain that the importation of certain products, such 
as certain animals, plants, narcotics, arms, asbestos, and ozone -depleting substances, are strictly 
prohibited. According to the authorities, such import prohibitions are implemented on the ground s 
of public safety and morals, protection of human life and the environment, national security, and 
compliance with the Republic of Moldova's  international obligations.  
 
23 Products (together with their HS headings) subject to the Environmental Pollution Levy are listed in 
Annex  8 to Law No.  1540/1998 on Environmental Pollution Levy. Viewed at: 
https://www.legis.md/cautare/getResults?doc_id=125113&lang=ro .  
24 WTO document G/MA/QR/N/MDA/2, 1  October  2020.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  3.49.   In the Republic of Moldova, a negative -list approach is applied to import prohibitions and 
restrictions. During the review period, four types of products were added to the import prohibition 
list (Table  3.5). 
Table  3.5 Import prohibitions introduced in the period of 2015 -21 
Products  Effective date  
Fishing net made of untwisted polymer yarn  5 May 2016 
Waste and residues of any kind  23 December  2016 
Radiological installations or radioactive sources  27 October  2017 
Food products that have shorter half of their validity term established by the 
manufacturer  29 February  2020 
Source:  WTO Secretariat, based on notifications and information provided by the authorities.  
3.50.   The Republic of Moldova also notified the WTO that effective 1  January  2021, importation of 
used motor vehicles ( including used cars, trucks, buses, and tractors) was no longer prohibited25; 
instead, imports of used motor vehicles are subject to excise duties whose rates vary according to 
the age of the vehicles. The authorities state that an internal tax rather than  a trade measure is a 
more effective and efficient tool to address the environmental and road safety concerns caused by 
used motor vehicles.  
3.51.   The Republic of Moldova maintains trade restrictions/embargoes on the grounds of the 
United  Nation's Security Counc il Resolutions.26 
3.1.5.2   Import restriction and licensing  
3.52.   The Republic of Moldova notified the WTO of its legislation concerning import licensing 
procedures27, and responded to the questionnaire on import licensing procedures in 2015.28 
According to the authorities, the import licensing requirements and procedures have remained 
largely unchanged since the last Review in 2015.  
3.53.   Import restrictions are applied to goods that have to meet special conditions or formalities 
prior their entry (T able 3.6). Restrictions are controlled with "permissive acts" (i.e.  import licences). 
Import licences are issued by various authorities, primarily the Public Service Agency. The authorities 
maintain that these licensing requirements are applied because of,  inter alia,  essential security, 
protection of the environment and human life, revenue protection, intellectual property protection, 
and requirements of trade agreements.  
Table  3.6 Import licensing requirement s, 2021  
Product  Licensing authorities  
Ethyl alcohol, alcoholic products and/or beer  Public Service Agency  
Tobacco products and fermented tobacco  Public Service Agency  
Civilian arms and ammunition  Public Service Agency  
Explosives for civil uses  Public Service Agency  
Pyrotechnic articles  Public Service Agency  
Strategic (dual -use) goods  Public Service Agency  
Cryptographic methods and technical protection of information, 
special technical methods for obtaining secret information  Public Service Ag ency 
Toxic chemical substances and materials  Public Service Agency  
Phytosanitary and fertilizers products  Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry  
Gasoline, diesel oil and/or liquefied petroleum gas  National Energy Regulation Agency  
Ozone -depleting substances  Environmental Agency  
Wild animals, and/or plants  Environmental Agency  
Endangered species of wild fauna and flora protected under 
CITES  Environmental Agency  
 
25 WTO document G/MA/QR/N/MDA/2/Add.1, 1  December  2021.  
26 Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, International Restrictive Measures . Viewed at: 
https://mfa.gov.md/ro/content/masuri -restrictive -internationale .  
27 WTO document G/LIC/N/1/MDA/3, 12  June 2017.  
28 WTO document G/LIC/N/3/MDA/3, 3  March  2015.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  Product  Licensing authorities  
Partial radiological clearance  National Agency for the Regulation of 
Nuclear and Radiological Activities  
Goods subject to sanitary veterinary control  National Food Safety Agency  
Medicinal products  Agency for Medicines and Medical 
Devices  
Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors  Agency for Medi cines and Medical 
Devices  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.54.   Applications for a licence must be submitted to relevant authorities, together with necessary 
documents to demonstrate conditions for importation laid out in sector -specific laws or regulations 
have been met. The licensing authorities have up to 10 working days to issue or deny a licence 
following receipt of a completed application.29 Once a licence is granted, importers must include the 
licence in their import  declaration.  
3.55.   An import licence is not consignment -specific, but an importer -specific authorization of 
importing the product of interest. The validity of a licence varies from one to five years, depending 
on the type of authorization required. The validity  of the authorization may be extended. No other 
administrative charges or deposits, except for the licence fee, are required to obtain an import 
licence. Import licences are not transferable among importers.  
3.1.6   Anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard meas ures 
3.56.   The legislative and institutional framework for contingency measures, including anti -dumping, 
countervailing, and safeguards, remained largely unchanged during the review period. Law 
No. 820/2000 on Anti -Dumping Measures, Countervailing Duties and Saf eguards provides 
contingency measures.30 The Investigation Body, under the Ministry of Economy, is the competent 
authority to enforce the Law. The authorities note that no contingency measures were initiated, 
imposed, or terminated during the review period . 
3.57.   The Investigation Body may initiate an investigation, or act on complaints from a domestic 
industry. The decision to initiate an investigation procedure must be published in the Official Gazette.  
3.58.   A provisional measure may be imposed in the case that the preliminary investigation 
determines there is dumping or a subsidy and causality between the imports and injury. Provisional 
measures have a maximum validity of four months; however, under special circumstances, the 
validity may be extended for up to nine months. Provisional duties must be secured by a guarantee; 
upon provision of the guarantee, imports of the product concerned will be released for free 
circulation.  
3.59.   Definitive anti -dumping or countervailing measures are usually imposed for a fixed period of  
five years, subject to expiry reviews; if no expiry review is requested, the measure expires 
automatically. Expiry reviews may be initiated at the request of a domestic industry or by the 
Investigation Body. If the expiry review determines the measure sho uld be retained, the duties 
normally remain in force for another five years. A definitive measure may be terminated before its 
expiry. After the measures have been imposed for longer than 15 months, an interim review may 
be requested by an exporter, import er, or domestic producer. The authorities indicate that the 
mechanism to initiate the interim or the expiry reviews has not been used.  
3.60.   With regards to safeguards, a provisional duty may be imposed for a period not exceeding 
200 days. Safeguard measures may  be applied for four years, extendable to eight years in total.  
3.1.7   Other measures affecting imports  
3.61.   The Republic of Moldova does not maintain any trade -related investment measures or any 
local-content requirements.  
 
29 The reasons for licence denial must be provided in writing to the applicant. The authorities note that 
denial may happen only if there was incomplete information in the application.  
30 WTO documents G/ADP/N/1/MDA/1, G/SCM/N/1/MDA/1, and G/SG/N/1/MDA/1, 12  Februa ry 2002.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  3.2  Measures Directly Affecting Exports  
3.2.1   Customs procedures and requirements  
3.62.   Registration and documentation requirements for exports, in general, are similar to those for 
imports. There have been no major changes in documentation requirements and procedures 
regarding export since the previous Review.  
3.63.   During the review period, the Republic of Moldova also adopted trade facilitation measures to 
foster the export development of e -commerce. Effective 30  October  2019, small - and medium -sized 
exporters may use the simplified procedure of periodic declaration; t hus, contractors exporting 
goods whose invoice value per delivery does not exceed EUR  1,000, may submit a single electronic 
customs declaration for all transactions carried out within one month. To benefit from the periodic 
declaration procedure, the expor ting economic operator must lodge an application for a periodic 
declaration permit with the regional customs house where the business operates. Applicants for a 
periodic declaration need not have AEO status. The permit is valid for up to one year.  
3.2.2   Taxes, c harges, and levies  
3.64.   There are no export taxes or levies applied to exports, according to the authorities. The 
Republic of Moldova does not operate any tariff drawback schemes.  
3.65.   A customs procedure fee is charged on exports at a rate of 0.1% of the invoice va lue. The 
customs procedures fee is capped at EUR  500. 
3.2.3   Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
3.66.   The Republic of Moldova maintains export prohibitions and restrictions on the grounds of 
protecting human health and the environment, public security, na tional security, and fulfilling 
international obligations. Those restrictions were notified to the WTO.31 
3.67.   The Republic of Moldova bans export of objects that represent national cultural values or 
heritage. Effective 5  May 2016, the Republic of Moldova intr oduced an export prohibition on 
indigenous raw wood and semi -fabricated wood articles. The authorities note that the export ban is 
imposed on the grounds of environmental protection and prevention of deforestation; the authorities 
further note that the exp ort ban is a measure complementary to other already adopted internal 
measures such as production limitation.  
3.68.   In response to the state of emergency declared on 24  February  2022, Moldova introduced a 
"temporary" export prohibition, effective 1  March  202232, on maize, sugar, wheat, and some medical 
consumables and devices (syringes, antibiotics, anti -inflammatories, anticoagulants, analgesics, and 
transfusion and infusion systems). The export prohibition is supposed to last 60 days or until the 
end of the sta te of emergency; it has been notified to the WTO.33 
3.69.   In the context of fighting the COVID -19 pandemic, Moldova imposed a temporary export 
prohibition, effective from 26  May 2020 to 15  October  2020, on personal protection equipment of 
medical masks, surgical  gloves, and biocidal products (e.g. disinfectant). The changes of this export 
prohibition also have been notified to the WTO.34 
3.70.   Export restrictions are managed through export licensing requirements. Similar to the import 
licensing regime, an export licence is not consignment -specific, but an exporter -specific 
authorization for activities. Most types of export licences are issued by the Public Services Agency35, 
 
31 WTO document G/MA/QR/N/MDA/2, 1  October  2020.  
32 Parliament Decision No.  41/2022. Viewed at: 
https://www.legis.md/cautare/getResults?doc_id=130658&lang=ro .  
33 WTO docum ent G/MA/QR/N/MDA/2/Add.2, 2  March  2022.  
34 WTO documents G/MA/QR/N/MDA/1/Add.1, 29  May 2020; and G/MA/QR/N/MDA/1/Add.2, 
19 October  2020.  
35 The export licences issued by the Public Service Agency cover products of, inter alia, waste and scrap 
of ferrous and  non-ferrous metals; waste batteries; civilian weapons, ammunition, and explosives; pyrotechnic WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  while export licences for wild animals/plants, and endangered species of wild fauna and fl ora are 
issued by the Environmental Agency.  
3.2.4   Export support and promotion  
3.71.   The authorities note that the Republic of Moldova does not have export subsidies, or export 
credit or export insurance programmes. Nonetheless, it provides some assistance to exporter s in 
export exhibitions and image promotion.  
3.72.   There are seven FEZs. The main goals of such zones are the acceleration of the socioeconomic 
development of certain areas and the country as a whole by creating jobs, attracting foreign and 
domestic investments,  and promoting export -oriented production. Most FEZs' outputs are exported; 
exports by FEZs accounted for 19.4% of total exports in 2020, according to the authorities.  
Businesses resid ing in FEZs may be engaged in a number of activities and enjoy certain i ncentives. 
As at end -2020, 38 "subzones " operated  under the 7 FEZs, with a total of 22 9 registered residents. 
The total investment stock stood at USD  506 million  (Section  3.3.1) . 
3.3  Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.3.1   Incentives  
3.73.   The Fiscal Code of the Rep ublic of Moldova treats enterprises incorporated locally and those 
established in F EZs (including zone administration) differently. A special regime for residents in 
Information Technology (IT) parks has been in place since 2017 (Title X of the Fiscal Code ). The 
Fiscal Code also spells out special rules for a number of activities including insurance, education, 
health, independent service providers, or traders of horticultural and agricultural products harvested 
in the Republic of Moldova.36 Since July 2016 , a wealth tax on personal properties for residential use 
that exceed a certain value (MDL 1.5  million) and certain size (120 square meters) is also in effect. 
It does not apply to properties held by companies.37 
3.74.   In 2018, the Fiscal Code underwent a major reform that simplified corporate and individual 
income taxes by introducing a single rate of 12% per annum38 and reducing the social security 
contributions paid by employers from 24% to 18%. Farming households are subject to a lower 
income tax of 7%. A spe cial income tax regime of 4% on income net of certain transfers is available 
to SMEs that are not VAT registered.39 
3.75.   Expenditures for employee transportation and training are tax deductible40, while VAT 
exemptions cover products in many sectors as well as i nvestment in production equipment used for 
manufacturing (Article  103.1). A system of inward processing under customs control with VAT 
suspension is in place, as is a mechanism for temporary admission (Article  103.2). Certain other 
activities are also elig ible for VAT suspension on imports while some goods and services are exempt 
from VAT (with a right of deduction), including, inter alia, international transport services, electricity, 
most goods delivered to FEZs, or services provided by Moldovan light industry enterprises in the 
context of inward processing activities (Article  104). According to the Government and other 
observers, the ove rall tax and incentive system remains complex even after the recent reforms.41 
The authorities indicate that an assessment of the impact of tax expenditures is being undertaken.  
3.76.   A major policy objective of the Government remains the establishment of "inves tment 
platforms" across the country. Currently, 49 such platforms exist: 10 Industrial Parks, 1 IT Park, 
and 38 "subzones"  grouped under 7 F EZs. Subzones are  geographically separated sections being 
 
articles; cryptographic methods and technical protection of information, special technical methods for obtaining 
secret information; and dual -use goods.  
36 Law N o. 1163/1997, Title II, Chapters 7, 10(1), 10(2), and 10(3).  
37 Introduced by Law No.  138 of 17  June 2016 on Amending and Supplementing Legislation.  
38 Formerly, there were two rates: 7% for income up to a threshold level and 18% for income above it.  
39 Fiscal Code, Title II, Chapter 7(1).  
40 Government Decision No.  693 of 11  July 2018 Regarding the Determination of the Tax Obligations of 
the Income Tax.  
41 National Strategy for Investment Attraction and Export Promotion 2016 -2020, approved by 
Government Decisi on No 511 of 25  April 2016 (Annex  1), p.  37; and World Bank (2019), Moldova – Rekindling 
Economic Dynamism , pp. 15 and 65.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  administered with other subzones by one Zone Administratio n.42 Following the end of the 
implementation period for the Industrial Policy in 2015, the investment platforms encompass the 
current industrial policy, according to the authorities.  
3.77.   Firms establishing in FEZs ("residents") benefit from incentives that are  spelled out in Law 
No. 440/2001 on Free Economic Zones (last amended 2018) and the Fiscal Code. These incentives 
include: (i)  income tax charged on only 50% of the income obtained from goods and services 
exported outside the Republic of Moldova or sold to  other FEZ residents ( on 75% of all other income); 
(ii) zero corporate income tax for a period of three or five years depending on the size of investment 
(at least USD  1 million or USD  5 million); (iii)  zero VAT for imports and delivery of goods and 
servic es into the FEZs, as well as on exports; (iv)  exemptions from customs and excise duties for 
imports into FEZs (and no excise duty on exports); (v)  state guarantees for potential legal changes 
affecting investment incentives; and (vi) attractive land prices . All FEZs have a dedicated customs 
office on site that operates 24 hours a day, classifying most transactions as low risk and leading to 
lower clearance times as procedures in these offices are effectively more streamlined and efficient 
than elsewhere43, while FEZ administration offices can provide administrative and technical support 
to investors. According to the FEZ law, a simplified visa regime is in place, and payments among 
FEZ residents can be executed either in national or foreign currencies.  
3.78.   Each FEZ is administered by a separate State Body set up by the Government with the Ministry 
of Economy concluding a management contract with the body as administrator. Zone administrators 
set their own fees, ensure the provision of backbone services and infras tructure, and license firms 
to undertake specific activities in zones, supporting these companies during their establishment and 
operation. Before firms can undertake licensed activities in FEZs, however, they first need to register 
in the Republic of Mold ova and obtain relevant operating licences, as required from relevant 
regulators. Activities eligible to take place in FEZs include, inter alia, industrial production of 
export -oriented goods (with some exceptions), sorting, packaging, labelling, and simil ar operations 
on goods in transit, activities related to trading goods internationally in transit, and auxiliary 
activities required by FEZ residents.  
3.79.   During the review period, the use of FEZs by domestic and foreign investors continued to 
increase as inve stment and employment more than doubled, and total production and exports more 
than tripled (Table  3.7). Total exports from FEZs increased from USD  179 million in 2015 to 
USD 612 million in 2021 (representing 91% of FEZ production compared to 73% in 2015) as the 
share of total Moldovan exports originating in FEZs increased from 9.3% in 2015 to 19.4% in 2020, 
according to the authorities. Two of the seven zones accounted for nearly 90% of production and 
exports. Local labour, energy, and water generated near ly all of the FEZ value added. While most 
production from FEZs is exported, FEZ residents can also sell production into the customs territory 
of the Republic of Moldova. Such sales are treated as regular imports and are subject to import duty, 
VAT, and exc ise duties where applicable.44 
Table 3.7 Development of FEZ activity, 2015 and 2021  
 
2015  2021  Total 
investment 
received 
(USD  million)  
Number of 
active firms  
Employment  
Production 
(USD  million)  
Exports  
(USD  million)  
Total 
investment 
received 
(USD  million)  
Number of 
active firms  
Employment  
Production 
(USD  million)  
Exports  
(USD  million)  
FEZ Export -
Business -
Chişinău  54.4 .. 498 14.0 .. 75.3 56 1,591  36.0 31.4 
FEZ Balti  58.0 .. 3,088  80.7 .. 249.5  81 10,206  449.9  417.9  
FEZ Ungheni -
Business  65.6 .. 2,133  93.6 .. 103.8  43 2,829  147.4  131.0  
FEZ Valkanes  15.9 .. 384 15.7 .. 25.3 27 728 21.8 21.7 
FEZ Tvardita  16.8 .. 275 10.5 .. 23.4 5 250 13.8 8.4 
 
42 Each FEZ is established by its own law.  
43 World Bank (2016), The Performance of Free Economic Zones in Moldova , Moldova Trade Study : 
Note 4. 
44 Law No.  440/2001, Article  7. WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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2015  2021  Total 
investment 
received 
(USD  million)  
Number of 
active firms  
Employment  
Production 
(USD  million)  
Exports  
(USD  million)  
Total 
investment 
received 
(USD  million)  
Number of 
active firms  
Employment  
Production 
(USD  million)  
Exports  
(USD  million)  
FEZ Otaci -
Business  3.4 .. 58 .. .. 9.4 7 40 0.18 0 
FEZ Taraclia  16.1 .. 66 .. .. 19.6 10 186 3.8 2.0 
Total  230.2  156 6,502  214.7  178.7  506.3  229 15,830  672.9  612.4  
.. Not available.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.80.   Industrial parks, another form of "investment platforms", offer subsidized land prices for rent 
and sale, connection to industrial infrastructure, limited state inspections, and permit access to the 
Approved Economic Operator scheme as any other resident in the Republic of Moldova 
(Section  3.1.1). The  10 industrial parks are located across the territory of the Republic of Moldova, 
and 87 companies operated in them in 2021, according to the authorities.  
3.81.   Another investment platform is the Moldova IT Park, which follows a special regulatory regime 
and doe s not describe a geographically delineated area.45 Firms operating under this framework are 
subject to a single, simplified turnover tax of 7% that replaces income taxes (corporate and 
personal), compulsory social security contribution, and compulsory health insurance premiums, as 
well as local, real esta te, and road taxes (a minimum tax per employee applies, however). Simplified 
procedures for attracting foreign managers and IT specialists are also in place, and interactions with 
public authorities are generally simplified for residents, according to the authorities. To apply for 
membership in the IT Park, firms have to generate at least 70% of their sales revenue from activities 
included in a list of predominantly IT -related activities.46 The IT Park currently (March 2022) has 
more than 1,000 residents (a round 20% with foreign capital participation), employing more than 
14,400 workers.47 Industrial Multifunctional Platforms, a pilot for which was established in 2020, aim 
to provide access to public utilities and outline another new concept for investment p latforms.  
3.82.   The Organization for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprise s (ODIMM) under the 
Ministry of Economy also provides support to SMEs in the areas of management training and women 
in business; maintains the Moldovan Network of Business Incubat ors and the National Business 
Excellency Center; manages a credit guarantee fund; and provides subsidies to participate in fairs 
and exhibitions.48 
3.83.   According to its latest notifications, the Republic of Moldova did not, between 2015 and 2022, 
grant or main tain any subsidy within the meaning of Article  1.1 of the Agreement on Subsidies and 
Countervailing Measures, which is specific within the meaning of Article  2 of that Agreement, or 
which operates directly or indirectly to increase exports from or reduce i mports into its territory 
within the meaning of Article  XVI:1 of GATT  1994.49 
3.84.   In 2015, the Government's corporate income tax exemptions were estimated to amount to 
2% of total public expenditure, with 17% of these granted to companies in FEZs.50 No recent 
estimate of the total income tax expenditures or the value of VAT, import tax, or excise duty 
exemptions granted was available. According to government data, the general Government provided 
 
45 Law No.  77 of 21  April 2016 on Information Technology  Parks.  
46 For additional information, see: Moldova IT Park, For Future Residents . Viewed at: 
https://moldovaitpark.md/en/for -future -residents -en/.  
47 Moldova IT Park. Viewed at: https://moldovaitpark.md/en/ .  
48 ODIMM, ODIMM Programs . Viewed at: https://www.odimm.md/en/programs .  
49 WTO documents G/SCM/N/284/MDA, 16  February  2017; G/SCM/N/343/MDA, 16  October  2019; and 
G/SCM/N/372/MDA, 1  February  2022.  
50 World Bank (2019), Moldova – Rekindling  Economic Dynamism .  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  total subsidies of MDL  3.5 billion in 2017, increasing to MDL  5.5 billion in 2020, primarily from the 
Central Government.51 
3.3.2   Standards and other technical requirements  
3.85.   During the review period, the Republic of Moldova modernized its legal and institutional 
framework concerning standards and technical requirements. On 8  April 2016, Law No.  20/2016 on 
National Standardization entered into force.52 The authorities note that the Law on National 
Standardization is aligned with the European  Union's Regulation No.  1025/2012 on European 
Standardization. Provid ed by the Law, the then National Institute for Standardization (INS)53 was 
renamed as the Institute for Standardization of Moldova (ISM)54; the ISM is the national 
standardization body.  
3.86.   As set forth in the Law, in addition to Moldovan standards, the Republ ic of Moldova recognizes 
European standards55, harmonized standards56, international standards57, and interstate 
standards.58 Standards are voluntary. Non -Moldovan standards must be adopted as Moldovan 
standards in order to be implemented in the Republic o f Moldova.59 In case of conflicts between a 
to-be-adopted non -Moldovan standard and an existing Moldovan standard, the previously conflicting 
Moldovan standard is to be withdrawn once the adoption process is completed. In January 2015, the 
Republic of Mold ova decided to adopt European and international standards, wherever applicable, 
as Moldovan standards. According to the authorities, all applicable European standards have been 
adopted in the Republic of Moldova since 201860; meanwhile , the standards incom patible with the 
adopted European standards were abolished . As of end -August 2021, more than 35,000 Moldovan 
standards were in force in the Republic of Moldova, 79.5% of which were adopted from European 
standards and 8.7% from international standards.  
3.87.   Other principal legislation concerning standard and technical requirements include Law 
No. 420/2007 on Technical Regulation, Law No.  235/2011 on Accreditation and Conformity 
Assessment, Law No.  7 of 26  February  2016 on Market Surveillance of Non -Food Products,  and Law 
No. 19 of 4  March 2016 on Metrology.  
3.88.   The ISM formulates an annual National Standardization Program for developing Moldovan 
standards (including non -Moldovan standards adaptation). Any person, legal entity, government 
agency , or organization may su bmit proposals to ISM for developing/amending/revising a Moldovan 
standard. All draft standards including adoption of European or international standards are prepared 
by various standard technical committees, and published on ISM's website for a 60 -day com ment 
period.  Once a Moldovan standard is approved/adopted, a period of six months is usually given 
between the final publication and entry into force . 
3.89.   The Ministry of Economy is responsible for carrying out the national policy on technical 
regulation, stan dardization, metrology, and conformity assessment. The Ministry is also the Republic 
of Moldova's enquiry point and national notification authority for the TBT Committee. During the 
review period, the Republic of Moldova submitted 30 notifications to the W TO, covering standards 
for, inter alia, fuels, electrical equipment, pressure equipment, and cableway installations. The 
notifications normally specify a comment period of at least 60 days and a proposed date of adoption 
 
51 Ministry of Finance, open data catalogue for 2017. Viewed at: 
https://mf.gov.md/ro/content/catalogul -de-date-deschise -al-mf-pentru -anul-2017; and Ministry of Finance, 
Report on the Execution of the Budget According to the Gov ernment Finance Statistics for 2020 . Viewed at: 
https://mf.gov.md/ro/trezorerie/rapoarte -privind -executarea -bugetului/rapoarte -anuale .  
52 WTO document G/T BT/N/MDA/43, 23  February  2018.  
53 In January 2013, the National Institute for Standardization and Metrology of Moldova (INSM) was split 
into two separate institutions: the then National Institute for Standardization (INS) and the National Metrology 
Institut e (INM).  
54 The ISM is an independent public institution under the Ministry of Economy.  
55 Standards are adopted by a European standardization organization.  
56 European standards are adopted on the basis of a request from the European Commission for the 
application of European  Union harmonization legislation.  
57 Standards are adopted by an international standardization organization.  
58 Standards are adopted by the Euro -Asian Council for Standardization, Metrology and Certification.  
59 Law on National Standardiza tion, Article  12. 
60 Details of adopted European standards are available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 
and European Integration. Viewed at: https://mfa.gov.md /sites/default/files/titlul_5_actualizat.pdf .  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  after the expiry of the comment period. During the review period, the Republic of Moldova also 
submitted a number of addenda, providing additional information on the adoption, entry into force, 
extension of comment period, and contents of the final text of previously notified TBT  measures. No 
specific trade concerns on Moldovan measures have been raised in the TBT Committee.  
3.90.   Standards designated mandatory by Government Decisions are technical regulations.  
According to the authorities, the Republic of Moldova is implementing reform s with an aim to change 
its system of mandatory standards to the one where technical regulations are based on international 
or European standards and best practices. The Republic of Moldova uses the UNECE 
Recommendation for the harmonization of technical r egulations. This recommendation provides a 
voluntary framework to facilitate the harmonization of horizontal technical regulations or those 
related to specific sectors and products. Law No.  420/2007 on Technical Regulation sets out 
regulatory objectives, a pplying international and European standards as a key element for the 
Republic of Moldova's harmonization.  Under the Moldova -EU Association Agreement, the Republic of 
Moldova r eplaces its national technical regulations with a harmonized regulatory system, and uses 
the European  Union's New Approach to Technical Harmonization and Standardization as a  reference 
framework for guiding the harmonization process. Also, the relevant EU acquis  have been 
incorporated into Moldovan legislation, according to the author ities. 
3.91.   Under the "new approach", most of technical regulations contain "essential requirements" 
expressed in terms of performance -based indicators or objectives. Essential requirements define the 
results to be attained, or the hazards to be dealt with, wit hout specifying any particular technical 
solution. Technical solutions to meet essential requirements under the "new approach" regulations 
are set out in the standards developed by international standardization institutions that are related 
to the regulati on. The authorities are of a view that the "new approach" has proven to be more 
adaptive and encourages technology diffusion and innovation. There are some "old approach" 
technical regulations based on detailed product -specific technical requirements.  
3.92.   Products, such as construction products, medical devices, and certain electrical equipment, 
toys, machinery, lifts, and household appliances, are subject to technical regulations61, and thus 
subject to conformity assessment procedures commensurate with the lev el of risk associated with 
them. Manufacturers and traders must declare conformity, in the format of a conformity certificate 
or a conformity statement, prior to the product being marketed in or imported into the country.  
3.93.   The authorities note that the Repu blic of Moldova's conformity assessment procedures are 
designed in accordance with international standards and EU Directives. Conformity certificates must 
be issued by a Moldovan -accredited conformity assessment body, an EU -accredited certification 
body, o r foreign -accredited laboratories as recognized certification bodies covered under an MRA. 
The MRAs on certificates specify that these agreements are applicable only for the products 
manufactured within the countries of interest. The Republic of Moldova ma intains bilateral MRAs with 
Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, the Russian  Federation, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.  The Republic of 
Moldova accepts certificates from EU member States. Inspection or testing reports by 
foreign -accredited laboratories are acceptable for certification process.  
3.94.   The National Accreditation Centre of the Republic of Moldova (MOLDAC) is responsible for, 
inter alia, accreditation of testing and calibration laboratories, medical laboratories, and certification 
and inspection bodies, as well a s accreditation of certification bodies for Quality Management 
Systems.  
3.95.   Conformity for imported products is not enforced, except for document verification, at the 
border by Customs. Instead, as per Law No.  7 of 26 February2016 on Market Surveillance of Non -
Food Products, which entered into force on 26  February  2017, market surveillance operations are 
carried out by eight market surveillance authorities for technical regulation enforcement.62 
3.96.   Product labelling is mandatory in  the Republic of Moldova. The Law  on Consumer Protection 
stipulates that product information must contain all relevant information needed so as to help the 
 
61 For details, see Annex  3 to Law No.  235/2011 on Accreditation and Conformity Assessment.  
62 The eight market surveillance authorities are the Consumer Protection Agency, the State Inspectorate 
for Technical Surveillance of Dangerous Industrial Objects, the Civil Protection and Emergency Management 
Services, the State Inspectorate for Construction, the Mini stry of Infrastructure and Regional Development , the 
Naval Agency, the National Agency of Road Transport, and the Environmental Agency.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  consumer make an informed decision when buying products. Data must be presented clearly, visibly, 
and legibly and written in Romanian  or Russian languages; other languages and characters easily 
comprehensible to consumers are not excluded.  
3.97.   During the review period, the Republic of Moldova adopted a number of laws and regulations 
regarding product labelling requirements to align its provisions with the ones set forth in the 
European  Union's directives and regulations. These instruments concern food, cosmetics, medicine, 
and pharmaceutical products.  
3.98.   The Republic of Moldova is a corr espondent member of the International Organization for 
Standardization (ISO); an associate member of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 
a companion standardization body within the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and 
the Europ ean Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC); and an observer to the 
European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).  
3.3.3   Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements  
3.99.   During the review period, the legal and institutional framework concerning SPS measures was 
updated. ANSA is the competent authority, responsible for the regulation and control in areas 
ensuring food safety and food quality, the maintenance of a system of public measures to ensure 
animal health and plant protection, th e safety of food and raw materials, and the protection of 
consumers in the field of food.63 
3.100.   The WTO Notification and Information Centre under ANSA is the SPS enquiry point, while 
the Ministry of Economy is the national notification authority of SPS measure s to the WTO.64 During 
the review period, the Republic of Moldova notified 12 regular and 4 emergency SPS measures. 
Apart from emergency notifications, 4 out of 12 notifications specified the multilaterally 
recommended 60 -day period for public comment. The  Republic of Moldova considered that 
13 notified measures conformed to existing applicable international standards; the Republic of 
Moldova also identified 8  notified regular measures as trade -facilitating. The Republic of Moldova 
supported, in the SPS Com mittee, a specific trade concern on the Russian  Federation's import 
restriction on wine.  
3.101.   The four emergency SPS measures concerned imports of live poultry, poultry, and poultry 
meats from infected areas, on the grounds of preventing avian influenza. In add ition, pork imports 
from Romania are prohibited65, as an emergency measure.66 
3.102.   The principal legislation for the SPS framework include Law No.  221/2007 on 
Sanitary -Veterinary Activity, Law No.  306 of 30  November  2018 on Food Safety, and Law 
No. 228/2010 on Plant Protection and Phytosanitary Quarantine. With the entry into force of Law 
No. 306/2018 on Food Safety, the previous Law No.  113/2012 on Principle and General Requirement 
for Food Safety was repealed. The authorities note that the Moldovan SPS legal f ramework is aligned 
with the SPS regime of the European  Union.  
3.103.   All imports of animals and products of animal origin are prohibited unless they are from a 
prior approved establishment in an EU member State. Imports of animals and animal products from 
other countries are possible if such imports are sourced from an ANSA -approved establishment, 
where ANSA carries out on -site inspection and audit. According to the authorities, establishments 
on the European  Union's "third country establishment list"67 are also required to be audited by ANSA 
if they intend to export animal and animal products to the Republic of Moldova. Imports must be 
 
63 Government Decision No.  600/2018.  
64 The authorities indicate that both ANSA and the Ministry of Economy are responsibl e for the activity 
within the SPS Committee, while ANSA is responsible for the presentation of SPS notifications under the 
supervision of the Ministry of Economy. As a result of government restructuring during the review period, the 
Republic of Moldova est ablished its new enquiry point and national notification authority for SPS measures.  
65 Effective from 7  April 2021.  
66 Import bans of pork from Ukraine were in force between 7  October  2016 and 30  September  2020 in 
response to the outbreak of African swine f ever.  
67 This list is sector specific for each third country. Products of animal origin include those goods, either 
for human consumption or not intended for human consumption, that are derived from animals or come from 
animals, regardless of whether they have been processed. The list is administered by the European 
Commission.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  accompanied by veterinary certificates complying with EU rules, or by export certificates specified 
in the bilateral agreements w ith the Republic of Moldova. The authorities note that sanitary and 
veterinary inspection requirements are identical for domestic products and imports. The Republic of 
Moldova maintains a control system harmonized with EU rules to facilitate its exports of  animal and 
animal -origin products to the European  Union.  
3.104.   Imports of food, animals, and animal products are subject to sanitary control at the border.68 
In October 2018, a new Regulation (Government Decision No.  938/2018) on Goods Subject to 
Border Control  by the National Food Safety Agency entered into force. The new regulation repealed 
the previous regulation (Government Decision No.  1073/2008); the authorities note that the new 
regulation ensures effective implementation of the one -stop-shop principle, a nd enhances the 
efficiency of ANSA controls at the border. The official controls at the border involve documentary, 
identity, and physical check.69 Imports and exports of animals and animal products must be notified 
to the border control post electronicall y on the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) at least 
24 hours prior to the consignment's arrival at the border. As at end -2020, the Republic of Moldova 
and the European  Union had successfully harmonized 24 certificates that have already been 
uploaded  to TRACES.  
3.105.   Imports of live animals are subject to prophylactic quarantine for a period not exceeding 
30 days. The quarantine must be performed in designated facilities by ANSA. In the case that a 
communicable disease is detected or suspected in live anima ls or animal products during the border 
control, the entire consignment is returned to the country of origin. When unfeasible, the 
consignment will be destroyed or the animal will be slaughtered at the border.  
3.106.   Certain plants and plant products must comply with phytosanitary requirements. Control 
procedures on imports of plants are similar, in principle, to those applicable to animal origins.70 
Importers must notify the border inspection posts electronically through TRACES. Phytosanitary 
certificates are req uired for goods subject to phytosanitary control. The frequency of controls may 
be reduced for products from specific countries, based on risk profiling.  
3.107.   The Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) are prescribed in various Government Decisions, for 
example, Governm ent Decisions No.  1191/2010 for pesticides, No.  115/2013 for nitrates, No.  520 
of 2010 for contaminants, No.  221/2009 for microbiological criteria, and No.  229/2013 for additives. 
The authorities note that the MRLs enforced in the Republic of Moldova are s et according to the 
recommendation level of international standards.  
3.108.   There is legal framework regulating release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into 
the environment. The authorities state that a new law concerning the release of GMOs is being 
drafted; the authorities note that the draft law is aligned to the EU Directive (2001/18/EC) on 
Deliberate Release into the Environment of Genetically Modified Organisms. There is no legislation 
pertaining to GMOs as food ingredients. With regard to GMO label ling, an approach of positive 
labelling is adopted, i.e. food and food additive ingredients that contain or are derived from GMOs 
must be listed.  
3.109.   For agricultural products (including processed products) marketed as "organic", the 
certification and control process is governed by Law No.  115/2005 on Organic Agri -food Production, 
the Law's implementing regulation (Government Decision No.  1078/2008), and the Technical 
Regulation on Organic Agri -food Production and Labelling of Organic Agri -food Products (Govern ment 
Decision No.  1078/2008). Products, including imported products, that satisfy the conditions set forth 
in the legislative framework may apply to carry a national mark of "Organic Agriculture – Republic 
of Moldova".71 Using the mark is voluntary. The Mi nistry of Agriculture and Food Industry is the 
 
68 Products subject to sanitary control at the border are listed in Annex  1 to the Regulation on Goods 
Subject to Border Control by the National Food Safety Agency (Government Decisio n No.  938/2018).  
69 After the Government's optimization project, there are currently seven border inspection posts 
performing SPS -related controls on animals, animal products, and plants, four of which have been renovated 
and equipped with upgraded infrastr ucture.  
70 For details, see Government Decision No.  938/2018, as amended. Viewed at: 
https://www.legis.md/cautare/getResults?doc_id=125641&lang=ro# .  
71 Government Decision No.  884/2014.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  competent authority regulating organic agricultural matters, and it holds the register of organic 
products.  
3.110.   The Republic of Moldova is a member of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the World 
Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International 
Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). The Republic of Moldova is also member of the European and 
Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization.  
3.3.4   Competition policy, state aid, consu mer protection, and price controls  
3.111.   During the review period, there were several changes to the main domestic competition legal 
framework but the structure of the framework remained unchanged; it is still primarily formed by 
Law No.  183/2012 on Competition (Law on Competition)72, Law No.  139/2012 on State Aid73, and 
Law No.  1227/1997 on Advertising.74 As of 2012, these laws aligned the domestic competition 
framework with the relevant parts of the EU acquis75, while the authorities continued this alignment 
via smaller additional revisions during the review period. The authorities also undertook efforts to 
transpose the 2019 EU Directive on strengthening of competition enforcement.76 To this end, the 
Competition Council developed the draft Law on the Adjustment and Harmonization of the National 
Legal Framework on Competition, aiming to address identified gaps and to harmonize national 
provisions with all EU Directives.  
3.112.   The Law on Comp etition includes categories of prohibited anti -competitive actions 
(e.g. anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant position, the actions or inactions of public 
authorities and institutions preventing or distorting competition, violations of legal prov isions 
regarding economic concentration, and prohibited acts of unfair competition); procedures for 
investigating anti -competitive practices; merger authorization procedures; conditions for exemption 
of anti -competitive agreements; determination of sanctio ns for violations; and conditions of 
application of the leniency policy.77 
3.113.   According to Article  5 on anti -competitive agreements and Article  7 on hard core cartels of 
the Law on Competition, anti -competitive agreements are considered as the most serious vi olations; 
according to Article  72, fines for these illegal actions can reach up to 4% of turnover multiplied by a 
factor of 1.4, while further adjustments are possible.78 According to the authorities, the total 
turnover of the undertaking(s) in the year pr eceding the sanction is considered. Article  5 prohibits 
horizontal and vertical agreements among undertakings that by their object or effects prevent, 
restrict, or distort competition in the market of the Republic of Moldova.79 
3.114.   The Law on Competition descr ibes a dominant market position of as a "position of economic 
power which an undertaking benefits [from], and which allows it to prevent effective competition on 
the relevant market, giving [it] the possibility to behave independently, to a considerable ex tent, of 
its competitors, clients, and finally of its consumers".80 Under Article  10, the presumption of 
 
72 Law No.  183/2012  on Competition. Viewed at: https://competition.md/public/files/Competition -Law-
nr-183-from-11072012b4a7c8896b.pdf . 
73 Law No.  139/2012  on State Aid.  Viewed at: 
https://competition.md/public/files/uploads/files/legi/ajutor_de_stat/en/STATE%20 AID%20LAW%20nr.%2013
9%20from%2015.06.2012.pdf . 
74 The Law on Advertising was amended during the review period.  
75 European Commission (2012), Joint Staff Working Document: Implementation of the European 
Neighbourhood Policy in Republic of Moldova: Progress in 2011 and Recommendations for Action . Viewed at: 
http://aei.pitt.edu/39653/1/SWD_(2012)_118.pdf . 
76 Directive (EU) 2019/1 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11  December  2018 to 
empower the competition authorities of the member States to be more effective enforcers and to ensure the 
proper functioning of the internal market. Viewed at: https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32019L0001 . 
77 Law No.  183/2012 on Competition.  
78 Law No.  183/2012 on Competition.  
79 According to the Law on Competition, a horizontal agreement is defined as an "agreement or 
concerted practice between two or more undertakings which operate at the same level/levels on the market". A 
vertical agreement is defined as an "agreement or conce rted practice between two or more undertakings, each 
operating in the meaning of the agreement, at different levels of the production or distribution process and 
which refer to the conditions in which the parties may buy, sell or resell certain products". Viewed at: 
https://competition.md/public/files/Competition -Law-nr-183-from-11072012b4a7c8896b.pdf . 
80 Law No.  183/2012 on Competition.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  dominance is the individual share of one undertaking or cumulative shares of several undertakings 
exceeding 50%81 in a given market, but the assessment  also depends on a range of other factors 
beyond the size and market position. Article  11 prohibits the abuse of a dominant position held by 
one or more undertakings and provides a non -exhaustive list of potentially unlawful conduct. Abuse 
of a dominant po sition represents a serious violation of the Law and may result in sanctions in the 
form of fines of up to 5% (compared to 10% in the European  Union) of the involved undertaking's 
total annual turnover.82 
3.115.   The Competition Council is an autonomous authority,  accountable to the Parliament, which 
ensures the enforcement and observance of competition and state aid legislation. The Competition 
Council enforces competition legislation through actions of preventing anti -competitive practices, 
removal of competition  infringements, and promoting and improving the competition culture.83 In 
order to fulfil its role, according to the authorities, the Competition Council: conducts market studies; 
issues opinions; carries out investigations; drafts normative acts; endorses  the draft normative acts 
and notifies the competent bodies regarding the incompatibility of legislative and normative acts 
with the legislation in the field of competition; finds infringements of competition law and imposes 
interim, corrective measures an d sanctions in order to terminate the infringements; initiates actions 
in the court on cases within its competence; and realizes advocacy actions by organizing regularly 
webinars, conferences, consultative meetings with the participation of representatives  of, inter alia, 
central and local public authorities, business, mass media, public institutions, and students.  
3.116.    According to the information provided by the authorities, in 2016 the Republic of Moldova's 
economy was influenced by the existence of certain regulations in some economic sectors and 
anti-competitive barriers, which had a negative impact on economic activity. To address such 
barriers, the National Program on Competition and State Aid for 2017 -2020 aims to develop a fair 
competitive environment b y opening economic sectors to competition and effective monitoring of 
state aid.84 Based on this programme, the Competition Council adopted policies to influence the 
Product Market Regulation indicator (PMR indicator), developed by the Organisation for Eco nomic 
Co-operation and Development (OECD) to assess existing regulatory barriers to competition in a 
given state.85 Information provided by the authorities indicated that the aggregate PMR indicator 
decreased from 2.48 points in 2016 to 1.56 points in 2020 . The specific actions undertaken that 
aimed to open economic sectors to competition included liberalization of the electricity and natural 
gas markets by separating supply and distribution services; privatization of several state -owned 
companies; establis hment of the Public Services Agency, including the implementation of the one -
stop shop for business operators (Section  2.4); and improvements of e -procurement systems 
(Section  3.3.6). As of December 2020, according to the authorities, out of 37 actions lis ted in the 
programme, 17 were fully achieved, 14 were partially achieved, 5 were initiated, and 1 is contingent 
on the completion of other ongoing actions.  
3.117.   The Competition Council can initiate an investigation in the fields of competition, state aid, 
and a dvertising, except  in the unfair competition cases. According to information provided by the 
authorities, the Competition Council has broad investigatory powers, including the right to request 
any information and documentation, and to conduct dawn raids du ring which its employees have 
inspection powers, including access to premises, land, and means of transport owned or used by 
undertaking, associations of undertakings, or public administration authorities.86 The Competition 
Council also has the right to re quest statements from representatives and employees of undertakings 
 
81 CEE Legal Matter s, Competition and Competition Litigation Laws and Regulations in Moldova . Viewed 
at: https://ceelegalmatters.com/competition -2021/competition -moldova -2021. 
82 Law No.  183/2012 on Competition.  
83 Article  46 of the Law on Competition Law notes that the Competition Council will adopt administrative 
acts to enforce competition legislation, which are published on the official website of the authority 
(www.competition.md ). 
84 Law No.  169 of 20  July 2017 on the Approval of the National Program on Competition and State Aid 
for 2017 -2020. Viewed at: https://cis -legislation.co m/document.fwx?rgn=101668 . 
85 The PMR reflects the influence of different normative acts and existing practices on competition, 
taking into account some characteristics of the main branches of the economy. Thus, the more comprehensive 
the regulations and th e deeper the state intervention in the economic sectors, the higher the value of the PMR 
indicator. Respectively, a lower value of the PMR indicator reflects a more moderate state intervention in the 
economy and a higher level of openness of the economic s ectors to competition.  
86 These inspection powers exclude assets of natural persons.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  involved and to take or obtain in any form (physical or electronic) copies of or extracts from relevant 
books or documents.87 
3.118.   The Competition Council can also impose fines, and its decisio ns can be appealed to court, 
according to the provisions of Article  47 of the Law on Competition. Article  84 also contains leniency 
provisions, allowing the Competition Council to grant rewards to undertakings and associations of 
undertakings that cooperat e with it, if they are or have been part of an anti -competitive agreement. 
Thus, according to the authorities, the undertakings and associations of undertakings may obtain 
immunity from fines or a reduction in the amount of the fines of Type A and Type B f ine if they 
comply with the conditions laid out in the Law on Competition. During the review period, two leniency 
applications were recorded. Table  3.8 shows the competition enforcement statistics during the 
review period.  
Table 3.8 Competition enforcement statistics 2015 -21 
 2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
1. Initiation of case investigations 
(number)  36 20 37 32 30 30 23 
a) Cases concerning anti -competitive 
agreements  5 3 9 9 7 7 1 
b) Cases  concerning abuse of 
dominance  7 2 8 4 4 4 6 
c) Leniency applications  .. .. 1 1 .. .. .. 
d) Notifications  of mergers and 
acquisitions  9 8 9 5 9 9 5 
2. Completed  cases (number)  35 27 25 34 24 22 19 
a) Anti-competitive agreements  2 3 7 10 2 .. 2 
b) Abuse of dominance  7 8 3 6 5 4 1 
c) Settlements  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
d) Mergers and acquisitions  5 5 16 15 24 18 23 
3. Infringement penalties  
(MDL  million)  38 19 12,495  13,289  9,648  37,292  130,652  
4. Appeals (number of completed 
judicial review decisions)  8 16 19 27 21 22 19 
.. Not available.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.119.   Individuals and undertakings involved in anti -competitive behaviour may be subject to 
criminal investigations under the Moldovan Criminal Code.88 Criminal investigations of 
anti-competitive behaviour are within the responsibility of the Prosecution Office . In 2018, Law 
No. 179 of 26  June 2018 for Modification of Some Normative Acts89 was adopted to exempt from 
criminal liability the representatives of undertakings collaborating with the Competition Council 
within the limits of the leniency policy provided by the Law on Competition.90 According to the 
authorities, as of March 2022, no person or undertaking had been criminally sanctioned for violating 
the Law on Competition . 
3.120.   According  to some observers, weaknesses in effective enforcement remain in the Republic 
of Moldova, where anti -competitive practices have given state enterprises an unfair competitive 
advantage.91 According to the provisions of the National Program on Competition and State Aid for 
2017-2020, there were economic sectors in which central or local public authorities and control 
authorities have introduced rules governing , wholly or partly, the supply and demand, prices, quality, 
quantity, and other elements that could have an influence on the competition.92 In addition, 
 
87 The Competition Council is authorized to take registers or documents only if such a measure is 
necessary for preventing the hiding, removal of modification, or destructio n thereof, or if it is not possible to 
take copies from them in the premises at issue.  
88 Criminal Code of the Republic of Moldova. Viewed at: 
https://www.legisla tionline.org/download/id/3559/file/Criminal%20Code%20RM.pdf .  
89 The text of the Law can be viewed at: 
https://www.legis.md/cautare/getResults?doc_id=105536&lang=ro . 
90 Global Competition Review, Moldova: Competition Council . Viewed at: 
https://globalcompetitionreview.com/insight/enforcer -hub/2021/organization -profile/moldova -competition -
council . 
91 World Bank (2019), Moldova – Rekindling Economic Dynamism . 
92 Law No.  169 of 20  July 2017 on the National Program on Competition and State Aid for 2017 -2020. 
Viewed at: https://cis -legislation.com/document.fwx?rgn=101668 . WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  according to the authorities, by granting exclusive rights to some undertakings, the existing legal 
framework restricts the number of competitors who could run a business in some markets. The 
problems, identified by the authorities, are the lack of: (i)  clear provisions in national law, which 
would regulate the establishment of exclusive rights (e.g.  the aw ard procedure, duration, purpose, 
and necessity); (ii)  the transparent establishment of prices and tariffs charged by entities invested 
with exclusive rights; and (iii)  the transparency of public funding and cross -funding exclusion. The 
authorities plan to  develop the legal framework, including performance monitoring, to address these 
issues.  
3.121.   Strong market concentration has been observed in several sectors such as electricity, water, 
road construction, telephony, mobile services, Internet provision, transpo rtation services, 
pharmaceuticals, wine, and glass bottling.93 A Program Implementation and Evaluation conducted 
by the authorities found that there are a limited number of companies in the electricity, water, and 
railway transport sectors. Other indicator s also point to strong market concentration; the World 
Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Index 2018 ranked the Republic of Moldova 122nd in 
extent of market dominance and 126th in effectiveness of anti -monopoly policy among 
137 economies.94 
3.122.   According  to the authorities, the Law on State Aid indicates that state aid is any support 
measure that fulfils cumulatively the following conditions: is granted by the provider from state 
resources or resources of administrative/territorial units, in any form; giv es an economic advantage 
to its beneficiary which would not be possible to gain under normal market conditions; is given on a 
selective basis; and distorts or is likely to distort competition.95 Illegal state aid is any aid other than 
the existing aid or the one exempted from the obligation of notification, which was granted without 
the Competition Council's authorization, or which was granted under the conditions in which the 
Competition Authori ty was notified but it has not adopted a decision within the legal time limit. The 
Law on State Aid exempts several categories of state aid from notification and identifies other 
categories to be considered compatible with normal market competition, if aid  is notified to and 
approved by the Competition Council. According to the authorities, during the review period, the 
Competition Council authorized  100% of notifications it received between 2015 and 2021 
(118 authorized support measures). The Competition C ouncil carries out the monitoring activities in 
line with the Regulation on the Form of Notification, the Procedure for Examining and Taking 
Decisions on State Aid, approved by Competition Council Decision No.  1 of 30  August  2013 and 
amended in 2016.96 
3.123.   Law No. 105/2003 on Consumer Protection is the main consumer legislation in the Republic 
of Moldova, and it ensures safety of consumers, liability of producers and sellers for breaches of law 
and their contractual obligations, procedure for concluding contrac ts, establishing the shelf -life of 
food and non -food products, and replacement of products or reimbursement of their cost.97 The 
Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) is the competent authority for ensuring the safety of consumers, 
and for holding the producers  and the sellers liable for breaches of law and their contractual 
obligations. The CPA also establishes procedures for concluding contracts, decides on the shelf -life 
of food and non -food products, on replacement of products or on reimbursement of their co st. 
Price controls  
3.124.   Price regulation is carried out at the sector level, and the State primarily intervenes in the 
formation of prices by limiting the trade mark -up. Furthermore, the Parliament approves legislative 
acts and action areas of state institution s with independent regulatory activity; the Competition 
Council exercises state control over commodity markets to ensure market competition and the 
National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) approves methodologies and sets tariffs for electricity, 
 
93 World Bank (2019), Moldova – Rekindling Economic Dynamism , p. 14.  
94 World Economic Forum (2017), The Global Competitiveness Report 2018 , p. 205. Viewed at: 
https://www3.weforum.org/docs/GCR2017 -
2018/05FullReport/TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2017%E2%80%932018.pdf . 
95 Law No.  141 of 19  July 2018 on the Amendment and Completion of Some Legislative Acts amended 
Article  6, para.  2, of the Law on State Aid specifying the forms of state aid.  
96 Competition Council Decision No.  5 of 27  December  2016 for Amending and Supplementing 
Competition Council Decisions. This decision also amended Competition Council Decision No.  2 of 
30 August  2013 on Regulation on the De Minimis  Aid and Competition Council Decision No.  3 of 
30 August  2013 on Regulation on State Aid Register.  
97 Law No.  103/2003 on Consumer Protection.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  thermal en ergy, and natural gas, as well as for public water supply, sewerage, and wastewater 
treatment. 98 ANRE promotes an appropriate tariff policy that is consistent with market economy 
principles, ensuring the protection of end -user rights and the profitability  of energy companies 
(Section  4.2). 
3.125.   Other products/services are also subject to regulated prices and, according to the 
authorities, the relevant regulations have not changed since 2015: pharmaceutical products, capping 
trade margins (commercial addition) u p to 40%; current food demand (i.e. socially  important 
goods), limits on the return of the production of dairy and bakery products, capping trade margins 
(commercial addition) up to 10%, 20%, and 40%; public transport, fixed tariffs (cost of travel 
tickets ); health, fixed tariffs through governmental acts; and registry offices, fixed tariffs. In 
addition, Law No.  231/2010 on Internal Trade introduces certain limits to competition, potentially 
affecting prices (Section  2.4 and Section  4.1).99 
3.3.5   State trading, state -owned enterprises, and privatization  
3.126.   As of 2019, the last year covered by the notifications, the Republic of Moldova had notified 
the WTO that it did not maintain any state trading enterprises within the meaning of Article  XVII of 
the GATT  1994 and t he Understanding on the Interpretation of Article  XVII.100 
3.127.   State -owned enterprises (SOEs) can take the form of state enterprises (SEs), municipal 
enterprises (MEs)101, joint  stock companies (JSCs), or limited liability companies. Owned by the 
State, the Publ ic Property Agency (Agenția Proprietății Publice (APP) generally administers102 SEs 
and appoint their boards and administrators, although line Ministries still play this role for a number 
of SEs. MEs are administered by local public administration authoriti es. JSCs are traded on the stock 
exchange and are governed by the Law on Joint Stock Companies.  
3.128.   The APP continues to be responsible for the management and privatization of public property, 
as well as post -privatization activity. It also acts as owner of st ate property, managing around 
two thirds of all SEs and nearly all JSCs with state participation, according to its 2020 Annual 
Report.103 The APP analyses financial statements and assesses performance of all SEs, MEs, and 
JSCs with state ownership, while the Ministry of Finance monitors fiscal risks of those with majority 
state ownership.  
3.129.   Estimates regarding the economic importance of SOEs vary. According to some estimates, 
SOE assets account for 10% of corporate sector assets (representing about one  third of GDP), and 
employ 24% of the labour force,104 more than double the average of other Eastern European 
countries105, while others estimates  that nearly 50% of fixed assets in the economy were owned by 
the State in 2015.106 Among SOEs, assets are highly concentrated, with the 10 largest SEs controlling 
almost 72% of assets. On average, SOEs pay higher wages than national private companies while  
productivity is lower.107 The SOE sector is negatively affected by governance challenges and around 
half of SOEs are technically insolvent, according to some estimates.108 
 
98 ANRE. Viewed at: https://www.anre.md/en . 
99 Law No.  231/2010 on Internal Trade.  
100 WTO documents G/STR/N/16/MDA, G/STR/N/17/MDA, and G/STR/N/18/MDA, 6  July 2020.  
101 SE: întreprinderile de stat; ME: întreprinderile mun icipale.  
102 Moldovan legal terminology uses the term to act as "founder" of such enterprises.  
103 APP (2021), Report on the Administration and Denationalization of State Public Property in 2020 . 
104 World Bank (2019), "Reforming the State -Owned Enterprises ", in World Bank, Moldova Policy Notes 
2019 – Sustaining Stability and Reviving Growth . 
105 World Bank (2019), Moldova – Rekindling Economic Dynamism . 
106 This includes fixed assets of public institutions, in addition to state and municipal companie s, as well 
as JSCs. Ionita, V. (2016), "State -Owned Enterprises and Their Role in National Economy", Institutul pentru 
Dezvoltare şi Inițiative Sociale "Viitorul" , No. 6. Viewed at: 
http://www.viitorul.org/ro/content/%C3%AEntreprinderile -gestionate -de-stat-%C8%99i -rolul-lor-%C3%AEn -
economia -na%C8%9Bional%C4%83 . 
107 World Bank (2019), Moldova – Rekindling Economic Dy namism . 
108 See for example: EBRD (2017), Moldova Diagnostic: Assessing Progress and Challenges in Unlocking 
the Private Sector's Potential and Developing a Sustainable Market Economy ; and IMF (2021), Technical 
Assistance Report – Country Governance Assessment , IMF Country Report No.  21/167, p.  70.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  3.130.   In 2019, SOEs were active in around 41 economic sectors and subsectors ranging from 
network infrastructures and related services to sectors such as accommodation, agriculture, 
construction, retail, and manufactures. In many of these sectors, private participation is generally 
considered viable. SOEs are particularly concentrated in a numbe r of backbone sectors that are of 
importance to the overall competitiveness of the economy, in particular, energy, telecom, and 
transport. SOE market shares in these sectors often exceed 90% or are otherwise dominant.109 SOEs 
also have leading positions in several manufacturing sectors110, although companies fully or partially 
owned by the State accounted for only 3.8% of all active enterprises and 9.9% of total manufacturing 
output in 2013.111 More recent information was not available.  
3.131.   However, as outlined in  a recent World Bank report, some uncertainty regarding the total 
number of SOEs remained  during the review period as the number of SOEs declined .112 With 
Government Decision No.  902 of 6  November  2017 on the Organization and Functioning of the Public 
Prope rty Agency, the Government established a regulatory list of SEs administered by the APP, as 
well as those JSCs whose shares the APP holds. While this list was finalized in 2018 and underwent 
smaller revisions in 2019 and 2020, it is not being kept up to da te, as records of SOEs are updated 
by the APP in the Register of Public Patrimony at the beginning of each year. According to the 
Register, there were 184 SEs at the beginning of 2021 (151 of which are administered by the APP, 
with the remainder administer ed by central line Ministries), and 80 companies in which the 
Government holds share capital, 78 of which are under APP control.113 According to the authorities, 
around one  third of all of these are under liquidation or are inactive. According to the Register, there 
were 592 MEs at the beginning of 2021.114 The number of SOEs per capita is among the highest in 
the region.115 
3.132.   The APP con tinued to privatize state assets during review period, including 16 SOEs, 
state-owned shares in 21 JSCs, and 30 other assets between January 2016 and 1  September  2021. 
Among the companies privatized were some large enterprises such as a major shopping cent re in 
Chişinău  (in 2017), Vestmoldtransgaz (the operator of the pipeline interconnection between the gas 
transmission systems in the Republic of Moldova and Romania, in 2018), Air Moldova (in 2018), and 
a tobacco plant (in 2019).116 Privatizations took plac e in the form of commercial competitions, 
investment competitions, sales via the regulated stock market, or open auctions.117 Table  3.9 lists 
the 10 largest SOEs by sales at the end of 2020.  
Table 3.9 The large st 10 SOEs by sales, 2020  
(MDL million)  
Company  Activity  2020 total 
assets  2020 sales  2020 net 
profits  State 
ownership 
(%) 
Moldovan Railways  
(Calea Feretă din Moldova)  Rail transport  3,968.8  599.1  -215.9  100 
JSC Electric Thermal 
Power Plant North  Electricity  758.3  330.1  -2.8 100 
JSC Termoelectrica  Electricity  5,482.1  2,177.9  -4.9 100 
JSC Electric Thermal 
Power Plant North -West Electricity  2,917.5  677.6  -17.9 100 
JSC Modtelecom  Telecommuni -
cations  5,371.9  1,573.4  86.0 100 
Fabrica de Sticla din 
Chişinău  Glass  418.5  311.3  23.1 100 
JSC EnergoCom  Electricity and 
natural gas   388.6  4,019.8  24.5 100 
 
109 World Bank (2019), Moldova – Rekindling Economic Dynamism , pp. 162-163. 
110 World Bank (2019), Moldova – Rekindling Economic Dynamism , p. 14. 
111 WTO document WT/TPR/S/323/Rev.1, 22  January  2016, p. 55.  
112 World Bank (2019), Moldova – Rekindling Economic Dynamism , p. 32. 
113 The 2020 Annual Report of the APP also includes these figures. APP (2021), Report on the 
Administration and Denationalization of State Public Property in 2020 . 
114 APP, Register of Public Patrimony . Viewed at: https://app.gov.md/registrul -patrimoniului -public -3-
384.  
115 IMF (2020), Republic of Moldova: Staff Report for the 2020 Article  IV Consultation and Sixth Reviews 
Under the Extended Credit Facility and Extended Fund Facility Arrangements , IMF Country Report No.  20/76.  
116 Information provided by the APP.  
117 Divestment methods did not fundamentally change over the review period.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  Company  Activity  2020 total 
assets  2020 sales  2020 net 
profits  State 
ownership 
(%) 
JSC Metalferos  Ferrous and 
non-ferrous 
metals  377.5  1,236.7  13.8 78.3 
JSC FEE Nord  Electricity  285.8  1,931.2  152.4  100 
JSC Franzeluta  Bakery  337.0  547.0  -4.1 52.5 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.133.   To address challenges with SOE governance, transparency, and information disclosure, the 
authorities undertook some reforms over the review period. Law No.  246 of 22  November  2017 on 
the State Enterprise and the Municipal Enterprise replaced Law No.  146/19 94 on the State 
Enterprise. The Law regulates both SEs and MEs in terms of operations (including asset use), the 
establishment and management of SOEs, reorganization, conflicts of interest, and information 
disclosure (audit requirements for certain SOEs). It also required the Government to initiate the 
reorganization of all SEs into other legal forms of organization within 24 months.118 Revisions to the 
Law in 2018 and 2020 expanded requirements for mandatory external audits to the annual financial 
statement s of all SEs with requirements continuing to apply to MEs considered medium -sized 
entities, large entities, or public interest entities.119 Government Decision No.  484 of 
18 October  2019 introduced, inter alia, model statutes for SOEs; rules for the selecti on of, and 
employment contracts for, administrators of SEs; and model regulations for the board of directors 
and auditing commission of SEs. SOEs do not seem to receive preferential loans or direct budget 
subsidies or guarantees, but according to the World  Bank, some dividend policies and practices could 
be considered "hidden subsidies or preferential treatment".120 The authorities indicate that they plan 
to continue comprehensive SOE reforms.  
3.134.   The Public Private Partnership (PPP) Framework was further develo ped. Law No.  121 of 
5 July 2018 on Works Concessions and Service Concessions replaced Law No.  534/1995 on 
Concessions, while the Law on Public -Private Partnerships (Law No.  179/2008) remained essentially 
unchanged in substance. The revised Law on Concessio ns introduced certain value thresholds, and 
guidelines for the duration and value of concession contracts with the objective of harmonizing the 
framework to the relevant EU  acquis,  and to improve outcomes. The law introduces a 
mixed -concession (goods and s ervices) contract, while a simplified procedure is in place for 
concessions below the established threshold and of limited duration. Law No.  174 of 
11 November  2021 on the Mechanism for Examining Investments of Importance to State Security 
also applies to concession agreements and PPPs in relevant sectors (Section  2.4). 
3.3.6   Government procurement  
Overview  
3.135.   Government procurement spending in the Republic of Moldova grew in absolute and relative 
terms between 2015 and 2018 from 5.3% of GDP to 5.5%, but has account ed for only 4.4% of GDP 
in 2020 (Table  3.10). The Republic of Moldova has been a Party to the WTO  Agreement on 
Government Procurement 2012 (GPA  2012) since 14  July 2016, opening GPA -covered procurement 
markets to competition from suppliers from other GPA P arties.121 
3.136.   Over the review period, the Republic of Moldova continued to improve its government 
procurement regulatory framework, building on earlier reforms described in the previous TPR report 
and continuing to align it with relevant EU Directives. Under t he Association Agreement with the 
European  Union, the Republic of Moldova committed to aligning its framework to that of the 
 
118 Parliament Decision No.  89 of 19  July 2019 instituted a moratorium on the processes of privatization 
of state public property, which remains in place, according to the authorities.  
119 Law No.  39 of 16  March  2018 on the Amendment and Completion of Law No.  246/2017, and Law 
No. 20 of 20  February  2020 on the Amendment of Law No.  246/2017.  
120 World Bank (2017), Support to SOEs – Preliminary Diagnostic and Reform Assessment: Phase 1 . 
121 Higher thresholds were negotiated as transitional measures and were phased out over a period of 
two years. Applied thresholds are notified in WTO documents GPA/W/336/Add.12, 6  April 2017; and 
GPA/THR/MDA/1 and GPA/THR/MDA/2, 19  November  2020. For additional in formation, see WTO, Integrated 
Government Procurement Market Access Information (e -GPA) Portal . Viewed at: https://e -gpa.wto.org/ . WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  EU acquis  in the area of government procurement, reflecting a guiding principle for government 
procurement reforms over the review period.  
Table 3.10 Government procurement, 2016 -20 
(MDL million)  
Year Level  Total 
value of 
procure -
ment 
(GPA -
covered 
and non -
covered)  Share 
(%) of 
GDP GPA-covered procurement  
Total 
value  Share 
of total 
procure
-ment  Awarded under 
open and selective 
tendering  Awarded under 
limited 
tendering  
Total 
value  Ratio  Total 
value  Ratio  
2016a Central 
government  ..  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
Subcentral 
government  ..  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
Other  ..  .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 
Total 7,530  5.60 .. .. .. .. .. .. 
2017 Central 
government  ..  .. 2,129  .. 1,047  49% 1,082  51% 
Subcentral 
government  ..  .. 238 .. 229 96% 9 4% 
Other  ..  .. 146 .. 146 100%  - 0% 
Total 8,610  5.72 2,513  29.2%  1,422  57% 1,091  43% 
2018 Central 
government  ..  .. 1,519  .. 376 25% 1,143  75% 
Subcentral 
government  ..  .. 232 .. 225 97% 7 3% 
Other  ..  .. 42 .. 42 100%  - 0% 
Total 10,510  5.53 1,793  17.1%  643 36% 1,150  64% 
2019 Central 
government  ..  .. 2,578  .. 1,245  48% 1,333  52% 
Subcentral 
government  ..  .. 657 .. 657 100%  - 0% 
Other  .. .. 90 .. 90 100%  - 0% 
Total 8,940  4.25 3,325  37.2%  1,992  60% 1,333  40% 
2020 Central 
government  .. .. 2,567  ..   1,956   76%  611 24% 
Subcentral 
government  .. .. 243 ..  243 100%   -  0% 
Other  .. .. 192 ..  192 100%   -  0% 
Total 9,040  4.38 3,002  33.21%   2,391   80%  611 20% 
.. Not available.  
- Nil. 
a According to information from the authorities, in 2016 no contract above the GPA 2012 threshold 
was registered.  
Note:  The terms "open tendering", "selective tendering", and "limited tendering" are used here as they 
have been defined in Article  I(h), (m), and (q) of the GPA 2012.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities, including notifications of procurement statistics  to the 
Committee on Government Procurement.  
3.137.   According to the authorities, the reforms undertaken aim at streamlining the (electronic) 
government procurement system, centralizing procurement processes, professionalizing staff 
undertaking government procure ment, and increasing transparency, with the objective of reducing 
risks for fraud and corruption and ensuring better value for money.122 In 2016, the Government 
 
122 Some of these reforms aimed to address shortcomings identified in earlier assessment s, such as the 
2010 Country Procurement Assessment Report, advice provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and 
Development under a technical cooperation project for eProcurement Reforms, and the 2020 Assessment of 
Moldova's Public Procurement Syste m undertaken by the World Bank using the 2018 Methodology for 
Assessing Procurement Systems (MAPS).  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  adopted a Strategy for the Development of the Public Procurement System 2016 -20123, placing the 
reform efforts of the government procurement system under the general principles of good 
governance as part of broader government efforts to reform public administration. Key mechanisms 
to implement the strategy included continuing legal reform , building capacity in contracting 
authorities124, and strengthening integrity and combating corruption. For example, since November 
2020, regulations have required beneficial owner information to be included as part of the 
documentation submitted with tend ers, and the contracting authorities publish beneficial ownership 
information for all entities who have signed contracts with them.125 
3.138.   Among the FTAs concluded by the Republic of Moldova, the following include provisions on 
government procurement: (i)  the F TA among the members of the Commonwealth of Independent 
States (CIS); the EU DCFTA ; the FTA among GUAM participating states (Georgia, Ukraine, 
Azerbaijan, and the Republic of Moldova); the FTA with Türkiye; the FTA with Ukraine; and the 
Strategic Partnership, Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the United  Kingdom. Among these, 
the FTAs with the CIS, the European  Union, and the United  Kingdom contain domestic treatment 
clauses for procurement above certain thresholds (Section  2.3.2).  
3.3.6.1   Legal framewor k 
3.139.   The Public Procurement Agency (AAP) under the Ministry of Finance remains in charge of 
monitoring the implementation of government procurement procedures, analysing their outcomes, 
and providing assistance and advice to contracting authorities undertakin g public procurement, of 
which there are currently around 3,000.126 Within the Ministry of Finance, the Public Procurement 
Department (replacing the Public Procurement Regulatory Policy Service) is responsible for 
developing and implementing national procur ement policies. In compliance with its commitments 
under the Association Agreement with the European  Union, the authorities established the National 
Agency for the Settlement of Complaints (ANSC) in 2015, and it became operational in September 
2017.127 The Agency acts as an independent public authority and is tasked with ensuring transparent 
decision -making in resolving appeals under the Law on Public Procurement and, since 2021, the Law 
on Procurement in the Energy, Water, Transport, and Postal Services Sec tors. Since 2019, it also 
has competence to solve appeals in the field of concessions of works and services. The Agency 
registered more than 4,000 appeals between 2017 and 2021 (Section  3.3.6. 2). Decisions of the 
ANSC may be challenged in the competent cou rt. 
3.140.   Three laws regulate government procurement in the Republic of Moldova: the 2015 Law on 
Public Procurement; the 2020 Law on Procurement in the Energy, Water, Transport, and Postal 
Services Sectors; and a law regulating procurement by state -owned and mun icipally owned 
enterprises.128 
3.141.   The new and subsequently amended Law No.  131/2015 on Public Procurement replaced Law 
No. 96/2007, transposing the then -relevant EU Directive.129 It sets out the guiding principles of 
government procurement to include the effici ent use of public funds, transparency, competition, 
equal treatment, and impartiality, as well as non -discrimination and the protection of the 
 
123 Government Decision No.  1332 of 14  December  2016 on the Approval of the Strategy for the 
Development of the Public Procurement System for the Years 2016 -2020 and the Action Plan on its 
Implementation.  
124 Law No.  131/2015 uses the term "autoritatea contractantă".  
125 IMF (2022), Republic of Moldova: Staff Report for the 2021 Article  IV Consultation , IMF Country 
Report No.  22/1.  
126 World Bank (2021), Moldova: MA PS Assessment of the Public Procurement System . There is no 
comprehensive list, and the exact number is unknown. However, the status of many state -owned and 
municipally owned enterprises remains unclear, according to the report. While in 2016, there were a round 
4,300 contracting authorities according to the Strategy for the Development of the Public Procurement System 
for the Years 2016 -2020, the authorities indicate that the ongoing public administration reform is likely to 
further reduce the number of con tracting authorities.  
127 Law No.  131 of 3  July 2015 on Public Procurement, Chapter X.  
128 Procurement by state -owned and municipally owned enterprises was first regulated by Law No.  246 
of 22 November  2017 on the State Enterprise and the Municipal Enterprise . The law requires state enterprises 
and municipal enterprises to prepare procurement plans and enshrines a transparency principle for the 
procurement of goods by state or municipal enterprises. Government Decision No.  351 of 10  June 2020 
approved the Regu lation on the Procurement of Goods, Works, and Services at the State Enterprise.  
129 Directive 2004/18/EC.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  environment. The Law covers government procurement by contracting authorities130 above national 
thresholds131 in all sectors with the explicit exclusion of procurement by agencies operating in the 
sectors of energy, water, transport, and post (procuring goods in these categories)132, as well as,  
inter alia, certain legal services, financial services related to public se curities and the Central Bank, 
certain defence contracts, audiovisual services, telecommunication, and purchases of medicines and 
pharmaceutical products (Article  5). While the Law also applies in principle to procurements by 
public -private partnerships an d public works concession contracts, it is currently not applied to 
them.133 Tenders at or above separate thresholds established in the Law require publication in the 
Official Journal of the European  Union and where longer time frames in the procurement pro cess 
apply. Regulations for low value public procurement below the national thresholds were approved in 
2016.134 
3.142.   Law No.  169 of 26  July 2018 on the Amendment of Law No.  131/2015 on Public Procurement 
introduced changes to align Law No.  131 with the EU acqui s following the European  Union's approval 
of the new Directive 2014/24/EU. The revisions introduced, inter alia, updated terminology; the 
regulation of mixed contracts; the concept of "innovation partnerships"; acceptance of the European 
single procurement  document to demonstrate eligibility for participation in a procurement procedure; 
expanded award criteria options, as well as the modalities for awards; making electronic 
communication with contracting authorities and electronic contract awards mandatory,  and 
amending certain aspects of procurement procedures.  
3.143.   According to the authorities, there are no preferences for local suppliers in place. Article  6 
of Law No.  131 foresees an option to restrict participation in specific government procurement 
contracts  to certain enterprises working on social inclusion, but according to the authorities this 
provision has not been used to date. Article  16 stipulates that participation in government 
procurement is open to resident or non -resident economic operators (both natural and legal 
persons), and foreign participants are granted the same rights as Moldovan operators would be 
granted in the place of residence of such foreign suppliers. Firms and individuals from jurisdictions 
or autonomous regions that do not implemen t international standards of transparency are, however, 
not permitted to participate in government procurement processes.135 This also applies to 
procurement activities by SEs and MEs. According to the authorities, a methodology to define such 
jurisdictions , as well as a list of such, is being developed based on recommendations of the 
International Financial Action Task Force and relevant EU regulations on anti -money laundering and 
countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT).  
3.144.   A new law has regulated proc urement in the areas of energy, water (and sewerage), 
transport, and postal services since 2021.136 The law partially transposes Directive 2014/25/EU and 
replaced relevant regulations in sector -specific laws upon its entry into force.137 Prior to these 
chang es, procurement in the sectors of natural gas, electricity, thermal energy, and public water 
 
130 Chapter III of Law No.  131 defines "contracting authorities" to include public authorities, legal 
persons under public law, and associations among th em. It also allows for Government to qualify other entities 
as contracting authorities under certain circumstances.  
131 Law No.  319 of 30  November  2018 on the Amendment of Law No.  131/2015 on Public Procurement 
increased the national thresholds for the appli cation of the law to MDL  200,000 for services and MDL  250,000 
for public works (values excluding VAT) from initially MDL  80,000 and MDL  100,000, respectively.  
132 Procurement in these areas was regulated by sector -specific laws until the adoption of a new la w 
(see below).  
133 As outlined in Section  3.3.5, public -private partnerships (PPPs) continue to be regulated by Law 
No. 179/2008 on Public -Private Partnership following minor amendments, while Law No.  121 of 5  July 2018 on 
Works Concessions and Service Conce ssions replaced Law No.  534/1995 on Concessions.  
134 Government Decision No.  665 of 27  May 2016 on the Approval of the Regulation on Low Value Public 
Procurement. At the beginning of each year, contracting authorities are required to submit to the AAP a repo rt 
on low -value public procurement during the previous year. AAP (2022), "Press Release on the Presentation of 
the Report on Low Value Public Procurement Contracts", 19  January. Viewed at: 
https://tender.gov.md/ro/content/comunicat -privind -prezentarea -d%C4%83rii -de-seam%C4%83 -privind -
contractele -de-achizi%C5%A3ii -publice -de.  
135 Amendment Law No.  215 of 27  November  2020 for the Modification of Some Normative Acts 
(Deoffshorization Law).  
136 Law No.  74 of 21  May 2020 on Procurement in the Energy, Water, Transport, and Postal Services 
Sectors, entering into force on 26  June 2021. Articles 9 -15 spell out the procurement activities covered by the 
Law in greater detail.  
137 As part of these change s, the regulatory oversight for procurement activities by licence holders in the 
sectors of natural gas, electricity, thermal energy, and public water supply and sewerage services no longer 
lies with the regulatory agencies, but procurement by licence hold ers is directly regulated by the new law.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  supply and sewerage services was subject to regulatory oversight by the sector regulator, and in 
other sectors via regulations on procurement by state -owned enterp rises.  
3.145.   Over the review period, the Government also continued to adapt secondary legislation. 
However, as of the middle of 2020, secondary legislation remained outdated and contradictory, 
according to the World Bank, while standard documentation in place wa s at times considered too 
detailed and prescriptive to allow for formal compliance and adaptation to circumstances.138 
Changes to the electronic procurement system  
3.146.   A key element of the 2016 -20 public procurement strategy was to establish a well-
functioning electronic government procurement system that would replace the Automatic 
Information System "State Register of Public Procurement" (SIA "RSAP"). With support from the 
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a new e -procurement s ystem, MTender, was 
launched on a pilot basis in early 2017, covering planning, publication of notices, submission of 
tenders, their evaluation, awards, and signing of the contract, while not covering the actual contract 
management phase.139 Under the name "SIA 'RSAP' MTender", the use of the system became 
mandatory in October 2018 for all contracts above the national thresholds and access for economic 
operators is free and non -discriminatory.140 Contracting authorities can also use the system for 
low-value p rocurements141, with the authorities indicating that they are developing a regulation to 
make its use mandatory. Using an open data standard, detailed information from the system is 
constantly published and accessible to all stakeholders, leading to increased transparency.142 
3.147.   However, according to the World Bank assessment, MTender did not allow for most of the 
procurement procedures and award criteria to be used and required further improvements to reflect 
the requirements spelled out in Law No.  131 a s of mid -2020.143 As a result of amendments to the 
Law on Public Procurement in 2019, the use of MTender for government procurement of medicinal 
products and medical devices was suspended, becoming mandatory again from 1  January  2021.144 
3.3.6.2   Procurement methods,  procedures, and outcomes  
3.148.   According to Government Decision No.  1419 of 28  December  2016 for the Approval of the 
Regulation on the Planning of Public Procurement Contracts, all contracting authorities are required 
to prepare procurement plans prior to elabo rating budget proposals, and to publish them following 
their approval.145 According to the World Bank, however, as of mid -2020, not all 
procurement -related information was published in a way that allowed for easy access.146 The law on 
SEs and MEs requires al l such enterprises to prepare annual procurement plans.  
3.149.   Chapter VII of the Law on Public Procurement outlines the following procurement methods: 
(i) open tender; (ii)  restricted tender; (iii)  competitive dialogue; (iv)  negotiated procedures with or 
without  prior publication of a notice; (v)  request for price offers; (vi)  competition of solutions; 
(vii) acquisition in the case of social services and other specific services; and (viii)  "partnership for 
innovation". Open and restricted tenders are considered t he basic procurement methods under the 
 
138 World Bank (2021), Moldova: MAPS Assessment of the Public Procurement System . According to an 
online presentation of the report on 20  January  2022, more work has since been undertaken by the authorities.  
139 For a more detailed description, see Nestulia, V. (2019), "Opening Up Moldova's Contracts. Progress 
and Challenges", Open Contracting Partnership, 11  December. Viewed at: https://www.open -
contracting.org/2019/12/11/opening -up-moldovas -contracts -progress -and-challenges/ .  
140 This provision was included by Law No.  175 of 11  November  2021 for the Modification of Some 
Normative Acts.  
141 WTO document GPA/M/79, 18  September  2020.  
142 Data are available on the Open Contracting Partnership website and can be accessed via the open 
data section of the MTender website. Viewed at: https:// mtender.gov.md/en/public/open -data. 
143 World Bank (2021), Moldova: MAPS Assessment of the Public Procurement System . According to an 
online presentation of the report on 20  January  2022, more work has since been undertaken by the authorities 
but more remain ed outstanding at the beginning of 2022.  
144 This decision was perceived to benefit certain stakeholders, according to an update to the European 
Implementation Assessment of the Association Agreement between the European  Union and the Republic of 
Moldova und ertaken by the European Parliamentary Research Service. Viewed at: 
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2020/642834/EPRS_STU(2020)64283 4_EN.pdf . 
145 The Decision was issued pursuant Article  4 of the Law on Public Procurement, as amended.  
146 World Bank (2021), Moldova: MAPS Assessment of the Public Procurement System . WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  Law.147 To award contracts, contracting authorities are allowed to make use of framework 
agreements, the dynamic purchasing system, an e -auction, or an e -catalogue. To evaluate bids 
received, contracting authorities ca n use: (i)  the lowest price; (ii)  the lowest cost (including the 
calculation of life -cycle costs); (iii)  the best ratio of quality to price; or (iv)  the best ratio of quality 
to cost, according to Article  26 of the Law.  
3.150.   The total value of government procur ement undertaken by the Republic of Moldova increased 
over the review period but declined as a share of GDP. The share of total government procurement 
spending covered by the commitments made under the GPA 2012 ranged between 17.1% and 37.2% 
between 2017 a nd 2020. As a result of recent regulatory changes, the procurement methods used 
changed significantly over the review period. While in 2015 the share of total government 
procurement via open tenders (paper -based and online) stood at 78%, the share of procu rement 
via open tender reached nearly 84% in 2020, with all procedures being completed using the old and 
new online systems. Over the same time, the share of items procured using a request for quotation 
remained broadly stable but by 2020 was completely co nducted using the MTender system.148 The 
share of procurement undertaken without publication of notices declined from 7.2% in 2015 to 4.4% 
in 2020 before increasing to 5.6% during 2021 (Table  3.11). The average number of participants 
per procurement procedu re between 2019 -21 was 1.9, varying marginally over time but 
demonstrating large differences across contracting authorities and the types of products procured.149 
Table 3.11 Value and share (%) of procurement m ethods, 2015 -21 
(MDL million)  
Indicator  Procurement 
method  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Value and share 
[%] procured 
through procedures 
with publication of 
the notice in Public 
Procurement 
Bulletin (PPB)  Framework 
Agreement  18 
[0.28]  1 
[0.01]  3 
[0.04]  21 
[0.20]  4 
[0.04]  2 
[0.02]  12 
[0.14]  
Competitive 
dialogue  1 
[0.01]  - - - - - - 
Open tender 
(held in paper 
and electronic 
formats)  5,063  
[78.37]  5,926 
[78.73]  6,029 
[70.06]  7,992 
[76.05]  7,418  
[82.98]  7,569  
[83.73]  6,680  
[79.09]  
Request for 
quotation (held 
in paper and 
electronic 
formats)  912 
[14.10]  896 
[11.91]  1,412 
[16.41]  1,371 
[13.05]  1,216 
[13.6]  1,071 
[11.84]  1,279 
[15.14]  
Percentage 
procured through 
procedures without 
publication in the 
PPB  Request for 
quotation  178 
[2.75]  265 
[3.52]  437 
[5.07]  405 
[3.85]  - - - 
Percentage 
procured through 
direct contracting  Single source  289 
[4.48]  439 
[5.83]  724 
[8.42]   - - - 
Negotiation 
procedures 
without prior 
publication  - - - 719 
[6.84]  302 
[3.38]  399 
[4.41]  476 
[5.63]  
- Nil. 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities. WTO Secretariat calculations based on WTO documents 
GPA/STAT  (17)/MDA/1, GPA/STAT(18)/MDA/1, and GPA/STAT(18)/MDA/1, 20  November  2020.  
3.151.   Among the GPA -covered procurement processes, the share of central government 
procurement under open and selective tendering (as opposed to limited tendering) reached 49% in 
2017, 25% in 2018, an d 48% in 2019.150 Nearly all procurement by subcentral and other entities, 
 
147 Under restricted tenders, only a selected number of bidders meeting mini mum qualification 
requirements are invited to bid.  
148 Following the introduction of MTender, all new procedures were initiated in the new system, while 
processes in progress continued to use the old system.  
149 Open Contracting Partnership, OCDS based Busine ss Intelligence Tool for Moldova . Viewed at: 
https://bi.open -contracting.org/moldova/competition .  
150 The terms "open tendering", "selective tendering", and "limited tendering" are used as they have 
been defined in Article  I(h), (m), and (q) of the GPA 2012. Data provided by the authorities, including via 
notifications of procurement statistics to the Committee on Government Procurement.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  accounting for around one  fifth of GPA -covered procurement, was procured using open and selective 
tendering.  
3.152.   According to the World Bank, challenges negatively affecting the outcome of procurement 
processes resulted in particular from contract management not being included in the electronic 
procurement system, the fact that data often remain incomplete or too inaccurate to undertake 
structured analysis and monitoring (in particular re garding low -value contracts), and internal audits 
being well regulated but implemented only little in practice.151 
3.153.   According to public information available, 20,354 procedures above the national and 
EU thresholds were undertaken under the MTender system bet ween 2019 and 2021, with nearly 
2,900  complaints raised. These complaints were received from 862 complainants, representing 
approximately one  quarter of all the total expected procurement value.152 The ANSC had examined 
more than 4,000 appeals by the end of 2021, and had issued more than 3,400 decisions (multiple 
appeals on the same procedure can be merged for a joint solution). According to the authorities, 
134 judicial proceedings had started with  courts cancelling less than 0.1% of decisions. In cases of 
identified mis -procurement, remedial actions mandated by the ANSC include changing 
documentation, re -evaluation of submitted tenders, or a cancellation of the procedure altogether.  
3.3.7   Intellectual pr operty rights  
3.154.   The Republic of Moldova has been modernizing its intellectual property (IP) regime to 
develop a sustainable economy, based on knowledge and innovation, as well as aligning it with the 
EU acquis , in preparation of potential membership. The Gov ernment developed the National 
Intellectual Property Strategy (NIPS), in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property 
Organization (WIPO).153 In 2015, the Government Decision on the Action Plan 2015 -2017 to 
Implement the NIPS was adopted154, and in 201 8, a new Action Plan for 2018 -2020 was approved.  
3.155.   The State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI) was responsible for the implementation 
of the Action Plans and a regular review of their implementation. In 2021, AGEPI assessed the 
implementation of the NI PS and the Action Plans, and issued Evaluation Reports for the periods 
2012-14, 2015 -17, and 2018 -20, including the impact and costs of implementing the NIPS. The 
reports noted that significant progress had been achieved, but that there were still outstand ing 
issues, such as fostering IP creation and acquisition through innovation and research activities, 
developing an IP market as a tool for promoting and intensifying trade and investment flows; 
increasing the local and international competitiveness of Mol dovan companies through the use of IP; 
creating facilities for effective public -private partnerships in innovation and technology transfer; 
strengthening the collaboration between IP enforcement authorities and right holders and simplifying 
enforcement mec hanisms, and consolidating geographical indications (GIs) for regional sustainable 
development.  
3.156.   At the time of writing, the development of an updated IP strategy that would contribute to 
the Development Strategy "Moldova 2030" was under consideration with WIPO, the European  Union 
IP Office (EUIPO), and the European Patent Office (EPO).  
3.157.   In September 2021, AGEPI adopted its Strategic Development Plan 2022 -2024, which 
focuses on four priorities: (i)  development of the IP system; (ii)  promotion of IP rights (IP Rs); 
(iii) modernization of information services and systems; and (iv)  sustainable institutional 
development.155 
 
151 World Bank (2021), Moldova: MAPS Assessment of the P ublic Procurement System . 
152 Open Procurement Partnership, OCDS based Business Intelligence Tool for Moldova – Complaints 
Analysis . Viewed at: https://bi.open -contracting.org/moldova/complai nts.  
153 AGEPI (2019), "National Intellectual Property Strategy, Topic of Discussion in the Videoconference 
with WIPO Representatives", 22  January. Viewed at : https://agepi.gov.md/en/news/national -intellectual -
property -strategy -topic-discussion -videoconference -wipo-representatives . 
154 AGEPI (2012), "The Government of the Republic of Moldova Has Approved the National Intell ectual 
Property Strategy until 2020", 23  November. Viewed at: https://agepi.gov.md/en/news/government -republic -
moldova -has-approved -national -intellectual -property -strategy -until-2020. 
155 Information provided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  3.158.   The Republic of Moldova is a net importer of IP. Exports of IP royalties and licensing fees 
remained stable between 2010 and 2017, oscillating b etween USD  4 million and USD  7 million. On 
the other hand, imports almost tripled between 2010 and 2019, when they reached almost 
USD 32 million. In 2020, they amounted to only USD  27 million  before increasing to USD  52 million 
in 2021. In 2021, the Republ ic of Moldova exported nearly USD 3 million  (Table  1.7). 
International, regional, and bilateral agreements  
3.159.   The Republic of Moldova is signatory to 27 international agreements and 7 regional 
conventions, treaties, and decisions (Tables A3. 3 and A3. 4) and co operates with more than 
30 IP offices around the world. Since 2015, European patent right holders have the possibility to 
validate their patents in the Republic of Moldova directly through the EPO, as provided for in the 
Validation Agreement.156 In Septembe r 2015, the Republic of Moldova ratified the Beijing Treaty on 
Audiovisual Performances, which entered into force in April 2020, and in 2018 acceded to the 
Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaire d, 
or otherwise print disabled.  
3.160.   The EU -Moldova Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) is an integral part of 
the Association Agreement with the European  Union and entered into force in July 2016. Its 
Article  278 provides that the parties shall ensu re the adequate and effective implementation of the 
international agreements dealing with IP including the Agreement on Trade -Related Aspects of 
Intellectual Property (TRIPS  Agreement). In addition, Article  313 reaffirms the Doha Declaration on 
the TRIPS  Agreement and Public Health. Therefore, and with a view to ensuring the domestic 
implementation of the flexibilities contained in the TRIPS  Agreement157, a draft amendment to  Law 
No. 50/2008 on the Protection on Invention has been prepared and is under public consultation  with 
the relevant authorities ( i.e. AGEPI, the Ministry of Health, the Medical Agency, the Competition 
Council, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Indu stry), private sector representatives, 
international experts and organizations advocating for people with severe diseases, and other 
interested stakeholders.  
3.161.   Bilaterally, the Republic of Moldova signed on 24  December  2020 a Strategic Partnership, 
Trade and  Cooperation Agreement with the United Kingdom158, which included an IP chapter. The 
corresponding Bilateral Subcommittee on Geographical Indications was established in July  2021.  
3.162.   Furthermore, i n July 2017 AGEPI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with EUI PO to 
increase cooperation and widen the range of tools offered to IP users, including the integration of 
the Moldovan trademark and design data into the EU databases. In December 2021, a new 
Memorandum with EUIPO was signed to extend cooperation and, inter alia, align the trademark and 
design examination practices with those of the European  Union and allow the participation of AGEPI 
specialists in the EUIPO secondment programme.159 
3.3.7.1   Domestic IP regime and recent developments  
3.163.   The Republic of Moldova's main IP -related objective is to ensure a level of protection similar 
to that in the European  Union, including effective means of enforcement. While the main laws that 
conform the current domestic legal framework for the protection of IP rights were developed betw een 
2004 and 2011, the legal framework has been amended since the previous Review in order to 
harmonize it with the EU  acquis .160 The IP domestic legal framework and legislative amendments 
implemented are summarized in Table  3.12. 
 
156 EPO, Validation States . Viewed at: https://www.epo.org/about -us/foundation/validation -states.html . 
157 AGEPI (2020), Annual Report 2019, p.  33. Viewed at: https://agepi.gov.md/en/raport -anual/annu al-
report -2019. 
158 Government of the United  Kingdom , UK/Moldova: Strategic Partnership, Trade and Cooperation 
Agreement . Viewed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukmoldova -strategic -partnership -trade-
and-cooperation -agreement -cs-moldova -no12021 . 
159 EUIPO, State Agency on Intellectual Property of the Republic of Moldova (AGEPI) Now Aligned with 
CP5. Viewed a t: https://euipo.europa.eu/ohimportal/en/news/ -/action/view/8463501 . 
160 Changes have been implemented in line with the National Action Plan for the Implementation of the 
Associ ation Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and European  Union, as mandated in Government 
Decision No.  1472/2016.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  3.164.   However, the key features of the Republic of Moldova's IPR regime have remained 
unchanged since the previous Review and are summarized in Table  3.13. 
Table 3.12 IP – domestic legal framework  
Law Entry into force  Last amended by Law  
No. 50-XVI/2008 on Protection of Inventions  4 October  2008 No. 254 of 1  December  2017 
No. 38-XVI/2008 on Protection of Trademarks  6 September  2008 No. 101 of 26  May 2016 
No. 161-XVI/2007 on Protection of Industrial 
Designs  1 December  2007 No. 101 of 26  May 2016 
No. 39-XVI/2008 on Protection of Plant Varieties  6 September  2008 No. 101 of 26  May 2016 
No. 655-XIV/1999 on Protection of Topographies of 
Integrated Circuits  6 January  2000 No. 101 of 26  May 2016 
No. 139/2010 on Copyright and Neighbouring Rights  1 January  2011 No. 212 of 29  July 2016 
No. 66-XVI/2008 on Protection of Geographical 
Indications, Appellations of Origin and Traditional 
Specialties Guaranteed  25 October  2008 No. 66 of 24  May 2018 
No. 1459-XV/2002 on Distribution of Copies of Work 
and Phonograms  14 November  2002 No. 160 of 7  July 2016 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities and sourced from WIPO Lex. Viewed at: 
https://wipolex.wipo.int/fr/main/home . 
Table  3.13 Main features of the IPR regime  
IPR Patents  Trademarks  Industrial 
designs  GIs Copyrights  Related 
rights  
Object of 
protection  A new 
process or 
product  A distinctive 
sign Appearance 
of a product 
or part 
thereof  Geographical 
name 
designating a 
product whose 
specific quality, 
reputation, or 
other 
characteristics 
can be 
attributed to 
geographical 
origin  Literary 
artistic and 
scientific 
works  Performances, 
phonograms, 
videograms, 
broadcasts of 
broadcasting 
organizati ons 
Term of 
protection  20 yearsa 10 years with 
unlimited 
possibility of 
renewal  Maximum 
25 years 
from the 
filing date  Unlimited 
provided that 
the special 
characteristics 
are preserved  Throughout 
the lifetime of 
the author 
and for 70 
years after 
death  50 years as 
from the date 
of the 
performance, 
printing, or 
broadcasting  
How to 
obtain 
protection  By 
registration   By 
registration  By 
registrationb By registration  Appears 
automatically 
with the 
creation of 
the work  Appears 
automatically 
with the 
creation of 
objects  
Who can get 
protection  Any natural 
or legal 
person  Any natural 
or legal 
person  Author 
and/or their 
successor in 
title A group acting 
in the delimited 
area, 
regardless of 
the legal form 
of organization  Author and/or 
right holder  Performers, 
phonogram 
producers, 
videogram 
producers, and 
broadcasting 
organizations  
The rights 
conferred  Exclusive 
right  Exclusive 
right Exclusive 
right Right of use Exclusive 
moralc and 
economic 
rights  Exclusive 
moral and 
economic 
rights  
a The term of a short -term patent for invention is six years with the possibility of extension for a 
period not exceeding four years.  
b An unregistered industrial design is protected for a period of three years from the date on which it 
was made available to the public for the first time in the Republic of Moldova.  
c Moral rights are imprescriptible even if authors assign their economic rights.  
Source:  AGEPI (2020), National Report 2019 on the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in the 
Republic of Moldova . WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  3.165.   Between 2015 and April 2022, the Republic of Moldova submitted nine notifications regarding 
modifications to its IP regime to the T RIPS Council, pursuant to Article  63.2 of the TRIPS  Agreement 
(Table  A2.1).161 Furthermore, it participated in the work of the TRIPS Council, namely the discussions 
on the work programme on electronic commerce that took place in 2017.162 
3.166.   In February 2018, Law No.  24 amended and supplemented certain legislative acts (Law 
No. 1456/1993 on Pharmaceutical Activity and Law No.  1409/1997 on Medicinal Products) and 
provided for a new test data protection regime for pharmaceutical products. This new law 
implemented the provisions of Arti cle 315 of the Association Agreement and established the national 
system to guarantee confidentiality, non -disclosure, and non -reliance of data submitted for the 
purpose of obtaining an authorization to put a medicinal product on the market, during a speci fic 
time period. The amendments entered into force on 1  January  2020.  
3.167.   The data protection regime for agrochemical products, provided for by Article  316 of the 
Association Agreement, was implemented by Law No.  245 of 23  November  2017, which amended 
Law No.  119 of 22  July 2014 on Plant Protection Products and Fertilizers and entered into force on 
5 January  2018.163 
3.168.   In November 2018, the Trade Secret Protection Regime was amended by Law No.  133, as 
part of the modernization of the Civil Code. As a result, Law N o. 171 of July 1994 on Commercial 
Secrets was repealed. The provisions regulating the protection of trade secrets were introduced into 
the Civil Code of the Republic of Moldova No.  1107 of June 2002. In particular, Section  3 of the Civil 
Code 1107/2002 pro vides for the liability for acquisition, use, or disclosure of trade secrets. The 
unauthorized disclosure of trade secrets is also liable under Article  245(10) of the Criminal Code 
No. 985 of April 2002, as amended by Law No.  175 of November 2021, and Arti cle 107 of the 
Contravention Code No.  2018 of October 2008, as amended by Law No.  40 of February 2022.164 
3.169.   In 2020, the authorities developed draft amendments to Law No.  139/2010 on Copyright 
and Related Rights in order to incorporate EU IP -protection standa rds.165 The draft was under public 
consultations, at the time of writing.166 
3.170.   During the state of emergency related to the COVID -19 pandemic, AGEPI implemented a 
series of IP -related measures, such as, inter alia , the suspension of deadlines for IP administration 
procedures; updating e -filing and other electronic systems and encouraging users to adopt electronic 
communication channe ls; IP support and consultancy services were redesigned and delivered mostly 
remotely, including by voice, email, and video communication platforms.  
Administrative a rrangements  
3.171.   The administrative body in charge of the legal protection of trademarks, patent s, and 
copyrights is the AGEPI, established in 1992. Its main responsibilities include granting IP rights, 
formulating IP policy contained  in the NIPS 2020 and the NIPS Implementation Action Plans, 
elaborating and developing IP legislation, implement ing of national legislation and international 
agreements, and delivering IP education and training.  
3.172.   AGEPI has undergone several reorganizations, and the latest took place in 2018, as provided 
for by Law No.  140 of July 2018 on Amending Certain Legal Acts. The ne w Regulations on the 
Organization and Functioning of AGEPI were approved by Government Decision No.  1247 of 
December 2018. As a result, AGEPI is no longer a self -governed and self -financed "public institution" 
but a "central administrative authority" subor dinated to the Government, responsible for promoting 
and implementing industrial property rights, as well as copyright and related rights.  
3.173.   With a view to enhancing IP -related national coordination among government agencies and 
IP right holders, the Nationa l Commission on Intellectual Property (NCIP) was created in 2008 as a 
government advisory body. Its objectives are to develop and strengthen the NIPS, combat and 
prevent infringements, and prevent import and sale of counterfeit and pirated goods in the Rep ublic 
 
161 WTO, e -TRIPS Gateway. Viewed at: https://e -trips.wto.org/ . 
162 See WTO document IP/C/M/85, IP/C/M/85/Add.1,  7 June 2017.  
163 Information pro vided by the authorities.  
164 Information provided by the authorities.  
165 AGEPI (2021), Annual Report 2020 , pp. 30 -31. Viewed at: https://agepi.gov.md/en/raport -
anual/annual -report -2020. 
166 Information provided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  of Moldova. Government Decision No.  542/2020 adjusted the composition of the NCIP, as required 
by wider administrative reforms. The NCIP meets at least once every year.  
3.174.   In order to further consolidate the national IP system and relevant institutions,  a Code of 
Ethics and Conduct for Intellectual Property Authorized Attorneys was developed and approved by 
Government Decision No.  714 of 18  July 2018, effectively amending the Regulations on the Activity 
of the Authorized Intellectual Property Attorneys.  
3.175.   Also, in September 2020167, two electronic systems were established to exchange IP -related 
data among relevant Moldovan agencies: AGEPI, the Customs Service, the Public Prosecutor's Office, 
the General Police Inspectorate, the Agency for Consumer Protection  and Market Surveillance, and 
the Agency for Court Administration168: 
a. The Information System of Intellectual Property Objects, maintained by AGEPI, contains 
all the IP rights registered/protected in the Republic of Moldova, allows access and 
communication b etween different government agencies, and allows online reporting on 
the infringements of IPRs, etc.; and  
b. The Information System "Register of Applications for Action", implemented by the Customs 
Service, enables IP holders to submit online applications for  action for interventions for 
the protection of IP rights at the border.  
3.176.   During the period 2017 -20, trademarks applications increased 6.6%, while industrial design 
applications decreased 21.8% and patent applications 12.7% (Table  3.14). The time required t o 
obtain IPR protection in the Republic of Moldova varies depending upon the type of protection sought. 
For a copyright, it takes 15 -30 days; patent for plants 1.5 -3 years; short -term patent for invention 
7-8 months; patent for invention 17 -18 months; GIs,  appellations of origin, or traditional specialties 
guaranteed 10 -12 months; industrial designs 10 -12 months; and trademarks 10 -12 months.  
Table 3.14 Applications for trademarks, industrial designs, and patent s, and patents 
granted, 2017 -20 
 2017  2018  2019  2020  
Trademark applications  
Resident  3,015  3,023  3,164  3,910  
Non-resident  8,292  8,882  8,167  8,148  
Total 11,307  11,905  11,331  12,058  
Abroad  968 990 2,184  2,142  
Industrial design applications  
Resident  290 433 451 272 
Non-resident  816 548 723 593 
Total 1,106  981 1,174  865 
Abroad  434 174 647 154 
Patent applications  
Resident  73 92 85 85 
Non-resident  37 21 15 11 
Total  110 113 100 96 
Abroad  30 68 38 47 
Patents granted  
Resident  42 47 29 33 
Non-resident  20 32 28 11 
Total 62 79 57 44 
Abroad  16 31 13 53 
Source:  WIPO, Statistical Country Profiles: Republic of Moldova , last update from December 2021. Viewed 
at: https://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/country_profile/profile.jsp?code=MD . The WIPO 
Statistical Country Profile provides data for Moldova, rather than those f or the national IP office. 
Moldovan applicants have the choice between two home IP offices: a national IP office and a regional 
IP office (the European Patent Office). For this reason, the resident figures for Moldova correspond 
to the sum of filings made at the national IP and at the EPO. More granular patent information is 
available on the WIPO IP Statistics Data Center.  
 
167 Decision No.  721 of 30  September  2020 on the Information Platform in the Field of In tellectual 
Property Rights Protection. Viewed at: https://www.legis.md/cautare/getResults?doc_id=123618&lang=ro . 
168 AGEPI (2020), "The Government Has Approved the Information Plat form in the Field of Protection of 
Intellectual Property Rights", 30  September. Viewed at: https://agepi.gov.md/en/news/ government -has-
approved -information -platform -field-protection -intellectual -property -rights . WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  3.3.7.2   Enforcement  
3.177.   Since 2011, the Observatory on Enforcement of IP Rights of AGEPI has been responsible for 
exchanging information between rel evant national authorities responsible for monitoring the 
enforcement of IPRs and elaborating reports and statistical studies in the field. At the same time, 
the Observatory is also responsible for notifications under Article  63.2 of the TRIPS  Agreement. I n 
2020, it was consolidated as the main platform for the enforcement bodies169, and its annual report 
contains statistical and analytical data collected from all relevant stakeholders.170 
3.178.   Led by AGEPI, the following agencies are also involved in IP protectio n and enforcement: 
the Judiciary System, the Prosecutor General's Office, the Customs Service, the Ministry of Internal 
Affairs, the Competition Council (CC), the Agency for Consumer Protection and Market Surveillance, 
and the Ministry of Agriculture and F ood Industry, State Commission for Variety Testing.171 
3.179.   The Board of Appeals, under AGEPI, is a specialized body for the extrajudicial settlement of 
appeals filed against administrative decisions regarding the rejection of applications for registration 
or the registration of an IPR. Decisions taken by the Board of Appeals may be appealed by the parties 
in the courts, as provided by the relevant IP laws and the Civil Code. Between 2011 and 2020, 
1,427  decisions were issued by the Board of App eals172: 1,378 regarding trademarks, and 25, 23, 
and 1 concerning, respectively, inventions, designs, and plant varieties.  
3.180.   Since 2007, AGEPI has published on its website173 court decisions and judgments on IP 
cases. The Prosecutor's General Office dealt with  43 criminal cases related to IP between 2015 and 
2021 (Table  3.15). 
3.181.   Government Decision No.  987 of 2  November  2017 on the Approval of the Regulation on the 
Organization and Functioning of the Arbitration Specialized in Intellectual Property and the Arbitr al 
Procedure established a dispute settlement system dedicated to IP infringement cases. From its 
establishment and up until the preparation of this Trade Policy Review report, the IP Arbitration 
mechanism had not been used, and IP -related domestic dispute s were being mostly dealt by courts.  
Table 3.15 IP-related cases dealt with by General Prosecutor's Office, 2015 -21 
Description  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Criminal proceedings initiated, total  14 4 7 8 5 4 1 
Article  185(1): Infringement of 
copyright and related rights 
(copyright and related rights)  8 1 4 7 1 1 0 
Article  185(2): Violation of industrial 
property rights, including designs 
and trademarks (TM)  
Designs  
Trademarks  6 
 
 
1 
5 3 
 
 
0 
3 3 
 
 
0 
3 1 
 
 
1 
0 4 
 
 
0 
4 6 
 
 
1 
5 1 
 
 
0 
1 
Damages caused to right holders 
(MDL million)  .. 1.09 0.02 2.47 3.02 3.93 14.82  
.. Not available.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.182.   Depending on the severity of the IP infringement, natural and legal persons can receive fines 
ranging from MDL  57,500 to MDL  550,000, community service for 180 to 240 hours, deprivation of 
the right to practice certain activities for 1 to 5 years, dissolution of the legal person, and 
imprisonment for up to 5 years.174 
 
169 AGEPI, Intellectual Property Rights . Viewed at: http://db.observatorpi.md/#IP_Statistic . 
170 The 2020 r eport is available in English and Romanian on the Observatory website. Viewed at: 
http://observatorpi.md/ . The 2021 edition is under preparation.  
171 Information provided by the authorities.  
172 Statistics available on t he AGEPI website. Viewed at: https://agepi.gov.md/ro/appeals -
board/statistica .  
173 AGEPI, Judgments/Decisions of the Courts . Viewed at: https: //agepi.gov.md/ro/decisions . 
174 Detailed information on legal provisions on enforcement of IPR rights can be found at AGEPI, 
National Normative Acts . Viewed at: https://agepi.gov.md/en/legislatie/ nationale . WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  Borde r measures  
3.183.   Article  302 of the Customs Code provides that the customs authority may suspend the 
clearance procedure and/or withhold the good for a period of four working days, when it has 
sufficient ground to believe that there has been an IP infringement. The Customs Code was brought 
in line with the TRIPS  Agreement and incorporates the principles of the EU Regulation No.  608/2013. 
In addition, the new regulations on customs measures for IP protection were approved by 
Government Decision No.  915 of 26  June 2016, bringing border enforcement procedures in line with 
EU Regulation No 608/2013. In August 2021, a new Customs Code was enacted by Law No.  95, 
which will enter into force on 1  January  2023.  
3.184.   In 2019, the Customs Service175 registered 145 de tentions of suspected counterfeit and/or 
pirated goods. In 2020, 98 detentions of suspected goods susceptible of being counterfeit took 
place176, consisting mostly of clothing and footwear (45  cases) and houseful products, and parts and 
accessories for cell phones, cameras, etc. (23  cases). In 2021, there were 94 detentions: 78  of these 
detentions were launched based on applications for action and 16 ex officio  procedures, per 
Article  302 of the Customs Code. They resulted in seizures reaching a value of MDL  4.58 million  and 
the consequent destruction of counterfeit and pirated goods valued at MDL  174,462 and other 
otherwise disposed (donations) reached MDL  22,212 , in 2021 . 
Table 3.16 IPR related cases dealt by Cu stoms Service, 2015 21  
Description  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Total applications for action (AfA) registered in the 
Customs register  114 69 70 105 129 138 129 
AfA lodged by national applicants  37 29 41 34 60 69 43 
AfA lodged by foreign applicants  77 40 29 71 69 69 86 
Detentions, total cases  39 35 41 82 145 98 94 
Cases initiated based on application for actions  24 15 4 19 39 29 78 
Cases initiated based on ex officio  procedure 
(Article  302) 3 15 29 21 33 20 16 
Combined ( ex officio  +AfA)  12 5 8 42 73 49 - 
Seizures (goods susceptible to be counterfeited or 
pirated), total value in MDL  million  .. .. .. 2.96 0.92 5.57 4.58 
Destroyed counterfeited products, total value in 
MDL million  .. .. .. .. 0.03 0.11 0.17 
Otherwise disposed – donations, total value in 
MDL million  .. .. .. .. 0.06 0.01 0.02 
.. Not available.  
- Nil. 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
IP and competition policy  
3.185.   During the review period, the CC received 36 IP -related complaints and issued 26 related 
decisions, covering trademarks, industrial designs, and copyright and related rights (Table  3.17). 
Table 3.17 IP cases dealt with by the Competition Council, 2015 -21 
(Number)  
Title of the activity  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Total of IP -related complaints  8 8 3 3 6 6 2 
Patents  - - - - - - - 
Trademarks  4 7 3 1 6 4 2 
Industrial designs  1 1 0 2 0 2 0 
Copyright and related rights  3 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Decisions issued  10 4 2 2 4 2 2 
- Nil. 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.   
 
175 Observatory on Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (2020), 2019 National Report on the 
Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in the Republic of Moldova , p. 24. 
176 Observatory on Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (2021), 2020 National Report on the 
Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in the Republic of Moldova , p. 23. WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 4  TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1  Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  
4.1.1   Main features  
4.1.  Agriculture, remains an important pillar of the economy of the Republic of Moldova, contributing 
around MDL  46 billion1, or 1 2% of GDP, in 202 1, a decline from the 13.2% the sector contributed in 
2015. In 2020, the sector employed around 175,000 workers, or around 21% of total employment, 
yet a significant decline from the roughly 30.5% it represented in 2014.2 
4.2.  Sown areas cover around 1.5  million  hectares, or 60% of agricultural land, increasing 
marginally over the review period. While in 2015, around half of the area was sown by agricultural 
enterprises (as opposed to individuals), this  share had increased to nearly 54% in 2020.3 Most of 
the sown areas are for maize, cereals (primarily wheat), and sunflower, with especially the areas for 
sunflower and grain maize increasing. At around 270,000 hectares, the area of perennial plantations 
remained broadly constant during the review p eriod, as the area planted with nuts increased at the 
expense of vineyards and some fruit trees. The growth in area for nuts was driven both by 
agricultural enterprises and individuals increasing their area.4 Livestock is primarily held by 
households, wit h the exception of pigs and poultry. Forests cover around 11% of the territory and 
are near -exclusively owned by Government.5 
4.3.  Between 2015 and 2019, overall agricultural production increased in volume and value. The 
volume of plant production increased by  51%, while the volume of animal production declined by 
7%. The value of agricultural production increased overall 27%, with plant production increasing 
36% and animal production increasing 8%. Overall, real production as measured in USD  increased 
by 6% be tween 2015 and 2019. During this period, the share of cereals, sunflower, potatoes, and 
some other plant products in the total value of agriculture production increased significantly at the 
expense of animal products. In 2020, a major drought led to signif icant declines in agricultural 
production, especially for wheat and maize crops, which fell to roughly half of the average production 
over the past years. According to estimates by the National Bureau of Statistics, overall agricultural 
production increase d again by nearly 50% in 2021 to volumes exceeding those of 2019, driven by 
particularly strong increases in crop production (Table  4.1).6 
Table 4.1 Production and area of main agricultural items, 2015 -2021  
 
2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Total agricultural production 
(2015=100)  100.0  118.8  129.6  133.4  131.2  95.5 143.2  
  Plant production (2015=100)  100.0  126.6  143.9  150.3  150.6  96.8 169.9  
  Animal production (2015=100)  100.0  102.5  100.6  99.4  93.5 89.3 83.0 
Production and area of main agricultural items  
Cereals and 
leguminous crops  '000 tonnes  2,206.4  2,993.2  3,354.8  3,466.7  3,549.6  1,505.0  4,220.0  
'000 hectares  949.6  950.8  936.6  974.1  950.4  957.1   ..  
 Wheat  '000 tonnes  922.3  1,292.9  1,250.7  1,162.8  1,147.5  570.0  1,558.0  
'000 hectares  345.5  371.3  335.6  373.1  352.7  311.4   ..  
 Barely  '000 tonnes  178.8  255.7  248.8  175.3  168.1  106.5   ..  
'000 hectares  84.5  83.2  80.7  65.0  53.1  54.3   ..  
 
1 This figure includes forestry and fisheries, which have a very small contribution to GDP. Statistica 
Moldovei Statistical Databank, Economic Statistics – Main Indicators in Agriculture. Viewed at : 
http://statbank.statistica.md/PxWeb/pxweb/en/ .  
2 National Strategy for Agricultural and Rural Development for the Years 2014 -2020.  
3 Statistica Moldovei Statistical Databank, Sown Areas, Production and Average Yield by Agricultural 
Crops, Years, Catego ries of Producers and Indicators.  
4 Statistica Moldovei Statistical Databank, Perennial Plantations by Plants, Years, Categories of 
Producers and Indicators .  
5 Talpă, N., Hălălis, A., and Popa, B. (2020), "Analysis of State Forest Institutions in the Repu blic of 
Moldova, Using a Causative Model", in Forests,  Vol. 12, Issue 1. Viewed at: 
https://doi.org/10.3390/f12010105 . 
6 National Bureau of Statistics, Global agricultural production in 2021, 31  January  2022; and 
cross-linked longer press release in Romani an. Viewed at: 
https://statistica.gov.md/newsview.php?l=en&idc=168&id=7284 .  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
 Maize  '000 tonnes  1,076.8  1,392.4  1,772.5  2,073.8  2,129.9  786.0  2,333.0  
'000 hectares  492.8  468.0  481.4  491.4  495.3  546.4   ..  
Sunflower seed  '000 tonnes  484.8  677.1  803.8  788.7  811.4  493.0  950.0  
'000 hectares  330.3  362.4  384.9  364.2  358.6  387.3   ..  
Soybeans  '000 tonnes  47.9  42.1  465.2  57.7  64.2  33.0  47.0  
'000 hectares  67.8  39.9  34.0  28.0  37.7  29.0   ..  
Rapeseed  '000 tonnes  16.2  43.2  71.4  85.6  77.3  47.0  92.0  
'000 hectares  8.7  18.2  28.9  43.0  38.3  24.4  .. 
Sugar beet  '000 tonnes  537.5  664.8  876.3  707.1  607.0  423.0  635.0  
'000 hectares  21.9  20.9  23.6  19.8  15.3  13.5   ..  
Potatoes  '000 tonnes  158.2  214.0  197.0  174.8  176.9  172.0  217.0  
'000 hectares  22.1  20.7  19.7  19.0  18.5  22.9   ..  
Vegetables  '000 tonnes  254.8  293.3  309.5  283.3  307.2  227.0  230.0  
'000 hectares  27.6  28.3  28.8  28.6  37.0  39.7   ..  
 Cucumber  '000 tonnes  17.6  17.3  21.6  23.0  44.6  23.7   ..  
'000 hectares  2.2  2.0  2.0  2.1  6.5  5.9   ..  
 Tomatoes  '000 tonnes  54.4  54.6  61.9  52.1  37.9  23.3   ..  
'000 hectares  4.7  4.3  4.2  4.4  4.0  4.5   ..  
 Dry onions  '000 tonnes  38.1  57.9  54.3  43.9  49.9  48.7   ..  
'000 hectares  5.1  5.4  5.7  5.1  6.2  7.3   ..  
Melons and gourds  '000 tonnes  54.5  66.5  56.1  46.1  44.5  28.9   ..  
'000 hectares  6.4  7.6  7.5  5.3  7.2  6.1   ..  
Maize for silage 
and green fodder  '000 tonnes  62.0  112.8  87.3  110.6  89.3  96.2   ..  
'000 hectares  7.4  6.3  5.1  4.8  4.4  9.7   ..  
Fruit, nuts and 
berries  '000 tonnes  485.5  595.7  666.4  894.2  845.6  665.0  856.0  
'000 hectares  135.6  134.5  137.9  139.6  143.2  141.7   ..  
 Apples  '000 tonnes  307.7  411.8  487.2  665.2  610.9  480.4   ..  
'000 hectares  54.6  52.5  52.7  51.1  51.1  50.4   ..  
 Berries  '000 tonnes  4.7  9.5  11.6  13.3  15.8  15.4   ..  
'000 tonnesa 4.5  9.3  11.3  12.7  15.3  15.0   ..  
'000 hectaresa 2.3  2.4  2.7  2.9  2.8  3.2   ..  
 Plums and sloes  '000 tonnes  100.1  99.7  93.2  132.8  131.9  103.2   ..  
'000 hectares  18.5  19.0  19.1  19.7  19.8  20.0   ..  
 Walnuts  '000 tonnes  11.0  13.8  18.0  20.2  19.7  14.6   ..  
'000 hectares  15.0  15.8  17.7  18.9  21.4  20.9   ..  
Grapes  '000 tonnes  598.7  615.7  675.1  730.2  658.7  462.0  516.0  
'000 hectares  128.8  129.1  120.7  126.9  118.6  114.1   ..  
Animal production:  
 Meat '000 tonnes  130.6  137.8  117.5  122.0  118.5  118.9   ..  
 Milk '000 tonnes  519.7  504.3  485.2  412.4  367.3  321.9  289.2  
 Eggs million pieces  628.8  673.5  707.2  668.7  686.6  627.5  578.2  
 Wool, greasy  tonnes  1,899.0  1,709.5  1,850.2  1,917.5  1,755.1  1,464.1   ..  
.. Not available.  
a Including only gooseberries, raspberries, and strawberries.  
Source:  National Bureau of Statistics. Viewed at: https://statistica.gov.md/category.php?l=en&idc=129& ; 
and FAO Stats.  
4.4.  Agricultural enterprises play an important role in the sector, although their role varies 
significantly across different commodities. In 2021, they accounted for 58% of total crop harvests, 
with peasant (farmer) households accounting for 23%, and other hou seholds for 19%. While their 
share in the production of cereals and pulses (without maize) accounted for 77% and around 90% 
for sugar beet, tobacco, and rape, peasant farmers were the largest producers of fruits, nuts, and WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 berries (51% of total production)  and grapes (36%), while potatoes and vegetables were primarily 
produced by other households.7 
4.5.  According to data from FAOSTAT, yields for wheat, maize, sunflower, and sugar beet were 
generally significantly lower than yields for these crops in other econo mies in the region.8 Low 
productivity is the result of various factors including, inter alia , the significant participation of 
household enterprises in the sector and limited value chain integration among firms, limited access 
to high -quality inputs and f inance (especially for SMEs), irrigation9, road infrastructure, and 
innovative insurance services, soil erosion, and limited adoption of modern agronomic practices and 
technologies10, issues that continue to persist, according to the authorities. Soil div ersity is high, but 
soil quality deteriorated over the last decades. Agricultural enterprises have generally higher yields 
than individual producers despite many of the agricultural enterprises being SOEs, among them 
approximately 80 loss -making enterprise s in 2016 .11 More recent information on the number of SOEs 
in the agricultural sector was not readily available.  
4.1.2   Trade  
4.6.  The Republic of Moldova remains a net exporter of agricultural goods (Table  4.2). While the 
share of agricultural exports declined from 4 7% to 46% over the review period, the share of 
agricultural imports declined from 14% to 13%. The main agricultural export items during most of 
the period were sunflower seeds, oils derived from them, and wine, while the exports of wheat and 
meslin saw a s ignificant dip in 2020. In 2021, the main agricultural export items were wheat and 
meslin (14.4%), sunflower seeds (13.6%, as well as oils derived from them (an additional 8.2%)), 
wine (9.8%), maize (8.8%), and fresh apples (6.1%, as well as apple juice (a n additional 3.1%)). 
The main import products in 2021 were miscellaneous edible preparations (9.9%), dairy products 
(9.8%), edible fruits and nuts (9.4%), beverages, spirits, and vinegar (8.3%), and preparations of 
cereals, flour, starch, or milk (7.4%).  
Table 4.2 Agricultural exports and imports, 2015 -21 
 
2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Exportsa (USD million)  925 953 1,139 1,175  1,217 1,094 1,442 
 % of total exports  47.0 46.6 47.0 43.4 43.8 44.3 45.9 
 growth rate (%)  -14.1 3.0 19.6 3.2 3.5 -10.1 31.9 
Top 10 exports at HS 4 -digit level (% of total):  
 1001 Wheat and meslin  5.7 10.1 9.2 8.0 8.0 2.5 14.4 
 1206 Sunflower seeds; whether or not 
broken  15.5 18.8 17.4 16.9 17.6 17.3 13.6 
 2204 Wine of fresh grapes, including 
fortified wines  10.6 11.3 11.3 11.7 11.5 12.3 9.8 
 1005 Maize (corn)  4.7 4.8 4.7 9.4 10.3 7.3 8.8 
 1512 Sunflower seed oil and their 
fractions, not chemically modified  7.5 5.4 4.5 5.6 5.6 9.2 8.2 
 151211 Crude  7.0 3.6 4.2 5.4 5.5 8.3 7.3 
 151219 Other than crude  0.5 1.8 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.9 1.0 
 0808 Apples, pears and quinces, fresh  2.0 2.6 4.1 4.1 4.4 7.2 6.1 
 080810 Apples, fresh  1.9 2.6 4.0 4.1 4.4 7.1 6.1 
 0802 Nuts (excluding coconuts, Brazils 
and cashew nuts); fresh or dried 10.9 9.0 8.7 8.2 7.4 6.6 3.5 
 
7 National Bureau of Statistics, Agricultural Activity in  2021, 31 January  . Viewed at: 
https://statistica.gov.md//newsview.php?l=ro&id=7284&idc=168 .  
8 FAOSTAT, Crops and Livestock Products . Viewed at: https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL .  
9 According to FAO estimates, only slightly more than 13% of arable land was equipped for irrigation in 
2016-18, covering almost exclusively cropland are as. The 2021 -25 Land Improvement Program foresees 
MDL 120 million of funding to improve irrigation between 2021 -23. FAOSTAT, Suite of Food Security Indicators . 
Viewed at: https://www.fao.org/faos tat/en/#data/FS ; and FAOSTAT, Land Use . Viewed at: 
https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/RL .  
10 National Strategy for Agricultural and Rural Development for the Years 2014 -2020.  
11 Ionita, V. (2016 ), "State -Owned Enterprises and Their Role in National Economy", Institutul Pentru 
Dezvoltare şi Inițiative Sociale "Viitorul" , No. 6, p. 18. Viewed at: 
http://www.viitorul.org/ro/content/%C3%AEntreprinderile -gestionate -de-stat-%C8%99i -rolul-lor-%C3%AEn -
economia -na%C8%9Bional%C4%83 . WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
 1205 Rape or colza seeds; whether or 
not broken  0.8 1.3 2.9 2.7 2.8 2.0 3.5 
 2009 Fruit juices and vegetable juices, 
unfermented  3.8 2.7 4.5 2.5 4.0 4.2 3.2 
 200979 Apple juice of a Brix value 
exceeding 20  3.5 2.6 4.4 2.3 3.8 4.1 3.1 
 2208 Undenatured ethyl alcohol; of an 
alcoholic strength by volume of < 80% 
vol. 5.1 4.5 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.1 2.8 
Importsa (USD million)  555 566 660 724 760 789 939 
 % of total imports  13.9 14.1 13.7 12.6 13.0 14.6 13.1 
 growth rate (%) -17.7 2.0 16.4 9.8 4.9 3.8 19.1 
Top imports at HS Chapters and 4 -digit level (% of total):  
 21 Miscellaneous edible preparations  9.6 10.1 9.6 9.2 9.4 9.6 9.9 
 2106 Food preparations n.e.s.  4.1 4.2 4.1 4.1 4.5 4.4 5.0 
 04  Dairy products, eggs, honey, edible 
animal product n.e.s.  5.8 6.7 7.4 7.6 8.5 9.6 9.8 
 0406 Cheese and curd  1.9 2.1 2.2 2.6 2.9 3.2 3.5 
 08  Edible fruit, nuts, peel of citrus fruit, 
melons  13.4 8.4 8.2 9.9 9.4 10.4 9.4 
 0805 Citrus fruit; fresh or dried  2.1 2.7 2.5 2.7 2.8 3.1 2.6 
 22 Beverages, spirits and vinegar  7.2 9.0 8.5 8.6 8.3 7.0 8.3 
 2202 Waters, containing added sugar 
or sweetening matter, flavoured  1.8 2.7 2.6 2.6 2.8 2.6 3.2 
 19 Cereal, flour, starch, milk 
preparations and products  6.0 6.0 5.7 5.8 6.6 6.8 7.4 
 1905 Bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, 
other bakers' wares  2.8 2.8 2.8 3.1 3.4 3.4 3.8 
 12 Oil seed, oleagic fruits, grain, seed, 
fruit, etc, n.e.s.  5.5 5.9 5.6 6.9 4.9 5.5 6.4 
 1206 Sunflower seeds; whether or 
not broken  3.0 3.6 3.3 3.9 3.2 3.6 4.3 
 02 Meat and edible meat offal  4.7 4.1 5.1 5.0 5.5 4.7 6.3 
 0207 Meat and edible offal of poultry  2.7 2.3 2.4 2.3 3.1 2.8 3.2 
 24 Tobacco and manufactured tobacco 
substitutes  10.7 10.4 10.3 8.8 8.6 6.6 5.8 
 2402 Cigars, cheroots, cigarillos and 
cigarettes; of tobacco or of tobacco 
substitutes  9.8 9.6 9.5 8.1 7.2 5.2 4.3 
 07 Edible vegetables and certain roots 
and tubers  4.6 5.2 5.0 7.4 8.7 7.8 5.4 
 0702  Tomatoes, fresh or chilled  1.2 1.3 1.2 1.6 2.0 2.3 1.5 
 23 Residues, wastes of food industry, 
animal fodderb 4.2 4.5 4.6 4.6 4.0 4.7 5.2 
 2309 Preparations of a kind used in 
animal feeding  2.4 2.3 2.3 2.5 2.4 2.8 2.9 
 20 Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts 
or other parts of plants  3.0 3.1 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.4 3.7 
 2005 Vegetables prepared or 
preserved otherwise than by vinegar 
or acetic acid, not frozen  1.0 1.1 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.5 
a WTO definition.  
b Excluding HS code 230120 classified under non -agricultural products.  
Note:  Main agricultural exports and imports are sorted by the year 2021.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on trade figures from UN Comtrade database.  
4.7.  The importance of the European  Union (EU -27) as trade partner for agricultural goods 
increased over the review period as the share of exports (imports) to (from) the European  Union 
increasing from 44.5% (35.4%) in 2015 to 51.9% (45.0%) in 2020 and 45.3% (4 5.7%) in 2021. 
Over the same period, the share of exports to Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries 
decreased from 23.5% to 15.7%, while the share of exports going to Türkiye increased from 3.3% 
to 14.3%, driven by increased exports of sunflowe r seeds, sunflower seed oil, and corn.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 4.1.3   Regulatory framework and policy instruments  
4.8.  Between 2017 and 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment 
oversaw the sector but since reforms in 2021, it is again the Ministry of Agricultur e and Food Industry 
(MAFI). The Ministry is responsible for policy making and implementation in the areas of agriculture 
and rural development, capacity -building and technical assistance projects, and implementing the 
system of subsidies and financial supp ort via its subsidiary, the Agency for Intervention and 
Payments for Agriculture (AIPA), tasked with managing the resources of the National Fund for 
Agriculture and Rural Development (FNDAMR). Other institutions subordinated to the Ministry 
include, inter alia, the State Commission for Testing Plant Varieties, the State Center for Attestation 
and Approval of Plant Protection Products and Fertilizers, the National Vine and Wine Office, the 
Agency for Agricultural Development and Modernization, various scient ific and research institutes, 
technical vocational education institutions, the State Agrarian University of Moldova, and a number 
of project implementation units for donor -funded development projects.12 
4.9.  Elaborated by MAFI, the National Strategy for Agricul tural and Rural Development for the Years 
2014-202013 aimed to increase sector competitiveness while supporting economic development in 
rural areas. It focused on: (i)  professionalizing the sector via improved access to technology, finance, 
input and output markets, and improved education and support service s; (ii)  making the use of 
resources more sustainable; and (iii)  supporting rural development via investments in infrastructure, 
and support to rural enterprises. A new strategy for 2022 -27 is being developed and pending 
approval, according to the authoriti es. Other strategies regarding rural extension services, regional 
development, SMEs, or transport and logistics also have, or had, an impact on policy making and 
outcomes in the agricultural sector.  
4.10.   Over the review period, the Government continued to adapt  the regulatory framework in the 
field of agriculture to European  Union practices as agreed under Chapter 12 of Title IV of the 
Moldova -EU Association Agreement. For example, it adopted the framework of common market 
organizations in the areas of wine14, regulated certain quality requirements for fresh fruits and 
vegetables, and amended legislation to allow for certain seed imports.  
4.11.   In addition, to adapt its regulatory framework to EU practices, Law No.  276 of 
16 December  2016 on Subsidy Principles in the D evelopment of Agriculture and the Rural 
Environment establishes a framework for agricultural subsidies, reflecting the priorities to modernize 
the agro -industrial sector and rural development outlined in the Strategy for Agricultural and Rural 
Development.  The Law spells out four priority areas and categories of support measures provided: 
(i) investment to restructure and adapt to EU standards, or to improve processing and marketing, 
with the objective of increasing the competitiveness of the agro -industria l sector; (ii)  investments 
related to sustainable management, including for irrigation, organic agriculture, or energy efficiency, 
to ensure sustainable management of natural resources15; (iii)  support to rural development 
including infrastructure and trai ning, with the objective of improving the standard of living and 
working conditions in rural areas; and (iv)  direct payments to agricultural producers (Article  17). 
4.12.   For the administration of all support measures, the Law established the FNDAMR to implement  
subsidy policies according to the priority areas outlined in the Strategy for Agricultural and Rural 
Development. It is managed by the AIPA.16 Annual budgets as well as funds from external sources, 
such as the European  Union or other donors, resource the fund (Article  18). Part of these funds are 
transferred to the Vine and Wine Fund (Fondul Național al Viei și Vinului), managed directly by MAFI, 
which primarily provides services related to export promotion, research, and market analysis, but 
 
12 MAFI, Subordinated Institutions . Viewed at: https://www.maia.gov.md/ro/content/institu%C8%9Bii -
din-subordine . 
13 Approved by Government Decision No.  409 of 4  June 2014. MAFI also approved action plans and 
monitors implementation of the strategy . 
14 Governme nt Decision No.  356 of 11  June 2015 on the Approval of the Technical Regulation 
"Organization of the Wine Market", as well as a 2017 regulation on aromatized wine products.  
15 The Program for the Promotion of the "Green" Economy in the Republic of Moldova f or the years 
2018-20 targets 20% of agriculture be organic by 2020, including by developing subsidies and tax incentives.  
16 The operation of the fund is governed by Government Decision No.  455 of 21  June 2017 on the 
Distribution of the Funds of the National Fund for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Environment, and 
specific regulations covering subsidies for rural deve lopment, agricultural start -ups, land improvement, and 
direct payments.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 also provides  training, manages geographical indication, and subsidizes some investments by 
winemakers.  
4.13.   FNDAMR regulations spell out that investments are mostly subsidized at a basic rate of 50% 
(some are reimbursed at lower percentages and certain irrigation costs at a higher rate). According 
to Article  22, certain agricultural producers can benefit from slightly larger subsidies.17 Using an 
approved methodology, MAFI sets reference prices for certain machinery and equipment eligible to 
receive investment subsidies, wh ile area -based subsidies can be applied for investments in perennial 
plantations or the conversion to organic farming. Eligibility criteria for accessing the FNDAMR vary 
by the type of support and include general requirements such as not being insolvent or  in arrears, 
owning (or leasing long -term) the area where investments are made, or being a producer association 
member.18 Agricultural producers not registered in a specific database of the Integrated Agricultural 
Information System19 were no longer suppos ed to be able to access subsidies as of 2020, a deadline 
that was subsequently extended to 2024 as the system has not been fully set up due to a lack of 
funding, according to the authorities.  
4.14.   Subsidies (other than direct payments) are paid on a compensator y basis with few exceptions 
to agricultural start -ups (Article  23 and further regulated in Government Decision No.  507/201820) 
and for rural development, and land improvement projects. Direct payments were initially foreseen 
to be made by area of cultivate d land (related to a large number of crops) and per head of livestock , 
but following revisions in 2021 they can only be made per livestock .21 According to the authorities, 
the change resulted from the absence of a register of agricultural land -owners and l imited available 
financial resources. The provisions regarding direct payments apply since 1  January  202022, but 
direct payments were first granted in 2021.  
4.15.   There are no restrictions on foreign investment in the agricultural sector, but the forestry 
sector  is closed to foreign equity participation.23 However, foreigners cannot purchase agricultural 
or forest land, but they are allowed to lease it for 99 years.24 
4.1.3.1   Border measures  
4.16.   Agricultural tariffs are relatively high compared to overall average tariffs. In  2021, the average 
applied tariff for goods falling under the WTO definition of agriculture was 13.9% (using AVE 
estimates for tariff lines with mixed and compound rates). This is significantly higher than the 
average for non -agricultural products of 4.3% and a slight increase from 2015 when the averages 
was 13.5%, but the increase is largely explained by the introduction of mixed tariffs 
(Section  3.1.3.2 ). Among the 2,163 agricultural tariff lines in 2021, most had ad valorem  rates, 
while 231 had specific rates (primarily for alcoholic beverages and some tobacco products), 95 lines 
had compound rates (covering some types of meat and a handful of dairy products), and 88 lines 
covering some meat and dairy products had mixed rates. The share of duty -free agric ultural tariff 
lines was 6%, much lower than the corresponding share for non -agricultural goods (44.3%).  
4.17.   Ad valorem  tariffs range from 0% to 75% for some out -of-quota sugar imports, with the 
second -highest ad valorem  rate being 25% for some alcoholic produ cts. The highest tariffs including 
 
17 Eligibility applies if they: (i) are young, women, or returned migrants; (ii)  undertake activities related 
to organic crops and ecological breeding; (iii)  have purchased goods (asset s) of domestic production eligible for 
subsidy; (iv)  are producer groups and entrepreneurial cooperatives investing in priority areas; and (v)  invest in 
livestock or milk production.  
18 Law No.  312/2013 establishes the regulatory framework for agricultural producer groups.  
19 Law No.  276/2016 foresees the establishment of such a database.  
20 Government Decision No.  507 of 30  May 2018 for the approval of the Regulation on the Conditions 
and Procedure for Granting Advance Grants for Start -Up Projects of the FND AMR.  
21 Law No.  222 of 16  December  2021 on the Amendment of Law No.  276/2016 on the Principles of 
Subsidization in the Development of Agriculture and Rural Environment. Original Article  21(9) listed as eligible 
crops autumn and spring wheat, autumn and spring barley, maize, sunflower, sugar beet, peas, soybeans, 
rapeseed, vegetables in open ground, perennial plantations (vineyards, orchards, orchards of berries, lavender, 
and other hetero -oilseeds).  
22 Government Decision No.  836 of 18  November  2020 appro ved the Regulation on the Granting of 
Direct Payments Per Capita.  
23 World Bank (2019), Moldova – Rekindling Economic Dynamism , p. 68. 
24 Land can be inherited from one to another foreigner, but any sale has to be to a national.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 AVEs were applied to wine of fresh grapes, with the highest rate being 120.8%.25 Seasonal tariffs 
apply to some fresh vegetables (potatoes, tomatoes, and cucumbers), grapes, and some fresh fruit 
(apples, pears, apricots, cherries, peaches and nectarines, plums, and strawberries).  
4.18.   The Republic of Moldova applies tariff rate quotas (TRQ s) on 28 sugar -related tariff lines for 
a total of 8,340  tonnes per year, and has regularly notified their fill rates, which reached 100% 
throughout the review period. The TRQs are allocated based on the first come, first served principle, 
according to the  authorities, with in -quota tariffs being 10% and out -of-quota tariffs 75%. The 
Republic of Moldova also maintains some preferential TRQs under the Deep and Comprehensive Free 
Trade Agreement (DCFTA) with the European  Union, covering products such as pork,  poultry, and 
sugar, and under the FTAs with Türkiye and the United  Kingdom (Section  3.1.3.3). 
4.19.   Tariffs for fish and fishery products26 are on average 3.5%. They range from 0% to 15%, with 
64.5% of tariff lines being duty free. Imports of wood (HS Chapter 4 4) are duty free, while average 
duties for imports of wood, pulp, paper, and furniture (WTO definition) are 3.7%, ranging from 0% 
to 15%, and 53.4% of tariff lines being duty free.  
4.20.   As a result of regional tensions and to ensure food security, the Republic of Moldova 
temporarily banned the export of wheat, corn, and sugar from 1  March  2022 for the duration of the 
declared state of emergency (initially until the end of April 2022).27 
4.1.3.2   Internal measures  
Domestic support  
4.21.   According to AIPA annual reports28, regul ar budgetary transfers under the FNDAMR increased 
from MDL  700 million in 2016 to MDL  1.1 billion in 2021 (later increased to MDL  1.5 billion during 
the year to allow for reducing the backlog of pending payments from 2020). Although they varied 
annually, t he predominant share of subsidies was transferred to support investment activities, with 
an increasing share of payments being made retroactively for applications approved in the previous 
year as a result of the limited size of the fund. According to the a uthorities, around 3% -4% of 
applications each year are rejected, with subsidy rates for approved regular applications at around 
50% according to eligibility criteria, and certain groups receiving higher subsidy rates (see above). 
No detailed information by  type of recipient was available.  
4.22.   While Fund regulations require advance subsidies for start -ups to represent at least 5% of 
total disbursements, their share exceeded 2% only in 2019.29 The share of funds allocated to 
advance subsidies for rural developmen t increased following their introduction in 2020 to nearly 4% 
in 2021, staying well below the limit of 15% set out in the Regulation No.  476/2019 of 
18 October  2019 for the Approval of the Regulation on the Granting of Subsidies for the 
Improvement of Living and Working in Rural Areas in the FNDAMR. As a response to the drought in 
2020, Government provided partial compensation to corn crop producers, amounting to 
MDL 313 million in 2020 (with minor additional payments made in 2021).30 Direct support to 
livestock producers started in 2021, amounting to MDL  106 million. Contributions to the National 
Vine and Wine Fund remained broadly constant over the review period but declined as a share of 
total subsidies. Table  4.3 provides an overview o f how funds under the FNDAMR were allocated.  
 
25 120.8% refers to the AVE of  certain non -sparkling wine in containers of more than 10  l 
(HS Code 2204.29.951) with a specific rate of EUR  0.5/l.  
26 According to WTO classification.  
27 WTO document G/MA/QR/N/MDA/2/Add.2, 2  March  2022.  
28 AIPA, Reports, Statistics . Viewed at: http://aipa.gov.md/ro/rapoarte .  
29 Among the advance subsidy applications that women and young farmers are eligible for, slightly more 
than half were submitted by women farmers. AIPA (2022), AIPA Activity Report for 202 1. Viewed at: 
http://aipa.gov.md/sites/default/files/Raport%20de%20activitate_AIPA_2021.pdf .  
30 Government Decision No.  582 of 31  July 2020 on Approving the Grant ing of Compensation for 
Mitigating the Effects of Natural Disasters on the 2020 Harvest. A small share of this compensation for natural 
disasters was also related to hail damage as spelled out in the Government Decision.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 Table 4.3 Disbursements under the FNDAMR, 2016 -21 
(MDL million)   
2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Subsidies for investments  232.3  520 627.4  562.2  325.7  480.1  
Subsidies for investment – based on 
application of previous year  465.2  339 221.4  342 504 764.8  
Contributions to the Wine Fund  2.5 30 28.8 25.8 17.9 26.1 
Administrative costs   
11 18    
Advance subsidies start -ups   
4.4 19.9 16.2 11.1 
Advance subsidies rural development      
25.6 56.5 
Direct payments – livestock       
105.8  
Natural disaster compensation      
312.8   
Natural disaster compensation – based 
on application of previous year       
2 
Unused       
88.6 
Total  700 900 900 950 1,202  1,535  
Source:  AIPA (2018), Subsidy Results for 2017 ; AIPA (2019), Report of the Activity of IP AIPA for 2018 ; 
AIPA (2020), Analytical Report on the Management of Financial Resources Allocated to the FNDAMR ; 
AIPA (2021), AIPA Activity Report for 2020 ; AIPA (2022), AIPA Activity Report for 2021 ; AIPA, 
Reports, Statistics . Viewed at: http://aipa.gov.md/ro/rapoarte ; and additional information provided 
by the authorities.  
4.23.   Most of the investment subsidies have  been allocated to activities aimed at increasing 
competitiveness through restructuring and modernization (priority area 1). Among these, on average 
80% over the last three years have supported investments into conventional agricultural machinery 
and equip ment, the development of post -harvest and processing infrastructure , and the 
modernization and deforestation of perennial plantations ( Table  4.4). 
4.24.   In addition, a national ecological fund managed by MAFI primarily provides support to 
improving water supply and sewerage, although it is not strictly related to agricultural activities 
(around MDL  200 million in 2019). A number of projects funded by various development partners 
also provide support to the sector via other channels, with estimated annual amounts of support not 
readily available.  
Table 4.4 Disbursements of post -investment subsidies by supported activity, 2017 -21 
(MDL million)   
2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Increased competitiveness through 
restructuring and modernization (priority 1)  745.7  758.3  808.6  742.0  1,086.5  
Investments in agricultural holdings for 
restructuring and adaptation to EU 
standards  579.9  499.4  515.2  485.9  760.4  
Investments for the production of vegetables 
and fruits (1.1) 2.1 8.8 10.2 5.7 14.8 
Establishment, modernization and 
deforestation of perennial plantations (1.2)  196.3  163.3  185.4  130.0  179.6  
Investments for the purchase of conventional 
agricultural machinery and equipment (1.3)  195.4  203.8  169.4  173.9  264.5  
Investments for the equipment and 
technological renovation of livestock farms 
(1.4) 45.7 45.2 57.9 48.9 73.6 
Procurement of breeding animals and 
maintaining their genetic background (1.5)  25.0 10.3 16.1 17.5 33.4 
Stimulating lending to agricultural producers 
by commercial banks and non -bank lending 
organizations (1.7)  108.5  62.4 71.2 101.2  151.9  
Stimulating the risk insurance mechanism in 
agriculture (1.7A)  6.8 5.6 5.1 8.8 42.6 
Investments in processing and marketing 
agricultural  products   165.8  258.9  293.4  256.1  326.1  
Investments for the development of post -
harvest and processing infrastructure (1.6)  165.3  257.8  291.8  254.1  324.2  
Stimulating the establishment and functioning 
of agricultural producer groups (1.8)  0.5 1.1 1.4 2.0 1.8 
Promotional activities (1.9)  0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Ensuring the sustainable management of 
natural resources (priority 2)  88.6 77.4 80.6 71.7 119.4  
Investments to consolidate agricultural land 
(2.1) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Investment in the purchase of irrigation 
equipment (2.2)  30.1 25.0 35.3 38.0 68.7 
Stimulating agricultural producers to offset 
irrigation costs (2.3)  4.2 0.2 3.7 4.0 7.5 
Investments for the purchase of no-tillage and 
mini-tillage equipment (2.4)  53.4 50.4 34.0 23.1 35.7 
Promotion and development of organic farming 
(2.5) 0.9 1.7 7.6 6.6 7.5 
Increasing investment in physical 
infrastructure and rural services, including 
infrastructure (priority 4)  5.5 12.3 14.2 15.0 38.2 
Consulting and training services (priority 5)  0.8 0.5 0.9 1.2 0.8 
TOTAL  840.6  848.6  904.3  829.9  1244.9  
Note:  Subtotals for the years 2017 and 2020 do not add up to totals.  
Source:  AIPA (2022), Evaluation of the National Fund for the Development of Agriculture and Rural 
Environment for the Years 2017 -2021, Annex  4, Table  3. Viewed at: 
http://aipa.gov.md/sites/default/files/A IPA%20Evaluarea%20FNDAMR%202017 -
2021.en%20update.pdf . 
Other support  
4.25.   The insurance subsidy scheme was revised in 2020. Law No.  183 of 11  September  2020 on 
Subsidized Insurance in Agriculture replaced a similar law from 2004. It regulates various types of 
insurance in agriculture (quantity, quality, value of perennial plantations, animals, animal health, 
fish, and bees) for various specific types of events that can be subsidized from the FNDAMR, in 
principle at a rate of 70% up to a certain maximum share of t he FNDAMR.31 AIPA transfers the 
subsidy portion of insurance premiums directly to the insurance companies. In case of a dispute, the 
insurer must prove that the insured event did not occur before being able to dismiss a claim. A list 
of risks and agricultu ral assets whose insurance premiums are subsidized is published annually by 
the Government.  
4.26.   The revision of the Law on Internal Trade introduced requirements for retailers to reserve 
certain shelf space to products manufactured and/or processed on the terr itory of the Republic of 
Moldova. When selling food products included in a list of 129 categories, retailers are required to 
reserve at least 50% of shelf space for allocation to these national products (Section  2.4). These 
product categories include, inter alia, many fresh and canned vegetables and fruits, flour and bakery 
products, alcohol, milk, and meat products, with some of them being included in the list on a 
seasonal basis.32 The Government also continues to implement a range of price controls 
(Sect ion 3.3.4). 
4.27.   The State Cereals Reserve established in 2009 to ensure national food security is managed 
by the Material Reserves Agency and continued to operate during the review period, for example 
when it provided loans in -kind in 2018 or was authorized to  refresh some reserves in 2021. According 
to the authorities, reserve stocks are established and managed by Government Decisions with stock 
replenishment done at market prices and on competitive terms.33 The last TPR report indicated that 
the authorities d eemed the size of the reserve stocks (some 60,000 tonnes) too small to influence 
prices on the Moldovan market, and no updated information was available. In 2017, the authorities 
indicated that the maximum storage term before stocks were renewed was four y ears.34 
 
31 Under the former law, the subsidy  share was between 40% and 50%.  
32 Government Decision No.  113 of 14  July 2021 on the Approval of the List of Foods from the Short 
Food Chain.  
33 Law No.  104 of 18  June 2020 on State Reserves and Mobilization.  
34 WTO Agriculture Information Management System,  Question ID83093.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 4.1.4   WTO notifications  
4.28.   The most recent notification to the WTO on agriculture domestic support is for calendar year 
2016. Important changes to agricultural support following the introduction of the FNDAMR are 
therefore not yet covered. According to the notification available for the review period, only 
green -box support was provided, and its composition varied between 2015 and 2016.35 Notified 
support across most types of general support, for public stockholding for food security purpose s, 
and investment aids declined during these years from SDR  34 million in 2015 to SDR  15 million in 
2016, extending trends starting from 2014. The authorities indicate that they have requested 
technical assistance from the WTO Secretariat regarding the pre paration and submission of pending 
agriculture domestic support notifications. The authorities did notify that they have not provided any 
export subsidies for agricultural products between 2015 and 2021.36 
4.2  Mining and Energy  
4.2.1   General features  
4.29.   During the review period, the energy sector's self -sufficiency remained low. The sector 
continued to rely heavily on imports of electricity and gas.37 In 2021, the Republic of Moldova faced 
a crisis in the gas sector due to supply shortages that were resolved with th e signing of a new 
contract (Section  4.2.4).38 The Republic of Moldova's energy policy focuses on improving integration 
in regional markets, strengthening energy security, complying with EU Directives, increasing 
electricity generation capacity, and promot ing energy efficiency and renewable energy.39 To this 
end, the authorities introduced new legislation during the review period.  
Chart 4.1 Total primary energy supply, 2015 and 2020  
(Million tonnes of oil equiv alent (Mtoe))  
 
Source:  National Bureau of Statistics, Energy Balance of the Republic of  Moldova, 2020.  
 
35 WTO documents G/AG/N/MDA/6, 24  October  2016 (covering 2014 and 2015); and G/AG/N/MDA/11, 
28 September  2017.  
36 WTO documents G/AG/N/MDA/18, 8  February  2022; G/AG/N/MDA/19, 8  February  2022; 
G/AG/N/MDA/13, 10  August  2020; G/AG/N/MDA/12, 4  March  2019; G/AG/N/MDA/8, 30  May 2017; 
G/AG/N/MDA/5, 20  October  2016; and G/AG/N/MDA/4, 1  June 2015.  
37 Center for Eastern Studies (OSW) (2021),  "Moldova: Contract with Gazprom Threatens the 3rd 
Energy Package", 11  March. Viewed at: https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/analyses/2021 -11-
03/moldova -contract -gazprom -threatens -3rd-energy -package . 
38 OSW (2021), "Moldova: Contract with Gazprom Threatens the 3rd Energy Package", 11  March.  
39 IEA (2021), Republic of Moldova Energy Profile . Viewed at: 
https://i ea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/a6dd7ac3 -8955-41f9-8971-d7c09ccff6d9/MoldovaEnergyProfile.pdf . 
2015 2020Million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe)
TPES: 2.686 Mtoe TPES: 2.857 Mtoe
Net imports of the respective resource Deliveries from TransnistriaChart 4.[MDA]  Total primary energy supply (TPES), 2015 and 2020
Source:  National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Moldova.  The Energy Balance of the Republic of
Moldova (2020) .Oil& petroleum 
products 33.1%Oil& petroleum
products 30.9%Natural gas
30.5%Electricity
10.5%
Natural gas
30.4%Electricity
10.8%Renewable
energy & energy 
from waste
24.2%Renewable 
energy & energy
from waste
23.1%
Coal
3.8%Coal
2.8%WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 4.30.   The Republic of Moldova's total energy consumption increased from 2,455 kilotonnes of oil 
equivalent (ktoe) in 2015 to 2,670  ktoe in 2020.40 During the review period, its primary energy 
consumption by source remained dominated by oil, renewable energy and energy from waste , and 
natural gas.41 In addition, at the same time, the national demand structure continued to be 
dominated by the residential sector f ollowed by transport, trade, public services, and industry. Total 
domestic energy production was only 682  ktoe in 2020. Therefore, the Republic of Moldova continued 
to import most of its energy commodities to meet domestic demand during the review period 
(Chart  4.1). Oil and petroleum, primarily imported, accounted for 33.1% of total supply in 2020. 
Natural gas consumption is also met through imports (30.5% in 2020), mainly from the 
Russian  Federation.42 In addition, electricity (accounting for 10.5% of ene rgy supply in 2020) is 
delivered from the administrative units from the left bank of the Dniester/Nistru  River of the Republic 
of Moldova (generally known as Transnistria) where, according to the authorities, it was primarily 
generated from gas in 2020. Ac cording to the authorities, in 2020, the total share of electricity 
supply that was imported from Ukraine was 3.91%, accounting for 167  MWh; the amount of 
electricity imported has fluctuated considerably (from 956  MWh in 2018 to 644  MWh in 2019). In 
additi on, electricity is also generated from domestic renewable sources (Section  4.2.5).  
4.2.2   Regulatory framework and changes  
4.31.   The Republic of Moldova has been a member of the Energy Community since 2010 and signed 
an Association Agreement with the European  Union on 27  June 2014 (Section  2.3.2) . December 
2017 had been set as the deadline for the Republic of Moldova to conform its legislation to the EU 
acquis  in the energy sector.43 Therefore a fundamental objective of the energy policy is to develop 
the energy sector and to reflect the EU framework and relevant acquis  of the Energy Community.44 
As a result, during the review period, the Republic of Moldova's energy sector underwent 
institutional, legal, and market -related changes.  
4.32.   The authorities intr oduced several new pieces of energy sector legislation during the review 
period, including Law No.  107 of 27  May 2016 on Electricity, Law No.  108 of 27  May 2016 on Natural 
Gas, Law No.  174 of 27  September  2017 on Energy, Law No.  10 of 26  February  2016 on P romotion 
of Energy Utilization from Renewable Sources, Law No.  139 of 19  July 2018 on Energy Efficiency, 
and the Decision on the Approval of the Program for the Promotion of the Green Economy in the 
Republic of Moldova for 2018 -2020 and of the Action Plan for its Implementation.45 Among the laws 
adopted, the Laws on Natural Gas, Electricity, and Energy aimed to achieve the Republic of Moldova's 
Third Energy Package requirements as a contracting party of the Energy Community.46 According to 
the authorities, as of December 2019 the R epublic of Moldova had implemented 64% of the energy 
sector commitments of the Association Agreement  for the period 2017 -19. The Association 
Agreement agenda for the period 2021 -27 is currently being drafted.  
4.33.   The National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE ) is the sectoral regulator vested with 
statutory independence. Its responsibilities include licensing operators across the domestic supply 
chain, adopting transmission and distribution tariff methodologies, setting regulated tariffs, and 
monitoring the qu ality of supply.47 During the review period, ANRE approved secondary normative 
acts on issues such as licensing, market rules, investments, tariffs, consumer protection, access and 
 
40 National Bureau of Statistics , Energy . Viewed at: 
https://statistica.gov.md/ca tegory.php?l=en&idc=128#idc=34& . 
41 National Bureau of Statistics , Energy . Viewed at: 
https://statistica.gov.md/category.php?l=en&idc=128#idc=34& . 
42 IEA (2021), Republic of Moldova Energy Profile .  
43 The EU acquis  is the body of common rights and obligations that is binding on all EU member States 
and that is constantly evolving.  The EU acquis  includes EU energy legislation related to electricity, oil, gas, the 
environment, competition, renewables, efficiency, and statistics.  
44 Republic of Moldova (2012), Energy Strategy of the Republic of Moldova to the Year 2030 . Viewed at: 
https://www.spcr.cz/files/Moldova_EnStrategy_draft_12_full_310512.pdf . 
45 Government Decision No.  160 of 21  February  2018 on the Approval of the Program for the Promotion 
of the Green Economy in the Republic of Moldova for 2018 -2020 and of the Action Plan for its Implementation. 
Viewed at: https://www.legis.md/cautare/getResults?doc_id=102127&lang=ro . 
46 The European  Union's Third Energy Package is a legislative package whose purpose is to further open 
the gas and electricity markets in the European  Union. 
47 ANRE also issues import/export licences for refined petroleum products, whereas cross -border trade 
in natural gas and electricity is not subject to licensing; exploration and exploitation licences for subsoil 
resources are outside ANRE's remit. In pr inciple, no ownership or nationality restrictions are stipulated in the 
relevant licensing requirements.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 connection to electricity networks, contracting, supplying and billing of e nergy, and guarantees of 
origin.48 
4.34.   The market rules in the field of electricity (ANRE Decision No.  283 of 12  August  2020 on 
Electricity Market Rules and  Methodology) and natural gas (ANRE Decision No.  534 of 
27 December  2019 on Rules on the Natural Gas Mar ket) transposed the EU target model into the 
national legislation. According to the authorities, the rules establish the structure of the wholesale 
markets of electricity and natural gas. According to the market rules in the field of electricity, each 
electricity generator must forecast what it will generate and if it underproduces (i.e. creates an 
imbalance) it will be obliged to pay for the imbalanced electricity.49 However, according to the 
authorities, some of the commitments under the energy sector coo peration of the Association 
Agreement for the period 2017 -19 are still not fully implemented and full implementation of both 
market rules has not been achieved as of March 2022.  
4.35.   According to the current provisions of Law No.  107/2016 and Law No.  108/2016, ANRE can 
initiate investigations on energy markets (for energy and gas). Any potential breaches of competition 
law should be subsequently reported to the Competition Council. With the transposition of a 
Regulation on Wholesale Energy Market Integrity and T ransparency (planned for 2022), both the 
competencies of ANRE and those of the Competition Council will be further developed. Both laws 
also include a set of attributions of ANRE that allows the imposition of penalties on licensees for 
non-compliance in th e energy field.  
4.36.   The Moldovan Energy Strategy 2012 -2030 provides guidance on the development of the 
energy sector to support sufficient economic growth and social welfare, and to conform to the 
energy -related elements of the EU acquis . The specific objectiv es included security of supply, 
development of competitive markets and their regional and European integration, and environmental 
sustainability and combating climate change.50 According to the authorities, key achievements under 
the Strategy since 2012 ha ve included: (i)  investments in gas (Section  4.2.4) and electricity -related 
infrastructure (Section  4.2.3) to reduce dependence on gas from the Russian  Federation, and 
allowing for gas flow reversal on the Trans -Balkan Reverse Flow system; (ii)  the synchro nous 
connection to the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO -E) 
system (Section  4.2.3); (iii)  the transposition of the Third Energy Package and transposition and 
implementation of the EU acquis  related to energy efficienc y and renewables mentioned above; and 
(iv) implementation of supporting schemes for promotion of use of renewable energy sources.  
4.37.    For the period 2020 -30, the Government aims to diversify the energy mix with more 
renewable energy, and to achieve certificat ion of market operators on natural gas and electricity; 
establish procurement of electricity on forward, day -ahead, and balancing markets; develop of the 
National Energy and Climate Action Plan 2030; promote and improve energy efficiency in all sectors; 
and develop and implement measures for enhancing energy security such as natural gas and fuel 
storage.  
4.38.   The Republic of Moldova follows the framework of the Baku Initiative with Caspian and Black 
Sea countries and the European  Union, which aims to facilitate the integration of the region's energy 
markets into the EU market and the transportation of Caspian oil and gas to Europe. The Republic 
of Moldova also participates in the Eastern Partnership, a joint initiative including the European  Union 
and Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, and Ukraine. The partnership provides a platform for 
discussions on issues such as energy security.51 
4.39.   The Ministry of Economy oversees the development and implementation of policies related to 
energy. The  Energy Effic iency Agency, subordinated to the Ministry of Economy, is the implementing 
agency for the national energy efficiency and renewable energy programmes.52 The Moldova Energy 
Projects Implementation Unit (MEPIU) is an independent, non -profit legal entity.53 The MEPIU 
 
48 IEA (2021), Republic of Moldova Energy Profile .  
49 ANRE, Moldelectrica (the Moldovan transmission system operator), and Moldavscaia thermal power 
plant (MGRES) are negotiating an agreement on balancing issues regarding the left bank of the Dniester /Nistru  
River.  
50 Republic of Moldova (2012), Energy Strategy of the Republic of Moldova to the Year 2030 . Viewed at: 
https://www.spcr.cz/files/Moldova_EnStrategy_draft_12_full_310512.pdf . 
51 IEA (2021), Republic of Moldova Energy Profile .  
52 Energy Efficiency Agency. Viewed at: https://www.ae e.md. 
53 MEPIU. Viewed at: https://mepiu.md/eng . WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 ensures the efficient implementation of the projects in the energy sector through their 
administration, monitoring and coordination in accordance with the donors and international financial 
institutions requirements.  
4.2.3   Electricity  
4.40.   The Republic of Mol dova's electricity comes mainly from the thermal power plant on the left 
bank of the Dniester /Nistru  River of the Republic of Moldova, which generates this electricity 
primarily from imported gas.54 The electricity purchased from this power plant and impor ts from 
Ukraine since 1997 meet up to 80% of overall demand.55 According to the authorities, imports from 
Ukraine vary year to year depending on applicable bilateral contracts. The Republic of Moldova's 
electricity system is interconnected with Ukraine's b y 11 lines of 110  kV and 7 lines of 330  kV. The 
Republic of Moldova is also interconnected with Romania by four lines of 110  kV and one line of 
400 kV. 
4.41.   According to the authorities, as of 16  March  2022, the Republic of Moldova's and Ukraine's 
power systems  were fully synchronized with ENTSO -E. As a result, the Republic of Moldova's 
electricity system was also fully synchronized with Romania's (and therefore with the continual 
European synchronous electrical grid) the same day. This acceleration of the synch ronization project, 
ongoing since 2017, has been possible thanks to previous studies and the adoption of risk mitigation 
measures.56 According to the authorities, further regulations, which were originally scheduled  to be 
completed  before the implementatio n of the synchronization project, will be implemented in the 
future.  
4.42.   In the electricity market, the Republic of Moldova has five licensed producers, two suppliers 
at regulated tariffs, two distribution companies, and one transmission operator (Moldelectric a). In 
addition, according to the authorities, the provisions of Law No.  107/2016 specify that all final 
consumers (legal and real entities) are eligible to choose their suppliers. Since 2017, when an 
additional supplier at unregulated tariffs was operatio nal, both the number of consumers who 
changed their electricity supplier and the quantity of electricity supplied at negotiated prices have 
continuously increased. The upward trend continued during 2020, with the amount of electricity 
supplied at negotiate d prices increasing by 92.4  million  kWh or by 32.9%. In 2021, according to the 
authorities, the market share of suppliers at unregulated prices increased to around 10% of total 
consumption; however, at the end of 2021, the supplier at unregulated tariffs started to be unable 
to supply electricity to final consumers and all consumers returned to the universal service suppliers.  
4.43.   According to the authorities, Moldelectrica, according to the provisions of Law No.  107/2016, 
applied for certification under the ow nership unbundling model on 16  October  2018.57 The 
certification was denied by the Secretariat of the Energy Community as the managed assets 
constituted public property. The authorities concluded the unbundling by certifying Moldelectrica as 
an Independent  System Operator; Moldelectrica, the energy supply company, may still formally own 
gas or electricity transmission networks but must leave the entire operation, maintenance, and 
investment in the grid to an independent company. To reflect this , the Law on Electricity will be 
amended in 2022 to introduce the notion of "Independent System Operator".  
4.2.4   Hydrocarbons  
4.44.   The Republic of Moldova is a net importer of refined petroleum products and natural gas. In 
terms of gas the Republic of Moldova is connected to the Ukrainian gas system that transits all gas 
 
54 Energy Community (2021), Moldova Annual Implementation Report . Viewed at: https://www.energy -
community.org/implementation/Moldova.html . 
55 European Investment Bank, Moldova Romania Electricity Interconnection . Viewed at: 
https://www.eib.org/en/projects/pipelines/all/20080194 . 
56 ENTSO -E (2022), "Continental Europe Successful Synchronisation with Ukraine and Moldova Power 
Systems", 16  March. Viewed at: https://www.entsoe.eu/news/2022/03/16/continental -europe -successful -
synchronisation -with-ukraine -and-moldova -power -systems/ . 
57 Unbundling, as defined by the European  Union's Third Energy Package, is the separation of energy 
supply and generation from the operation of transmission networks. Therefore, if a single company operates a 
transmission network and generates or sells energy at the same time, it may have an incentive to obstruct 
competitors' access to infrastructure, preventing fair competition in the market, which could lead to higher 
prices for consumers.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 imports from the Russian  Federation on a bilateral contract.58 Gas transport in the Republic of 
Moldova is carried out by two operators, Moldovatransgaz and Tiraspoltransgaz, in Transnistria. Both 
companies are owned by Moldovagaz, a company in which the State holds shares.59 The Republic of 
Moldova is also a gas tra nsit hub to European markets in Türkiye and the Balkans. A pipeline 
interconnection with Ukraine in the northern region of the Republic of Moldova connects two parts 
of the Ukrainian network.  
4.45.   The Iasi -Ungheni gas interconnector with Romania cannot cover th e Republic of Moldova's 
gas demand due to technical constraints limiting the amount of natural gas that can be injected into 
its transmission system and to the low availability of gas in the Romanian gas network supplying 
Iasi.60 In 2020, the pipeline was extended to Chişinău  to help meet the Republic of Moldova's gas 
consumption.  
4.46.   According to the authorities, the Republic of Moldova has no gas storage facilities, but the 
Government is considering some solutions to address this issue. A government -designate d Moldovan 
company will buy natural gas and store it in a facility in Romania or another EU member State, to 
be used for security of supply purposes and trading. According to the authorities, a feasibility study 
is being developed to assess the costs and t echnical possibility of establishing two sites for geological 
storage in the Zagarancea -Mânzesti -Unghenii de Jos villages area and in the Cantemir district.61 
4.47.   In 2021, the Republic of Moldova faced a crisis in the gas sector due to supply shortages as 
a gas delivery contract with the Russian  Federation's Gazprom was set to expire and negotiations 
for a new five -year gas supply contract with the same company were lengthy and only concluded 
days before the earlier contract expired.62 
4.2.5   Renewable energy  
4.48.   The Repu blic of Moldova's renewable energy market is less developed than those in 
neighbouring countries and the legal framework still needs to be developed in order to achieve full 
compliance with the EU acquis .63 Nevertheless, renewable energy represented 23.8% of energy 
consumed in the Republic of Moldova in 2019, exceeding an overall target of 17% for 2020.64 In 
2020, 23.1% of energy supply came from renewable energy and energy from waste (Chart 4. 1). 
According to the authorities, in 2021 the Republic of Moldov a had 103.8  MW of installed capacity of 
solar, biogas, wind, and hydro power (Table  4.5). Renewable energy in the Republic of Moldova 
produced 116,552  MWh of electricity in 2021 (Table  4.5). 
4.49.   Government Decision No.  401 of 8  December  2021 on Approving Capac ity Limits, Maximum 
Quotas and Capacity Categories in the field of Electricity from Renewable Sources for the period 
2021-2025 is intended to increase installed capacity  to 400  MW, with an emphasis on investments 
in biogas -based co -generation (150  MW). 
Table 4.5 Renewable energy capacity, 2021  
Renewable energy  Installed capacity, MW  Electricity produced, MWh  
Solar 9.9 7,764  
Biogas  6.1 32,239  
Wind 87.6 76,310  
Hydro (except Costești HPP, 16  MW) 0.2 239 
TOTAL  103.8  116,552  
Source:  Inform ation provided by the authorities.  
 
58 IEA (2021), Republic of Moldova Energy Profile .  
59 Moldovagaz is owned by Gazprom (50%), the  Moldovan government (36.6%) and the Transnistrian 
administration (13.4%). IEA (2021), Republic of Moldova Energy Profile, p.  18. 
60 IEA (2021), Republic of Moldova Energy Profile .  
61 IEA (2021), Republic of Moldova Energy Profile .  
62 OSW (2021), "Moldova: Contract with Gazprom Threatens the 3rd Energy Package", 11  March.  
63 Energy Community (2021), Moldova Annual Implementation Report .  
64 The target is set in Law No.  10 of 26 February 2016 on Promotion of Energy Utilization from 
Renewable Sources. Energy Co mmunity (2021), Moldova Annual Implementation Report . WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 4.3  Services  
4.3.1   Financial services  
4.50.   Financial services accounted for 3.3% of GDP in 2021, a decline from 3.7% in 2016, and 
employed more than 11,000 workers (representing 1.3% of the labour force) at the end of 2021.65 
Within the financial services sector, the National Bank of Moldova (NBM) (also known as Banca 
Națională a Moldovei, the Central Bank) is the competent authority responsible for licensing, 
regulation, and supervision of banks, non -bank payment service prov iders, and foreign exchange 
entities, while the National Commission for Financial Markets (NCFM) regulates and supervises some 
entities of the non -bank financial sector until 2023 (Sections 4. 3.1.2 and 4. 3.1.3). An important 
objective of these two institut ions is to maintain a stable and viable financial system based on market 
principles, using risk -based prudential regulation and supervision. Over the review period, the NBM 
advanced the gradual transposition of Basel III into the national regulatory framew ork. According to 
the IMF, regulation and supervision of the non -bank financial sector remains weak.66 
4.51.   Banking continues to dominate the financial sector, accounting for the large majority of sector 
assets at the end of 2020, although the importance of ins urance and non -bank financial services 
increased during the review period. The banking sector's loan portfolio increased from 
MDL 38.2 billion (or 26.2% of GDP) in 2015 to MDL  56.4 billion (or 24.7% of GDP) in 2021. Over 
the same period, lending by non -bank financial and credit institutions increased from MDL  3.3 billion 
to MDL  12 billion (at the end of Q3 of 2021), increasing its share in total lending from 8.0% to 18.1% 
(Table  4.6). The importance of foreign currency in the banking sector continued to dec line with the 
share of loans (deposits) in foreign currency in total bank loans declining from 42.2% (52.5%) in 
2015 to 26.5% (42.6%) in 2021, in particular from 2019 when the authorities started to reduce the 
difference in reserve ratio between MDL- and F X-denominated deposits (Section  1.2.2). 
Table 4.6 Financial services 2015 -21 
(MDL billion)   
2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Total financial system assets, of which  
Banks  68.8 72.8 79.4 83.2 90.7 103.8  118.5  
Non-bank financial and credit 
institutions (NBFCIs)  4.2 5.4 6.2 8.8 11.8 11.7 13.0 
(30/9)  
Non-bank payment service providers  0.9 1.0 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.6 
Insurance companies  2.9 3.2 3.3 3.5 3.5 3.6 4.1 
(30/9)  
Credits, of which  
Banks  38.2 34.8 33.5 35.5 40.4 45.6 56.4 
NBFCIs  3.3 4.3 5.3 7.5 10.3 10.6 12.0 
(30/9)  
Bank loans in foreign currency/total 
bank loans (%)  42.2 44.3 41.7 38.5 33.3 30.5 26.5 
Deposits, of which  
Banks  50.0 54.7 59.7 63.4 68.3 79.5 90.1 
NBFCIs  0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.7 
(30/9)  
Bank deposits in foreign 
currency/total bank deposits (%)  52.5 46.5 42.8 41.1 41.0 41.8 42.6 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities . 
4.52.   Financial inclusion improved over the review period but nevertheless remained limited 
according to the latest available data. The estimated share of citizens having a bank account 
increased from 18% in 2014 to 44% in 2017. Financial inclusion as measured by the holding of an 
account remained lower for low -income earners and those wi th only primary education while the 
main source of borrowing remained family and friends.67 According to more recent data from a 
survey on the financial behaviour of the population in 2020, however, 31% of respondents had loans 
 
65 Of these, 8,282 employees were in the banking sector (as at December 2021), more than 1,000 in 
the insurance sector, and 2,104 in non -bank credit organizations.  
66 IMF (2022), Republic of Moldova: Staf f Report for the 2021 Article  IV Consultation , IMF Country 
Report No.  22/1.  
67 World Bank, Global Findex Database 2017.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 outstanding, with nearly two  thirds of those being consumer loans and only 20% of those being from 
relatives or friends.68 
4.53.   To improve the supervision of financial conglomerates and to transpose relevant EU legislation 
into national legislation, Parliament on 1  December  2017 approved Law No.  250 on Supplementary 
Supervision of Banks, Insurers/Reinsurers and Investment Firms in a Financial Conglomerate, and 
the Law entered into force in March 2018. Article  7 of the Law establishes additional capital adequacy 
requirements for financial c onglomerates overall, as well as regulated entities that are part of such 
conglomerates. The Law further requires conglomerates to notify risk concentration and "significant 
intra-group transactions", and to establish risk management policies and internal control 
mechanisms.  
4.54.   Working across the government regulatory agencies for the financial sector, a special 
"coordinator" is designated for each financial conglomerate. The coordinator exercises the 
supplementary supervision outlined in the Law, including, inter alia, establishing and reviewing 
capital adequacy requirements, reviewing risk concentration, or undertaking a prudential review of 
risk management policies and internal control mechanisms.  
4.55.   The Republic of Moldova also undertook additional reforms to strengthen the national 
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and counter -terrorism financing (CTF) frameworks by replacing 
Law No. 190/2007 on Preventing and Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing with 
Law No. 308 of 22  December  2017 with the same title , and also issuing three regulations in 
2018 – one for banks, one for foreign exchange entities and hotels, and one for non -bank payment 
services providers – that spell out requirements for preventing and combating money laundering 
and terrorism financing . The Republic of Moldova also amended the Criminal Code in 2020 to ensure 
that key corruption offences and all instances of money laundering are classified as serious offences, 
with further reforms to combat corruption supported under the new IMF -funded ex tended fund 
facility (EFF)/extended credit facility (ECF) arrangements.69 While the legal and institutional 
frameworks to combat AML and CTF are in place, significant vulnerabilities in these areas remain, 
according to the IMF. Existing systems could be mo re effectively used, and implementation could be 
strengthened, e.g.  by ensuring banks comply with AML/CTF obligations, including better identifying 
beneficiary owners of entities and accounts.70 
4.56.   The Republic of Moldova has undertaken significant GATS commitments in the financial 
services sector as part of its accession. It reserved the right to maintain restrictions in the 
cross-border provision of life and most non -life insurance services, prescribes certain general rules 
of establishment for banks, a nd retains the right to limit market access for national persons in 
financial services.71 According to Law No.  62/2008 on Foreign Exchange  Regulation, loans and 
guarantees from residents to non -residents, as well as some other transfers resulting in capita l 
outflows, that exceed EUR  10,000 require the approval of the NBM, to be granted or denied within 
15 days from the application. This does not apply to banks and entities regulated by the NCFM.  
4.3.1.1   Banking  
4.57.   The review period was dominated by the recovery from a nd regulatory responses to the 
2014-15 bank fraud and resulting crises when approximately USD  1 billion was defrauded from the 
Moldovan banking system. After liquidating three banks in October 201572, the NBM continued to 
reform the banking sector to preve nt similar events in the future while investigations into the banking 
fraud continue.73 The process of rehabilitating the banking sector was supported under the 2016 -20 
 
68 NBM (2021), Financial Stability Report 2020 , p. 18.  
69 IMF Country Report No.  22/1.  
70 IMF Country Report No.  22/1.  
71 WTO document GATS/SC/134, 21  December  2001.  
72 The three large banks affected were Unibank, Banca Socială, and Banca de Economii. Their banking 
licences were withdrawn in October 2015 and their deposits were transferred to fi ve other banks, including two 
of the largest three remaining banks. NBM (2015), "Banks to Which the Deposits from Banca de Economii S.A., 
BC 'Banca Socială' S.A. and B.C. 'UNIBANK' S.A. Are Transferred", 13  October. Viewed at: 
https://www.bnm.md/en/content/bancile -ce-vor-prelua -depozitele -de-la-banca -de-economii -sa-bc-banca -
sociala -sa-si-bc.  
73 For example, in August 2020 the Prosecutor General's Office seized assets worth nearly MDL  2 billion 
from Victoriabank in connection with the 2014 bank fraud investigations. Prosecutor General's Office (2020), 
"Bank Fraud: The Purpose of the Criminal Pros ecution", 11  August. Viewed at: WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 IMF EFF/ECF arrangements. Reforms focused on improved monitoring, strengthening corpora te 
governance, addressing large exposures, and improving the regulatory environment using a 
risk-based supervisory approach. The NBM also revised qualitative and quantitative capital 
requirements, while the deposit guarantee ceiling was increased by Parlia ment.74 
4.58.   As a result, the number of licensed domestic banks declined from 14 at the end of 2014 to 
11 at the end of 2021 (Table  4.7), while significant changes to the ownership (structure) of banks 
also took place: (i)  OTP Bank bought a majority stake in Mo biasbanca from Société Générale; (ii)  a 
consortium consisting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and private 
equity firms purchased a large share in Moldova Agroindbank; (iii)  Romanian Banca Transilvania 
purchased a large stake in Victoriabank in 2018 (making it the majority shareholder jointly with the 
EBRD); and (iv)  Bulgarian Doverie United Holding acquiring a majority share in Moldindconbank, the 
second -largest bank, in 2019. According to the authorities, the share of foreign  investments in the 
capital of banks stood at 86.6% at the end of 2021. Only one of the banks has exclusively domestic 
invested capital. Between March 2018 and September 2019, NBM suspended the rights attached to 
most shares in one bank as certain investor s had acted in concert without NBM approval, and 
appointed temporary administrators under the early intervention regime.75 
4.59.   Banking sector assets increased from MDL  68.8 billion in 2015 to MDL  118.5  billion at the end 
of 2021. The three largest commercial banks accounted for 66.1% of total bank assets compared to 
68.0% at the end of 2014 (Table  4.7).76 
Table 4.7 Banking sector, 2014 -21 
 
2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Structure  
Number of licensed banks  14 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 
 Share of total assets for:  
 3 largest banks  68.0 66.6 64.2 65.2 65.4 65.2 64.5 66.1 
 5 largest banks  84.1 83.9 83.4 84.0 83.4 83.4 83.1 84.5 
Total bank assets (% of 
GDP) 70.3  47.2 45.4 44.5 43.2 43.1 50.5 52.1 
Total loans (% of GDP)  30.6 26.2 21.6 18.7 18.4 19.2 22.2 24.8 
Credit to private sectora 
(% of GDP)  29.5 24.9 20.6 18.0 17.7 18.4 21.4 23.7 
Total deposits, excluding 
interbank (% of GDP)  38.8 34.3 34.0 33.4 32.9 32.4 38.7 39.5 
Capital adequacy  
 Regulatory capital to 
risk-weighted assets  13.2 26.2  30.1  31.0  26.5 24.8 27.3 25.9 
Asset quality  
 Net loans to total assets  37.5 50.8 41.3 35.9 38.0 41.0 40.7 44.5 
 Non-performing loans 
(NPLs) to total loans  11.7 9.9 16.4 18.4 12.5 8.5 7.4 6.1 
 Total provisions to gross 
NPLs 88.4  85.5  81.8  80.6  86.6 93.7 101.0  104.2  
Profitabilit y 
 Return on assets  0.9 2.1. 2.0 1.8 1.9 2.5 1.5 2.0 
 Return on equity  6.1  12.8  12.0  11.1  11.6 14.6 8.7 12.4 
 Non-interest expenses to 
total income  50.0 55.9 49.8 53.4 58.0 51.0 63.9 60.5 
 
http://procuratura.md/md/newslst/1211/1/8400/?fbclid=IwAR2wzPb1TBl8Y -
vM43IntShwaPeDwObN9sfIeH Vv8Kz4WHyYc87rL9r2zBA ; and EBRD (2020), " EBRD Seriously Concerned by 
Indictment against Moldova's Victoriabank" , 12 August.  
74 NBM (2019), "Receipts of 'Banca de Economii', 'Unibank' and 'Banca Socială' under Liquidation 
Recorded in October and the Payments  to the Ministry of Finance', 13  November. Viewed at: 
https://www.bnm.md/en/content/receipts -banca -de-economii -unibank -and-banca -sociala -under -liquidation -
recorded -october -and.  
75 NBM (2021), Financial Situation of the Banking Sector for the First Quarter of 2021 , 7 June.  
76 The three largest commercial banks at the end of 2021 were Agroindbank, Moldindconbank, and 
OTP Bank. WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
 Interest rate spread 
(domestic currency) – new 
transactions  5.30 2.18 3.55 4.59 4.36 3.65 4.35 3.94 
 Interest rate spread 
(foreign currency) – new 
transactions  3.70 4.56 3.83 3.40 3.72 3.42 3.36 3.56 
a The value of credit to the private sector does not include loans issued to the public sector, interbank 
loans, and loans issued to the non -bank credit organizations (NBCOs).  
Source:  IMF, International Financial Statistics ; IMF Country Report No.  22/1; and information provided by 
the authorities.  
4.60.   Following the incidents of banking fraud in 2014, return on assets and equity increased 
significantly in 2015 and remained broadly constant over the remainder of the review period until 
the start of the COVID ‑19 pandemic. While return on assets (equity) reached 2.5% (14.6%) in 2019, 
it fell to 1.5% (8.7%) in 2020 before starting to recover in 2021 to 2.0% (12.4%). Interest rate 
spreads in domestic currency increased significantly reaching 4.6  percentage points in 2017 before 
starting to decline to 3. 7 percentage points in 2019, while those in foreign  currency declined 
gradually to 3.4  percentage points between 2015 and 2019. In 2020, interest rate spreads in 
domestic currency increased but declined again in 2021, while those in foreign currency increased 
in 2021 (Table  4.7). 
4.61.   While bank lending increas ed overall in nominal terms from MDL 40.8  billion in 2015 to 
MDL 45.6 billion in 2020 and 56.4  million in 2021, it declined as a share of GDP,  and the share of 
credit to the private sector decreased from 29.5% in 2015 to 17.7% at the end of 2018, before 
recovering to 23.7% at the end of 2021. The structure of bank lending shifted from productive 
sectors, in particular from commerce, services, and agriculture and the food industry to consumer 
loans and mortgages  (Table  4.8). Lending to SMEs stood at MDL  15.8 billion at the end of 2021, or 
nearly 28% of total loans, an increase compared to 2015 by 61.9%.77 The authorities indicate a 
need to closely monitor consumer and real estate lending, especially at non -bank financial 
organizations following high pre -pande mic credit growth.78 
Table 4.8 Bank credit to private sector, by economic activity, 2015, 2018, and 2021  
(MDL billion)  
 2015  2018  2021  
Amount  Share 
(%) Amount  Share 
(%) Amount  Share 
(%) 
Agriculture and food industry  6.6 17.3 6.1 17.2 7.6 13.5 
Other manufacturing and 
production  2.7 7.1 2.2 6.2 2.8 5.0 
Mining and quarrying  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Water, electricity, gas and 
health services  1.1 2.9 0.8 2.3 1.0 1.8 
Building and construction  1.3 3.4 0.7 2.0 1.1 2.0 
Commerce  11.6 30.4 9.1 25.6 12.1 21.5 
Transport and 
communications  2.2 5.8 1.7 4.8 1.9 3.4 
Finance  1.5 3.9 1.4 3.9 1.8 3.2 
Services  2.8 7.3 2.0 5.6 1.9 3.4 
Consumer loans  3.1 8.1 5.1 14.4 10.5 18.7 
Real estate mortgages  2.3 6.0 3.9 11.0 11.4 20.2 
Loans granted to institutions 
financed by the Government/ 
administrative -territorial units  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Other loans  3.0 7.9 2.5 7.0 4.2 7.5 
Total  38.2 100.0  35.5 100.0  56.3 100.0  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
 
77 NBM database, Report: Information on Financial and Economic Activities of Banks . Viewed at: 
https://www.bnm.md/bdi/pages/reports/drsb/DRSB1.xhtml?id=0&lang=en .  
78 IMF C ountry Report No.  22/1.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 Regulatory environment  
4.62.   Law No.  202 of 6  October  2017 on the Activity of Banks replaced Law No.  550/1995 on 
Financial Institutions.79 Entering into force on 1  January  2018, the Law introduced the Basel  III 
framework and is broadly aligned with the EU Capital Requirements Directives (CRD) IV and Capital 
Requirements Regulation (CRR) on prudential requirement for credit institutions and t heir 
supervision.80 As part of these changes, the Law also introduced new requirements that include 
establishing a governance code monitored by the board of each bank. According to the authorities, 
secondary legislation for the implementation of the new la w has been put in place over the period 
2018-21 as normative legislation under the old law continued to apply in the interim period. The 
authorities indicate that provisions regarding net stable financing requirements are being prepared 
and their adoption is planned for the end for 2022.  
4.63.   The NBM issues one type of banking licence covering a broad range of banking activities 
including deposit taking, lending, leasing, and other banking services (Article  14 of Law No.  202).81 
Following the submission of an ap plication by an applicant subject to certain capital, management, 
and transparency requirements (including shareholder transparency)82, the NBM has five months to 
approve or reject an application. Banks, including subsidiaries, must be established as joint stock 
companies (JSCs) and there are no restrictions on foreign entry as a branch or subsidiary. Branches 
are not considered legal entities and are registered according to Law No.  220/2007.83 The NBM 
issues licences to branches stipula ting the activities permitted by each foreign branch, and they 
cannot exceed the scope of activities for which the parent bank is licensed in the country of origin. 
Foreign branches and national banks are treated equally in terms of prudential regulations,  and both 
are required to maintain own funds of at least MDL  200 million and share capital of at least 
MDL 100 million.84 In case the applicant is a subsidiary of a foreign entity or a subsidiary of an 
insurance or investment company, the NBM can consult w ith relevant foreign authorities or the NCFM 
prior to taking a decision. Following the revision of the Civil Code (Section  2.4), the concept of 
representative office no longer exists.  
4.64.   In its efforts to strengthen the financial stability of the banking sect or, the NBM continued to 
develop the framework of prudential regulations. Following the adoption of Law No.  202 on the 
Activity of Banks, the NBM issued regulations regarding banks' own funds and capital requirements85, 
capital buffers86, the treatment of credit risks87, large exposures88, and liquidity coverage 
management.89 In addition to own fund requirements, capital buffers include a capital conservation 
buffer (2.5% of total exposures), a countercyclical buffer (initially set at 0%), a systemic risk b uffer 
(1% of risk exposure), and the buffers for systemically important institutions (O -SII buffer, varying 
by institution and ranging from 0.5% to 1.5% of total exposures). Countercyclical buffer 
requirements are reviewed quarterly and those for systemica lly important institutions at least 
annually. Four banks have been subject to the additional (O -SII) buffers and monitoring by the NBM 
since 2018.  
 
79 Law No.  550/1995 continued to regulate only the voluntary or forced liquidation of banks and was 
subsequently renamed to Law on the Liquidation of Banks after adding a new section on General Dispositions 
and other amendments by La w No.  32 of 27  February  2020 on the Amendment of Some Legislative Acts. Law 
No. 232 of 3  October  2016 covers the Recovery and Resolution of Banks.  
80 IMF (2018), Third Reviews under the ECF and EFF Arrangements , IMF Country Report No.  18/205.  
81 The NBM can  also establish bridge banks to operate a failed bank until a buyer can be found.  
82 Persons who are residents of jurisdictions that do not implement international standards of 
transparency are not allowed entry in the banking sector.  
83 Law No.  220/2007 on State Registration of Legal Persons and Sole Proprietors, Article  12. 
84 Regulation on the Licensing of the Bank and the Branch of the Bank from Another State, approved by 
NBM Executive Board Decision No.  328 of 13  December  2019.  
85 Regulation on Own Funds o f Banks and Capital Requirements, approved by NBM Executive Board 
Decision No.  109 of 24  May 2018.  
86 Regulation on the Capital Buffers of Banks approved by NBM Executive Board Decision No.  110 of 
24 May 2018.  
87 Regulation on the Treatment of Banks' Credit Risk Using Standardized Approach, approved by NBM 
Executive Board Decision No.  111 of 24  May 2018.  
88 Regulation on Large Exposures, approved by NBM Executive Board Decision No.  109 of 5  April 2019.  
89 Banks have to maintain a minimum liquidity covering 100 % of net liquidity outflows over a 30 -day 
stress period. Regulation on Liquidity Coverage Requirements for Banks, approved by NBM Executive Board 
Decision No.  44 of 26  February  2020.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 4.65.   To increase transparency in the sector, the NBM also updated the requirements for the 
publication of informat ion by banks.90 According to the requirements, banks (and branches of foreign 
banks) are required to provide extensive information on operations and prudential requirements to 
the NBM and to publish information for customers, inter alia , regarding the use of accounts, lending 
conditions, interest rates, fees, and other services in a timely and concise manner.  
4.66.   At the beginning of 2020, the deposit guarantee scheme was expanded to also cover the 
deposit s of legal entities and the ceiling for all deposits was increased from MDL  20,000 to 
MDL 50,000. A Bank Resolution Fund was also established in 2020, funded via annual contributions 
by banks, to strengthen banking sector credibility and depositor interests.91 According to the 
authorities, funds are managed by t he Deposits Guarantee Fund with a target level equal to 3% of 
guaranteed deposits by 2024, and all banks have paid in full the annual contributions for 2020 and 
2021.  
4.67.   As part of its response to the COVID ‑19 pandemic, the NBM relaxed a number of requirement s 
with a view to increasing liquidity available at banks, inter alia by reducing the reserve ratio for 
funds attracted in lei (while increasing it for convertible currency), and temporarily allowing for loan 
deferrals of individuals and legal entities with out this leading to such loans being classified in a higher 
category of non -performing loans.92 The NBM in April 2020 also temporarily relaxed requirements 
for the capital conservation buffer for banks, allowing funds to support lending. Since 
31 December  2021, banks have had to meet the requirements under the capital conservation buffer 
again.  
Financial stability  
4.68.   According to the IMF, the solvency position of banks continues to remain solid as they 
exceeded minimum capital adequacy and liquidity ratios, an d all banks remained profitable.93 
According to the NBM, in 2021 one bank exceeded limits on credit exposure but met additional own 
fund requirements. The share of non -performing loans (NPLs) in total loans declined from a high of 
18.4% in 2017 to 8.5% in 2019 and to 6.1% in 2021, and provisions for NPLs increased over the 
same period (Table  4.7). The share of NPLs differs across economic sectors, with particularly high 
shares in the construction, services, energy sectors, agriculture, and productive indust ries in 202094 
and 2021, according to the authorities. NPLs for SME lending were also noticeably higher on average 
at 9.4% at the end of 2021.  
4.3.1.2   Insurance  
4.69.   The NCFM regulates and supervises the insurance sector in line with Law No.  407/2006 on 
Insurance, amen ded various times during the review period. The NCFM implements the Strategy for 
the Development of the Non -Bank Financial Market for the Years 2018 -2022, which, inter alia , aims 
to develop a regulatory framework aligned to the EU acquis  and improve superv ision (including by 
shifting towards risk -based approaches). According to amendments to the Law made in 2020, the 
NBM will become the supervisory authority of the insurance sector from July 2023.95 According to 
the authorities, a new Law on Insurance and Reinsurance Activities has been drafted and would 
transpose the second and third pillar of the EU  insurance rules (known as Solvency II), with the first 
pillar to be transposed at a later stage. The Law has been approved in the first reading in Parliament 
and is expected to be fully approved in 2022.  
4.70.   The insurance market in the Republic of Moldova remains relatively small with gross written 
premiums (GWP) reaching MDL  1,453  million in 2020 (an increase from MDL  1,229  million in 2015 
but a 10% decline from 2019), a penetration rate of only 0.7% of GDP. More than three quarters of 
GWP were accounted for by motor third party liability insurance, while life insurance accounted for 
 
90 Regulation on the Requirements for Publication of Information by Banks,  approved by NBM Executive 
Board Decision No.  158 of 9  July 2020.  
91 NBM (2021), Financial Stability Report 2020 .   
92 NBM (2021), "The NBM Measures in the Context of Emergency State Generated by COVID ‑19", 
5 April. Viewed at: https://www.bnm.md/en/content/nbm -measures -context -emergency -state-generated -
covid-19.  
93 IMF Country Report No.  22/1.  
94 NBM (2021), Financial Stability Rep ort 2020 , p. 28. 
95 Law No.  178 of 11  September  2020 for the Modification of Some Normative Acts.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 4% of total GWP. The largest five firms in terms of GWP captured nea rly 75% of the total market.96 
The volume of premiums underwritten with intermediaries stood at approximately 35% of GWP in 
2020.  
4.71.   At the end of October 2021, there were 10 non -life insurance companies (providing a mostly 
similar but slightly diverging type s of insurance) and one insurance company undertaking general 
and life insurance. No company was exclusively licensed to provide reinsurance, but insurance 
companies are allowed to carry out reinsurance activities for the type of activities they are licens ed 
to insure if they meet certain solvency requirements and subject to certain limits.97 According to the 
latest available information, 44 insurance and reinsurance brokers held a valid licence in 
February  2022, and there were 64 registered insurance and b ancassurance agents in 
November  2021.  
4.72.   Insurance of civil liability of carriers against passengers as well as civil liability for damages 
caused by motor vehicles is compulsory in the Republic of Moldova and regulated by two specific 
laws.98 In 2018, the NC FM updated a single methodology for calculating the basic insurance 
premium,99 and in 2019 updated regulations regarding the electronic processing of such 
insurance.100 According to the authorities, a new Law on Motor Third Party Liability (MTPL) Insurance 
is being drafted, aiming to transpose the requirements of the 2009 EU Motor Insurance Directive.  
Regulatory environment  
4.73.   According to Law No.  407, minimum capital requirements for insurers are MDL  15 million for 
non-life insurance companies, MDL  22.5 millio n for life insurers and companies offering compulsory 
external MTPL insurance, and MDL  30 million for companies only providing reinsurance. Companies 
can carry out life and non -life insurance simultaneously if these activities are separated. Article  24 
spells out that the regulator issues licences for insurance and reinsurance companies following 
submission of relevant documentation and maintains a register of licensed insurance and reinsurance 
companies. Licences have an indeterminate validity and are not transferable. The regulator can 
suspend licences in certain cases of non -compliance, prohibiting companies from concluding new 
contracts. Where issues of non -compliance are not addressed, the regulator can put a company 
under financial recovery, remediatio n, or special administration procedures. When these are 
terminated, the regulator can withdraw a licence and initiate a bankruptcy procedure. A Regulation 
on Licensing in the Insurance Market was approved by NCFM Decision 47/6 of 22  October  2018, 
covering the licensing of insurance/reinsurance companies and brokers. Insurance and 
bancassurance agents are only allowed to carry out insurance intermediation following their inclusion 
in a register.101 
4.74.   In 2016, the Government introduced the concepts of concerted action and the requirement 
for prior approval for entities (alone or acting in concert) to increase their participation in an 
insurance company beyond certain thresholds, including an evaluation of such significant 
shareholders.102 In late 2017, t he Government further regulated that persons violating such 
requirements would have to dispose of their shares within three months, failing which their shares 
would be cancelled and reissued, with proceeds excluding fees being credited to the owners of the  
cancelled shares.103 
4.75.   Solvency margins for insurance and reinsurance companies, as well as asset dispersion 
requirements, are established by the 2011 Regulation on Solvency Margins and Liquidity Ratio of 
 
96 NBM (2021), Financial Stability Report 2020 , pp. 49-50. 
97 CNPF, Supervised Entities – Professional Participants in the Insurance Market . Viewed at: 
https://www.cnpf.md/ro/entitati -supravegheate -6412.html .  
98 Law No.  1553/1998 on the Compulsory Insurance of Civil Liability of Carriers Against Passengers and 
Law No.  414/2006 on the Compulso ry Civil Liability Insurance for Damages Caused by Motor Vehicles.  
99 NCFM Decision No.  57/13 of 28  December  2018 on Compulsory Motor Third Party Liability Insurance 
Premiums.  
100 NCFM Decision No.  15/6 of 15  April 2019.  
101 Regulation on the Register of Insurance Agents and Bancassurance Agents, adopted by NCFM 
Decision  21/3 of 27  May 2019.  
102 Law No.  4 of 25  February  2016 Amending and Supplementing Law No.  407-XVI/2006 on Insurance.  
103 Law No.  242 of 23  November  2017 for the Amendment and Completion of Article  29 of Law 
No. 407/2006 on Insurance. Article  29 of Law No.  407/2006 (as amended) spells out this process further.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 the Insurer (Reinsurer) according to Articles 30 and 34 of Law No.  407.104 The regulation has been 
amended in 2017 (introducing a minimum guaranteed solvency margin for insurers no longer holding 
a valid licence), 2018, and 2019. During the review period, the NCFM also issued a Regulation on 
the Requirements of the Insurer's Reinsurance Program and Reinsurance Rules105, a Regulation on 
the Audit of Insurers (Reinsurers), including for supervision purposes106, as well as a Regulation on 
the Specialized Financial Statements of the Insurance and/or Reinsurance Unde rtakings.107 
4.76.   According to the 2020 Financial Stability Report, debt levels at insurance companies have 
recently increased while paid -up statutory capital stood on average at 15.5% of assets. This was 
well beyond the minimum of 5% on average, but the ratio d iffered strongly across companies. In 
2020, five insurers had a solvency rate of more than 150%, two insurers a solvency rate above 
120%, and three a solvency rate below 120%. In addition, two insurance companies had their 
licences withdrawn in 2020 and an other company their licence suspended. The authorities undertook 
a comprehensive solvency assessment of all insurers in 2021. The IMF stresses the continued need 
to address financial stability risks in the insurance sector.108 
4.77.   Since January 2019, residents of the Republic of Moldova can only conclude insurance 
contracts with companies (or branches of foreign companies) registered in the Republic of Moldova 
unless certain insurance is not available in the Republic  of Moldova .109 Discrimination of insurance 
contract pricing based on gender is explicitly not permitted since January 2017.110 Following the 
adoption of Law No.  133 of 15  November  2018 on the Modernization of the Civil Code and the 
Amendment of Some Legislative Acts, the conditions for insurance contra cts (originally included in 
Law No.  407) are regulated in the Civil Code since 1  January  2020.  
4.78.   Insurers and reinsurers are obliged to use the services of actuaries, either as their own 
employees, using an individual service contract or via a legal entity p roviding actuary activities. 
Rules and requirements for the use of actuarial services are further regulated in the Regulation on 
Actuarial Activity, approved by NCFM Decision 50/2 of 27  October  2020, and the Regulation on the 
Actuarial Report of the Insure r (Reinsurer), approved by NCFM Decision 55/1 of 13  December  2018.  
4.3.1.3   Other non -bank financial institutions and capital markets  
4.79.   Non-bank credit organizations (NBCOs) and savings and credit associations (SCAs) play an 
important role in providing financial services in the Republic of Moldova, accounting for 18.3% of 
loans and around 10.2% of total financial sector assets at the end of Q3 2021.111 Law No.  1 of 
16 March  2018 on Non -Bank Credit Organizations strengthened the regulatory framework for 
non-bank financial institutions, covering non -bank lending (excluding deposit taking) and financial 
leasing operations, replacing Law No.  280/2004 on Microfinance Organizations. Law No.  139/2007 
on Savings and Credit Associations regulates SCAs. As part of t he Civil Code reform in 2019, Law 
No. 59/2005 on Leasing was also abrogated, with Chapter X of the revised Civil Code regulating 
leasing activities since March 2019.112 
4.80.   The NCFM will remain the supervisory authority for NBCOs and SCAs until July 2023, when 
this responsibility will shift to the NBM. Following the introduction of higher NBCO share capital 
requirements of at least MDL  1 million as of January 2021, the number of authorized NBCOs fell to 
143 at the end of 2021 (18 among these also performed finan cial leasing activities), while 226  SCAs 
provided services to more than 135,000 members according to the authorities.113 With 13.3%, the 
 
104 The regulations were approved by NCFM Decision 2/1 of 21  January  2011.  
105 NCFM Decision 17/6 of 21  April 2017.  
106 NCFM Decision 19/3 of 13  May 2019.  
107 NCFM Decision 15/1 of 7  April 2020.  
108 IMF Country Report No.  22/1.  
109 Law No.  133 of 15  November  2018 on the Modernization of the Civil Code and the Amendment of 
Some Legislative Acts.  
110 Law No.  305 of 22  Decemb er 2016 to Complete Some Legislative Acts.  
111 Information provided by the authorities.  
112 Law No.  133 of 15  November  2018 on the Modernization of the Civil Code and the Amendment of 
Some Legislative Acts.  
113 At the end of 2021, 162 SCAs held a category A lic ence (having  only natural persons as members 
and providing services to them) and 64 held a category B licence (having been established for at least one 
year, having also legal persons as members, meeting certain size thresholds, and providing certain inves tment 
activities). A category C licence was eliminated in 2020.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 share of NPLs at non -bank financial institutions was higher than that at banks (for SCAs only, it 
stood at 6.6%) at the end of Q3 2021.  
4.81.   Law No.  114/2012 on Payment Services and Electronic Money regulates the licensing and 
requirements for payment service providers. In 2019, the NBM as regulator approved a new 
Regulation on the Activities of Non -Bank Payment Service Provider s, replacing an earlier 
regulation.114 During the review period, revisions to the Law introduced, inter alia , a mechanism to 
control qualified participations in companies, similar to that used in other financial service sectors. 
The NBM also established max imum fees for the use of payment cards or similar devices.115 Fees 
related to electronic payments remained relatively high as of 2019.116 
4.82.   Efforts to strengthen the regulation of the capital markets continued during the review period, 
building on earlier reforms of transposing key EU Directives affecting capital markets.117 Law 
No. 171/2012 on the Capital Market was amended various times, most notably in 2018, introducing 
a clear mechanism for the divestment of shares held by persons not having noti fied the NCFM of 
significant ownership stakes in investment companies118, and in 2020 introducing the regulation of 
credit rating agencies under the Law.119 It regulates, inter alia , financial instruments, investment 
firms, public offerings, takeover bids, a ccess to capital market infrastructure, and establishes 
information disclosure requirements. The Law also applies to foreign service providers operating in 
the Republic of Moldova or holding financial instruments issued there.  
4.83.   The Bursa de Valori a Moldove i (Moldova Stock Exchange) is the only licensed stock exchange. 
At the beginning of 2022, 15 public interest entities120, primarily banks and insurers, were listed in 
the main regulated market, while a Multilateral Trading Facility allows for electronic mul ti-party 
transactions for non -listed companies to obtain financing from capital markets under less stringent 
admission and disclosure rules. Overall, trading volume remained limed over the review period, 
ranging from an annual MDL  34 million in 2021 to MDL  352 million in 2016 except for higher trading 
volumes of MDL  2 billion in 2018 and MDL  3.3 billion in 2019 when major commercial bank 
transactions took place.121 
4.3.2   Telecommunication and postal services  
Overview  
4.84.   Over the review period, total annual revenues i n the telecommunications sector declined from 
MDL 6.9 billion in 2015 (or 4.7% of GDP) to MDL  5.9 billion in 2020 (or 2.9% of GDP). Operators 
generated nearly 70% of these revenues from mobile services. The total number of users also 
declined over the revi ew period, with the number of total mobile subscribers falling from 4.3  million 
in 2015 to 3.8  million by the third quarter of 2021, or from 3.8  million active mobile subscribers in 
2016 to 3.4  million in 2020. Roughly 21.1% of subscriptions were pre -paid with the remainder 
post-paid in 2020. The number of fixed -line subscribers declined from 1.2  million in 2015 to 
1.0 million by the third quarter of 2021.122 According to the authorities, 78% of households were 
subscribed to fixed broadband Internet access i n late 2021, while mobile broadband penetration 
stood at 10 4 per 100 inhabitants  (Table  4.9). There is no registration requirement for SIM  cards.  
 
114 NBM Executive Board Decision No.  217 of 26  August  2019, repealing the Regulation on Electronic 
Money Issuers and Non -Bank Payment Service Providers No.  123/2013.  
115 Decision of the NBM Execut ive Board No.  180 of 27  June 2019.  
116 USAID (2021), An Assessment Report on e -Commerce and Cashless Economy , MSRP Project: 
Moldova .  
117 WTO document WT/TPR/S/323/Rev.1, 22  January  2016.  
118 Law No.  33 of 16  March  2018 on the Amendment and Completion of Law No.  171/2012 on the 
Capital Market.  
119 Law No.  97 of 11  June 2020 on the Modification of Some Normative Acts.  
120 These are defined in Law No.  171/2012 as entities that are either a bank, an  insurance company, a 
voluntary pension fund, or other issuers whose securities are admitted for trading on a regulated market.  
121 Moldova Stock Exchange, General Statistics . Viewed at: http://www.bvm.md/en /auction_year/ .  
122 National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology of the 
Republic of Moldova (ANRCETI) (2017), Evolution of the Electronic Communications Market in 2016. Viewed at: 
https://www.anrceti.md/files/filefield /Evolutia_Pietei_2016(rom).pdf ; and ANRCETI (2021), Statistical 
Yearbook on the Development of Electronic Communications in 2020 . Viewed at: 
https://anrceti.md/files/filefield/An uar%20statistic_2020.pdf .  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 4.85.   The telecommunications sector remains influenced by the state -owned operator 
Moldtelecom  (MTC), accounting for  89.6%  of fixed -line subscribers (and nearly 94% of related 
revenues), 61.1% of fixed broadband Internet market revenues, but only 8.7% of revenues in the 
mobile segment (including mobile Internet).123 In total, 3 mobile124, 24 fixed -line operators, and 
112 Internet services providers were active in the Republic of Moldova at the end of 2021, with 
Orange Moldova being the largest mobile operator  (Table  4.9). No mobile virtual network operator 
was active during the review period. Overall, Orange Moldova accoun ted for 35.6% of telecom sector 
revenues, with MTC accounting for 26.7% in 2020.  
Table 4.9 Telecommunications indicators, 2017 -21 
 
2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Subscriptions (including pre -paid) 
per 100 inhabitants       
Fixed -line telephony  41.1 40.6 40.0 38.9 38.5 
Mobile subscription  163.4  162.9  165.5  155.6  181.2  
Active mobile subscriptions  134.8  133.2  134.8  129.5  150.2  
Internet (mobile)  74.1 79.4 88.8 89.8 103.5  
Internet (fixed broadband)  21.0 22.8 25.0 27.2 29.4 
Number of active providers       
Fixed line  22 23 24 24 24 
Mobile  3 3 3 3 3 
Internet service  81 90 97 111 112 
Market share of top provider (%)       
Fixed -line 89.1 89.4 89.6 89.6 89.4 
Mobile  57.2 57.1 57.2 55.7 51.9 
Internet service  64.6 62.5 59.6 57.5 55.9 
Market share of top three providers (%)       
Fixed -line 95.9 96.7 97.0 97.0 97.1 
Mobile  100 100 100 100 100 
Internet service  91.0 88.1 88.8 88.5 87.7 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
4.86.   According to the ITU, prices for telecommunications services were moderate, although they 
were relatively high as a share of gross national income per capita (GNI p.c.) (Table s 4.10 and 4.11). 
According to data from Speedtest125, the median spe ed of fixed broadband Internet access increased 
to 92.0  Mbps at the end of 2021, and that for mobile broadband increased to 31.7  Mbps, with 
Moldova ranking in the top quintile (3rd quintile) of fastest median speeds globally. Nearly 100% of 
the population is covered by the 3G networks of each of the three mobile operators, with between 
41% and 99% of the population covered by their 4G networks.126 The authorities expect commercial 
use of the 5G network to be launched by the end of 2022. A luxury tax of 2.5% for mobile services 
was abolished in late 2021.  
Table 4.10 Pricing data for mobile telephony, 2020  
Type of basket  Rank  As % 
of GNI 
p.c. USD PPP$  Monthly 
voice call 
allowance 
(in 
minutes)  Monthly 
SMS 
allowance  Monthly 
data 
allowance 
(in GB)  Tax rate 
included  
High-consumption 
mobile data and 
voice basket  61 1.45 5.21 13.61  200 300 2 20.0 
Low-consumption 
mobile data and 
voice basket  75 1.45 5.21 13.61  200 300 2 20.0 
Mobile voice basket  111 1.88 6.77 17.70  70 20 n.a. 20.0 
Mobile data basket  28 0.48 1.74 4.54 n.a. n.a. 3 20.0 
n.a. Not applicable.  
Source:  ITU (2020), Measuring Digital Development: ICT Price Trends 2020 . 
 
123 ANRCETI (2021), Statistical Yearbook on the Development of Electronic Communications in  2020. 
124 These are Moldtelecom (Unité), Orange Moldova, and Moldcell (which changed ownership in 2020).  
125 Speedtest (2022), Speedtest Globa l Index . Viewed at: https://speedtest.net/global -index .  
126 ANRCETI (2021), Statistical Yearbook on the Development of Electronic Communications in  2020. WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 Table  4.11 Pricing data for fixed broadband, 2020  
Rank  as % of 
GNI p.c.  USD PPP$  Speed, in 
Mbit/s  Cap per month, 
in GB  Tax rate 
included (%)  
71 2.25 8.10 21.18  150 Unlimited  20.0 
Source:  ITU (2020), Measuring Digital Development: ICT Price Trends 2020 . 
Regulatory framework and changes  
4.87.   Law No.  241/2007 on Electronic Communications continues to regulate the sector, and it 
underwent major revisions during the review period. Law No.  135 of 7  July 2017 to Amend and 
Supplement the Law on Electronic Communications No.  241/2007 transposed elements of various 
EU Directives to foster competition, network integrity, data privacy, and consumer protection127, 
while Law No.  245 of 16  December  2020 on the Amendment of the Law on Electronic 
Communications No.  241/2007 transposed Articles 2 to 5 of EU Regulation 2015/2120 regarding net 
neutrality and introduced certain mechanisms aimed at ensuring service quality. Regulations 
empowering the regulator to enfor ce net neutrality provisions are being developed, according to the 
authorities.  
4.88.   Since 2021, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development (MIRD) elaborates, 
promotes, and implements the Government's policy in the field of electronic communication s, guided 
by the objectives of a competitive market.128 The Digital Moldova 2020 Strategy guided policy 
making during most of the review period but has since expired (a new strategy is under preparation). 
It spelled out the role of the ICT sector for improv ing the overall competitiveness of the economy, 
built on three pillars: (i)  improving connectivity and network access; (ii)  promoting digital content 
and generating services; and (iii)  strengthening literacy and digital skills.129 The Government 
supported t he IT sector over the review period, including by means of establishing an IT park 
providing tax incentives, a mechanism to attract foreign employees, and for simplified interactions 
with the authorities (Section  3.3.1). Job creation in the IT sector itsel f has been strong, but the 
overall digitization of the economy, and the creation of jobs related to such changes, remained 
limited by 2018.130 
4.89.   The National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology 
of the Republic of Moldova  (ANRCETI) continues to be the sector regulator according to the Law on 
Electronic Communications and the Law on Postal Communications. The regulations for ANRCETI's 
organization and functioning were updated in 2019.131 As guiding principle, the regulations  require 
ANRCETI to ensure equal conditions of access to communication networks and services, as well as 
free access to the transmission of information on communication networks.132 They also task 
ANRCETI to: (i)  apply technology -neutral regulatory approaches; (ii)  regulate network 
interconnections, certain tariffs, and prices; and (iii)  impose ex ante obligations on operators with 
"significant market power". Its budget is funded fro m regulatory and monitoring payments made by 
operators, payments for assigned numbering resources, and other sources.  
4.90.   The Law on Electronic Communications also foresees ANRCETI to designate, in a transparent 
and non -discriminatory procedure, telecom operat ors as universal service providers in certain areas 
or covering certain services. Such universal service providers have to apply certain tariffs for 
disadvantaged groups, comply with certain tariff ceilings, and meet quality parameters. In principle, 
where  the provision of such universal service is considered an unfair burden, compensation could be 
paid from the universal service fund, which was to be resourced with contributions from providers 
 
127 ANRCETI (2017), "Amendments to the Electronic Comm unications Law Have Entered into Force", 
18 August. Viewed at: https://anrceti.md/files/filefield/Amend_LCE_c18082017.doc .  
128 Following an administrative reform, MIRD took over thes e responsibilities from the Ministry of 
Economy and Infrastructure, which had taken them on in 2017 from the former Ministries of Transport and 
Communications.  
129 The strategy was approved by Government Decision No.  857 of 31  October  2013.  
130 World Bank (2018), Digital Jobs in Moldova . Viewed at: 
https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/165681548705998410/pdf/Final -version -of-report -on-digital -
jobs-in-Moldova.pdf .  
131 Government Decision No.  643 of 17  December  2019, repealing the earlier Regulation approved by 
Government Decisio n No.  905 of 28  July 2008.  
132 A net neutrality provision was introduced into the Law on Communications in 2020.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 of telecom networks, but the fund has not yet been set up.133 The Regulation on Universal Service 
mentioned in the Law is pending adoption.  
4.91.   Economic operators planning to provide electronic communication networks or services are 
required to notify ANRCETI before they can start to operate while the regulator confirms re ceipt and 
includes the operator in the relevant public register.134 At the beginning of 2022, there were 
363 registered suppliers of electronic communications networks and services, such as Internet 
access, telephone, data transmission, leased line, audiovi sual, or other services. There are no 
restrictions on foreign ownership in the telecommunications sector. ANRCETI issues licences for the 
use of limited resources, such as radio channels, radio frequencies, or numbering resources, and 
publishes information  on licence holders on their website. The MIRD  is responsible for approving the 
numbering plan.  
4.92.   The MIRD  develops strategies on using radio frequencies bands in civil purposes, oversees 
and manages the radio frequencies spectrum for non -governmental use, a nd monitors spectrum 
use. In December 2020, the Government approved a new Radio Spectrum Management Program 
covering the years 2021 to 2025135, aiming to ensure the availability and efficient management of 
radio spectrum. According to the authorities, spect rum management reflects the relevant EU 
regulatory framework. ANRCETI allocates spectrum based on auctions, while the National Radio 
Frequency Management Service, subordinated to the MIRD , certifies electronic communication 
products.136 
4.93.   To ensure competitive market outcomes, ANRCETI is responsible for identifying providers of 
electronic communications networks or services with significant market power (SMP) in certain 
market segments of the retail and wholesale markets. A specific regulation tasks ANRCETI to 
normally assess at least every three years whether any operator, or group of operators, maintains 
a position of SMP in such markets (a market share of more than 50%137), and whether as a result 
there is no effective competition in such markets.138 In this process, ANRCETI is required to 
cooperate, consult, and exchange information with the Competition Council as appropriate. In case 
ANRCETI identifies market segments without effective competition, the regulator is allowed to 
impose proportionate, s pecific, or preventive obligations on such providers to prevent competitive 
restrictions or distortions, or the further strengthening of such market powers. ANRCETI 
Administrative Council Decision No.  85 of 28  April 2009 (as amended)139 lists six relevant m arkets 
for periodical analysis, following the removal of three market segments from the list during the 
review period.140 Over the review period, the regulator imposed 5 obligations on 3 large operators 
and 2 obligations on 21 other operators. Prices for fi xed telephony services provided to end users 
by Moldtelecom (as provider having SMP) are regulated.141 
4.94.   During the review period, ANRCETI undertook additional regulatory changes of a 
pro-competitive nature. Law No.  28 of 10  March  2016 on Access to Property a nd Shared Use of 
Infrastructure Associated with Public Electronic Communication Networks transposed some 
provisions of Directive No.  2002/21/EC and regulates active and passive infrastructure sharing. 
However, according to the World Bank, some companies ha ve, at times, not granted access to their 
passive infrastructure on technical grounds.142 Regulations of Interconnection are also in force to 
promote competition and ensure wide access of users to services.143 Revisions introduced by Law 
 
133 Law No.  241/2007, Chapter XI.  
134 Law No.  241/2007; and ANRCETI Board of Directors Decision No.  54 of 28  December  2017.  
135 Government Decision No.  987 of 22  December  2020.  
136 National Radio Frequency Management Service, Certification of Electronic Communications Products . 
Viewed at: http://www.snfr.md/index.php ?pag=page&id=1318&l=en . Prices for such services are regulated by 
Government Decision No.  951 of 22  December  2020.  
137 SMP is described as equivalent to a dominant market position as defined by the Law on Competition.  
138 Originally adopted by ANRCETI Board o f Directors Decision No.  55 of 29  December  2008, later 
amended.  
139 ANRCETI, Board of Directors Decisions . Viewed at: https://anrceti.md/fileupload/17 .  
140 For a list of these segments, including those that wer e removed, see ANRCETI, Analysis of Relevant 
Markets . Viewed at: https://anrceti.md/node/97 .  
141 ANRCETI Board of Directors Decision No.  21 of 16  May 2013.  
142 World Bank (2019), "Promoting Digital Development", in W orld Bank (2019), Moldova Policy Notes 
2019 – Sustaining Stability and Reviving Growth . 
143 ANRCETI, Access and Interconnection . Viewed at: https://anrceti.md/node/31 .  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 No. 245 in 2020 furt her elaborated on ANRCETI's role to specify and monitor quality of service 
indictors and related consumer rights.144 
4.95.   Number portability for fixed and mobile lines has been possible since July 2013. By July 2021, 
383,000 numbers had been ported, with a notab le increase in monthly requests during 2021.145 
Portability was concentrated in the mobile telephony sector.  
4.96.   To date, 5G services have not been commercially launched in the Republic of Moldova. The 
authorities plan to free up the 700  MHz band for the use of  5G, currently being used for terrestrial 
television. According to the authorities, the Radio Spectrum Management Program foresees the 
auction of 5G spectrum in both the 700  MHz and 3400  MHz-3800 MHz frequency bands during the 
second semester of 2022.  
Postal services  
4.97.   The MIRD elaborates and promotes policies in the area of postal services, and the postal 
sector is regulated by Law No.  36 of 17  May 2016, transposing Directive No.  97/67/EC and replacing 
the earlier Post Law. ANRCETI has been the regulatory ag ency for the sector since 2016. During the 
review period, the authorities further amended the Law, with a view to increasing competition in 
postal services, with Law No.  41 of 2020 transposing certain amendments to the EU  framework. The 
authorities liberal ized postal services by initially introducing competition for the distribution of letters 
between 100  g and 350  g and increasing competition for letters exceeding 350  g in 2020, while 
certain limits to price setting continued to apply to competitors of the  incumbent. Since 
September  2021, the transportation of all letters (also below 100  g) is fully liberalized, and 
competitors are allowed to set tariffs freely for these services. State enterprise Moldova Post remains 
designated as the universal service pro vider for a range of services including letters and parcels up 
to certain weights.146 
4.3.3   Transport  
4.98.   Land transport is the major mode of transportation for the Republic of Moldova, a landlocked 
country. According to the authorities, 99% of freight was transporte d on trucks or trains in 2021; 
the share in 2014 was 98%.  
4.99.   According to the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index, the quality of the Republic of 
Moldova's trade and transport -related infrastructure has deteriorated in recent years, falling from 
94th in 2014's global ranking to 116th in 2018, as its score in this indicator also declined in absolute 
terms.147 Underinvestment in transport infrastructure is a major factor in the deterioration of the 
Republic of Moldova's transport network. Between 2000 and 20 18, the Republic of Moldova annually 
spent on average 0.57% of its GDP on total inland transport infrastructure. The inadequate quality 
of transport infrastructure combined with regulatory barriers increases the costs of trade in the 
Republic of Moldova.148 
4.100.   During the review period, the Government took steps to improve infrastructure. In broad 
terms, transport infrastructure investments in the Republic of Moldova have shifted away from rail 
over the past decade, focusing mostly on road and road maintenance. While such increased 
investments could improve connectivity, including in rural areas, continued underinvestment in the 
Republic of Moldova's existing rail network risks hastening its fall into disrepair.149 
4.101.   The modal shift away from rail towards road is al so evident in the transport of goods and 
passengers. While rail accounted for 73% of the turnover of goods (measured in 
 
144 The Administrative Council of ANRCETI approv ed detailed regulations in its Decision No.  10 of 2019.  
145 Administrator of the Centralized Database for the Portability of Telephone Numbers (2021), 
"Moldova, 8  Years of Portability", 2  July. Viewed at: http://www.portare.md/en/news/view/44 .  
146 ANRCETI, Universal Postal Service . Viewed at: https://anrceti.md/spu .  
147 World Bank, Country Score Card: Logistics Performance Index , 
https://lpi.worldbank.org/international/scorecard/ . 
148 OECD (2021), Sustainable Infrastructure for Low -carbon Development in the EU Eastern Partnership: 
Hotspot Analysis and Needs Assessment . Viewed at: https://doi.org/10.1787/c1b2b68d -en. 
149 OECD (2021), Sustainable Infrastructure for Low -carbon Development in the EU Eastern Partnership: 
Hotspot Analysis and Needs Assessment .  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 tonnes -kilometres  (tkm)) in 1995 compared to 27% for road, these proportions had reversed by 
2021: 87% road vs 12% rail. In absolute ter ms, rail turnover reduced to 0.6  billion  tkm while road 
increased to 4.6  billion tkm. Rail's modal share of passenger turnover (measured in 
passenger -kilometres (pkm)) has also declined, accounting for less than 1% in 2021 (down from 
20% in 2006), but unli ke for cargo, passenger turnover has shifted towards air travel (40%) and 
road (59%).  
4.3.3.1   Road transport  
4.102.   Road transport is the major mode of transportation in the Republic of Moldova. All roads are 
publicly owned: national/primary roads are owned by the Central Government; secondary roads by 
regional authorities; and local roads by the municipalities. As of end -2021, the road network had a 
total length of 12,730  km, of which 10,973  km are paved and 1,757  km are unpaved. There are no 
segments of expressway  officially open, nor are there any tolled segments.  The authorities note that 
there are no restrictions on foreign capital participation in construction and operation of road 
infrastructure; private sector operators may be engaged in such projects through public -private 
partnership (PPP) arrangements.  
4.103.   In its Transport and Logistics Strategy 2013 -2022, the Republic of Moldova set an objective 
of developing and rehabilitating the national road network, including secondary roads, to ensure 
year-round a ccess for all settlements to the country's primary highways. With implementation of the 
Strategy, the Republic of Moldova secured credits from international financial institutions/donors, 
such as the European Investment Bank (EIB) and USAID, for rehabilita tion and construction of some 
450 km of primary roads. Though the overall logistic performance deteriorated in recent years,  
increased investments had earlier resulted in a marked improvement in the quality of the Republic 
of Moldova's roads by 2015. Less than 50% were classified as "poor" or "very poor" in 2015, 
compared to over 90% in 2006.150 
4.104.   The principal legislation for the sector is Law No.  150/2014 on Road Transport. After a 
number of rounds of central government restructuring during the review period , the Ministry of 
Infrastructure and Regional Development (MIRD) is currently the line ministry that formulates 
national development strategies and policy regarding road transport. The National Agency of Road 
Transport  (ANTA) under the Ministry is the sect or regulator, implementing road transport -related 
legislation, ensuring safety compliance, and licensing and supervising road transport operators.  
4.105.   Anyone wishing to provide road transport services, whether for passenger or freight 
transport, must obtain a licence from ANTA. In addition to satisfying safety requirements, the service 
providers must be established in the Republic of Moldova, with a good record and reputation on 
safety and financial solvency. The authorities note that most of the licensed opera ted were small 
privately owned operators with a fleet of fewer than 10 vehicles.  
4.106.   With regard to passenger transport services on fixed routes (i.e. bus services), the service 
provider must obtain a passenger transport authorization from relevant agencies, d epending on the 
routes on which it intends to operate: authorizations for local buses are sought from municipal 
authorities, for regional routes from regional authorities, and for inter -regional routes from ANTA. 
According to the authorities, there are no restrictions on foreign capital participation in passenger 
transport services; the authorities further note that such transport authorizations do not constitute 
a concession or grant exclusive rights to the authorized routes.  
4.107.   Bus fares are de facto  regulat ed. Maximum bus fares are calculated in accordance with 
methodologies prescribed by Government Decisions, and service providers are not allowed to charge 
passengers more than the amount provided by the methodology; however, there are no restrictions 
to cha rge fares below the amount.  
 
150 World Bank (20 16), Moldova: Paths to Sustained Prosperity: A Systematic Country Diagnostic . 
Viewed at: https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/465041475522 681625/pdf/Moldova -SCD-clean-
09232016.pdf .   WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 4.108.   Major cities such as Chişinău  and Balti enjoy public transport services, but only about half 
of small towns have any kind of publicly funded transport services151; small towns and rural areas 
are mainly serviced by regional buses . An OECD analysis found that regulatory barriers exist at the 
national and subnational levels that that hinder the development of transport infrastructure and 
services, even for large population centres.152 
4.109.   Operators of non -fixed-route bus services (e.g. t ourist buses and rented vans) are not 
required to obtain a transport authorization from any authority. A similar regulatory regime is 
applicable to taxis.153 Prices for non -fixed-route passenger transport are liberalized, according to the 
authorities. Ride -hailing services (e.g. Uber or car sharing) are prohibited.  
4.110.   Freight transporters, including logistic operators, are regulated in a similar manner to the 
one for non -fixed-route passenger transport. Operators must obtain a licence from ANTA, but no 
cargo au thorization is needed unless the operator is engaged in international freight transport across 
the Moldovan borders. There are no restrictions on foreign capital participation in freight transport 
services. Tariffs for freight transport are determined by t he market.  
4.111.   Freighters engaged in transit trade are also required to be registered with Customs. The 
authorities encourage carriers for transit goods to obtain AEO status with Customs.  
4.112.   Cross -border transport, regardless of passenger or freight, is governed by the bilateral 
agreements of road transport that the Republic of Moldova is a signatory to. Foreign transporters 
established/registered in a partner country having an agreement with the Republic of Moldova are 
allowed to deliver and/or pick up goods betw een the Republic of Moldova and their country of 
establishment, once the transporter obtains a licence from ANTA. For operators providing 
international transit transport through the Republic of Moldova, the transporters must have 
authorizations, at their o wn cost, from the authorities in the departure and arrival countries; in the 
case of international relays, the foreign transporter must be licensed by ANTA. Cabotage is 
prohibited. As of end -2021, the Republic of Moldova maintained 40 bilateral agreements concerning 
road transport.  
4.3.3.2   Rail transport  
4.113.   The Republic of Moldova's national rail network is 1,232  km in length, of which 1,218  km 
are broad gauge. The majority of the network is single track, and none of the network is electrified. 
The network is connecte d to neighbouring countries: with the broad -gauge tracks of Ukraine in the 
east, and with the standard -gauge tracks of Romania in the west.  
4.114.   During the review period, the regulatory framework for rail transport was overhauled and 
modernized. The MIRD is now  the line ministry responsible for policy formulation regarding the 
development of the railway sector; the Ministry also represents the state ownership of the national 
rail network. In February 2022, a new Authority of Railways was created as an independen t sectoral 
regulator under the MIRD, responsible for safety compliance, licensing and supervising operators, 
and accident investigation.  
4.115.   Moldovan Railways (CFM), a fully state -owned enterprise, currently operates the national 
network, and acts as infrastru cture manager and the sole carrier for intercity/inter -regional traffic. 
Another state -owned enterprise, named the Railway Stations and Auto Stations (I.S. Garile şi Staţiile 
Auto), has exclusive right to operate all railway passenger terminals, and has a monopoly on ticket 
sales. The authorities indicate that programmes for further modernizing the sector, including to 
vertically separate the CFM's operation, is underway; for example, a joint stock company is expected 
to be established in 2024 as an indepen dent infrastructure manager.  
4.116.   Fares of passenger transport, of all kinds, are regulated by the Government, and CFM does 
not operate any routes under public service obligation arrangements. The authorities note that rail 
 
151 World Bank (2016), Moldova: Paths to Sustained Prosperity: A Systematic Country Diagnostic . 
Viewed at: https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/465041475522681625/pdf/Moldova -SCD-clean-
09232016.pdf .   
152 OECD (2019), Promoting Clean Urban Public Transportation and Green Investment in Moldova . 
Viewed at: https://dx.doi.org/10.1787/31925aae -en. 
153 Taxis must be registered with the local authorities where their business mainly operates.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 transport services, including urban/s uburban passenger transport, are open for competition. Tariffs 
for freight transports are market determined.  
4.117.   The sector suffers from ageing infrastructure including rolling stocks, but the Government 
has taken steps to address this, supporting regional rai l connectivity through the acquisition of new 
locomotives and the rehabilitation of existing rail infrastructure, relying on part in support from the 
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the EIB, such as the Moldovan 
Railways Restruc turing Project. The authorities further indicate that establishing a rolling stock 
leasing company is also considered.  
4.118.   The Republic of Moldova maintains there are no restrictions on foreign capital participation 
in activities in the railway sector.  
4.3.3.3   Aviatio n 
4.119.   During the review period, the legal and institutional framework for aviation transport was 
modernized, as a result of the Republic of Moldova's gradual integration into the European Common 
Aviation Area (ECAA). The main legislation concerning the sector is the Common Aviation Area 
Agreement between the European  Union and the Republic of Moldova (Law No.  292/2012), Law 
No. 301 of 21  December  2017 on Aviation, and the Regulation on Air Operation (Government 
Decision No.  831 of 20  August  2018). According to the authorities, the new legislation is aligned 
with the relevant legislation of the European  Union. The authorities further note that the Republic of 
Moldova is continuously harmonizing its legal framework to International Civil Aviation Organization 
standards and recommended practices.  
4.120.   The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), an independent entity under the MIRD, is the sector 
regulator, responsible for implementing the sectoral laws and regulations, certifying operators 
(including operators' personnel), perfo rming regulatory oversight functions, and providing policy 
recommendations on aviation matters to the Government. The Moldovan Air Traffic Services 
Authority (MoldATSA), a state -owned enterprise, provides air navigation services and air traffic 
management for Moldovan air space.  
4.121.   The Republic of Moldova maintains 22 bilateral air services agreements (BASAs) with its 
trading partners154, most of which covered up to fourth freedom rights with various restrictions  
concerning destination, designation, and capacit y. As the Common Aviation Area Agreement (CAAA) 
with the European  Union entered into force in 2012, the Republic of Moldova offers, on a reciprocal 
basis, up to ninth freedom rights for carriers majority owned and effectively controlled by nationals 
of the  European  Union, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. The BASA with Qatar entered into force 
on 2 September  2020; it covers fifth freedom rights.  
4.122.   Anyone wishing to provide air transport services in the Republic of Moldova must obtain an 
Air Operator Certifica te (AOC)  from the CAA.155 To apply for a Moldovan AOC, the carriers must be 
incorporated in the Republic of Moldova.  The applicants are also required to demonstrate that they 
have sufficient funds to cover the costs of operating the envisaged flights for over three months, 
with the indicated aircrafts at maximum capacity.  On the grounds of aviation safety, the applicant 
must obtain a separate Air Operator Authorization (AOA) issued by the CAA. As of end -2021, the 
CAA had issued nine AOCs, two of which were  granted during the review period. Since 2018, all AOC 
holders are operators from the private sector.  
4.123.   Air Moldova, the flag carrier of the country, completed its privatization process in 
October  2018. Air Moldova is now majority owned by the Moldovan priva te sector, in partnership 
with the Romanian airline Blue Air. Air Moldova mainly operates scheduled and charter services to 
destinations within Europe. Privately owned FlyOne is a low -cost carrier, operating scheduled and 
charter services to destinations i n the neighbouring region. Both carriers have small and similarly 
sized fleets. Air cargo turnover expanded almost four -fold in the last 10 years.  
 
154 Civil Aviation Authority, Bilateral Agreements . Viewed at: https://www.caa.md/en/legal -framework -
4-121.  
155 Civil Aviation Authority, Economic Regulation.  Viewed at: https://www.caa.md/en/certificare -
supraveghere -a-agentilor -aeronautici -4-182.  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 4.124.   As at end -2021, there were three airports operational in the Republic of Moldova, all of which 
are owned by t he Government and have international status. Chişinău  International Airport is the 
sole international gateway of aviation, with a designated annual capacity of 5.4  million passengers . 
During the review period, it went through a number of upgrades and renov ations; the airport 
envisages a future enlargement plan, financed by the EIB and the EBRD. Chişinău  International 
Airport has been managed/operated by Avia Invest under a concession from the Government since 
November 2013.  
4.3.3.4   Waterways  
4.125.   As landlocked country, maritime transport plays a small role in the Republic of Moldova. The 
Republic of Moldova has two  potentially navigable inland waterways (sections of the rivers Prut and 
Dniester /Nistru ). Domestic shipping has been carried out by state -owned enterprises (SOEs) only 
on limited areas of the rivers.  
4.126.   The Republic of Moldova has indirect maritime access via the Danube River and the port of 
Giurgiulesti. The Giurgiulesti port complex consists of seven terminals on the intersection of the 
Danube and Prut Rivers: P ort Fluvial Ungheni, a state -owned enterprise, operates a passenger 
terminal and cargo berth on the river Prut, while the Giurgiulesti International Free Port is privately 
built and operated by ICS Danube Logistics. The port complex is capable of receiving  small maritime 
vessels and inland water vessels, thus providing direct access to River Danube and indirect access 
to international seaborne trade. In 2021, a total of 1,189,171 tonnes of goods (1,1485,47  tonnes 
for imports and 670,624 for exports) were ha ndled in Port Complex Giurgiulesti.  
4.127.   The Naval Agency of the Republic of Moldova (NARM), under the MIRD, was established in 
July 2018, through the merger of Giurgiulesti Harbor Master and the Naval  Registry. NARM is the 
sector regulator, responsible for imp lementing shipping policies, and ensuring operators' safety 
compliance.  
4.128.   As of end -2021, 83 maritime vessels and 107 inland waterway vessels were registered in 
the Republic of Moldova. All maritime vessels are foreign owned, while most of inland waterway 
vessels are owned by SOEs. Most inland waterway vessels are old, and in very poor technical 
condition and unusable for further operation, according to the authorities. The authorities further 
indicate that vessels in the Moldovan fleet require equipment mode rnization and major structural 
repairs in docks, which will involve major investment.  
4.3.4   Tourism  
4.129.   Tourism accounted for about 1.0% of GDP on average during the review period; it 
contributed about 4% of jobs in 2020. Except for a sharp decline in 2020 due to th e COVID ‑19 
pandemic, the number of tourist arrivals in the country increased during the review period; the 
major source of tourists came from countries in the neighbouring region such as Austria, Germany, 
Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, Romania, the Russia n Federation, and Ukraine, as well as from the 
United Kingdom.  
4.130.   Although it is required to have a tourist visa for visiting the Republic of Moldova, the 
authorities accord visa exemption to visitors whose passport is issued by 1 of 103 jurisdictions.156 
Since 1 August  2014, the Republic of Moldova has operated an electronic visa (eVisa) system that 
allows travellers who require a visa to apply for their short -stay entry permit online, thus helping 
them avoid going to Moldovan embassies and consulate offices.  
4.131.   During the review period, the Republic of Moldova implemented its tourism development 
strategy (Government Decision No.  338/2014, dubbed "Tourism 2020"). The authorities note that a 
new tourism development programme for 2022 -26 is under discussion and is e xpected to be 
approved. The main law governing this sector is Law No.  352/2006 on Organization and 
Implementation of Tourist Activities, and its sequential amendments. The Tourism Agency, as the 
sector policy maker and the regulator established in 2011, wa s dissolved in July 2018. Subsequently, 
the Investment Agency (Invest Moldova) briefly took over the sectoral policy formulation role, and 
 
156 Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Visa Regime for Foreigners . Viewed at: 
https://mfa.gov.md/en/content/visa -regime -foreigners .  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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 since 2021, the Ministry of Culture has become the policy maker for the sector. The responsibility 
for tourism promot ion remains with Invest Moldova. The National Inbound Tourism Association of 
Moldova (ANTRIM) is a sectoral lobbyist body, representing the private sector in the tourism 
industry.  
4.132.   Foreigners are allowed to own Moldovan land except for agricultural land or land designated 
as forests; foreign investors may also hold a lease of land for up to 99 years. There are no restrictions 
on foreign capital participation in hotel accommodations, restaurant establishments, and 
recreation/leisure facilities. As of end -2021, there were 280 establishments offering accommodation 
in the Republic of Moldova, providing some 8,000 rooms, among which 115 establishments were 
hotels with a total capacity of 2,853 rooms, up from 96 hotels with 2,542 rooms in 2015.  
4.133.   During the review pe riod, the Republic of Moldova underwent deregulation in the tourism 
sector. Effective on 1  July 2016, any operators providing cultural, tourism, sports, and fairs and 
conferences services are no longer regulated (i.e. obtaining an authorization from the Pu blic Services 
Agency), but instead to notify local authorities where their business is registered. From 
21 September  2017 onwards, tour operators and travel agencies have not been regulated157; a 
diploma or a professional training certificate is no longer o bligatory for staff working in the tourism 
sector.158 Since 26  July 2020, services of accommodation, catering, and tourist guide in rural regions 
may also be provided by individual entrepreneurs.  
4.134.   During the review period, the VAT rate for accommodation and food services was reduced 
from 20% in 2015 (as the standard rate) to 12% in January 2021. In light of the challenges posed 
by the COVID -19 pandemic, the VAT on accommodation and food services was further reduced to 
6%, effective 1  October  2021.  
 
 
157 Law No.  185 of 21  September  2017 on Amending and Supplementing Some Legislative Acts. Viewed 
at: https://www.legis.md/cautare/getResults?doc_id=101154&lang=ro .  
158 Law No.  91 of 11  June 2020 on Ame nding Some Normative Acts. Viewed at: 
https://www.legis.md/cautare/getResults?doc_id=121902&lang=ro .  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  5  APPENDIX TABLES  
Table A1. 1 Merchandise exports by HS section and major HS chapter/subheading, 
2015 -21 
HS Section/chapter/subheading  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Total exports (USD  million)  1,966.8  2,044.6  2,425.1  2,706.8  2,779.2  2,467.1  3,144.5   
(% of total exports)  
01 Live animals and products  1.9 2.0 1.9 1.7 1.4 1.4 1.2 
02 Vegetable products  25.5 25.9 27.3 25.4 25.9 23.2 27.7 
08 Edible fruit and nuts  9.9 7.6 9.1 7.7 7.6 9.2 7.4 
0808 Apples, pears and quinces; fresh  0.9 1.2 1.9 1.8 1.9 3.2 2.8 
080810 Fresh apples  0.9 1.2 1.9 1.8 1.9 3.2 2.8 
10 Cereals  5.8 7.7 7.5 8.2 8.4 4.6 11.7 
1001 Wheat  2.7 4.7 4.3 3.5 3.5 1.1 6.6 
1005 Maize (corn)  2.2 2.2 2.2 4.1 4.5 3.2 4.0 
12 Oil seed and oleaginous fruit; 
miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit  9.1 9.9 10.0 8.9 9.4 9.1 8.2 
1206 Sunflower seeds  7.3 8.7 8.2 7.4 7.7 7.7 6.3 
03 Animal or vegetable fats and oils  3.7 2.7 2.2 2.5 2.5 4.2 3.9 
1512 Sunflower seed oil, safflower or 
cotton -seed oil and their fractions  3.5 2.5 2.1 2.4 2.4 4.1 3.8 
04 Prepared food, beverages and tobacco  15.4 15.7 15.2 13.6 13.7 15.4 13.0 
20 Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or 
other part of plants  2.5 2.0 2.9 1.8 2.6 3.0 2.4 
22 Beverages, spirits and vinegar  8.1 8.6 8.5 8.1 7.8 9.0 7.3 
2204 Wine of fresh grapes, including 
fortified wines  5.0 5.3 5.3 5.1 5.0 5.4 4.5 
05 Mineral products  0.9 0.7 1.2 1.2 0.9 1.0 0.9 
06 Chemicals and products thereof  6.0 4.4 4.1 3.8 4.3 3.2 3.6 
30 Pharmaceutical products  3.9 2.4 2.6 2.7 3.5 2.3 2.7 
07 Plastics and rubber  2.0 1.7 1.4 1.5 1.7 1.6 1.5 
39 Plastics and articles thereof  1.4 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.7 1.5 1.4 
08 Raw hides and skins; leather, furskins and 
articles thereof  1.3 1.2 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.6 
09 Wood, cork, straw  0.4 0.5 0.4 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.9 
10 Pulp of wood; paper and paperboard  0.5 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 
11 Textiles and textile articles  13.9 15.0 14.3 13.6 11.7 11.7 10.6 
61 Articles of apparel and clothing 
accessories, knitted or crocheted  4.3 4.5 4.1 4.1 3.3 3.6 3.5 
62 Articles of apparel, accessories, not knitted 
or crocheted  7.1 7.3 7.2 7.2 6.6 6.1 5.2 
12 Footwear, headgear, etc.  1.2 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.2 
13 Articles of stone, plaster, cement, glassware  2.1 2.2 1.7 2.1 2.0 2.4 2.6 
70 Glass and glassware  2.0 2.0 1.6 1.9 1.9 2.2 2.4 
14 Precious stones and metals  0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 
15 Base metals and articles thereof  2.2 2.1 2.0 1.7 1.6 2.3 4.6 
16 Machinery, electrical equipment  15.0 14.6 16.1 20.9 22.4 21.1 18.2 
84 Machinery and mechanical appliances, 
parts thereof  2.6 2.2 1.8 1.4 1.6 1.7 1.5 
85 Electrical machineries and parts thereof  12.4 12.4 14.3 19.4 20.8 19.4 16.7 
8544 Insulated wire, cable and other 
electric conductors (..)  10.8 11.0 12.4 17.7 18.7 17.0 14.7 
17 Transport equipment  0.9 1.3 1.7 0.8 1.0 1.3 2.1 
87 Vehicles other than railway, tramway  0.6 1.3 1.1 0.8 0.9 1.3 2.0 
18 Precision equipment  1.4 1.4 1.3 1.1 1.3 1.2 1.0 
19 Arms and ammunition  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
20 Miscellaneous manufactured articles  5.5 6.5 6.4 6.7 6.1 6.6 5.9 
94 Furniture, lamps and lighting, 
prefabricated buildings  5.1 6.3 5.9 6.1 5.5 6.0 5.4 
9401 Seats and parts thereof  4.1 4.9 4.5 4.8 4.2 4.5 3.9 
21 Works of art, etc.  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on UN Comtrade database.   WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  Table A1. 2 Merchandise imports by HS section and major HS chapter/subheading, 
2015 -21 
HS Section/chapter/subheading  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Total imports (USD  million)  3,986.8  4,020.4  4,831.4  5,764.3  5,842.5  5,416.0  7,176.8   
(% of total imports)  
01 Live animals and products  2.5 2.7 2.7 2.5 2.8 3.2 3.1 
02 Vegetable products  4.9 4.3 4.0 4.4 4.5 5.3 4.2 
03 Fats and oils  0.5 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.4 
04 Prepared food, beverages and 
tobacco  6.8 7.6 7.3 6.1 6.3 6.8 6.3 
05 Mineral products  11.9 10.7 11.4 12.3 11.2 8.2 13.7 
27 Mineral fuels and oils  11.5 10.3 11.1 12.0 10.9 7.7 13.3 
2710 Petroleum oils and oils from 
bituminous minerals, not crude  9.9 9.1 9.6 10.4 9.6 6.5 8.3 
2711 Petroleum gases and other 
gaseous hydrocarbons  0.8 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.5 0.4 4.2 
06 Chemicals and products thereof  12.4 12.5 11.9 11.2 11.8 12.1 11.3 
30 Pharmaceutical products  4.7 4.6 4.6 4.2 4.7 4.7 4.7 
3004 Medicaments consisting of 
products for therapeutic or 
prophylactic use (..)  4.3 4.2 4.2 3.9 4.3 4.3 3.9 
38 Miscellaneous chemical products  1.8 1.9 1.8 1.8 1.8 2.1 1.8 
3808 Insecticides, rodenticides, 
(..), plant growth regulators, 
disinfectants and the like (..)  1.4 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.4 1.2 
07 Plastics and rubber  6.4 6.4 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.5 6.4 
39 Plastics and articles thereof  4.9 4.9 4.8 4.7 4.8 5.3 5.2 
08 Raw hides and skins; leather, 
furskins and articles thereof  1.0 1.2 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.0 
09 Wood, cork, straw  2.1 2.1 2.2 2.1 2.2 2.4 2.4 
44 Wood and articles of wood, wood 
charcoal  2.0 2.0 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.3 
10 Pulp of wood; paper and paperboard  1.9 2.0 1.8 1.8 1.9 1.9 1.7 
11 Textiles and textile articles  7.2 8.6 8.2 7.4 6.9 7.1 6.9 
12 Footwear, headgear, etc.  0.5 0.7 0.9 0.8 0.9 0.8 0.8 
13 Articles of stone, plaster, cement  2.6 2.6 2.5 2.4 2.4 2.7 2.5 
14 Precious stones and metals  0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 
15 Base metals and articles thereof  7.2 6.8 7.1 7.3 7.2 7.1 6.7 
72 Iron and steel  1.9 1.8 1.7 1.9 1.7 1.9 2.0 
73 Articles of iron and steel  2.3 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.6 2.5 2.3 
16 Machinery, electrical equipment  15.8 16.0 16.6 17.8 18.1 19.4 18.4 
84 Machinery and mechanical 
appliances, parts thereof  7.6 7.5 7.7 8.0 8.2 9.1 9.0 
85 Electrical machineries and parts 
thereof  8.2 8.5 8.9 9.8 9.9 10.2 9.4 
8517 Telephone sets, including 
telephones for cellular networks (..)  1.5 1.5 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.1 1.8 
8544 Insulated wire, cable and 
other electric conductors (..)  2.1 2.1 2.1 2.6 2.6 2.5 2.4 
17 Transport equipment  4.8 5.8 6.0 6.4 6.6 7.1 7.2 
87 Vehicles other than railway, 
tramway  4.7 5.7 6.0 6.3 6.5 6.1 7.2 
8703 Motor vehicles for the 
transport of persons  2.2 2.7 3.0 3.0 3.2 3.1 3.6 
18 Precision equipment  2.0 1.4 1.6 1.7 1.7 1.8 2.0 
19 Arms and ammunition  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
20 Miscellaneous manufactured articles  2.8 2.8 2.8 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.9 
21 Works of art, etc.  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Other   
6.7 5.1 4.8 5.3 5.1 3.2 1.7 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on UN Comtrade database.   WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  Table A1. 3 Merchandise exports by destination, 2015 -21 
  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Total exports (USD  million)  1,966.8  2,044.6  2,425.1  2,706.8  2,779.2  2,467.1  3,144.5   
(% of total exports)  
Americas  1.4 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 
  United  States  1.1 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.0 
  Other America  0.3 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.4 
Europe  69.6 73.3 75.9 78.9 78.7 81.1 80.8 
  EU-27 54.9 59.6 60.2 65.9 64.1 66.5 61.0 
 Romania  22.7 25.1 24.8 29.3 27.5 28.6 26.5 
 Germany  6.0 6.2 6.9 8.1 8.9 9.1 7.8 
 Italy 10.0 9.7 9.7 11.4 9.6 8.7 7.6 
 Poland  3.5 3.6 4.2 3.6 4.1 4.4 3.5 
 Czech  Republic  1.4 1.4 1.2 1.6 2.3 3.3 2.5 
 Bulgaria  1.4 3.7 3.2 1.8 2.3 2.4 2.5 
 Spain  0.9 0.9 1.2 0.9 1.4 1.4 2.0 
 Greece  1.3 1.4 1.2 1.4 1.4 1.1 1.4 
 Hungary  0.2 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.4 1.1 1.3 
 Netherlands  1.2 1.3 1.1 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.1 
 France  2.2 2.2 2.1 1.8 1.3 1.2 1.0 
 Austria  1.1 1.3 1.7 1.5 1.1 0.9 0.7 
 Belgium  0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.7 
 Slovak  Republic  0.5 0.3 0.4 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.5 
 Portugal  0.0 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.5 
  EFTA 1.8 2.2 1.8 2.2 3.1 2.5 3.8 
 Switzerland  1.8 2.2 1.8 2.2 3.1 2.5 3.8 
  Other Europe  12.9 11.6 13.9 10.8 11.5 12.1 16.0 
 Türkiye  3.3 3.0 4.3 4.0 6.3 7.0 10.0 
 Ukraine  2.3 2.4 2.7 3.0 2.9 2.8 3.0 
 United Kingdom  7.0 5.6 5.6 2.9 1.8 1.7 2.1 
 Serbia  0.1 0.2 0.5 0.8 0.3 0.4 0.8 
CISa 23.6 18.7 17.1 13.2 13.5 13.4 12.5 
 Russian  Federation  12.2 11.4 10.5 8.1 9.0 8.8 8.8 
 Belarus  6.7 5.1 4.5 3.2 2.9 2.7 2.2 
 Georgia  0.9 0.8 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.6 
Africa  0.4 0.4 0.3 0.8 0.6 0.6 0.6 
Middle East  1.9 2.8 1.7 2.0 1.9 1.5 2.3 
 Lebanese Republic  0.4 0.5 0.3 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.8 
Asia 1.7 2.2 2.0 2.0 2.2 1.3 1.3 
  China  0.4 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 
  Japan  0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
  Other Asia  1.2 1.4 1.2 1.3 1.5 0.7 0.8 
Other  1.4 1.6 1.9 2.0 1.9 0.9 1.1 
Memorandum:         
EU-28 61.9 65.1 65.8 68.8 65.9 68.2 63.1 
a Commonwealth of Independent States, including certain associate and former member States.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on UN Comtrade database.   WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  Table A1. 4 Merchandise imports by origin, 2015 -21 
 
2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Total imports (USD  million)  3,986.8  4,020.4  4,831.4  5,764.3  5,842.5  5,416.0  7,176.8   
(% of total imports)  
Americas  2.1 2.2 2.3 2.3 2.2 2.2 2.6 
 United  States  1.3 1.3 1.5 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.5 
 Other America  0.8 0.8 0.9 1.0 0.9 1.0 1.1 
Europe  67.1 67.2 67.9 67.0 67.5 65.2 63.0 
 EU-27 47.7 47.6 48.3 48.4 48.5 45.6 43.9 
 Romania  13.9 13.7 14.4 14.5 14.4 11.7 11.6 
 Germany  8.1 7.9 8.1 8.4 8.3 8.3 7.6 
 Italy 7.0 7.0 6.9 6.8 7.0 6.4 6.2 
 Poland  3.1 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.5 4.0 3.6 
 France  2.0 2.2 2.3 2.3 2.5 2.2 2.4 
 Hungary  1.7 2.0 2.1 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.7 
 Czech  Republic  1.3 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.9 1.8 1.6 
 Spain  1.1 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.4 
 Austria  2.2 1.8 1.7 1.8 1.6 1.2 1.4 
 Bulgaria  1.7 1.4 1.5 1.1 1.0 1.2 1.1 
 Netherlands  1.0 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.1 
 Belgium  0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.8 0.7 
 Greece  0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.6 
 Slovak  Republic  0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 
 Slovenia  0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.4 
 EFTA 1.1 1.1 1.0 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.8 
 Switzerland  0.8 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5 
 Other Europe  18.4 18.5 18.7 17.6 18.2 18.7 18.4 
 Ukraine  9.3 9.5 10.6 10.0 9.7 9.7 9.3 
 Türkiye  7.2 6.8 6.3 5.9 6.9 7.2 7.6 
 United Kingdom  1.3 1.5 1.2 1.0 1.0 0.9 0.9 
 Serbia  0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.6 0.4 
CISa 16.3 16.0 14.4 15.2 14.6 14.7 17.3 
 Russian  Federation  13.4 13.3 11.8 12.5 11.9 11.1 14.7 
 Belarus  2.1 2.5 2.4 2.2 2.2 2.1 2.0 
Africa  0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 
Middle East  0.8 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 
Asia 13.0 13.4 14.5 14.5 14.7 16.9 16.2 
 China  9.2 9.8 10.5 10.4 10.3 11.9 11.7 
 Japan  1.1 0.7 0.8 0.9 0.9 1.0 0.9 
 Other Asia  2.8 2.9 3.2 3.2 3.5 3.9 3.6 
 Republic of Korea  0.6 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.8 
 Viet Nam 0.3 0.6 0.8 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.7 
 India 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.6 
Other  0.1 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 
Memorandum:  
EU-28 49.0 49.1 49.4 49.5 49.5 46.5 44.8 
a Commonwealth of Independent States, including certain associate and former member States.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on UN Comtrade database.   WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  Table A2. 1 Selected notifications from January 2015 to April 2022  
Agreement  Requirement/contents  Periodicity  WTO documents (most recent if 
submitted periodically)  
Agreement on Agriculture  
Articles 10 and 
18.2  Export subsidies 
(Table  ES:1)  Annual  G/AG/N/MDA/19, 08/02/2022  
Article  18.2 – 
DS:1 Domestic support 
(Table  DS:1)  Annual  G/AG/N/MDA/11, 28/09/2017  
Article  18.2 – 
MA:1 Administration of tariff 
quotas  Once, then 
changes  G/AG/N/MDA/14, 11/08/2020  
Article  18.2 – 
MA:2 Imports under tariff 
quotas  Annual  G/AG/N/MDA/21, 09/02/2022  
Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures  
Articles 1.4(a) 
and 8.2(b)  Rules and measures on 
import licensing and 
import quotas   G/LIC/N/1/MDA/3, 12/06/2017  
Article  7.3 Replies to questionnaire 
on import licensing 
procedures  Annual  G/LIC/N/3/MDA/3, 03/03/2015  
Agreement on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights   
Art. 63.2 
 Laws and regulations  Once, then 
changes  IP/N/1/MDA/11; IP/N/1/MDA/O/4, 
01/11/2018 to 
IP/N/1/MDA/3; IP/N/1/MDA/T/2, 
09/12/2016  
Agreement on Trade Facilitation  
Articles  15 and 16  Notification of Category 
commitments  Once, then 
changes  G/TFA/N/MDA/1, 13/03/2018  
G/TFA/N/MDA/1/Add.2, 22/08/2019  
Articles  1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 
and 12.2.2  Notification of Category 
commitments  Once, then 
changes  G/TFA/N/MDA/2/Rev.1, 04/08/2020  
 
Article  22.3 Notification of contact 
points  Once, then 
changes  G/TFA/N/MDA/3, 24/08/2018  
Agreement on Implementation of Article  VI of the GATT  1994 (Anti -dumping)  
Article  16.4 Semi-annual reports 
under of the Agreement - 
Revision   G/ADP/N/ 364/Add.1, 11/04/2022 
Articles  16.5 and 
25.12    G/ADP/N/14/Add.55; 
G/SCM/N/18/Add.55,  
20/10/2021  
Agreement on Rules of Origin  
Paragraph 4 of 
Annex  II Preferential rules of origin   G/RO/N/160; G/RO/N/155, 
21/07/2017  
Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  
Article  7, Annex  B Sanitary / phytosanitary 
regulations  Ad hoc  G/SPS/N/MDA/19, 05/02/2021 to 
G/SPS/N/MDA/4, 17/05/2018  
Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  
Article  25.1 – 
GATT  1994 
Article  XVI:1  Subsidies (any subsidy as 
defined in ASCM 1:1 
which is specific within 
the meaning of ASCM 2)  Semi-annual  G/SCM/N/372/MDA, 01/02/2022  
 
Article  25.11   Countervailing duty 
actions (taken within the 
preceding 6 months)  Semi-annual  G/SCM/N/ 386/Add.1 , 11/04/2022  
 
Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade   
Articles 2.9 and 
5.6 Technical regulations and 
conformity assessment 
procedures (proposed) : Ad hoc  G/TBT/N/MDA/54, 24/01/2022  
to G/TBT/MDA/25, 10/04/2015  
Agreement on Government Procurement  
Article  XVI:4 -5 Government Procurement 
- Notification of statistics 
under Article XVI:4   GPA/STAT(17)/MDA/1 to 
GPA/STAT(19)/MDA/1, 20/11/2020;  
GPA/142 30/01/2017 and 
GPA/142/Add.1 06/04/2017  
Annexes 1, 2 and 
3 of Appendix  1 Thresholds   GPA/THR/MDA/2, 19/11/2020  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  Agreement  Requirement/contents  Periodicity  WTO documents (most recent if 
submitted periodically)  
Decision on Notification Procedures for Quantitative Restrictions  
G/L/59/Rev.1 – 
complete 
notification  Market access -
quantitative restrictions  Biennial  G/MA/QR/N/MDA/2/Add.2, 02/03/2022  
Understanding on the Interpretation of Article  XVII:4(a) of the GATT  1994 (State trading)  
GATT  1994 
Art. XVII: 4(a)  Activities of state trading 
enterprises  Annual -biennial  G/STR/N/18/MDA, 06/07/2020  
 
General Agreement on Trade in Services  
Article  III:4 Enquiry / contact points  Once then 
change  S/ENQ/78/Rev.22, 10/2/2022  
 
Article  V:7(a)  
 Economic integration 
agreements  One time  S/C/N/1034; WT/REG439/N/1, 
07/01/2021  
Participation in Regional Trade Agreements  
Article  XXIV:7(a) 
of GATT  1994 Notification of Regional 
Trade Agreement  Ad hoc  S/C/N/1034; WT/REG439/N/1,  
07/01/2021; S/C/N/888; 
WT/REG383/N/1, 04/04/2017;  
WT/REG378/N/1, 14/12/2016  
Source:  Compiled by WTO Secretariat , based on the Notifications  database . 
 
 
 
 WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  Table A3. 1 Tariff structure, 2021  
  Number 
of lines  Average 
(%) Range 
(%) Coefficient 
of variation 
(%) Duty 
free 
(%) 
Total  9,625  13.9 0-120.8  1.2 35.7 
HS Chapters 01 -24 2,571  12.2 0-120.8  0.9 17.3 
HS Chapters 25 -97 7,054  4.3 0-20 1.0 42.4 
By WTO category  
WTO agricultural products  2,163  13.9 0-120.8  0.8 6.0 
Animals and products thereof  352 17.0 0-35 0.5 8.5 
Dairy products  150 12.4 0-32.5 0.3 0.7 
Fruit, vegetables, and plants  540 14.5 0-20 0.4 4.6 
Coffee and tea  47 12.6 5-15 0.3 0.0 
Cereals and preparations  227 11.1 0-15 0.5 9.7 
Oils seeds, fats, oil and their products  175 11.1 0-20 0.5 8.0 
Sugars and confectionery  44 53.2 15-75 0.5 0.0 
Beverages, spirits and tobacco  363 14.4 0.1-120.8  1.0 0.0 
Cotton  6 0.0 0 0.0 100.0  
Other agricultural products, n.e.s.  259 7.4 0-20 0.7 12.4 
WTO non -agricultural products  7,462  4.3 0-20 1.0 44.3 
Fish and fishery products  527 3.5 0-15 1.4 64.5 
Minerals and metals  1,441  2.4 0-20 1.7 71.1 
Chemicals and photographic supplies  1,307  3.9 0-6.5 0.7 27.5 
Wood, pulp, paper and furniture  461 3.7 0-15 1.2 53.4 
Textiles  847 5.5 0-20 0.8 27.2 
Clothing  341 11.9 5-12 0.1 0.0 
Leather, rubber, footwear and travel 
goods 259 8.9 0-15 0.6 6.2 
Non-electric machinery  884 2.5 0-10 1.5 66.5 
Electric machinery  459 5.6 0-10 0.7 23.7 
Transport equipment  264 3.0 0-10 1.0 45.1 
Non-agricultural products, n.e.s.  622 5.3 0-15 0.8 35.7 
Petroleum  50 0.0 0 0.0 100.0  
By HS section       
01 Live animals and products  956 9.2 0-35 1.0 39.1 
02 Vegetable products  581 11.0 0-20 0.5 9.3 
03 Fats and oils  129 12.5 0-20 0.4 6.2 
04 Prepared food, beverages and 
tobacco  905 16.5 0-120.8  0.9 0.9 
05 Mineral products  236 1.7 0-20 1.8 72.0 
06 Chemicals and products thereof  1,222  3.6 0-6.5 0.7 31.7 
07 Plastics, rubber, and articles thereof  301 5.2 0-10 0.4 7.0 
08 Raw hides and skins, leather, and its 
products  130 9.0 1-15 0.6 0.0 
09 Wood and articles of wood  233 1.1 0-10 2.6 85.4 
10 Pulp of wood, paper and paperboard  196 6.0 0-15 0.7 19.4 
11 Textiles and textile articles  1,156  7.2 0-20 0.7 20.9 
12 Footwear, headgear, etc.  106 12.3 0-15 0.4 7.5 
13 Articles of stone, plaster, cement  232 8.2 0-10 0.4 7.3 
14 Precious stones and metals, pearls  56 5.3 0-10 0.8 30.4 
15 Base metals and articles thereof  954 0.9 0-15 3.0 89.4 
16 Machinery, electrical equipment, etc.  1,389  3.6 0-10 1.1 51.1 
17 Transport equipment  280 2.9 0-10 1.0 47.1 WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
- 113 - 
 
    Number 
of lines  Average 
(%) Range 
(%) Coefficient 
of variation 
(%) Duty 
free 
(%) 
18 Precision equipment  321 4.1 0-10 1.0 46.7 
19 Arms and ammunition  22 10.0 10 0.0 0.0 
20 Miscellaneous manufactured articles  213 7.0 0-11 0.6 20.7 
21 Works of art, etc.  7 7.1 0-10 0.6 28.6 
Note:  Excluding in -quota rates and including AVEs, as available, provided by the authorities. In case of 
unavailability of AVEs, the ad valorem  part of compound and mixed rates is included.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the auth orities.  
 WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
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  Table A3. 2 Excise duty rates, 2015 -20 
Tariff code  Product  Unit Excise rate  
2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  
160431000  Caviar  value in 
MDL 25% 25% 25% 25% 25% 25% 
160432000  Caviar substitutes  value in 
MDL 25% 25% 25% 25% 25% 25% 
220300  Beer made from malt  Litre MDL 
2.15 MDL 
2.38  MDL 
2.50 MDL 
2.50 MDL 
2.50 MDL 
2.63 
2205 Vermouth and other 
wine of fresh grapes, 
flavored with plants 
or flavored  Litre MDL 
11.17  MDL 
12.34  MDL 
12.96  MDL 
13.61  MDL 
14.29  MDL 
15.00  
220600  Other fermented 
beverages (mead); 
mixtures of 
fermented beverages 
and mixtures of 
fermented beverages 
and non -alcoholic 
beverages, not 
elsewhere specified or 
included, except 
apple cider, pear 
cider Litre MDL 
11.17  MDL 
12.34  MDL 
12.96  MDL 
13.61  MDL 
14.29  MDL 
15.00  
220600310  Apple and pear cider, 
frothy  Litre - MDL 
2.38  MDL 
2.50  MDL 
2.63  MDL 
2.76  MDL 
2.90  
220600510  Apple and pear cider, 
not foamed, 
presented in 
containers holding not 
more than 2  l Litre - MDL 
2.38  MDL 
2.50  MDL 
2.63  MDL 
2.76  MDL 
2.90  
220600810  Apple and pear cider, 
non-frothy, presented 
in containers holding 
more than 2  l Litre - MDL 
2.38  MDL 
2.50  MDL 
2.63  MDL 
2.76  MDL 
2.90  
2207 Undenatured ethyl 
alcohol of an alcoholic 
strength by volume of 
80% vol or higher; 
ethyl alcohol and 
other denatured 
distillates, of any 
alcoholic strength  Litre of 
absolute 
alcohol  MDL 
77.67  MDL 
85.83  MDL 
90.12  MDL 
94.63  MDL 
99.36  MDL 
104.33  
2208 Undenatured ethyl 
alcohol of an alcoholic 
strength by volume of 
less than 80% vol; 
distillates, spirits, 
liqueurs and other 
spirituous beverages  Litre of 
absolute 
alcohol  MDL 
77.67   MDL 
90.12  MDL 
94.63  MDL 
99.36  MDL 
104.33  
240210000  Sheet cigarettes 
(including cut -off 
cigarettes) and 
cigars,  containing 
tobacco  value in 
MDL 40%  41% 41% 41% 41% 
240220  Cigarettes containing 
tobacco:   
      
- with filter  1,000 
pieces / 
value in 
MDL MDL 200 
+ 18%  MDL 
300+ 
12%, 
but no 
less than 
MDL 400  MDL 
360+ 
12%, 
but no 
less than 
MDL 480  MDL 410 
+ 12%, 
but no 
less than 
MDL 540  MDL 
460+ 
12%, 
but no 
less than 
MDL 610  MDL 540 
+ 13%, 
but no 
less than 
MDL 700  
- without filter  1,000 
pieces / 
value in 
MDL MDL 50  MDL 60  MDL 120  MDL 160  MDL 200   
240290000  Other cigarettes, 
cigars and cigarettes 
containing tobacco 
substitutes  value in 
MDL 40% 40% 41% 41% 41% MDL 480 
+ 9%  
2403 Other tobacco and 
tobacco substitutes, 
processed; 
"homogenized" or 
"reconstituted" 
tobacco; tobacco 
extracts and essences  kg MDL 
110.98  MDL 
122.63  MDL 130  MDL 
136.41  MDL 
143.17  MDL 540  
+ 9%  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
- 115 - 
 
  Tariff code  Product  Unit Excise rate  
2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  
270710100  Benzols for use as 
fuels or fuels  Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  41% 
270720100  Toluene intended for 
use as fuel  Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
150.33  
270730100  Xylols intended for 
use as fuels or fuels  Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
5,960  
270750  Other mixtures of 
aromatic 
hydrocarbons, 
distilling at least 65% 
(including losses) at 
250 ° C according to 
ASTM D 86  Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
5,960  
270900100  Condensed natural 
gas Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
5,960  
271012110 -
271019290  Light and medium oils 
(distillates)  Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
5,960  
271019310 -
271019480  Diesel, including 
diesel fuel (fuel) and 
furnace fuel  Tonnes  MDL 
1,544  MDL 
1,720  MDL 
1,926  MDL 
2,092  MDL 
2,280  MDL 
5,960  
271019510  Fuel oil intended for 
specific treatment  Tonnes  MDL 348  MDL 348  MDL 409  MDL 409  MDL 409  MDL 
5,960  
271019620 -
271019680  Fuel oil with a sulfur 
content  Tonnes  MDL 348  MDL 348  MDL 409  MDL 409  MDL 409  MDL 
2,508  
271020110 -
271020190  Diesel fuel  Tonnes  MDL 
1,544  MDL 
1,720  MDL 
1,926  MDL 
2,092  MDL 
2,280  MDL 409  
271020310 -
271020390  Tar Tonnes  MDL 348  MDL 348  MDL 409  MDL 409  MDL 409  MDL 409  
271112  Propane  Tonnes  MDL 
2,313  MDL 
2,577  MDL 
2,875  MDL 
3,124  MDL 
3,406  MDL 
3,580  
271113  Butane  Tonnes  MDL 
2,313  MDL 
2,577  MDL 
2,875  MDL 
3,124  MDL 
3,406  MDL 
3,580  
271114000  Ethylene, propylene, 
butylene and 
butadiene  Tonnes  MDL 
2,313  MDL 
2,577  MDL 
2,875  MDL 
3,124  MDL 
3,406  MDL 
3,580  
271119000  High liquefied  Tonnes  MDL 
2,313  MDL 
2,577  MDL 
2,875  MDL 
3,124  MDL 
3,406  MDL 
3,580  
280430000  Azote  Tonnes  EUR 116
.51  EUR 128
.74  MDL 
3,006  MDL 
3,156  MDL 
3,314  MDL 
3,580  
280440000  Oxygen  Tonnes  EUR 128
.74  EUR 142
.26  MDL 
3,322  MDL 
3,488  MDL 
3,662  MDL 
3,580  
290110000  Saturated acyclic 
hydrocarbons  Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
3,480  
ex.290124000  Buta-1.3-diene  Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
3,845  
290129000  Other unsaturated 
acyclic hydrocarbons  Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
5,960  
290211000  Cyclohexane  Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
5,960  
290219000  Other cyclane, 
cyclene and 
cycloterpenic 
hydrocarbons  Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
5,960  
ex.290220000  Benzene intended for 
use as fuel  Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
5,960  
290230000  Toluene  Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
5,960  
290244000  Mixture of xylene 
isomers  Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
5,960  
290290000  Other cyclic 
hydrocarbons  Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
5,960  
290511000 -
290513000  Monohydroxy alcohols 
(methanol, propanol, 
butan -1-ol) Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
5,960  
290514  Other butanols  Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
5,960  
290516  Octanol (octyl 
alcohol) and its 
isomers  Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
5,960  
ex.290519000  Pentanol (amelic 
alcohol)  Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
5,960  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
- 116 - 
 
  Tariff code  Product  Unit Excise rate  
2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  
2909 Ethers, ethers -
alcohols, ethers -
phenols, ethers -
alcohols -phenols, 
peroxides of alcohols, 
peroxides of ethers, 
peroxides of ketones 
(whether or not 
chemically defined) 
and their 
halogenated, 
sulphonated, nitrated 
or nitrosated 
derivatives  Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
5,960  
330300  Perfumes and eau de 
toilette  Value in 
MDL 30% 30% 30% 30% 30% 30% 
381400900  Other organic 
solvents and diluents 
compounds not 
elsewhere specified or 
included; 
preparations for 
removing paints or 
varnishes  Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
5,960  
381700500  Linear Achylbenzene  Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4,137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
5,960  
381700800  Other achylbenzenes  Tonnes  MDL 
3,714  MDL 
4137  MDL 
4,560  MDL 
4,961  MDL 
5,414  MDL 
5,960  
ex.430310  Fur clothing (mink, 
fleece, fox, sable)  value in 
MDL 25% 25% 25% 25% 25% 25% 
711311000  Jewelery and parts 
thereof of silver, 
whether or not 
plated, plated or 
plated with other 
precious metals  Gram  MDL 
2.34  MDL 
2.59  MDL 
2.59  n.a. n.a. n.a. 
711319000  Jewelery and parts 
thereof of other 
precious metal, 
whether or not 
plated, clad or plated 
with precious metal  Gram  MDL 
35.54  MDL 
39.27  MDL 
39.27  n.a. n.a. n.a. 
711320000  Jewelery and parts 
thereof of base metal 
clad with precious 
metal  Gram  MDL 
35.54  MDL 
39.27  MDL 
39.27  n.a. n.a. n.a. 
8519 Sound recorders; 
sound reproducing 
apparatus; sound 
recording and 
reproducing 
apparatus  value in 
MDL 15% 15% n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 
852110  Video recorders and 
recorders, whether or 
not incorporating a 
magnetic tape video 
signal receiver  value in 
MDL 5% 5% n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 
852190000  Other video recorders 
or recorders, whether 
or not incorporating a 
video signal receiver  value in 
MDL 5% 5% n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 
8527 Broadcasting 
receivers, whether or 
not combined, in the 
same body, with a 
sound recording or 
reproducing 
apparatus or a clock  value in 
MDL 5% 5% n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 
- Nil. 
n.a. Not applicable.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.   WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
- 117 - 
 
  Table A3. 3 Membership in international agreements, conventions, and treaties  
Name of convention, agreement, or treaty  Date of entry into 
force for the 
Republic of Moldova  
Universal Copyright Convention (1952)  23 September  1997  
Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization (1967)  25 December  1991  
Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883)  25 December  1991  
Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks (1891)   25 December  1991  
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) (1970)  25 December  1991  
Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the 
Purposes of Patent Procedure (1977)  25 December  1991  
Nairobi Treaty on the Protection of the Olympic Symbol (1981)  25 December  1991  
Hague Agreement Concerning the International Deposit of Industrial Designs (1925)  14 March  1994  
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (1886)  2 November  1995  
Rome Convention for the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and 
Broadcasting Organizations (1961)  5 December  1995  
Trademark Law Treaty (TLT) (1994)  1 August  1996  
Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of 
Marks (1989)  1 December  1997  
Nice Agreement Concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the 
Purposes of the Registration of Marks (1957)  1 December  1997 
Locarno Agreement Establishing an International Classification for Industrial Designs 
(1968)  1 December  1997 
Vienna Agreement Establishing an International Classification of the Figurative Elements 
of Marks (1973)  1 December  1997 
Strasbo urg Agreement Concerning the International Patent Classification (1971)  1 September  1998  
International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (1961)  28 October  1998  
Convention for the Protection of Producers of Phonograms Against Unauthorized 
Duplication of their Phonograms (1971)  17 July 2000  
Madrid Agreement for the Repression of False or Deceptive Indications of Source on 
Goods (1891)  5 April 2001  
Lisbon Agre ement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin and their International 
Registration (1958)  5 April 2001  
WTO Agreement on TRIPS (1994)  26 July 2001  
WIPO Treaty on Copyright (1996)  6 March  2002  
WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (1996)  20 May 2002  
Patent Law Treaty (PLT) (2000)  28 April 2005  
Singapore Trademark Law Treaty (2006)  16 March  2009  
Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, 
visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled (2013)  19 May 2018 
Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances (2012)  28 April 2020 
Brussels Convention Relating to the Distribution of Programme -Carrying Signals 
Transmitted by Satellite  28 October  2008 
Source:  WIPO, Republic of Moldova . Viewed at: 
https://www.wipo.int/members/en/details.jsp?country_code=MD . 
  WT/TPR/S/428 • Republic of Moldova  
 
- 118 - 
 
  Table A3. 4 Membership in regional agreements  
Agreements in the field of IP signed by the Republic of Moldova within the Commonwealth of 
Independent States (CIS)a 
Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Protection of Copyright and Related Rights 
(1993)  25 November  1998  
Agreement on Mutual Securing of Interstate Secrets in the Field of Lega l Protection 
of Inventions (1999)  3 January  2002  
Agreement on Measures to Prevent and Terminate the Use of False Trademarks and 
Geographical Indications (1999)  3 January  2002  
Agreement on Collaboration concerning Legal Protection and Enforcement of 
Intellectual Property and Establishment of Interstate  Council for Legal Protection 
and Enforcement of Intellectual Property  24 September  2011  
a Commonwealth of Independent States, including certain associate and former member States.  
Source:  AGEPI (2021), State Agency on Intellectual Property in the Repub lic of Moldova . 
__________