The person conveying goods and vehicles across a customs border or the authorized customs broker representing an importer must declare goods and vehicles for customs clearance.  Importers must submit customs declarations electronically at least one hour before the vehicles and goods are presented at the border or in writing within 72 hours following importation into the customs territory of Moldova.  A customs declaration must be filled out for every commercial invoice.  A customs declaration has to be accompanied by a commercial document in original such as the invoice, transport document and the permissive act (licenses, and other authorizations, which will vary depending on the product).

The current rule is that businesses must pay import duties prior to submitting the customs declaration.  As of January 1, 2024, the new Customs Code allows for deferred payment periods.  Submission of customs declarations requires obtaining an “electronic signature” from the Special Telecommunications Center to access the electronic customs clearance on transit, import and export.  

Licensed customs brokers help navigate the complex procedure of customs clearance, reduce interaction with customs, and prevent extra costs because of insufficient knowledge of all relevant regulations.  

Resource: list of licensed customs brokers 

Upon request, Moldovan Customs may issue a so-called Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status to any businesses that meet a set of reliability criteria.  The AEO status allows businesses to enjoy simplified clearance procedures, priority at border crossing, fewer customs controls, 30-day deferred payment under bank guarantee, fewer formalities to be met, etc.  Moldova has an AEO mutual recognition agreement with the EU and is negotiating one with CEFTA.