Sending a package to Moldova: Customs, EUR.1 and delivery time
From Germany to Chișinău and all of Moldova: How to properly prepare business shipments
Moldova lies between Romania and Ukraine and is an easily accessible market in Eastern Europe for German companies. However, shipments from Germany are considered exports to a non-EU country. Therefore, all shipments require complete customs information.
- Shipping from Germany to Moldova
- Parcel, express and freight solutions
- Shipping to Chișinău and other regions
- Prepare customs and shipping data digitally
- 20% VAT included
- Check EUR.1 and preferential origin
- Calculate import costs in advance
- Use full product description
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When shipping to Moldova, it's worth taking a look at the origin of the goods.
The type of goods alone does not determine potential import duties.
The trade agreement between the EU and Moldova means that the preferential origin of the goods can also have a significant impact on import duties.
Therefore, the customs tariff number, value of goods and origin should be determined before the shipment is booked.
Include 20% VAT.
The standard Moldovan value-added tax (VAT) rate is 20 percent. VAT therefore plays an important role in the import of taxable goods.
Check preferential origin
Many goods with preferential EU origin may be subject to more favorable customs duties due to the trade agreement. The origin must be correctly proven.
Do not use EUR.1 automatically
An EUR.1 certificate is only useful if the goods meet the applicable preferential rules of origin. Shipment from Germany alone does not make goods of EU origin.
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Important information about customs and import duties
DAP or DDP to Moldova: Who covers the import costs?
Before any business shipment to Moldova, it should be clearly agreed who will handle import clearance and any applicable duties.
For DAP The seller organizes the transport to the agreed destination.
Import clearance is generally the responsibility of the recipient.
This can result in, among other things:
- Import duty
- 20% VAT
- Excise taxes, if applicable
- Handling fees
- possibly customs broker fees
For DDP In contrast, the seller assumes the agreed import costs and further obligations, provided that the carrier and import situation allow this.
This can be particularly interesting for B2C shipments or fixed B2B delivery prices.
At least the following should be checked before calculating DDP:
- Customs tariff number
- cart value
- Country of origin
- Preferential origin
- Customs duty
- VAT
- further product-specific taxes
- Carrier and handling fees
A Landed Cost Calculation This helps to consider transport costs and import costs together.
What is the import duty in Moldova?
Moldovan import duties depend on the specific goods and their origin.
The customs tariff number is the first crucial factor.
For many goods, the regular ad valorem duty rates are relatively low. However, depending on the product, other, specific, or additional regulations may apply.
The trade agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova is particularly important for goods from Germany.
Within the framework of the so-called:
Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, DCFTA for short
Import duties were eliminated for a large part of the trade between the EU and Moldova.
However, this does not mean:
Goods originate from Germany = automatically 0% customs duty.
The decisive factor is the preferential origin.
For example, a product manufactured in China does not automatically receive EU preferential origin just because it is sold to Moldova by a German trader.
The actual customs duty rate should therefore be determined based on:
- HS code
- Origin
- preference rule
- cart value
being checked.
What is the VAT rate in Moldova?
The Moldovan value added tax is known as:
Taxa pe Valoarea Adăugată, TVA for short
bezeichnet.
The standard tax rate is:
20%.
For imports, VAT is generally calculated on the basis of the tax-relevant import value.
In addition to the actual value of the goods, other components of the import calculation can also play a role.
Reduced tax rates or special regulations apply to certain goods.
In addition to VAT, the following may also apply depending on the product:
- Import duty
- Excise taxes
- other statutory charges
- Handling fees
Therefore, a flat 20 percent should not simply be added to the invoice amount for DDP.
Regular VAT: 20%
NCTS has been connecting Moldova more closely with European customs traffic since 2025.
Moldova has significantly modernized its customs processes in recent years.
Since January 1, 2024, a new Moldovan customs code has been in effect, which is more closely aligned with European customs regulations.
Another important step followed on:
1. November 2025.
Since that time, Moldova has participated in the common transit procedure and the European:
New Computerized Transit System, NCTS for short
part.
This allows an electronic transit declaration to be used for corresponding transit movements from the point of departure to the destination.
This reduces repeated transit formalities at multiple borders.
This procedure can simplify the transport of goods, especially for road transport from Germany via EU countries to Moldova.
For normal parcel senders, this does not mean that they themselves have to register for an NCTS procedure.
However, it shows that Moldova is increasingly linking its customs clearance with European procedures.
This makes complete and digitally available shipment data all the more important.
You can find more information about digital document exchange at Paperless trade in international shipping.
Sending a package to Moldova: What companies should know
Moldova lies directly on the border with the European Union.
The capital:
Chisinau
is the country's most important economic, trade and logistics center.
Other relevant cities include:
- Balti
- cahul
- orhei
- Anointed
- soroca
Due to the direct border with Romania, road transport between Germany and Moldova is relatively easy.
For parcel and express shipments, additional international carrier networks are available.
What documents do I need for Moldova?
For commercial goods deliveries, the following information and documents should typically be prepared:
- Commercial invoice
- precise product description
- cart value
- number of pieces
- Weight
- Customs tariff number
- Country of origin
- Sender and recipient data
- Proof of preference, if applicable
- If applicable, permits or certificates
A commercial invoice is usually required for a normal sale of goods.
For samples, warranty replacements or other goods movements without a classic sale, a pro forma invoice can be used.
For more information, please visit How to correctly use a pro forma invoice at customs.
Do I need a EUR.1 for Moldova?
Preferential trade agreements exist between the European Union and Moldova.
Qualifying goods with preferential EU origin can therefore benefit from reduced or waived customs duties when imported into Moldova.
Depending on the circumstances, proof of origin could include, for example:
EUR.1 movement certificate
or a valid declaration of origin is used.
However, it is crucial that the goods comply with the applicable rules of origin.
Since 2026, the revised rules of the pan-European-Mediterranean Convention on Origin have applied to preferential trade.
Depending on the circumstances, a declaration of origin can be issued by an authorized exporter or, for shipments up to €6.000, by another exporter.
Therefore, before issuing a certificate of origin, the following should be clarified:
- where the goods were manufactured
- which raw materials were used
- which rule of origin applies to the goods
- whether sufficient evidence is available
A false declaration of preference can lead to subsequent claims.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in Moldova?
DHL Parcel currently states a delivery time estimate of:
8 to 13 working days.
Express shipping can be significantly faster.
DHL Express currently shows approximately the following for key destination areas in Moldova:
2 business days
as the standard runtime in the main run.
For shipments subject to customs duties, additional time should be allowed for import clearance.
Furthermore, the destination, type of goods and necessary checks can affect the transit time.
What language should the customs declaration be in?
DHL currently accepts the following for Moldova:
- English
- French
- Russisch
- Rumänisch
For international business communications, English is usually a practical choice.
The product description should be as precise as possible.
Not:
“Machine parts”
but for example:
“Steel drive shaft for industrial packaging machine”
This allows for a better understanding of the product, material, and intended use.
Enter the correct address for Moldova
International shipping addresses should be written in Latin letters and Arabic numerals.
One possible format is:
ION POPESCU
STR. INDEPENDENTEI 25, AP. 14
MD-2012 CHIȘINĂU
MOLDOVA
Additionally, the recipient's phone number and email address should be provided.
This allows the carrier to contact you more quickly if you have questions about customs clearance or delivery.
Automatically import recurring customs data
Those who regularly ship spare parts, machine components or other goods to Moldova should avoid re-entering recurring product data for each shipment.
This includes in particular:
- item Description
- HS code
- Origin
- Weight
- cart value
Over a ERP or SAP shipping interface Such data can be more strongly integrated into the shipping process.
These errors are delaying shipments to Moldova
Many import problems can be avoided if the shipping data is complete before pickup.
Typical errors are:
- general product description
- incorrect customs tariff number
- The value of the goods is missing or cannot be verified.
- Country of origin was not specified.
- Preferential origin is declared without sufficient evidence.
- EUR.1 was used incorrectly or unnecessarily.
- The commercial invoice and shipping data do not match.
- Recipient data is incomplete
- Potential import costs were not clarified.
Particular care should be taken when it comes to preferential origin.
Under customs law, "Made in Germany" and "shipped from Germany" are two completely different statements. The carton unfortunately does not acquire European origin status simply by being transported by motorway to the parcel center.
For regular shipments, product data should therefore be stored in a standardized format.
You can find out more at Automate shipping documents and reduce errors.
What goods are shipped from Germany to Moldova?
Germany and Moldova are closely linked economically to the European market.
For German companies, technical and industrial goods are therefore of particular interest.
Typical business mailings may contain, for example:
- Machines and machine components
- Industrial spare parts
- Electrical Engineering
- IT and communication technology
- car parts
- Tools
- Measurement and testing technology
- medical devices and accessories
- Production material
- Online shop orders
Especially for technical goods, the correct customs tariff number is important.
It not only affects the potential import duty, but also the examination of restrictions and preferential arrangements.
You can find out more at Determine the correct customs tariff number.
Shipping information: Moldova
Standard, express or freight to Moldova
Various transport options are available for shipping to Moldova.
Standard package
For smaller and less time-critical business shipments, a traditional parcel service can be used.
DHL currently cites a transit time estimate of:
8 to 13 working days.
Express Shipping
For urgent spare parts, documents, or production materials, express delivery is often the better choice.
Significantly shorter transit times are possible for key target areas.
Freight shipping
Machines, pallets and larger quantities of goods can be transported by road freight, air freight or other freight solutions.
Due to Moldova's geographical location, road transport from Germany is particularly relevant.
For more information, please visit international freight shipping.
How do goods get from Germany to Moldova?
Moldova has no coastline.
Road transport is therefore particularly important for European trade in goods.
Typical transports from Germany go through several EU countries and then via Romania to Moldova.
Moldova has been part of the joint transit procedure since November 2025.
This allows certain goods movements to be processed via the NCTS with a single, continuous electronic transit declaration.
Carriers use their European sorting and transport networks for parcel and express shipments.
Depending on the shipping method, the main transport can be carried out via:
- truck
- Airfreight
- combined road and air transport
Chișinău is the most important hub for international express and air freight shipments.
For larger B2B deliveries, road freight transport plays a particularly important role.
What import costs might arise in Moldova?
Various cost components can come together when importing goods into Moldova.
Depending on the product, this includes:
- Import duty
- 20% VAT
- Excise taxes, if applicable
- Carrier handling fees
- possibly customs broker fees
- additional product-specific fees
For goods with proven EU preferential origin, import duties may be reduced or completely waived due to the trade agreement.
However, this does not automatically eliminate VAT.
Therefore, customs preferences and import duties should be considered separately.
How much does a package to Moldova cost?
The transport costs depend in particular on:
- Weight
- Dimensions
- Volumetric weight
- Shipping service
- Standard or express shipping
- destination
- Type of goods
- Additional Services
For light but large packages, the volumetric weight can determine the shipping price.
A package weighing ten kilograms can therefore be treated considerably more harshly under tariff regulations, for example, if it takes up a lot of space in the transport vehicle.
We explain how this value is calculated below. Understanding and calculating volumetric weight.
In addition to the transport costs, any import duties should be taken into account.
Online trade to Moldova: Know the 150-euro limit
For online shops, there is an interesting special feature when shipping to private customers.
Goods in international postal shipments can be subject to a value limit of up to:
EUR 150
They may be exempt from import duties under certain conditions.
The rule applies, among other things, to shipments that go directly from a company to a private individual in Moldova and are intended for personal use.
However, there are exceptions.
The exemption does not automatically apply, for example, to:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco products
- Perfume and Eau de Toilette
- Programs that are not occasional in nature
For shipments exceeding the duty-free allowance, customs duties, VAT and other costs may apply.
The customs procedure also differs depending on the value of the goods.
Therefore, it makes sense for online retailers to communicate any potential additional costs transparently during the checkout process.
For more information, please visit Display shipping and import costs at checkout.
EU trade agreement makes the origin of goods particularly important
Moldova is not a member of the European Union.
Nevertheless, the country is closely linked to the EU economically and in terms of customs law.
The Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area between the EU and Moldova has eliminated a large part of the mutual import duties.
Therefore, for German exporters, not only is the following important:
What will be shipped?
Equally crucial is:
Where did the goods originate?
For example, a German company can sell three outwardly identical products to Moldova:
- a product manufactured in Germany
- a commodity produced in China
- a product with raw materials from several countries
These products may be treated differently under customs law.
Therefore, before issuing an EUR.1 or origin declaration, it should always be checked whether the specific goods actually meet the required preferential origin rules.
This audit can have a significant financial impact on regular exports.
Which carrier is suitable for Moldova?
Several international parcel, express and freight providers are available for shipping from Germany to Moldova.
Depending on the shipment size and destination, offers may include:
- DHL
- DHL Express
- UPS
- FedEx
- further logistics and freight partners
be eligible.
However, when making a comparison, one should not only consider the pure transport price.
Other important criteria include:
- Runtime
- Customs clearance
- Tracking
- Insurance
- maximum weight
- maximum package dimensions
- pick-up service
- possible surcharges
Paket International enables companies to compare multiple carriers, so that a suitable shipping solution can be chosen for different shipments.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
Can I send a package from Germany to Moldova?
Yes. Parcels, express shipments, and commercial goods can be sent from Germany to Moldova. Since Moldova is not part of the EU, shipments require complete customs information.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in Moldova?
DHL Parcel currently estimates delivery times of 8 to 13 business days. Express shipments to key destinations can be transported significantly faster. Additional time should be allowed for import clearance.
What is the VAT rate in Moldova?
The standard Moldovan VAT rate is 20 percent. Reduced rates or special regulations may apply to certain goods.
What are the customs duties for imports into Moldova?
Import duties depend on the customs tariff number, type of goods, and origin. Due to the trade agreement between the EU and Moldova, many goods with proven EU preferential origin can benefit from reduced or waived duties.
Do I need a EUR.1 for Moldova?
An EUR.1 certificate can be used as proof of preferential origin if the goods meet the applicable rules of origin. It is not required for every shipment. The decisive factors are the origin of the goods, their value, and the applicable preferential rule.
Is it sufficient for the EUR.1 certificate if the goods are shipped from Germany?
No. Shipping from Germany alone does not establish EU preferential origin. The goods must comply with the applicable rules of origin, and the origin must be verifiable.
Is there a duty-free allowance for packages to Moldova?
For B2C mail shipments, goods with an intrinsic value of up to €150 may be exempt from import duties under certain conditions. Exceptions apply to certain goods such as alcohol, tobacco, and perfume.
Which language can I use for the customs declaration?
DHL currently accepts English, French, Russian, and Romanian for shipments to Moldova. For international business shipments, a precise English description of the goods is often a practical choice.
What is NCTS in Moldova?
NCTS is the electronic New Computerised Transit System. Moldova has participated in the common transit procedure since November 1, 2025. This allows certain goods movements to be processed with a single, continuous electronic transit declaration.
Can I ship DDP to Moldova?
Depending on the carrier and import details, DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) may be possible. In this case, the seller covers the agreed import costs. Before booking, customs duties, preferential origin, 20% VAT, and any applicable handling fees should be calculated.
What documents do I need for a business shipment to Moldova?
Typically, a commercial invoice and complete details of the goods, their value, customs tariff number, and origin are required. Depending on the product, preferential certificates, permits, or other certifications may also be necessary.
What is the EU-Moldau DCFTA?
The DCFTA is the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area between the European Union and Moldova. It has reduced or eliminated import duties on a large portion of the mutual trade. For eligible goods, preferential tariff treatment requires the correct preferential origin.
