Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu confirmed during a program on a private television station that the Government is preparing to introduce additional taxes or regulations for parcels ordered from platforms such as Temu, Shein, AliExpress, and other similar marketplaces. He said that the authorities are discussing the issue with the Ministry of Finance and that the changes are inevitable.
When the host asked whether the authorities intend to tax these platforms, the Prime Minister replied:
“Yes, we do plan to do this. We are currently discussing with the Ministry of Finance, we are regulating this activity, and many questions arise, of course, related to safety — what exactly is coming in those parcels — but the economic aspect also needs to be regulated. So we will make some changes. These taxes, based on all the discussions we have had with the Ministry of Finance, are necessary.”
When asked about the possible tax amounts, the Prime Minister stressed that the legal framework is still being drafted:
“We haven’t finalized the framework yet, but as soon as we do, we will inform you. And we will inform all consumers.”
His statements followed an earlier announcement by Economy Minister Eugen Osmochescu, who said that the Government is examining several options for additional taxation or regulation of parcels from outside the country. He noted that the authorities are analyzing issues related to consumer safety, product quality, and the protection of local producers.
The topic has sparked intense debate in recent months, after several major Moldovan retailers — including Mircea Baciu, owner of the Bomba chain — called for the introduction of customs duties and VAT for all parcels ordered online from abroad, citing unfair competition and the lack of controls over products delivered through Asian platforms.
Currently, parcels valued at up to 150 euros are exempt from import VAT.