Moldova joins the EU’s common online customs declaration system
Moldovan freight carriers and those transiting through the Republic of Moldova will no longer face long queues at customs or complicated procedures. As of Saturday, they can submit customs declarations using a unified European system for managing customs operations. This new mechanism will simplify customs procedures and significantly reduce waiting times. Authorities in Chisinau emphasize that this development represents Moldova's full integration into the European system for managing transit operations.
Nicolae is one of the first Moldovan drivers to experience the benefits of the European customs declaration system. This system allows him to avoid spending hours at customs, saving him valuable time.
“Customs procedures are clearer and more predictable. Declarations are transmitted electronically, checks are completed in just a few minutes, and the data is readily available in the system. For drivers like us, this means less bureaucracy,” he explains.
The common system for submitting customs declarations for goods is part of an international convention joined by several states. This platform facilitates the rapid and secure exchange of data regarding goods transported in transit between customs authorities and economic operators. Previously, Moldovan carriers would submit declarations at each customs point; now, they only need to do so at the point of departure and the final destination.
“The new computerized transit system is a modern management and control tool that ensures transparency and a high level of security for goods in transit. A significant advantage for economic operators is the ability to carry out simplified procedures directly through data exchange with the customs authority,” says Rodica Cojocari, Head of the Transit Section at the Customs Service.
“Thanks to this digital system, the time spent crossing borders has been significantly reduced, resulting in a faster and more efficient transport flow,” says Sergiu Bolgarin, Chief Inspector at Vama Tudora.
“Through NCTS, Moldovan economic operators enjoy the same benefits as those in European countries, including a unified set of electronic documents recognized in all participating nations and uniform customs procedures,” emphasizes Alexandru Iacub, the Director of the Customs Service.
All EU Member States, along with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Serbia, North Macedonia, Ukraine, Georgia, Montenegro, and the Republic of Moldova, are connected to the Computerized Transit System.
