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).

Businesses must pay import duties prior to submitting the customs declaration.   All business and customs brokers should obtain an “electronic signature” from the Special Telecommunications Center to access the electronic customs clearance on import and export.  Following the payment of import duties, companies can electronically sign and register their cargo via the customs information system Asycuda World.

Licensed customs brokers can 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 (https://trade.gov.md/en/articles/customs-broker/)

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 the border crossing, fewer customs controls, 30-day deferred payment under bank guarantee, fewer formalities to be met, etc. Moldova is currently negotiating an AEO mutual recognition agreement with the EU and CEFTA.