Government gradually standardizing tax regime applied to goods imported by economic operators from Transnistrian region

The Government proposes the phased application of VAT and excise duties for certain categories of goods brought into the Republic of Moldova by economic operators based in the Transnistrian region. The measure aims to ensure uniform application of tax and customs legislation throughout the country, provide fair competitive conditions, and gradually integrate businesses from the region into the national tax and customs system.

In the first phase, starting 1 September 2026, the new regime will apply to alcoholic beverages, tobacco and nicotine products, perfumes, pyrotechnic articles, furs, jewelry and precious stones, as well as certain means of transport.

“This is an important measure aimed at integrating economic agents from the left bank of the Nistru into our tax space, and we will do this gradually. Our message to our citizens in the Transnistrian region is that through this fair measure, the money collected will be allocated back to the citizens living in the region, so that they receive more support, better access to health services, social assistance, and pensions,” said Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, also calling on the banks, the National Bank, and the Office for Prevention and Combating Money Laundering to facilitate the opening of bank accounts for economic agents so that they can pay the taxes.

For other categories, including certain raw materials and petroleum products, the provisions will apply from 1 January 2027, while for natural gas, electricity, phone devices and computers – from 1 April 2027.

The phased approach is intended to give the business community the necessary time to adapt and to limit the impact on prices and consumers.

The final objective is that by 2030 the tax regime will be fully applied to goods imported by economic operators from the Transnistrian region, under conditions equal to those applied to economic agents throughout the country.