Online parcel VAT brings first revenue to Moldova
Postal operators registered more than 38,000 international parcels in Moldova's ASYHUB system on November 2, the first working day after a 20% VAT took effect on low-value online imports.
More than 500,000 lei reported in VAT receipts
According to earlier reports, more than €24,700 (approximately 500,000 MDL) had been collected in VAT on foreign online purchases by 5 p.m. on November 2.
As stated by the Customs Service, postal operators had uploaded 242 manifests covering more than 38,000 international parcels into the ASYHUB information system. A total of 190 customs declarations had also been registered, and import duties had been collected on the first declarations processed.
The figures refer to different stages of the customs process. The number of parcels listed in the manifests does not indicate how many had already been cleared or taxed.
How the new VAT rules work
Since November 1, commercial goods purchased from foreign online retailers and shipped to Moldova in parcels with an intrinsic value of up to €150 are subject to a 20% VAT.
The measure applies regardless of whether the purchases were made through platforms based in China, the European Union, the United States or other countries. It also covers orders placed and paid for before November 1, provided they are presented for customs clearance from that date onwards.
VAT can be paid directly through the online platform when placing an order or upon delivery through the postal operator, depending on the arrangements offered by the retailer. Postal operators handle the customs declarations and communicate any outstanding payments to recipients.
Government expects €49.5 million in annual revenue
The government estimates that the new tax regime will generate approximately €49.5 million (approximately 1 billion MDL) annually for the state budget.
The scale of international online shopping in Moldova provides context for the measure. More than 11.2 million international parcels entered the country in 2025, according to the Customs Service.
Economist Marin Gospodarenco has warned that the new charges could initially reduce the volume of online orders as consumers adjust to the additional costs.
Additional fee to take effect in January
From January 1, 2027, a separate administrative fee of 12 MDL will be charged for each parcel. This fee is distinct from the 20% VAT.
Non-commercial parcels sent between individuals, including gifts from relatives and friends, remain exempt from VAT if their value does not exceed €150 and the applicable legal conditions are met.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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