MDED proposes comprehensive package of digitalization and deregulation measures to support business environment

The Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization (MDED) has developed a comprehensive package of digitalization and deregulation measures designed to promote the digital economy and e-commerce.

According to MDED, the main objective of these interventions is to remove administrative, operational, and fiscal barriers that hinder the development of new business models and the digitalization of the economy, by providing practical solutions that will directly reduce compliance costs for companies.

The package consists of a draft law and a draft government decision, which have been submitted for public consultation. Main reforms and benefits for the business community:

Unlocking e-commerce and postal exports: Bureaucracy related to VAT refunds in e-commerce will be eliminated by recognizing the CN23 declaration and transport documents with electronic confirmation. In addition, e-commerce operators that do not own physical premises will be exempt from the fixed local tax.

Clear regulations for new business models: The drafts introduce fiscal clarity for commerce conducted via social networks (Instagram/Facebook Shop). At the same time, they establish the legal and fiscal framework for “external-external” dropshipping (goods delivered directly between partners outside the country) and clarify the methodology for recognizing revenues obtained through monetization on international platforms (Google Play, App Store).

Eliminating paper and digitizing internal processes: Companies will have the legal possibility to digitize and subsequently destroy archives kept on paper. In addition, an optional possibility is introduced for preparing and keeping Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) personal training records in electronic format.

FinTech ecosystem and digital trust services: The creation of a simplified regime is proposed for “small payment institutions,” reducing capital requirements for startups. At the same time, the public monopoly on qualified electronic signatures in certain processes is eliminated, ensuring full equivalence for private providers from the EU.

Protection and predictability: Free online tools will be introduced for checking the availability of company names at the Public Services Agency (ASP), AML legislation will be aligned with the principle of proportionality, and protection mechanisms will be provided for merchants against abusive complaints (chargebacks or unjustified technical expertise).

The legislative package contributes to the modernization of economic infrastructure and to aligning the Republic of Moldova with European Union standards, increasing the country’s attractiveness for investments in the digital sector and e-commerce, MDED emphasized.

Deputy Prime Minister Eugeniu Oscmochescu, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization, stated on Tuesday in a TV program that the package aims at amending around 90 normative acts, in order to simplify entrepreneurs’ activities and reduce pressure on the business environment.