Starting today, September 1, 2026, the Republic of Moldova has begun applying VAT and excise duties to certain goods brought into the country by businesses based in the Transnistrian region. The measure is part of the gradual integration of companies from the left bank of the Dniester into Moldova’s national tax and customs system, BANI.MD reports.
During the first stage, the new tax regime applies to alcoholic beverages, tobacco and nicotine products, perfumes, pyrotechnic articles, furs, jewelry and precious stones, as well as certain means of transport.
The government says the measure aims to ensure uniform application of tax and customs legislation throughout Moldova and eliminate differences in treatment between businesses operating on the two banks of the Dniester.
“This is an important measure aimed at bringing businesses from the left bank of the Dniester into our fiscal system, and we will do this gradually,” Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said.
The prime minister also said that revenue collected through the new taxes would be used, among other things, to support residents of the Transnistrian region.
“Our message to our citizens in the Transnistrian region is that, through this fair measure, the money collected will also be allocated to the people living in the region, giving them greater support and better access to healthcare, social assistance and pensions,” Tofan said.
The prime minister also 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 companies from the Transnistrian region so that they can meet their tax obligations.
Taxation to Be Expanded in Stages
The new tax regime will gradually be extended to other categories of goods. From January 1, 2027, the provisions are expected to apply, among other things, to certain raw materials and petroleum products.
Another stage is scheduled for April 1, 2027, when the fiscal regime will be extended to natural gas, electricity, telephones and computers.
Authorities say the gradual implementation is intended to give businesses time to adapt while reducing the potential impact on prices and consumers.
The government’s objective is for the general tax regime to apply fully by 2030 to goods imported by economic operators from the Transnistrian region, under the same conditions as those applicable to companies elsewhere in the Republic of Moldova.