---
title: "Moldova to tax Transnistrian luxury imports starting September 1"
url: https://moldova1.md/p/84000/moldova-to-tax-transnistrian-luxury-imports-starting-september-1
published: 2026-08-26T12:24:57Z
language: en
author: "Elena Munteanu"
section: "Economic"
source: moldova1.md
---

# Moldova to tax Transnistrian luxury imports starting September 1

> The Moldovan Government is initiating a phased harmonization of the tax and customs regime applied to goods imported by businesses located in the breakaway Transnistrian region. The first set of duties will take effect on September 1.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/f2c2b4ca-05ee-4c36-9a58-92c7a4ce6031.jpg)

The Moldovan Government is initiating a phased harmonization of the tax and customs regime applied to goods imported by businesses located in the breakaway Transnistrian region. The first set of duties will take effect on September 1.

Finance Minister Victoria Belous outlined the initiative during the August 26 cabinet meeting. She stated that the goal is to gradually bring all goods imported by Transnistrian entities under the standard nationwide fiscal and customs framework.

**First phase targets non-essential goods**

The initial phase will apply to luxury and non-essential commodities. These include alcoholic beverages, tobacco and nicotine products, perfumes, pyrotechnics, furs, jewelry, precious stones, caviar, and selected motor vehicles.

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan emphasized the importance of integrating regional businesses into the national fiscal area, while advocating a measured pace.

*"Starting September 1, these duties will apply to specific categories of goods, primarily non-essentials such as caviar, alcohol, and vehicles. It is essential that we take this step,"* the Prime Minister said.

**Public services justify fiscal alignment**

Addressing residents in the Transnistrian region, the Prime Minister noted that the policy is fair and necessary. He explained that while residents live in an occupied territory, they remain Moldovan citizens who rely on state healthcare, pensions, and social assistance, which are funded through tax revenues.

The Prime Minister also addressed operational obstacles, noting that regional companies face difficulties opening bank accounts on the right bank of the Dniester River. He directed the National Bank of Moldova and the Office for the Prevention and Fight against Money Laundering to facilitate banking access so firms can pay their liabilities.

*"It would be counterproductive to demand taxes while failing to ensure the banking access required to pay them,"* Tofan noted.

**Commercial sector urges swift banking solutions**

Sergiu Harea, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, confirmed these institutional bottlenecks and urged immediate government intervention.

*"Bank account access remains a major challenge. Businesses cannot settle their tax obligations without functioning accounts,"* Harea stated during the cabinet meeting.

The current measures follow legislation passed by Parliament in its final reading on April 30, which eliminates fiscal exemptions for Transnistrian businesses. The overarching objective is to achieve full fiscal and customs parity across the entire country by 2030.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**