Tax, customs facilities for duty – free shops to be canceled upon entry into Moldova

Chisinau, 09 August /MOLDPRES/ – The tax and customs facilities currently benefiting the economic agents operating in duty – free regime, which shops are located in the entry area on the territory of Moldova, will be cancelled, according to an amendment to the draft amending some legislative acts, approved positively at the meeting of the Government, on 09 August.

The current legislative provisions related to the duty – free activity of shops have a negative impact on the security of national economy, ensuring a fair competitive climate in local environment, as well as on the internationally image of Moldova, it is said in the notice.

According to info presented by the Service of Information and Security (SIS), up to 75 per cent of the volume of goods declared to be sold in duty – free shops "are unlawfully introduced in the territory of Moldova". Moreover, certain quantities of goods are not unloaded in the stores of the respective shops, being introduced in the country, and some are transported by smuggling to neighbouring states (tobacco products – Romania, strong drinks – Ukraine), notes the Government. Thus, it is stated in the opinion, that the budget annually loses revenues of up to MDL 140 mln.

The customs data shows that in recent 05 years, there were made duty – free imports amounting up to MDL 2.8 bln, of which goods of about MDL 450 mln were introduced in Moldova through the stores located in the customs control area at entry, without payment of import rights.

Also, it is proposed to exempt from the customs duty the goods placed and marketed in the duty – free shops located in the entry/exit area and on the territory of Moldova, the duty – free bars and restaurants.

These changes are expected to be implemented starting 01 September 2019.

The duty – free shops located at the exit of Moldova by land, except the ones at the Airport, will be closed after the expiration of their activity licence.