π²π© Import Customs & Duties: Moldova
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$200
Packages under $200, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
20%
CIF value + duty. TVA at 20% standard. Reduced 8% on food, medicine, agricultural inputs.
Clearance Time
2-5 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-10% | 85 |
| Clothing | 10-15% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 10-15% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-15% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 5-15% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 5-15% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $200 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Serviciul Vamal al Republicii Moldova (Customs Service of Moldova). ASYCUDA World system. EU DCFTA (Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area) since 2014, duty-free access for many goods from EU. TVA (VAT) at 20% on imports. Moldovan leu (MDL) currency. EU accession candidate since 2022.
What to Actually Expect
Small Eastern European country between Romania and Ukraine. EU DCFTA since 2014 means many EU goods enter duty-free. EU candidate since 2022, aligning customs rules with EU acquis. TVA at 20%. ChiΘinΔu customs is the main hub. DHL, FedEx available. Postal service (PoΘta Moldovei), 1-2 weeks from EU, 2-4 weeks from other countries. Customs modernizing with EU support. Some corruption but improving. Transnistria (breakaway region) has separate unrecognized customs regime, goods to/from Transnistria face complications. Wine exports help subsidize import infrastructure.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Required for firearms, explosives, pharmaceuticals, dual-use goods, and certain food products. ANSA (National Food Safety Agency) for food imports. Sanitary/veterinary certificates for animal products. Special regime for Transnistria region.
Certificate of Origin
EUR.1 for EU DCFTA preferential trade. CIS FTA certificates. CEFTA certificate for regional trade. GUAM certificates. Issued by Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Learn more βProhibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Moldova:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $100 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $200 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $500 | $30 | $106 | $136 |
| $1000 | $80 | $216 | $296 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Moldova
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Moldova?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Moldova is $200. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Moldova?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Moldova is 20%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. TVA at 20% standard. Reduced 8% on food, medicine, agricultural inputs.
How long does customs clearance take in Moldova?
Typical customs clearance in Moldova takes 2-5 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Moldova?
To import into Moldova, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Moldova?
Moldova prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.