The Moldovan government has proposed the gradual harmonization of the tax regime applied to goods brought into the country by economic operators based in the Transnistrian region.
The measure, approved at the government meeting on August 26, provides for the phased application of VAT and excise duties to various categories of goods and is intended to extend Moldova’s national tax and customs legislation across the country’s entire territory.
First Stage to Begin on September 1
The first stage will begin on September 1, 2026, and will cover, among other products, alcoholic beverages, tobacco and nicotine products, perfumes, pyrotechnic articles, fur, jewelry and precious stones, as well as certain types of vehicles.
Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said the measure is necessary to integrate economic operators from the Transnistrian region into Moldova’s national fiscal system.
“This is an important measure aimed at bringing economic operators from the left bank of the Dniester into our fiscal space, and we will do this gradually,” Tofan said.
The prime minister also addressed residents of the Transnistrian region, stressing that tax revenues collected under the new system would be used for services and programs benefiting people living in the region.
“Through this fair measure, the money collected will also be allocated to citizens living in the region, so that they can receive greater support and have better access to healthcare, social assistance and pensions,” Tofan said.
Further Changes in 2027
For other categories of goods, including certain raw materials and petroleum products, the new rules are scheduled to enter into force on January 1, 2027.
The new fiscal regime for natural gas, electricity, mobile phones and computers is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2027.
The government says the phased approach is intended to give companies sufficient time to adapt while limiting potential effects on prices and consumers.
Officials also expect the measure to help establish more equal competitive conditions for businesses operating on both banks of the Dniester.
Government Calls for Easier Access to Banking Services
Against this backdrop, Tofan called on commercial banks, the National Bank of Moldova and the Service for Prevention and Combating Money Laundering to facilitate the opening of bank accounts for economic operators from the Transnistrian region.
According to the government, access to banking services will allow these companies to meet their new tax obligations.
The authorities’ stated objective is to have the general national tax regime fully applied by 2030 to goods imported by economic operators from the Transnistrian region, under the same conditions applicable to businesses elsewhere in the Republic of Moldova.