RESTRICTED
WORLD TRADE WT/ACC/MOL/4
20May 1997
ORGANIZATION(97-2074)
Original: English
ACCESSION OFTHE REPUBLIC OFMOLDOVA
Additional Questions andReplies
totheMemorandum ontheForeign Trade Régime
(Document WT/ACC/MOL/2)
TheMinistry oftheEconomy oftheRepublic ofMoldova hassubmitted thefollowing additional
questions andreplies concerning theMemorandum ontheForeign Trade Régime ofMoldova
(WT/ACC/MOL/2), with therequest thatthey becirculated toWorking Party members.
_______________WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page i
TABLE OFCONTENTS
Page
No.Question
No.
II. ECONOMY, ECONOMIC POLICIES AND FOREIGN TRADE
2. Economic Policies
(a) Main directions oftheongoing economic policies 1 1-6
(b) Monetary andfiscal policies 3 7-19
(d) Foreign anddomestic investment policies 12 20-30
III. FRAMEWORK FOR MAKING AND ENFORCING POLICIES
AFFECTING FOREIGN TRADE INGOODS AND TRADE IN
SERVICES
1. Powers ofExecutive, Legislative andJudicial Branches of
Government 16 31-33
2. Government Entities Responsible forMaking andImplementing
Policies Affecting Foreign Trade 17 34
3. Division ofAuthority Between Central andSub-Central
Governments 17 35-37
4. Any Legislative Programmes orPlans toChange theRegulatory
Régime 18 38
6. Description ofJudicial, Arbitral orAdministrative Tribunals or
Procedures, IfAny 19 39
IV. POLICIES AFFECTING TRADE INGOODS
1. Import Regulation
(a) Registration requirements forengaging inimporting 19 40-42
(b) Characteristics ofnational tariff 20 43-46
(c) Tariff quotas, tariff exemptions 22 47-49
(d) Other duties andcharges 23 50
(e) Quantitative import restrictions 23 51
(f) Import licensing procedures 24 52-56
(h) Customs valuation 26 57-59
(j) Pre-shipment inspection 28 60-61
(k) Application ofinternal taxes onimports 29 62-63
(l) Rules oforigin 30 64-67
(m-o) Anti-dumping, countervailing duty andsafeguard régimes 31 68-69
2. Export Regulation
(a) Registration requirements forengaging inexporting 32 70
(b) Customs tariff nomenclature 32 71
(c) Quantitative export restrictions 33 72
(d) Export licensing procedures 33 73-76
(e) Other measures 34 77-79WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page ii
Page
No.Question
No.
3. Internal Policies Affecting Foreign Trade inGoods
(a) Industrial policy, including subsidy policies 36 80-84
(b) Technical regulations andstandards 39 85-94
(c) Sanitary andphytosanitary measures 42 95-106
(d) Trade-related investment measures 46 107
(e) State-trading practices 46 108-109
(g) Free economic zones 47 110
(j) Government-mandated counter-trade andbarter 48 111-112
(l) Government procurement practices 48 113-117
4. Policies Affecting Foreign Trade inAgricultural Products
(b) Exports 53 note
(c) Export prohibitions andrestrictions 53 118
(e) Internal policies 53 119
V. TRADE-RELATED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY REGIME
1. General 54 120
(b) Responsible agencies forpolicy formulation andimplementation 54 121
(c) Membership ofinternational intellectual property conventions andof
regional orbilateral agreements 54 122-123
(d) Application ofnational andm.f.n. treatment toforeign nationals 55 124
(e) Fees andtaxes 55 125
2. Substantive Standards ofProtection
(a) Copyright andrelated rights 55 126-132
(b) Trademarks, including service marks 57 133-139
(c) Geographical indications 59 140-143
(d) Industrial designs 61 144-145
(e) Patents 61 146-151
(f) Plant variety protection 63 152-153
(g) Layout designs ofintegrated circuits 63 154
(h) Requirements onundisclosed information 64 155-159
4. Enforcement
(a) Civil judicial procedures andremedies 65 160-163
(b) Provisional measures 66 164-165
(c) Any administrative procedures andremedies 67 166
(d) Any special border measures 67 167
(e) Criminal procedures 67 168-169WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page iii
Page
No.Question
No.
6. Statistical data onapplications forandgrants ofintellectual property
rights 68 170
VI. TRADE-RELATED SERVICES REGIME
1. General 68 171-174
2. Policies Affecting Trade inServices
(b) Judicial, arbitral oradministrative tribunals orprocedures 70 175
(d) Provisions governing theexistence andoperation ofmonopolies or
exclusive service suppliers 70 176-177
3. Market Access andNational Treatment
(a) Limitations onthenumber ofservice suppliers 73 178
(g) Measures providing forlessthan thetreatment accorded tonational
services orservice suppliers 73 179
4. Most-Favoured-Nation Treatment 73 180
VII. INSTITUTIONAL BASE FOR TRADE AND ECONOMIC
RELATIONS WITH THIRD COUNTRIES
1. Bilateral orPlurilateral Agreements Relating toForeign Trade in
Goods andTrade inServices 74 181-182
2. Economic Integration, Customs Union andFree Trade Area
Agreements 74 183-193
Annex I Taxes forinventions 'patenting andregistration ofutility
models, trademarks, designs, industrial models andnames
oforigin forproducts79 -WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 1
II. ECONOMY, ECONOMIC POLICIES AND FOREIGN TRADE
2. Economic Policies
(a) Main directions oftheongoing economic policies
Question 1.
What incentives istheGovernment ofMoldova using, pursuant tothesecond Programme of
Privatization ofState Property, toencourage local and foreign investors toinvest in,help
restructure andrationalize privatized enterprises?
Areforeign investors eligible toparticipate intheprivatization ofallState enterprises?
Among themain goals oftheSecond Programme ofPrivatization, theMoldovan authorities aim
toencourage local andforeign investors toinvest, restructure andrationalize private enterprises.
What arethemeans proposed bytheauthorities toachieve those purposes?
Answer:
TheSecond Privatization Programme includes thefollowing measures toencourage local and
foreign investors toinvest in,andhelp restructure, privatized enterprises:
(i) establishment ofaForeign Investment Promotion Agency tobetter inform potential investors
about investment opportunities inMoldova andabout relevant laws andregulations;
(ii) establishment ofanAgency forAssistance toEnterprises inRestructuring (ARIA). ARIA has
been setupwith support from theWorld Bank andisproviding business advisory services
forprivatized companies;
(iii) increase ofinvestment opportunities forcash inwhich both foreign andlocal investors can
participate without National Patrimonial Bonds (NPB);
(iv) improving theregulatory framework byrevising theLaw onJoint Stock Companies, theLaw
onSecurities andtheStock Exchange, andbyadopting theLaw onEnterprise Restructuring.
Article 6oftheLaw ontheState Privatization Programme 1995-1996 stipulates thatforeign
natural andlegal persons areeligible toparticipate inthePrivatization Programme. Foreigners may
not,however, receive NPBs. Equity incompanies soldsolely forNPBs cantherefore beacquired by
foreigners only after twoyears (seenextquestion fordetails). The1995-1996 Privatization Programme
alsocontains alistofobjects nottobeprivatized, such ascertain public buildings, cultural objects,
objects pertaining tonational security etc.Acomplete listofthese objects willbesubmitted.
Aspecial regime exists foragricultural enterprises. Only employees oftheformerly State-owned
agricultural enterprises areeligible toparticipate intheprivatization oftheir particular agricultural
enterprises. The detailed regulations aresetoutinArticle 21-28, Law ontheState Privatization
Programme 1995-1996, which willbesubmitted.
The1997-1998 Privatization Programme hasbeen submitted toParliament andisnow inits
second reading. There arenorestrictions toforeign participation inthePrivatization Programme, except
forcompanies inwhich aforeign State holds ashare of10percentormore, which areexcluded. OnceWT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 2
approved byParliament, Moldova willsubmit acopy ofthePrivatization Programme totheWorking
Party.
Question 2.
AreNational Patrimonial Bonds (NPB) transferable? Arethere anyrestrictions ontheability
offoreign investors topurchase NPBs from Moldovan holders orontheability offoreign investors
toparticipate, with NPBs, intheprivatization ofState enterprises?
Answer:
Inthefirstphase ofprivatization National Patrimonial Bonds (NPB) were, forreasons ofsocial
equity, issued only toMoldovan citizens andarenottransferable, except tomembers oftheimmediate
family. Foreigners cannot purchase NPBs from Moldovan citizens andcan,therefore, notparticipate
withNPBsintheprivatizationprogramme.Foreignerscanonlyparticipateintheprivatizationprogramme
with cash. Exceptions require special permission bytheMinistry ofPrivatization. (Article 12,Law
onPrivatization, 4July 1991).
Question 3.
Are foreign investors eligible toinvest inallState enterprises aspart ofthePrivatization
Programme? Arethere anyrestrictions ontheability offoreign investors topurchase shares in
enterprises that have already been privatized?
Answer:
Fortheeligibility offoreigners toinvest inState enterprises, seefirst question above. The
only limitation forforeigners topurchase shares incompanies which arealready privatized concerns
those companies which were privatized forNPBs. Inthese companies foreigners canonly purchase
shares twoyears after theprivatization.
Question 4.
What istherationale forselling solely forNPBs, certain State enterprises, including agro-industry,
industry, transportation, road construction andmaintenance, pharmaceutical andtrade entities?
What istherationale forselling certain other State enterprises, including shops, restaurants, hotels
and gas-filling stations and 105unfinished constructions, solely forcash? What sectors are
represented bythe400enterprises tobesold forboth NPBs andcash?
Answer:
Theprocess ofprivatization inMoldova wasguided from theoutset byaconcern, inter alia,
for:
- social protection ofthepopulation;
- equity among citizens inreceiving their share ofState property;
- respect fortheemployees 'opinion (Article 2,Law onPrivatization, 4July 1991).WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 3
Anapproach which combined privatization forNPBs, forcash, orboth depending onthesize
andthetype ofthecompany seemed tobethebestway toaccommodate these concerns andensure
atthesame time aquick implementation oftheprivatization programme.
Thefollowing sectors arerepresented bythe400enterprises tobesold forboth NPBs and
cash: agriculture, trade, transport, health, culture, construction, cartography, industry.
Question 5.
IsMoldova privatizing land notused foragricultural production? Arethere anyrestrictions on
foreign participation intheprivatization ofland oronthepurchase ofland thathasalready been
privatized? Ifso,please describe fully.
Answer:
Moldova isprivatizing land notused foragricultural production. Foreigners canparticipate
intheprivatization ofadjacent land ofenterprises already privatized ortobeprivatized, andofland
pertaining tofamily garden plots (Article 5,Law ontheState Privatization Programme 1995-1996).
Built-up land canbetraded freely andalsobepurchased byforeigners. Forother categories ofland
anew Law ontheSale ofLand isnow inpreparation. Moldova willsubmit acopy totheWorking
Party asitbecomes available.
Question 6.
Does Moldova have anyprice controls? Ifso,please describe them, indicating HSnumber of
imported goods subject tothecontrols. Please citethelegal authority fortheapplication ofthe
controls anddescribe theconditions that require their application.
Answer:
There arenoprice controls fortheprivate sector. TheGovernment sets, however, theprices
forenergy supplied byState-owned utilities (which aremonopoly providers), housing inState-owned
buildings,andsubsidizesthebreadprice.ThepricessetbytheGovernmentarelowerthancost-of-service
prices forsocial reasons. These prices aregradually being raised tocost-recovering level inthe
framework ofanagreement with theIMF andtheWorld Bank.
(b) Monetary andfiscal policies
Question 7.
According totheMemorandum (WT/ACC/MOL/2), budgetary discipline hasbeen improved by
better controls ontheexpenditure side, including theelimination ofsubsidies toenterprises.
According toTable 2inAnnex IoftheMemorandum, State budgetary expenditure forsubsidies
increased from MDL 1.6million in1992 (about 3percent ofexpenditures) toMDL 91million
in1994 (about 5.5percent oftotal expenditures). Please explain why thepercentage ofthetotal
budget forsubsidies increased during aperiod when subsidies toenterprises were being eliminated.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 4
Answer:
Thefigures inthefifth column inTable 2inAnnex IoftheMemorandum refer to1995. The
item ‘subsidies ’inthetable refers totransfer payments from thebudget ofthecentral Government
tobudgets oflocal authorities andnottosubsidies toenterprises.
Question 8.
DidtheGovernment ofMoldova terminate alldirect fiscal subsidies toenterprises? Please describe
thetypes ofsubsidies that were eliminated andthesubsidies, ifany, that remain. What wasthe
amount offiscal savings that resulted from thetermination oftheenterprise subsidies? What
isthecost ofanyremaining subsidies?
Answer:
Whilst thetotal amount ofdirect fiscal subsidies hasbeen reduced considerably, some direct
fiscal subsidies remain.
Intheearly years oftransition, theGovernment hadsupported State-owned enterprises with
loans andguarantees. In1992, loans given toState-owned enterprises accounted forapproximately
15percentofallpublicexpenditure.In1993,theseloanswerebroughtdowntoapproximately1percent
ofallpublic expenditure. Since then, new loans were only granted totheextent thatoldloans were
repaid, i.e.there wasnonew netlending. Asmany oftheState-owned enterprises defaulted onthe
repayment oftheloans, thereduction andeventual abolition ofGovernment lending tothese enterprises
resulted infiscal savings almost equal totheamount lentout.
Today, theGovernment isnotgranting credits toeconomic agents anymore. Government
guarantees areissued against ariskpremium ofatleast 5percentoftheprincipal amount oftheloan
which ispaid intotheRisk Fund (Article 36,Law onState Debt andState Guarantees, No.115-P of
12November 1995). State guarantees canonly beissued uptoatotal value notexceeding theamount
available intheRisk Fund.
Internal State guarantees forloans aregranted toState enterprises andorganizations, especially
tothose thatservice theinstitutions financed bytheBudget. External State guarantees forloans may
only begranted forfinancing priority projects, thecriteria being thesame asforcontracting foreign
loans (Article 37,LawonState Debt andState Guarantees, No.115-P of12November 1995). Moldova
issubmitting acomplete listofinternal and external State guarantees totheWorking Party
(WT/ACC/MOL/3/Add.2).
Thefollowing isanoverview ofsubsidies granted in1996 with theamounts paidortheamount
offoregone income totheBudget, respectively:
1. Grant payments
The1996 Budget setupa"Fund fortheSupport oftheAgro-Industrial Sector" which was
endowed with MDL 30million. The useoftheFund wasdetermined inParliamentary DecisionWT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 5
No.818-XII of26April 1996. Ofthetotal amount ofMDL 30million, MDL 26,9 million were paid
toagricultural companies, asreported inWT/ACC/MOL/2/Add.2 (seetable below).
Type ofGrant Payment 1996 Amount inmillion MDL
SoilConservation 3.4
Viticulture Improvement 9.5
Fruit-growing Improvement 6.0
Livestock Subsidy 8.0
Total 26.9
ThetwoMoldovan State press agencies andtheState-owned Teleradio Moldova received the
following payments (this subsidy hasbeen abolished in1997):
Agency Amount paid in1996
Moldpress MDL 890,000
Newspapers MDL 972,000
Teleradio Moldova MDL 19,959,000
Total MDL 21,821,000
Enterprises inrestructuring from theformer military-industrial complex received atotal of
MDL 17,463,600 in1996 from theFund forConversion andRestructuring ofEnterprises.
Theenergy company Thermocomenergo received agrant ofMDL 17,429,100 tocover its
operating losses.
2. Cancellation ofdebts forcompanies suffering from theeffects ofnatural disasters
MDL 254million ofcancellations ofdebts tothebudget andthesocial fund were approved
tocompensate companies suffering theeffects ofnatural disasters.
3. Exemptions from direct taxes in1996
Type ofTax Reason for
ExemptionDescription of
ExemptionBeneficiary Total Cost tothe
Budget in1996
Corporate
Profit TaxCreation of
additional
employment postsUpto50% ofthe
expenses related to
thecreation ofnew
employment posts are
deductible;All
enterprisesMDL 51,900
Land Tax Upgrading ofthe
facilitiesExemption from land
taxforland used for
runwaysChisinau
International
AirportMDL 448,700WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 6
Type ofTax Reason for
ExemptionDescription of
ExemptionBeneficiary Total Cost tothe
Budget in1996
Land Tax Facilitation of
purchase ofrolling
stockExemption from land
taxused forrail
tracksMoldovan
RailwaysMDL 3,549,000
Land Tax Stimulation ofmilk
productionMDL 0.20 perlitre of
milk aredeductibleAll
agricultural
enterprisesMDL 28,943,100
Land Tax Stimulation oflive
stock productionMDL 14perartificial
insemination are
deductibleAll
agricultural
enterprisesMDL 1,314,500
Land Tax Stimulation of
agricultural
productionPersonal income tax
paid intheprevious
year isdeductibleAll
agricultural
enterprisesMDL 9,380,000
Real Estate
TaxFacilitation of
purchase ofrolling
stockExemption from the
Real Estate TaxMoldovan
RailwaysMDL 3,264,700
Total MDL 76,334,200
4. Exemption from indirect taxes
Type ofTax Reason for
ExemptionDescription of
ExemptionBeneficiary Total Cost tothe
Budget in1996
VAT Basic Agreement
with theEBRDExemption for
theconstruction
andassembling
works for
building the
Orhei shoe
factoryAscom-Kelme
Gheso SA
Constructurul 24MDL 111,400
VAT Facilitation of
restructuring processexpenditures
related tothe
restructuring
process canbe
deducted from
thepayable VATcompanies which
have signed a
Memorandum
with State
Creditors Counciln.a.
Question 9.
Please provide atranslated copy oftheLaw "On Foundations oftheFiscal System" totheWorking
Party forreview.
Answer:
Moldova willsubmit atranslated copy oftheLaw ontheFoundations oftheFiscal System.
Thedocument isentitled "Law oftheRepublic ofMoldova onBases ofTaxSystem", No.478-XIII
of6June 1995.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 7
Itshould benoted thattheLaw OnFoundations oftheFiscal System willshortly bereplaced
bythenewTaxCodewhichiscurrentlyinitsthirdreadinginParliament.Moldovahasalreadysubmitted
atranslated copy ofthedraft submitted toParliament totheWorking Party (WT/ACC/MOL/3/Add.1).
Question 10.
Please provide theWorking Party with translated copies ofallcorporate taxlaws.
Answer:
Inaddition tothe1996 Budget Law which contains some corporate taxprovisions (Real Estate
Tax) andwhich hasalready been submitted, Moldova willsubmit translated copies ofthefollowing
corporate taxlaws:
- Law ontheBasis oftheTaxSystem No.478-XIII of6June 1995;
- Law ontheProfit Tax oftheEnterprise (Corporate Profit Tax) No.1214-XII of
2December 1992;
- Resolution ontheapproval ofgeneral provisions onthestructure ofexpenses onproduction
andrealization ofgoods (works, services), included initscostprice andonorder offorming
thefiscal outcomes ofenterprises No.340of2June 1993;
- Law ontheRoad Fund No.720-XIII of2February 1996 (therates arerevised annually as
partoftheBudget Law);
- Law ontheSecurities Operations Tax1429-XII of18May 1993;
- Summary oftheInstruction oftheMinistry ofFinance ontheorder ofcalculation oftheTax
onBanks andtheorder ofpayment ofittotheBudget No.5-2/229 of30December 1993.
Theprovisions regarding theLand Taxareapproved aspartoftheBudget Law. Moldova will
submit atranslated copy ofthe1997 Budget Law asitbecomes available. Thedraft TaxCode has
already been submitted totheWorking Party (WT/ACC/MOL/3/Add.1).
Question 11.
Please provide amore complete description ofthecorporate profit tax.What items areincluded
anddeducted toarrive attheamount ofcorporate profit subject tothe32percenttaxrate? Please
describe howtheamount ofthelabour costdeduction isdetermined. Arethere anyinstances when
arate other 32percent isapplied todetermine theamount ofthetax? Arethere anydifferences
inthetreatment offoreign-owned enterprises anddomestic enterprises intheapplication ofthe
corporate profit tax?
Answer:
Thetaxable income subject tothe32percent taxrateisthesum oftotal revenues from the
saleofgoods, works andservices produced byacompany plus allother income notresulting from
thecompany 'sownproduction (income received asaresult ofoperations ofanother company inwhich
theformerhasanequityparticipation,incomeforrents,compensations,damages),minusallexpenditure
incurred asaresult ofthese activities.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 8
Calculation ofTaxable Income
1 Sales ofthecompany 'sown production ofgoods, works andservices
2 + Other income, including income received asaresult ofoperations ofanother
company inwhich theformer hasanequity participation, income forrents,
compensations, damages
3 = Total Gross Income
4 Material costs, including rawmaterials, semi-finished goods, spare parts, fuels,
energy, packaging materials andallother goods andservices used inthe
production ofthegoods andservices produced
5 + Personnel costs, including salaries, social insurance contributions
6 + Depreciation offixed assets
7 + Other costs, including interest payments
8 = Total Expenditure
3-8 Taxable Income
Thecomplete listofdeductible expenditure items iscontained inthe"Resolution ontheapproval
ofgeneral provisions onthestructure ofexpenses onproduction andrealization ofgoods (works,
services), included initscostprice andonorder offorming thefiscal outcomes ofenterprises" No.340
of2June 1993. Atranslated copy willbesubmitted together with these answers. Thefollowing points
should benoted:
- VAT paid oninputs isdeductible from theVAT ontheproducts sold;
- expenditure foritems forwhich theGovernment hasestablished normative prices exceeding
theestablished level arenotacknowledged. Atpresent normative prices areinforce for
representation (except forMOLDEXPO), advertising andtraining ofpersonnel. Details are
contained inAnnex 3ofthe"Regulation onexpenditure incurred intheproduction andsale
ofgoods andservices, included inthecost-price, andondetermining thefinancial results of
enterprises" No. 340of2June 1993;
- charity andsponsorship contributions canbededucted uptoanamount of10percentofthe
netprofit (Article 11,1997 Budget Law);
- payments forsocial support ofupto1percent ofprofits (Article 11,1997 Budget Law).
Inthepast, labour costs could only bededucted uptoanaverage ofsixminimum salaries per
employee. Corporate taxes ofcompanies were assessed ontheprofit thuscalculated. Companies could
payhigher wages andsalaries buttheamount exceeding sixminimum salaries hadtotaken outofthe
netprofit. However, thispractice hasbeen discontinued. Now labour costs canbefully deducted and
companies areassessed forcorporate taxafter alllabour costs have been deducted.
Until 31December 1996, there wasauniform corporate taxrateof32percent except for
thefollowing types ofrevenues which aresubject toataxrateof70percent: earnings from casinos,
video halls, slotmachines, fortune games. The1997 Budget Law introduced areduced corporate tax
rateof25percentforagricultural andmanufacturing companies. Forservice companies the32percent
taxratecontinues toapply.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 9
Companies established under theForeign Investment Law with aforeign equity participation
ofmore than US$ 250.000 enjoy a50percentreduction oftheprofit taxforaperiod offiveyears.
Inallother respects foreign anddomestic companies aretreated inthesame manner forthepurposes
ofcorporate taxation.
Question 12.
How does theGovernment define 'equity 'forpurposes ofapplying the0.11 percent Annual
Company Tax? What amounts areincluded inequity? How does theGovernment ofMoldova
value equity forenterprises thatwere recently privatized solely forNPBs? Arethere anydifferences
inthetreatment offoreign-owned enterprises, orforeign equity inenterprises, than fordomestic
enterprises intheapplication oftheAnnual Company Tax?
Answer:
Thetaxreferred toistheReal Estate Tax. Thesentence inChapter II,section 2(b)should read:
"Enterprisesaslegalentitiesarealsosubjecttoanannualtaxof0.1percentoftheirimmovableassets..."
Allenterprises, irrespective oftheir organizational form, aresubject tothistax.TheReal Estate
Taxisapproved aspartoftheBudget Law. The1997 Budget Law stipulates a0.1percent ratefor
legal persons except house andgarage building cooperatives (Annex 13,1997 Budget Law). Agricultural
enterprises paytheReal Estate TaxaspartoftheLand Tax(Annex 11,1997 Budget Law).
Question 13.
Please describe more fully theRoad Tax. What items areincluded anddeducted indetermining
theamount of'net'turnover subject tothe1.5percent taxrate? Istheamount oftheRoad Tax
affected byanenterprise 'simports andexports? How does theGovernment ofMoldova define
'trading companies 'forthepurposes ofapplying thereduced 0.06 percent Road Tax? Arethere
anydifferences inthetreatment offoreign-owned enterprises than fordomestic enterprises in
theapplication oftheRoad Tax?
Answer:
With adoption ofthenewLaw ontheRoad Fund No.720-XIII of2February 1996 theRoad
Taxsystem hasbeen substantially modified. Moldova willsubmit atranslated copy oftheLaw tothe
Working Party.
TheLaw provides forthefollowing four types ofcharges:
(i) charges forusing theroads oftheRepublic ofMoldova byvehicles notregistered inMoldova;
(ii) charges forusing theroads oftheRepublic ofMoldova byvehicles registered inMoldova;
(iii) feesforauthorizations tocirculate heavy oroversize vehicles;
(iv) feesforspecial permits tocarry outmaintenance ininfrastructure works along public roads.
Foritems (i)and(ii)thetaxconsists ofaspecific amount pervehicle depending onthe
specifications. Therates arecontained inAnnexes 1-4oftheLaw. Therates apply equally toforeign
andMoldovan economic agents andcitizens.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 10
Question 14.
GATT Article Iprovides most-favoured-nation treatment toallmatters included inparagraphs 2
and4ofGATT Article III(which includes internal taxation). According totheMemorandum
(WT/ACC/MOL/2), Moldova iscurrently excluding imports from CISStates from itsvalue added
tax(VAT), butisimposing VAT onimports from allother countries.
Please indicate how Moldova willamend itsVAT Law tobring itinto conformity with WTO
requirements prior toaccession.
Intrade with CIScountries, theprinciple oforigin isapplied while trade with allother countries,
theprinciple ofdestination isused. Does Moldova intend toharmonize those twomodes?
Answer:
Theprinciple oforigin wasinitially applied byallCIScountries with regard totrade between
them. In1996 Ukraine hasmoved unilaterally totheprinciple ofdestination which hascreated some
problems inbilateral trade relations, notably double taxation forMoldovan exports andtaxexemption
forUkrainian products.
Intergovernmental talks between CIScountries were held, e.g.inChisinau inMay 1996 and
inYerevan inOctober 1996, toprepare adraft decision forallCIScountries toapply theprinciple
ofdestination. Moldova supports thisproposal anditsGovernment approved ataxreform concept which
includes theapplication oftheprinciple ofdestination forVAT purposes inallofitsforeign trade,
including with CIScountries.
TheMinistry ofFinance iscurrently preparing anewdraft lawonVAT which willestablish
theprinciple ofdestination. Itisexpected thattheprinciple ofdestination willcome intoeffect nolater
than January 1998 which willbring theMoldovan system intoconformity with WTO requirements.
The1997 Budget Law introduced anumber ofVAT exemptions forcertain goods, ifthese
goodsoriginateincertaincountries.Moldovaisawarethatthismeasureisinconsistentwiththeprovisions
oftheGATT andwillamend itslegislation accordingly.
Question 15.
Moldova reports that a20percent advalorem VAT rate isimposed onimports from non-CIS
countries. Isthe20percent rate assessed ontheinvoice value orontheduty-paid value ofthe
imported good?
Answer:
The20percent taxrateisassessed onthecustoms value (Article 4,Law onVAT).
Question 16.
Pleaseidentifyallgoods,includingHSnumbers,andservicesthatareexemptfromtheValue-Added
Tax. Itappears from theMemorandum that thelistofexempt goods andservices isestablished
annually bythe"Law onState Budget". Isthislistpublished? Please describe theprocedure for
notifying importers ofchanges intheitems covered bytheVAT Tax.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 11
Answer:
Abasic listofexemptions from VAT isgiven inArticle 5oftheLaw onVAT which was
submittedtogetherwiththeMemorandum(WT/ACC/MOL/2/Add.1).Additionalexemptionsareapproved
annually aspartoftheBudget Law. Both theLaw onVAT andtheBudget Law have been published
intheMonitorul Oficial, asarealllaws oftheRepublic ofMoldova. Importers canpurchase copies
oftheMonitorul Oficial orenquire attheTaxInspectorate attheMinistry ofFinance. Aconsolidated
listcomprising both thebasic listoftheLaw onVAT andthelistofthe1997 Budget Law willbe
submitted (WT/ACC/MOL/3/Add.2).
Question 17.
Please describe anyperformance requirements fortheexclusion from VAT forraw materials
used infootwear andtextile production.
Answer:
Theonly performance requirement forrawmaterials used infootwear andtextile production,
asintheproduction ofanyother good, tobeexempted from VAT isthatthefinal product isexported.
Question 18.
Please provide atranslated copy oftheLaw onExcise Tax totheWorking Party.
Answer:
Moldova willsubmit acopy oftheLaw onExcise Tax.
Question 19.
Please identify, including HSnumbers, allproducts subject toexcise taxes andtheapplicable
taxrates. (Note: thetable ofgoods subject toexcise taxprovided intheMemorandum does not
include oilandoilproducts, jewellery made ofprecious metal, tobacco andtobacco products,
beer andbrandy.)
Please identify anddescribe anydifferences intheexcise taxrates applicable toimported and
domestic products. What isthetaxable base fordomestic andimported products?
Does Moldova respond tothecriteria ofArticle IIIofGATT 1994 regarding excise bynotapplying
different rates ondomestic andimported?
Answer:
Moldova willsubmit acomplete listofgoods subject totheexcise tax,including theapplicable
rate, theHSnumbers andthetaxable base (WT/ACC/MOL/3/Add.2). Therates charged forcertain
imported products arehigher thanfordomestically produced goods. Thelistincludes allimported goods
forwhich different rates arecharged, including theapplicable rate, theHSnumber andthetaxable
base.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 12
(d) Foreign anddomestic investment policies
Question 20.
According totheMemorandum, allindustrial sectors areopen toforeign investment provided
thatitdoes notconflict with theinterests ofState security, theprovision oftheanti-trust legislation
orstandards inenvironmental protection, public health andpublic morals.
Can Moldova confirm that theformer State monopoly inforeign trade hasbeen abolished and
thatnorestrictions exist ontheright offoreign anddomestic individuals andenterprises toimport
and export goods and services within itscustoms territory, except asprovided forinWTO
Agreements? Please citetheprovision ofMoldova 'sconstitution orother legal provisions that
address thisissue.
Answer:
Moldova confirms thattheformer State monopoly inforeign trade hasbeen abolished. Except
forthelimitation thatgoods theimport orexport ofwhich issubject tolicensing canonly beimported
orexported byfirms, including individual firms (Government Decision No.371of6June 1995), there
arenorestrictions ontheright offoreign anddomestic individuals andenterprises toimport andexport
goods andservices within itscustoms territory which areincompatible with WTO Agreements The
relevant legal provision areArticle 9oftheMoldovan Constitution which provides forfreeeconomic
initiative andfaircompetition, andtheLaw onFundamentals ofForeign Economic Activity inthe
Republic ofMoldova No.849-XII of3January 1992 which was submitted together with the
Memorandum (WT/ACC/MOL/2/Add.1).
Question 21.
Can Moldova confirm that individuals andfirms arenotrestricted intheir ability toimport or
export based ontheir registered scope ofbusiness, andthecriteria forregistration ofcompanies
inMoldova aregenerally applicable andpublished intheofficial gazette? Please listthese criteria.
Answer:
Moldova confirms thatindividuals andfirms arenotrestricted intheir ability toimport orexport
based ontheir registered scope ofbusiness. Ifacompany hasnotincluded import andexport activities
initscompany statute itcanaddthese activities without difficulty, asstated intheMemorandum
(Article 10,Law onEnterprises andEntrepreneurship).
The criteria forregistration ofcompanies aresetoutintheLaw onEnterprises and
Entrepreneurship No.845-XII of3January 1992 which wassubmitted together withtheMemorandum.
There areadditional requirements forcertain types ofbusiness, e.g.banking, insurance, orforcertain
types oforganizational form, e.g.joint stock companies. Thespecific registration requirements for
these cases aresetoutintherespective special laws. These laws, likealllaws oftheRepublic of
Moldova, arepublished intheMonitorul Oficial.
Registration canonly bewithheld if:
(i) theprovisions oftheLaw onEnterprises andEntrepreneurship orthespecial registration
requirements forthecases falling intothecategories referred tointhepreceding paragraph
areviolated;WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 13
(ii) thedocuments submitted forregistration donotmeet therequirements setoutintherelevant
laws;
(iii) thedocuments submitted forregistration areincomplete (Article 30,Law onEnterprises and
Entrepreneurship).
Question 22.
Arethefeesforregistering foreign-invested companies with theState Registration Chamber in
theMinistry ofJustice thesame asfortheregistration ofdomestic companies?
Answer:
Thefeesforregistering foreign-invested companies with theState Registration Chamber in
theMinistry ofJustice arethesame asfortheregistration ofdomestic companies (Article 13,Law
onForeign Investment).
Question 23.
Does Moldova publish alistofindustrial sectors notopen toforeign investment? How isthis
informationmadeavailabletothepublicandforeignenterprisesinterestedininvestinginMoldova?
Please describe theprocess andconditions forobtaining approval toestablish anenterprise in
these industrial sectors.
Answer:
There isaseparate system fortheprivatization ofagriculture. Apart from thattheprivatization
programme proceeds byobjects, notbysectors andnospecific approval procedure exists fordomestic
andforeign investors. Acomplete listofobjects tobeprivatized ispublished intheMonitorul Oficial
together with theLaw ontheState Privatization Programme. TheLaw alsocontains alistofobjects
which arenotprivatized. Acopy ofthecurrent listofobjects nottobeprivatized willbesubmitted.
Asfornewly created enterprises with foreign equity participation, Article 4oftheLaw on
Foreign Investment stipulates thatallbranches oftheeconomy areopen toforeign investment provided
thefollowing isnotviolated:
- State security interests;
- anti-monopoly legislation;
- norms ofenvironmental protection;
- public health;
- social order;
- moral norms.
Amendments tothislistorregulations specifying thisprovision would come intoforce inthe
form ofalaworaGovernment decision, both ofwhich arepublished intheMonitorul Oficial. Until
now noamendments tothislisthave been enacted.
Inaddition tothepublication intheMonitorul Official theMoldovan Agency forthePromotion
ofForeignInvestmentispublishingbrochurestoinformforeigninvestorsaboutinvestmentopportunities
andconditions inMoldova andisorganizing presentations inMoldova andinWestern countries.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 14
Question 24.
Moldova reserves theright tolimit orprohibit activities ortoestablish certain fields ofactivity
where theundertakings offoreign companies arelimited orprohibited, asmentioned above. Does
Moldova reserve theright tolimit orprohibit activities offoreign investment foranypurposes
other than State security, theprovisions ofanti-trust legislation orstandards inenvironmental
protection,publichealthandpublicmorals?Howaretheserestrictionsnotifiedtoforeigninvestors?
Areforeign investors compensated forinvestments already made inactivities that subsequently
limited orprohibited?
Moldova reserves theright tolimit orprohibit activities ortoestablish certain fields ofactivity
where undertakings offoreign companies arelimited orprohibited. Inwhich regulations arethose
limitations defined?
Answer:
Moldova hasnointention toalter thefields ofactivity where theundertakings offoreign
companiesarerestrictedwhicharecitedintheLawonForeignInvestment.Foreigninvestorsarenotified
oftheexisting restrictions bythepublication intheMonitorul Oficial oftheLaw onForeign Investment
(Article 4).Any amendments totheLaw willalsobepublished intheMonitorul Official. Foreign
investors arecompensated forinvestments already made inactivities thataresubsequently limited or
prohibited (Article 39etseq., Law onForeign Investment).
Question 25.
Iftheshare offoreign investors intheequity ofacompany exceeds US$ 5million, itisnecessary
togetapproval from theanti-trust authorities. Isthisrequirement included intheLaw "On
Monopoly Activities Limitation andtheDevelopment ofCompetition" that wasnotified tothe
Secretariat, orisitfound elsewhere?
Answer:
The requirement forestablishing companies with aforeign equity participation exceeding
US$ 5million tobeapproved bytheanti-trust authorities isfound inArticle 11oftheLaw onForeign
Investment which was submitted tothe Working Party together with the Memorandum
(WT/ACC/MOL/2/Add.1).
Question 26.
Aredomestic investors required toobtain approval from anti-trust authorities forinvestments
intheequity ofcompanies inexcess ofUS$5million? What criteria areapplied inwhether approval
forforeign investment willbegranted bytheanti-trust authorities? Arethere anyperformance
requirements, such asminimum purchase ofdomestic materials, domestic employment, production
orexport requirements, applicable tothereceipt ofanti-trust approval?
Answer:
Domesticinvestorsarenotrequiredtoobtainapprovalfromanti-trustauthoritiesforinvestments
intheequity ofcompanies inexcess ofUS$ 5million. Possible restrictions ofcompetition bydomestic
companies areexamined automatically whenever amerger, union orassociation ofbusiness iscreated
(Article 8,LawonMonopoly Activities Limitation andtheDevelopment ofCompetition). Furthermore,WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 15
apossible restriction ofcompetition byforeign, domestic orjoint-venture companies isexamined if
arequest forexamination ismade bybusinesses, theregulatory authorities, consumers 'associations,
unions, courts orbytheCommittee onEconomic Reform (CER) itself which considers theapplications.
Thecriteria forwithholding approval ortaking remedial action arethesame irrespective of
what gave risetoanexamination bytheCER, orwhatever typeofinstitution (governmental orprivate)
orcompany (foreign, domestic orjoint-venture) itconcerns. These criteria aresetoutinArticles 3-7
oftheLaw onMonopoly Activities Limitation andtheDevelopment ofCompetition. These are:
(i) preventing entrepreneurial entities from abusing their dominant position inthemarket;
(ii) banning agreements (coordinated actions) between entrepreneurial entities thatrestrict orlimit
competition;
(iii) non-admittance ofactions undertaken byregulatory authorities aimed atrestricting competition;
(iv) banning agreements, including coordinated actions, ofregulatory authorities aimed atrestricting
competition.
Question 27.
Please describe anydifferences intheapprovals forforeign anddomestic investors, with respect
totheStateEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyandMedicalandEpidemiologicalAgency,confirming
thesafety oftheapplied technology andtheplanned production facilities.
Answer:
There arenodifferences intheapprovals forforeign anddomestic investors, with respect to
theState Environmental Protection Agency andMedical andEpidemiological Agency, confirming the
safety oftheapplied technology andtheplanned production facilities. Article 10oftheLaw onForeign
Investment requires production facilities planned byenterprises with foreign equity participation to
comply with therelevant legislation ofMoldova which does notdifferentiate between foreign and
domestic companies.
Question 28.
Please identify, including HSnumber, allcapital goods that areexempt from customs duty if
they areused asassets inanewly formed enterprise, orwhich willbeused foracapital increase.
Please describe theprocess forobtaining thisduty exemption.
Answer:
Article 35oftheLawonForeign Investment exempts allgoods, capital andother, from customs
duties iftheyareused asin-kind contribution totheformation orincrease ofthecapital ofanenterprise
withforeign equity participation. Inorder forthegoods tobeexempted alistofthegoods tobeimported
under thisprivilege hastobepresented totheState Registration Chamber where thecompany with
foreign equity participation isregistered. The listwill bestamped andhastobepresented upon
importation ofthegoods.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 16
Question 29.
Moldova 'sForeign Investment Actoffers taxandcustoms incentives forforeign investment, e.g.
a50percent reduction inincome taxforafiveyear period onthecondition that theforeign
investment exceeds US$ 250,000 andover 50percent ofsales revenue isearned from itsown
goods andservices. Please elaborate onanddescribe what ismeant by"earned from itsowngoods
andservices".
Answer:
Thesentence intheMemorandum should read: "...on thecondition thattheforeign investment
exceeds US$ 250,000 andthatover 50percentoftheincome oftheenterprise comes from thesale
ofitsownproduction". Therationale ofgranting privileges toforeign investors istocreate employment
andenlarge andmodernize theproductive base oftheeconomy. Itwasfeltthatcompanies with foreign
equity participation canmake amore tangible contribution toattaining thisobjective ifthey create
additional productive capacity andarenotmere holding companies.
Question 30.
Please provide theWorking Party with atranslated copy oftheState Register ofEnterprises which
aremajor producers ofaproduct inthedomestic market, theproducts theenterprises produce,
andtheamount ofextra taxthat they arerequired topay. Please identify allofthese enterprises
inwhich there isasubstantial amount offoreign investment orwhich arecontrolled bytheState.
Have anyofthese enterprises been granted, formally orineffect, anyexclusive orspecial privileges
bytheGovernment ofMoldova? Ifso,please describe theprivileges.
Answer:
Atthebeginning ofthetransition process large State enterprises were automatically considered
monopolists because they were theonly Moldovan supplier intheir domains. With more andmore
foreign products being imported these enterprises quickly losttheir monopoly position andwere left
with only asmall share ofthemarket.
Against thisbackground theGovernment ceased compiling thislist.Thelastlistofthistype
was compiled for1994. Acopy ofthe list has been submitted tothe Working Party
(WT/ACC/MOL/3/Add.2). Thetaxhasnotbeen levied since 1994 andwillbeabolished inthecontext
oftheredrafting ofthelegal provisions governing competition andmonopolies.
III. FRAMEWORKFORMAKINGANDENFORCINGPOLICIESAFFECTINGFOREIGN
TRADE INGOODS AND TRADE INSERVICES
1. Powers ofExecutive, Legislative andJudicial Branches ofGovernment
Question 31.
What authority does theExecutive have toestablish tariffs and taxes onimports without
parliamentary approval oraction?
Answer:
Tariffs andtaxes onimports areestablished byParliament intheannual Budget Law which
istheonly competent body todothis.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 17
Question 32.
Please describe theprocess Moldova willundertake toaccept aninvitation toaccede totheWTO,
e.g.,willparliamentaryapprovalbenecessarybeyondanylegalchangesmadetoimplementspecific
WTO Agreements?
Answer:
Theaccession protocol willhave toberatified bytheParliament ofMoldova.
Question 33.
What willbethelegal status ofWTO provisions after Moldova ’saccession intheabsence ofspecific
conforming legislative implementation ofindividual agreements?
After accession, canWTO provisions beenforced inMoldova without theexistence ofspecific
legal requirements?
Answer:
Upon ratification byParliament theaccession protocol willhave thestatus ofaMoldovan law.
Itisexpected thataprovision willbeinserted intotheratification lawthattheprovisions oftheWTO
Agreements override existing Moldovan domestic lawifthelatter contains different provisions. WTO
provisions canthen beenforced inMoldova without further specific legislation.
2. Government Entities Responsible forMaking andImplementing Policies Affecting Foreign
Trade
Question 34.
Since thelastpresidential election of1December, what have been themain changes inthedecision
andimplementation offoreign trade policies?
Answer:
TheGovernment hassubmitted toParliament anumber oflaws, including theLaw onForeign
Economic Activity andtheLaw ontheCustoms Tariff, which arebeing referred toelsewhere inthis
document.
ThedraftGovernmentDecisiononExternalEconomicRelations,whichwillreplaceGovernment
Decision No.371of6June 1995, willreestablish theGovernmental Commission forExternal Economic
Relations with thetaskofcoordinating external economic activity.
3. Division ofAuthority Between Central andSub-Central Governments
Question 35.
GATT Article XXIV provides that each Member shall take reasonable measures toensure
observanceoftheprovisionsoftheAgreementbytheregionalandlocalgovernmentsandauthorities
within itsterritory.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 18
Please provide theWorking Party with atranslated copy ofthestatute granting autonomy to
theGagauz-Yeri region anddescribe allautonomous authority that theGagauz-Yeri region has
with respect toforeign trade. Does thecentral Government administer theborders inthe
Gagauz-Yeri region? Does theGagauz-Yeri region issue andimplement itsowntechnical standards
andsanitaryandphytosanitarystandards?DoestheGagauz-YeriGovernmentsubsidizeenterprises
intheregion?
Answer:
Moldova willsubmit atranslated copy ofthestatute granting autonomy totheGagauz-Yeri
region totheWorking Party. TheGagauz-Yeri region hasnoautonomous authority with respect to
foreign trade. The central Government administers theborders intheGagauz-Yeri region. The
Gagauz-Yeri region does notissue orimplement itsowntechnical standards, sanitary orphyto-sanitary
standards. TheGagauz-Yeri region does notsubsidize enterprises intheregion.
Question 36.
Does theGovernment ofMoldova maintain effective control over imports toandexports from
theterritories ontheleftbank oftheNistru river?
Answer:
Imports toandexports from theterritories ontheleftbank oftheNistru river arecontrolled
bytheauthorities oftheTransnistr region which co-operate closely with thecentral customs authorities
ofMoldova. After thesigning ofamemorandum, itisexpected thatapermanent settlement willbe
reached shortly. Moldova willinform theWorking Party once theprovisions oftheagreement are
known.
Question 37.
Could weobtain some specific indications ontheTransnistrian tariffication system? Forinstance,
doestheTransnistrianauthoritiesapplyadifferentsystemoftarifficationthanthecentralMoldovan
authorities? Isthere anykind oftaxes levied ongoods transferred from oneside oftheNistru
River totheother one? Why dosome statistics (e.g. GDP figures) exclude theTransnistria region?
Answer:
ThesametarifficationsystemappliesequallytoallofMoldova,includingtheTransnistriaregion.
Notaxes arelevied ongoods transferred from onesideoftheNistru River totheother one. Forcertain
parts oftheTransnistrian economy figures compatible with theinternational system ofnational income
accounting arenotavailable.
4. Any Legislative Programmes orPlans toChange theRegulatory Régime
Question 38.
What isthelegislative status oftheForeign Trade Law? HasMoldova completed theredraft of
theLaw? Please provide theWorking Party with atranslated copy ofthedraft amendments and
theExport andImport Regulations ofGoods andServices, No.188-XII, 26July 1990.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 19
Answer:
Thedraft Law onForeign Trade Activity isitsfirstreading inParliament. Drafting hasbeen
completed. Acopy ofthetranslated draft text has been submitted totheWorking Party
(WT/ACC/MOL/3/Add.1). Once adopted thenewLaw onForeign Trade Activity willsupersede both
theLaw onForeign Economic Activity No.849-XII of3January 1992 andtheLaw onExport and
Import Regulations ofGoods andServices, No.188-XII, 26July 1990.
6. Description ofJudicial, Arbitral orAdministrative Tribunals orProcedures, IfAny
Question 39.
Please outline how administrative decisions regarding customs matters, e.g., valuation,
nomenclature, fees, inspections, etc., canbeappealed andtowhat extent there isopportunity
forjudicial review oftheresults oftheadministrative rulings incourts independent ofthecustoms
authorities.
Please describe how other commercial andother disputes regarding trade measures andpolicies
arehandled inMoldova ’sjudicial system, with emphasis ontheright toappeal decisions and
rulings related WTO matters, e.g., appeal ofanti-dumping and countervailing duty rulings,
application ofstandards, sanitary andphytosanitary certification, andlicensing.
Answer:
Administrative decisions regarding customs matters andallother matters offoreign trade can
bechallenged inthegeneral courts ortheeconomic courts, depending onthecase. Both courts are
independent. Iftheparties agree thedispute canalsobesubmitted toanarbitration tribunal (Article 23,
Law onForeign Economic Activity No.849-XII of3January 1992).
IV. POLICIES AFFECTING TRADE INGOODS
1. Import Regulation
(a) Registration requirements forengaging inimporting
Question 40.
According totheMemorandum there arenospecific registration requirements forimporters.
However, theintention toimport must bementioned inthestatute oftheenterprise.
Please describe what ismeant bythestatute oftheenterprise. Isthestatute oftheenterprise
comparable toarticles ofincorporation forcorporations and partnership agreements for
partnerships? What forms ofentities require statutes inMoldova? Please describe theprocedures
forregistering thestatutes ofenterprises.
Answer:
Thestatute oftheenterprise iscomparable toarticles ofincorporation forcorporations and
partnership agreements forpartnerships. Adetailed listoftheinformation tobeprovided inthestatute
iscontained inArticle 23oftheLaw onEnterprises andEntrepreneurship. Forcertain types of
organizations, e.g., banks, insurances, joint stock companies andcooperatives, special provisions exist
intherelevantlaws.Alltypesofenterprises,includingthosewithoutlegalpersonality,mustberegisteredWT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 20
andrequire astatute. Statutes arenotregistered. Statutes aresubmitted together with theapplication
forregistration andadocument confirming thepayment ofaregistration fee.
Question 41.
May allforms ofbusiness enterprises, including corporations, partnerships andindividuals, engage
inthebusiness ofimporting andexporting?
Answer:
Allforms ofbusiness enterprises, including corporations, partnerships andindividual firms,
may engage inthebusiness ofimporting andexporting.
Question 42.
Under what circumstances canindividuals, either foreign ornationals, engage inimportation
andexportation activities?
Answer:
Iftheimportation andexportation activities areofacommercial nature, theonly requirement
isthattheindividuals have toregister their activities asabusiness. Iftheimportation andexportation
activities arefortheindividuals ’personal consumption, there arenorequirements. However, asnatural
persons they may notimport orexport goods which aresubject tolicensing. Thesame rules apply
forforeigners andcitizens ofMoldova.
(b) Characteristics ofnational tariff
Question 43.
When wasthecurrent tariff amended forthelasttime andwhen does Moldova intend tosubmit
itstariff totheSecretariat?
Answer:
TheMoldovan customs tariff waslastamended inearly April 1997. Itispartoftheannual
Budget Law. The 1996 customs tariff had been submitted tothe WTO last year
(WT/ACC/MOL/2/Add.1).
Acopy ofthe1997 customs tariff willbesubmitted totheWorking Party.
Question 44.
Does Moldova ’stariff system usethe8-digit United States ortheEuropean HStariff descriptions?
Answer:
Moldova uses theEuropean HStariff descriptions.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 21
Question 45.
Forimported products subject tospecific orcompound duties, please provide therateofthespecific
duty, orthespecific component ofcompound duties, foreach tariff item andadescription of
themeasurement, such askilogram orpiece, used forthedetermination oftheamount ofthe
duty. With respect toagricultural products, could Moldova provide further details astohow the
specific duties areadministered?
Answer:
Specific duties areapplied tothefollowing products:
Code Description Rate ofDuty (%)
2203 Malt beer 1.0ecu/l
2204 Natural wine, including strong wines; must ofgrapes
other than initem 20091.32 ecu/l
2205 Vermouths andother wines flavoured with herb or
other aromatic substances 1.32 ecu/l
2206 Other fermented drinks (e.g. apple orpear cider,
hydromel); mixtures ofother fermented drinks and
nonalcoholic drinks notmentioned inother items 0.24 ecu/l
2207 Essential alcohol of80% ormore; ethyl alcohol and
other alcoholic drinks, ofanyconcentrations 1.0ecu/l
220710 Ethyl alcohol of80% ormore 10.0 ecu/dal
2208 Ethyl alcohol ofupto80%: 10.0 ecu/dal
220810 -220890 ofwhich vodka, liqueur andother alcohol products 4.0ecu/l
2402 Leaf cigarettes, cigars made oftobacco orits
substitutes 30ecu/1000 pieces
Theadministration ofthese specific duties follows thenormal rules ofcustoms procedures.
Question 46.
What isMoldova ’strade-weighted average customs tariff rate?
Answer:
Moldovan National Tariff
Average Tariff Rates
Description Year Percentage
Simple average 1995 9.5%
Simple average 1996 n.a.*
Trade weighted average 1995 5.9%
Trade weighted average 1996 4.8% (using 1995 weights) *
Trade weighted average 1997 11.6% (using 1996 weights)WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 22
* Asimple average for1996 hasnotbeen calculated asthe1996 tariff included anumber of
relatively high fixed duty rates. When calculating theweighted average these could beignored asthere
have notbeen important import volumes inthese tariff lines.
(c) Tariff quotas, tariff exemptions
Question 47.
Does Moldova intend tointroduce some tariff quotas orother quantitative import restrictions?
Could weobtain some further explanations onthetemporary restrictions regarding theexport
ofunbottled wine (Government Decision 231/196)? Have there been any changes since
December 1996 regarding non-tariff measures ingeneral?
Answer:
Moldova does notintend tointroduce tariff quotas orquantitative restrictions. Thetemporary
export restriction onunbottled wine, introduced asameasure topromote theimage ofMoldovan wine,
wasabolished inSeptember 1996. There have been nochanges regarding non-tariff measures since
December 1996.
Question 48.
Please identify allproducts, including HSnumbers, imported from members oftheCommonwealth
ofIndependent States andRomania which arenotentitled totariff exemptions.
Answer:
Allproducts imported toMoldova from members oftheCommonwealth ofIndependent States
andfrom Romania areentitled totariff exemptions.
Question 49.
According totheMemorandum certain types ofimports areexempt from duty such ascharitable
donations, goods under co-operational contracts, etc.Please identify anyagricultural imports,
including HSnumbers, that areexempted from import duty.
Answer:
Theimport duty exemption referred tohere does notdepend onthetype ofproduct buton
itsuse.Allgoodsdeclaredascharitabledonationsofferedfree-of-chargetorecognizedcharityinstitutions
such asorphanages, churches, centres forthedisabled, benefit from thisexemption. Such donations
maycome from organizations such asRedCross, Caritas, Kolping-Werk, Brot-für die-Welt, orfrom
individuals.
‘Cooperational contracts ’refers totheGSP system oftheEuropean Union (EU) (imports of
rawmaterials areexempt from duty ifthefinal product isexported totheEU) andagreements of
technical cooperation between Moldova anditspartners. Theterm 'cooperational contract 'issometimes
alsoused torefer tocontracts between enterprises inthecontext oftemporary imports. Forthese, refer
totheanswer given inChapter II,section 2(b) inanearlier communication.
Goods imported fortheuseinprojects oftechnical cooperation areexempt from customs duty
andVAT inaccordance with theimmunities granted toforeign diplomatic missions andagencies ofWT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 23
technical assistance. Upon completion oftechnical assistance projects such goods aretransferred to
State-ownership forgovernment useandthereceiving government institution does notpaycustoms
duty orVAT inaccordance with theagreements signed with thedonor countries.
(d) Other duties andcharges
Question 50.
GATT Article VIII provides that allfeesandcharges imposed inconnection with importation
orexportation shall belimited inamount totheapproximate costofservices rendered andshall
notrepresent ataxation ofimports forfiscal purposes. Moldova 'sapplication ofanadvalorem
customs user fee,even though modest inamount, does notsatisfy thisWTO requirement. A
cost-based feecustoms system willneed tobedeveloped andimplemented prior toWTO accession.
Foragricultural products, please elaborate further onthenature andscope ofthecustoms services
andoperations forwhich theuser feeisassessed. Please describe theadministrative procedure
used toassess thefees.
Answer:
Moldova isaware oftheGATT panel decision of1988 thattheuseofanadvalorem system
ofcustoms userfeesisinconsistent with theprovisions ofArticles II.2(c) andVIII.1(a) oftheGATT
totheextent thatitcauses feestobelevied inexcess oftheapproximate costs ofcustoms processing
forindividual entries inquestion.
Thecustoms user feefinances theactivities oftheCustoms Department. Atpresent proceeds
from allimport andexport transaction areentered intoasingle operating budget oftheDepartment.
Asaresult expenditure foraspecific transaction, beitexport orimport need notcoincide with receipts
from customs user feescharged inconnection with thatparticular transaction.
TheGovernment ofMoldova intends tochange itssystem sothatthecustoms user feewill
either beincorporated inthecustoms tariff oraflatfeereflecting theaverage cost ofprocessing a
customs declaration willbeintroduced.
(e) Quantitative import restrictions
Question 51.
Arethere anyprovisions inMoldovan Law that authorize theExecutive toapply quantitative
restrictions under certain circumstances? Ifso,please citetheprovision oflawandgiveexamples
ofsituations where such restrictions could beapplied.
Answer:
Article 13oftheLaw onForeign Economic Activity authorizes theGovernment torestrict
theexport andimport ofgoods andservices ortosuspend foreign economic transactions. Temporary
export andimport restrictions forcertain goods andservices forspecific countries orgroups ofcountries
canbeintroduced forbalance-of-payments reasons orunder other economic andpolitical conditions.
However, such temporary measures must respect provisions ofinternational treaties andagreements
towhich Moldova isaparty (Article 3,Law onForeign Economic Activity).WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 24
(f) Import licensing procedures
Question 52.
According totheinformation provided inAnnex 3oftheMemorandum, therules onimport
licensing inMoldova aregoverned byDecision No.371onImport Licensing, bytheGovernment
ofMoldova, 6June 1995. However, theGovernment was introducing aregulation onimport
licensing.
What isthecurrent status oftheRegulation governing import licensing? Does theRegulation
supersede Decision No.371? Please submit atranslated copy ofthelegal provisions, either the
Decision ortheRegulation, which arecurrently governing import licensing inMoldova tothe
Working Party forreview.
Answer:
Theterms 'Government Decision 'and'Government Resolution 'were used interchangeably
inAnnex 3oftheMemorandum. Both refer toGovernment Decision No.371of6June 1995. Moldova
willsubmit atranslated copy totheWorking Party.
AnewGovernment decision, replacing Decision No.371iscurrently being examined bythe
Government. Moldova willsubmit atranslated copy ofthedraft totheWorking Party.
Question 53.
Please provide amore descriptive listofallgoods, including HSnumbers, subject toimport
licensing. Annex 3AoftheMemorandum, forexample, does notspecify exactly which chemicals,
medicines, precious metals andminerals require import licences. Please identify allagricultural
products subject toimport licensing.
Answer:
Products forwhich Import Licences areIssued bytheMinistry ofAgriculture
Product Group HS-Code
Products ofthechemical andallied industries 28.01 -28.51
Organic chemicals 29.01 -29.42
Fertilizers 31.01 -31.05
Products forWhich Import Licences areIssued bytheMinistry ofEconomy
Product Group HS-Code *
Weapons, ammunition, military equipment, kitstoproduce such
equipment, works andservices inthefield oftechnical-military
cooperation93.00
Explosive substances 36.01 -36.03
Nuclear materials, technologies, equipment andinstallations toproduce
such materials28.44, 84.01
Ionic radiation sources -WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 25
Product Group HS-Code *
Pharmaceutical products 30.00
Equipment andtools forgeneral medicine, surgery, stomatology and
veterinary purposes, including devices forscintigraphy andother electric
medical devices; equipment forsight testing;90.18-90-22
Diagnostic tests andchemical reactives 38.22
Medical andoptical equipment 90.01-90.04
Drugs, substances with psychotropic effects; materials toproduce such
substances29.21-29.26
Poisons -
Precious metals, including gold andsilver, minerals, precious stones and
objects made thereof, alloys, semifabricates, wastes containing precious
metals (except electronic articles containing precious metals)71.00
* ThelistofHS-codes covered bythelicensing provisions isintheprocess ofbeing completed.
Moldova willinduecourse submit afinal list.
Question 54.
What documentation orother information must besupplied totheMinistry ofHealth inorder
toobtain authorization foranimport licence formedication andmedical appliances? Arethere
feesorcharges associated with obtaining thisauthorization?
Answer:
Annex 3toGovernment Decision No.581of17August 1995 stipulates thatthefollowing
documents have tobepresented inorder toobtain anauthorization from theMinistry ofHealth for
activities requiring anauthorization (including animport licence formedication andmedical appliances):
(i) application fortheauthorization, stating thetype ofactivity forwhich thelicence isrequested
andthetime period forwhich thelicence isneeded. Forlegal persons theapplication must
include thefollowing additional information: name andlegal status, address, bank account
number andname ofbank where theaccount isheld, fiscal registration number. Forindividual
firms: name andsurname, passport details, fiscal registration papers;
(ii) registration certificate from theState Registration Chamber andthestatute which must include
theactivities forwhich thelicence isrequested;
(iii) documents proving thatatleast onestaff member ofthefirm orenterprise hasthenecessary
professional qualifications andtraining, andevidence that thefirm orenterprise hasthe
appropriate facilities tocarry outtheactivity (e.g. adequate storage andtransport facilities);
(iv) receipt confirming thepayment oftheapplication fee.
These documents have tobepresented only forthefirstimportation. Afilefortheimporter
iscreated andsubsequent authorizations areissued onthebasis ofpreviously submitted documents.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 26
Question 55.
Please identify, including HSnumbers, allgoods that arenotpermitted tobeimported into
Moldova.
Answer:
Atpresent, there arenogoods theimport ofwhich isnotpermitted.
Question 56.
According totheinformation provided inAnnex 3oftheMemorandum, thelicensing feefora
general licence isMDL 180. However, thelicensing feeforproducts tobeexported totheEuropean
Union isMDL 18,plus theLeiequivalent ofoneDM forthecost oftheinternational form.
Does thegeneral feecover licences fortheimportation andexportation? Areexporters tothe
European Union subject toboth theMDL 180general licensing feeandtheother export feesas
well? Areimporters from theEUsubject tothegeneral fee? Arethere anyexport licensing fees
charged onexports tocountries other than theEuropean Union?
Answer:
Thelicence feestructure isasfollows:
Licence Type Import/Export Fee
General licence, valid foroneyear
specifying amonetary equivalentImport andExport MDL 180
Regular licence, valid forone
shipment, issued onthebasis ofa
contractImport andExport 0.1% ofthevalue ofthe
merchandise
GSP licence forexport totheEuropean
Union intheGSP frameworkExport -MDL 18forthelicence
-DM 1forthelicence form
-0.1% forthecertificate of
origin (Form A)
Textile licence forexport tothe
European Union intheframework of
theTextile AgreementExport -MDL 18forthelicence
-DM 2forthelicence form
Thelasttwoitems relate toexports totheEuropean Union intheframework oftheGSP and
theTextile Agreement.
(h) Customs valuation
Question 57.
Moldova acknowledges that itscurrent customs valuation does notsatisfy therequirements of
theWTO Agreement onCustoms Valuation. Weseek Moldova 'scommitment that itwillbring
itsregime into conformity with WTO requirements prior tothedate ofaccession, notafterWT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 27
accession. Inorder toaccomplish this, Moldova should begin nowtorevise itsregime andinstitute
acustoms valuation andclassification system compatible with international norms.
What isthecurrent status ofMoldova 'sefforts toupdate itscustoms valuation legislation and
regime?
What istheschedule forrewriting existing lawandimplementing thenew regime? IsMoldova
receiving anytechnical assistance inrewriting itslaws oncustoms valuation?
Will parliamentary approval berequired toimplement anew customs valuation regime?
Please provide totheWorking Party atranslated copy ofthedraft laworregulations governing
customs valuation when available. Please submit anewresponse tothequestionnaire oncustoms
valuation toreflect thenew customs valuation regime, attheearliest practical opportunity.
Answer:
Moldova iscommitted tobring itscustoms valuation regime into conformity with WTO
requirements prior tothedateofaccession. Thenewlegal provisions oncustoms valuation arepart
ofthedraft Law ontheCustoms Tariff. Assuch, they require parliamentary approval. TheLaw has
been submitted toParliament. Moldova expects thattheLaw willbeadopted before 1January 1998.
Upon adoption byParliament theimplementation willbegin. Moldova hassubmitted acopy ofthe
draft texttotheWorking Party (WT/ACC/MOL/3/Add.1). Moldova hasreceived technical assistance
toprepare thenewdraft law. Anewresponse tothequestionnaire willbesubmitted totheWorking
Party upon adoption oftheLaw byParliament when thefinal textisknown.
Question 58.
Please provide atranslated copy ofArticle 4ofDecision No.99,OnCustoms Value, forreview
bytheWorking Party.
Answer:
Moldova hassubmitted atranslated copy ofDecision No.99of27February 1995 onCustoms
Valuation totheWorking Party (WT/ACC/MOL/3/Add.1).
Question 59.
According totheMemorandum, importers must present copies ofthecontract, theinvoice and
other relevant documents, inorder tocalculate thecustoms value. Please describe theother relevant
documents that need tobesubmitted andexplain how they areused tocalculate customs value.
Answer:
Decision No.99onCustoms Valuation requires theperson submitting thedeclaration topresent
thefollowing documents:
- authentic documents oftheperson whotransports thegoods (while registered with thecustoms
bodies asparticipant inexternal economic activities);
- contract andsupplementary agreements (ifforeseen so);
- theinvoice andbanking payment documents (iftheinvoice ispaid) orthepro-forma invoice;
- other accounting documents showing costs ofgoods;WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 28
- insurance andtransportation documents, ifthey arenecessary inaccordance with delivery
conditions;
- theinvoice fortransportation orthecalculation ofthetransportation expenditures, official
certificate incases thetransportation expenditures where notincluded intheinvoice;
- customs transportation declaration oftheexporting country (ifexists);
- thelistofthepacked goods;
- licence forthegoods, iftheimport ofthegoods iseffected onthebases ofalicence, in
accordance with thesettled method;
- certificates oforigin, quality, security andother documents, ifthese arenecessary forthe
importation ofthegoods concerned.
Incase thecustoms value cannot beestablished onthebasis ofthese documents, theperson
submitting thedeclaration isobliged topresent thefollowing additional information:
- contracts with third persons thatareinvolved inthebusiness;
- payment accounts ofthird persons infavour oftheseller;
- secondary accounts, broker services, thatrefer tothetransaction with evaluated goods;
- accounting documents;
- licence andauthor agreements;
- import licences;
- delivery orders;
- registers, specifications, theprice listofthemanufacturing companies;
- other documents.
Forthevaluation ofthedeclared goods andforcustoms control, other information available
tocustoms control bodies canalsobeused. Thecalculation ofthecustoms value iseffected according
tothefour methods setoutintheDecision.
(j) Pre-shipment inspection
Question 60.
According totheMemorandum, there arenoGovernment regulations onpre-shipment inspection.
Does Moldova require certification ofimports, e.g., forstandards orsanitary purposes, where
aforeign entity isauthorized toprovide theinspection andcertification services required prior
toshipment toMoldova?
Answer:
Allsafety andsanitary norms aremandatory, both fordomestically produced andforimported
goods. Imported goods arecertified aspartoftheimportation procedure. Goods accompanied bya
certificate from arecognized foreign certification body receive their certificate without further
examination onthebasis oftheforeign certificate. Atpresent, onlycertificates from certification bodies
ofCIS countries andRumania arerecognized. Other goods areexamined byoneoftheofficial
16certification bodies. Negotiations fortherecognition offoreign certificates areongoing withanumber
ofcountries including, Poland, Germany andFrance.
Question 61.
Please identify anyproducts, including HSnumbers, that arecurrently subject topre-shipment
inspection (even intheabsence ofaregulation). Does Moldova currently contract with anyprivateWT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 29
entities toperform thisservice? Ifso,please identify theentity. Please identify anyactivities of
thepre-shipment inspection entities, whether government orprivate, which arenotconsistent
with theWTO Agreement onPre-Shipment Inspection.
Answer:
Moldova does not,atpresent, usepre-shipment inspection anddoes nothave anyrules inthis
regard.
(k) Application ofinternal taxes onimports
Question 62.
According totheMemorandum, theexcise taxispayable onallimported goods originating from
Romania andtheCIS countries, butthat Moldova currently excludes imports from CIS States
andRomania from itsexcise tax. Inaddition, imports from CIS States areexempted from its
value-added tax(VAT), butthat theVAT isimposed onimports from allother countries.
GATT Article Iprovides most-favoured-nation treatment toallmatters included inparagraphs 2
and4ofGATT Article III(which includes internal taxation).
Moldova should revise itsexcise taxand VAT law tobring itinto conformity with WTO
most-favoured-nation requirements assoon aspossible andprior toaccession.
Please confirm that theexcise taxandtheVAT areapplied todomestic products atlevels equal
orgreater thatthelevels applied toimports. Please describe how thetaxes areapplied todomestic
goods, e.g., thetaxable base, atwhat point ofsaleandtoimports.
Answer:
The1997 Budget Law introduced anumber ofVAT exemptions forcertain goods, ifthese
goods originate incertain countries. Asfortheexcise tax,higher rates arelevied foranumber of
products ifthese areimported compared todomestically produced goods. Details, including the1997
rates charged fordomestic andimported goods, andthetaxable base were provided inresponse to
thequestions onChapter II,section 2(b)(iii).
Moldova isaware thatthismeasure isinconsistent with theprovisions oftheGATT andwill
amend itslegislation accordingly.
VAT fordomestically produced goods ispaid together with theprice ofthegoods. Firms and
enterprises submit amonthly statement totheMinistry ofFinance, notlaterthanthe20thofthefollowing
month, andpaytheVAT duetogether with thesubmission ofthestatement. VAT onimported goods
must bepaidbefore thegoods enter thecustoms territory oftheRepublic ofMoldova (Article 8,Law
onVAT).
Excise ondomestically produced goods ispaid byproducers ofgoods subject totheexcise
taxonamonthly basis forthegoods sold. Producers submit amonthly statement totheMinistry of
Finance, notlater than the20th ofthefollowing month, andpaytheexcise duetogether with the
submission ofthestatement. Excise taxonimported goods must bepaid before thegoods enter the
customs territory oftheRepublic ofMoldova (Article 4,Law onExcises). Forthispurpose importers
purchase excise stamps andmark thegoods with these stamps.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 30
Question 63.
Please identify allproducts, including HSnumbers, from each CIS State, that receive VAT
exemptions.
Answer:
Initstrade relations with CIScountries, except Ukraine, Moldova isapplying theprinciple
oforigin. Therefore, allgoods originating from CIScountries, except Ukraine, areVAT exempt, on
condition thattheVAT hasbeen paid inthecountry oforigin (Article 14,1997 Budget Law).
(l) Rules oforigin
Question 64.
According totheMemorandum, Moldova applies rules oforigin forimports from CIScountries
and Rumania pursuant topreferential trade agreements, aswell asunder preferences inthe
framework oftheGeneralized System ofPreferences. Alawontherules oforigin isunder
preparation.
What isthestatus oftherules oforigin that arebeing prepared?
When does Moldova expect tonotify itsnew rules oforigin?
IsMoldova receiving technical assistance inthepreparation oftherules?
Please provide atranslated copy ofthedraft rules oforigin totheWorking Party forreview.
Has thenew Law ontheRules ofOrigin been adopted?
Answer:
Thenewdraft rules oforigin areincluded inthedraft Law ontheCustoms Tariff which has
been submitted toParliament. Moldova willnotify itsrules oforigin once thedraft LawontheCustoms
Tariff willhave been adopted andthefinal textisknown. Moldova hasreceived technical assistance
inthepreparation oftherules. Atranslated copy ofthedraft lawhasbeen submitted totheWorking
Party (WT/ACC/MOL/3/Add.1).
Question 65.
Intheabsenceoflegaldocumentsorspecificregulations,pleasedescribehowtheMoldovancustoms
authorities arecurrently determining rules oforigin foruseinnon-preferential commercial policy
instruments.
Answer:
ProofoforiginisrequiredonlyforgoodsimportedfromthosecountrieswhichexporttoMoldova
under apreferential trade agreement andfrom least-developed countries. Theproof isconstituted by
avalid, official certificate oforigin from theexporting country.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 31
Question 66.
Please confirm that Moldova willadopt legal provisions forrules oforigin that conform fully
with therequirements oftheWTO Agreement onRules ofOrigin prior toaccession. Please confirm
thatMoldova willadminister theWTO-consistent rules oforigin forboth m.f.n. andpreferential
trade prior toWTO accession.
Answer:
Moldova confirms thatitwilladopt legal provisions forrules oforigin thatconform fully with
therequirements oftheWTO Agreement onRules ofOrigin prior toaccession andthatitwilladminister
theWTO-consistent rules oforigin forboth m.f.n. andpreferential trade prior toWTO accession.
Question 67.
Does Moldova intend toadopt therules oforigin that arebeing developed intheWTO andthe
World Customs Organization?
Answer:
Intheabsence ofadefinitive textfortherules oforigin developed intheWTO andtheWorld
Customs Organization Moldova hasmodelled itsdraft rules oforigin ontherules oforigin ofthe
European Union. Moldova willadjust itslegislation tobring itintoconformity with theWTO rules
oforigin once theharmonized rules oforigin have been agreed upon bytheWTO.
(m-o) Anti-dumping, countervailing duty andsafeguards régimes
Question 68.
Moldova currently hasnolegal provisions onanti-dumping, countervailing duty, orsafeguard
measures, although itisintheprocess ofpreparing ananti-dumping law.
IfMoldova intends toapply anysuch restrictions after accession totheWTO, itshould bein
thecontext ofalegal regime consistent with theprovisions ofWTO Agreements.
Weseek acommitment from Moldova that itwillnotuseanti-dumping, countervailing duty or
safeguard measures until such legislation isinplace.
Answer:
Moldova willnotuseanti-dumping, countervailing duty orsafeguard measures until such
legislation isinplace.
Question 69.
Please provide atranslated copy ofthedraft anti-dumping lawtotheWorking Party forreview.
What isthecurrent legislative status ofthisdraft law? When does Moldova expect tonotify its
anti-dumping legislation totheWTO?WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 32
Answer:
Thedrafting process hasnotbeen completed yet.Moldova willsubmit atranslated copy of
thedraft Law onAnti-Dumping, Countervailing andSafeguard Measures assoon asthedraft hasbeen
completed.
2. Export Regulation
(a) Registration requirements forengaging inexporting
Question 70.
Theregistration requirements forexporting appear tobethesame asforimporting. Please describe
anydifferences inthese requirements andprocedures.
Answer:
Theregistration requirements forexporting arethesame asforimporting.
(b) Customs tariff nomenclature
Question 71.
Please refer tothestatement relating tocustoms user feeforimports provided inIV.1.(d) above.
GATT Article VIII provides that allfees andcharges imposed inconnection with importation
orexportation shall belimited inamount totheapproximate costofservices rendered andshall
notrepresent ataxation ofimports forfiscal purposes. Moldova 'sapplication ofanadvalorem
customs user fee,even though modest inamount, does notsatisfy thisWTO requirement. A
cost-based feecustoms system willneed tobedeveloped andimplemented prior toWTO accession.
Foragricultural products, please elaborate further onthenature andscope ofthecustoms services
andoperations forwhich theuser feeisassessed. Please describe theadministrative procedure
used toassess thefees.
Answer:
AsstatedinreplytothequestiononMoldova’scustomsuserfeewithregardtoimports,Moldova
isaware thatitscurrent system oflevying thecustoms user feeisincompatible with theGATT.
Thecustoms userfeefinances theactivities oftheCustoms Department. Atpresent proceeds
from allimport andexport transactions areentered intoasingle operating budget oftheDepartment.
Asaresult expenditure foraspecific transaction, beitexport orimport, need notcoincide with receipts
from customs user feescharged inconnection with thatparticular transaction.
TheGovernment ofMoldova intends tochange itssystem sothatthecustoms user feewill
either beincorporated inthecustoms tariff oraflatfeereflecting theaverage cost ofprocessing a
customs declaration willbeintroduced.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 33
(c) Quantitative export restrictions
Question 72.
Please describe theconditions that must besatisfied forthelifting ofthetemporary quantitative
export restriction onunbottled wine. What istheGATT rationale fortheuseofthetemporary
quantitative export restriction onunbottled wine? Please describe indetail thenature andamount
ofthequantitative restriction onunbottled wine, andhow theexport restriction isadministered.
How long hasthistemporary quantitative restriction been ineffect?
Answer:
The restriction, which consisted ofanexport ban forunbottled wine, expired on
30September 1996.
Itwasintroduced fortworeasons. First, theMoldovan Government intended topromote the
image ofMoldovan wine, oneofMoldova 'smost important export products. Domestic quality controls
areonewayofensuring thatbottles ofMoldovan wine meet certain quality standards. Second, bottled
winehasahighervalueaddedwhich,inturn,yieldshighercorporatetaxrevenues.Againstabackground
ofstrained public finances, taxrevenues areahigh priority concern oftheGovernment. However,
themeasure proved ineffective andwastherefore removed after sixmonths ofapplication.
(d) Export licensing procedures
Question 73.
Moldova indicates that licences arerequired for"goods with aspecial character", asspecified
inAnnex 3AoftheMemorandum.
Please provide more detailed descriptions, including HSnumbers, ofallproducts subject toexport
licensing.
Answer:
Thelistofproducts subject toexport licensing isthesame asforimport licensing which has
been provided earlier inthisdocument.
Question 74.
What does Moldova mean by"goods with aspecial character"? Please identify allother goods
with aspecial character thatcould beadded tothelistprovided inAnnex 3AoftheMemorandum
andthereby besubject toexport licensing.
Answer:
Theterm ‘goods with aspecial character ’refers togoods covered byArticles XXandXXI
oftheGATT. Moldova hassubmitted theWTO justification foreach product group subject tolicensing
inreply toprevious questions. Moldova does notpresently intend toaddanyfurther goods tothelist
provided inAnnex 3AoftheMemorandum.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 34
Question 75.
Are administrative procedures forobtaining export licences thesame asforobtaining import
licences? Ifnot, please describe theprocedures and identify theagencies responsible for
administering andmonitoring thelicensing programme.
Answer:
Administrative procedures forobtaining export licences arethesame asforobtaining import
licences
Question 76.
Arethefeesforobtaining export licences thesame asforobtaining import licences? Please describe
theexport licence feestructure fully. When arefeespayable?
Answer:
Thefeesforobtainingexportlicencesarethesameasforobtainingimportlicences.Anoverview
ofalllicence feeshasbeen provided inreply toquestions onChapter IV,section 1(f)earlier inthis
document. Licence feesarepayable when thelicence isissued.
(e) Other measures
Question 77.
According totheMemorandum, anumber ofagricultural products andwaste paper aresubject
toexport registration andminimum export pricing.
GATT Article XIprohibits theuseofprohibitions orrestrictions other than duties, taxes orother
charges, ontheexportation ofanyproduct destined fortheterritory ofanother WTO Mmber.
Unless Moldova canestablish that itsatisfies theconditions setoutinParagraph 2ofGATT
Article XIIforeach product subject tominimum export pricing, theminimum export pricing
requirement willhave tobeeliminated prior toWTO accession.
How does theGovernment ofMoldova justify itsuseofminimum export pricing foreach ofthe
agricultural products andwaste paper? What istherationale forusing minimum export pricing?
Have anyexport sales been lostorsignificantly delayed because theminimum export price was
sethigher than theinternational market price?
How aretheminimum export prices determined? Aretheminimum export prices published? Are
theminimum export prices notified tothepublic and toexporters? Please describe the
administrative procedure forappealing aminimum export price determination.
Foritems notcovered byParagraph 2ofGATT Article XII, howdoes Moldova intend toeliminate
itsuseofminimum export pricing inorder toconform with GATT Article XI?WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 35
Answer:
Theexport registration requirement, asitiscurrently applied, does notconstitute anexport
restriction orprohibition foragricultural goods asitisnolonger asystem ofenforcing minimum export
prices. Registration ofexport contracts isnow automatic.
Thepurpose ofregistering export contracts hasbeen tosafeguard thepublic interest inthe
field ofexternal economic relations aswell astoeliminate dumped exports. Thefirst issue isthe
prevention oftaxevasion. Companies 'proceeds from exports areregistered andlater compared with
these companies ’taxreturns.
Secondly, theregistration requirement hasbeen partoftheGovernment 'sefforts toensure
thatexport earnings arefully repatriated. Export prices which aresignificantly lower thanworld market
prices may give risetoaninvestigation. Initially, theGovernment reserved theright nottoregister
export contracts ifthestated price wassignificantly below world market prices butnow registration
cannolonger bewithheld forthatreason. Atthetime, theGovernment published thereferences prices.
TheGovernment iscurrently redrafting Government Decision No.371of6June 1995 which governs
theregistration ofexport contracts toreflect thisliberalization. Acopy ofthedraft Decision willbe
submitted totheWorking Party.
Thirdly,theregistrationofexportcontractspermitseasymonitoringofexportpricesandvolumes
ofkeyMoldovan products.
Question 78.
Please describe theprocedures forexport registration fortheitems specified inAnnex 3B,inthe
form ofaresponse tothequestionnaire onimport licensing procedures.
Answer:
Themain features ofthesystem ofregistering export contracts, asitiscurrently applied, are
asfollows:
(i) registration isautomatic;
(ii) applications forregistration must beaddressed totheMinistry ofEconomy andReforms;
(iii) theapplicant hastosubmit:
- anapplication toregister thecontract using thestandard application form,
- twocopies ofthecontract,
- acopy ofthecertificate ofregistration oftheeconomic agent (tobepresented only
when theeconomic agent submits anapplication forthefirst time);
(iv) afeeof0.1percent ofthecontract value ispayable when theapplication issubmitted.
AstheDecision governing theregistration ofexport contracts iscurrently being redrafted
Moldova willsubmit thereplies once thenewDecision hasbeen adopted andthefinal wording isknown.
Question 79.
Does Moldova stillnotapply anyexport subsidies, special promotion orfinancing policies?WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 36
Answer:
Moldova does notcurrently apply anyexport subsidies, special promotion orfinancing policies.
3. Internal Policies Affecting Foreign Trade inGoods
(a) Industrial policy, including subsidy policies
Question 80.
Please describe fully thepriority loan, taxincentive and relief programmes fortheenergy,
transport, road building, and telecommunications sectors. Also please describe indetail the
Government aidprogrammes fortheintroduction ofnewtechnologies. Inparticular, please include
information oneligibility andselection criteria forthese programmes.
Please identify allsectors that have been selected forpriority development.
Answer:
Thesectors referred tointhisSection arebeing restructured with thehelp ofinternational aid
agencies such astheWorld Bank andtheEBRD which provide so-called sectoral loans. These loans
finance infrastructure investments, technical assistance orcredit lines which arechannelled through
thebanking system andlentouttobeneficiaries atmarket rates.
Such loans have been contracted torestructure thefollowing sectors: energy, agriculture,
transport, road building andtelecommunications. Inaddition, loans forthedevelopment oftheprivate
sector have been contracted which benefit theprivate sector asawhole. Loans foreducation, water,
cadastre andsocial development arecurrently inpreparation.
Inaddition totheinfrastructure investments, technical assistance andcredit lines which are
financed from loans provided byinternational aidagencies, theGovernment ofMoldova facilitates
theadjustment process through thefollowing tax-related measures which areawarded onacase-by-case
basis:
- rescheduling oftaxarrears forcompanies inrestructuring;
- forgiving ofpenalties forlatepayment oftaxes;
- rescheduling ofsocial insurance contributions;
- forgiving ofpenalties forlatepayment ofsocial insurance contributions;
- write-off oftaxliabilities offormer State companies intheframework ofliquidations and
break-ups;
- VAT credit forthose expenditures related totherestructuring process agreed between the
company andthecreditors represented intheState Creditors Council uptothespecified limit.
In1995, theGovernment hadallocated MDL 180,000 tosupport theintroduction ofnew
technologies. In1996, there were noallocations.
Question 81.
Please provide further detail onthemechanisms and policies used toenable thedevelopment
programmes fortheagricultural sector.
Please provide further detail onthemechanisms andpolicies used toenable theimplementation
oftheprogrammes forprivatization, restructuring and encouragement ofefficient useof
agriculture.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 37
Answer:
Thedevelopment oftheagricultural sector issupported bytheGovernment with thefollowing
measures:
(i) privatization oflandandofState-owned agricultural enterprises, e.g., kolchoses andsovchoses;
(ii) restructuring ofprivatized farms supported byinternational aidagencies; establishment ofan
Agency forAssistance toFarms inRestructuring (ARA);
(iii) support toagricultural research intheframework ofamajor loanofaninternational aidagency;
(iv) improving theavailability ofcredit atmarket rates tosmall farmers; preparation ofacredit
linefortheagriculture sector asawhole which willbefinanced byaninternational aidagency;
(v) financial support programmes asoutlined inreply toquestions onChapter II,section 2(b)earlier
inthisdocument;
(vi) improving thelegislative framework. Moldova iscurrently redrafting theLawontheNormative
Price ofLand andispreparing aLaw ontheSale ofLand.
Although thenecessary legislation toregulate thetrading ofland isnotyetinplace (Law on
theSale ofLand andtheAmendment totheLaw ontheNormative Price ofLand areinpreparation),
efficient allocation ofland andagricultural machinery isfacilitated through leasing andrenting
arrangements.
Question 82.
According totheMemorandum, afewinvestment projects launched bytheprivate sector have
received direct Government aid.
Please provide adetailed listoftheinvestment projects, thathave received, orarestillreceiving,
direct Government aid. Foreach project, please provide thetype and amount ofaidthat has
been granted anddescribe fully anyperformance requirements that apply. Please describe the
administrative procedures forapplying andreceiving thisgovernmental assistance.
Answer:
Direct Government aidtoinvestment projects launched bytheprivate sector isgranted inthe
framework of:
(i) concessions, inaccordance with Article 46,Law onForeign Investment;
(ii) free enterprise zones, inaccordance with Article 46,Law onForeign Investment andthe
provisions governing such zones described indetail later inthisdocument;
(iii) agreements with theEBRD, including technical assistance andexemptions from theVAT.
Thefollowing investment projects launched bytheprivate sector have received Government
aid:WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 38
(i) concession: exemption from theVAT, customs duties onequipment andother imports for
production purposes fortheAmerican company REDECO according totheterms ofthe
concessionalagreementonprospectingandexploitationofoilandgas(Article26.6,1996Budget
Law);
(ii) EBRD: construction ofasports footwear factory inOrhei carried outbyJSCAscom-Kelme,
Gheco andConstructurul-24;
(iii) EBRD: Chisinau Bottle Factory;
(iv) EBRD: modernization ofThermocomenergo carried outbyROCARO.
TheGovernment support measures forconcessions arenegotiated onanindividual basis and
arenotpartofaGovernment investment support programme. Therefore, there arenoadministrative
procedures forapplying andreceiving thisgovernmental assistance. Thetaxexemptions granted to
projects implemented inco-operation with theEBRD areprovided forintheBasic Agreement between
theEBRD andtheRepublic ofMoldova.
Question 83.
Concerning assistance todomestic firms: does Moldova provide anyservices tofirms atprices
below thegeneral rate charges, orexempt firms from taxpayments toencourage output and
investment? Ifso,describe these programmes andanyaspects oftheregime thataddress exports
ortrade.
Answer:
Theonly service Moldova isproviding tofirms atprices below thegeneral ratecharges are
consultancy services offered toenterprises inrestructuring intheframework oftechnical assistance
projects.
Thefollowing measures aimed atencouraging output andinvestment ofdomestic firms have
been taken:
(i) higher rates ofdepreciation forfixed assets (1996);
(ii) clarification oftax-deductible items (1996);
(iii) VAT exemption forallagricultural products ifsold bytheproducer (1997);
(iv) reduced profit taxof25percent instead of32percent foragricultural andmanufacturing
enterprises (1997);
(v) reduction oftheland taxrates forenterprises (1997);
(vi) 50percent bank taxreduction forlong-term loans granted toenterprises (1997).
Inaddition aVAT exemption forcertain types ofpesticides originating inspecific countries
hasbeen approved aspartofthe1997 Budget Law. Thetrade implications have been referred toearlier
inthisdocument.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 39
Question 84.
Please confirm whether ornotitisMoldova 'sposition thatitdoes maintain subsidies which meet
thedefinition ofaprohibited subsidy, within themeaning ofArticle 3oftheAgreement onSubsidies
andCountervailing Measures, andwilltherefore notinvoke provisions intheAgreement that
provide fortheprogressive elimination ofsuch measures within afixed period oftime.
Answer:
ItisMoldova 'sposition thatitdoes notmaintain subsidies which meet thedefinition ofa
prohibited subsidy, within themeaning ofArticle 3oftheAgreement onSubsidies andCountervailing
Measures, andwilltherefore notinvoke provisions intheAgreement thatprovide fortheprogressive
elimination ofsuch measures within afixed period oftime.
(b) Technical regulations andstandards
Question 85.
Moldova should beprepared toimplement theWTO Agreement onTechnical Barriers toTrade
(TBT), asofthedate ofWTO accession.
Please provide theWorking Party with atranslated copy ofLaw of25May 1993 'OnConsumer
Security ',Law No.90-XIII from 22September 1995 "On Standardization" and"Regulation of
theGovernment (regarding lawNo.590) "On State Supervision ofDocuments andNorms with
Regard toStandardization".
Answer:
Copies (inEnglish translation) of:
- theLaw onConsumer Security of25May 1993 (WT/ACC/MOL/2/Add.1 called Law onthe
Protection ofConsumers Rights);
- theLaw onStandardization of22September 1995 (WT/ACC/MOL/3/Add.1);
- theRegulation oftheGovernment onState Supervision ofDocuments andNorms with Regard
toStandardization (WT/ACC/MOL/3/Add.1);
have already been submitted totheWTO Secretariat.
Question 86.
According totheMemorandum, Moldova hasover 20,000 standards. How many ofthese standards
aremandatory?
Answer:
Ofthe20,000 standards mentioned intheMemorandum, about 5,000 aremandatory.
Question 87.
Does Moldova 'sstandards andinspection regime conform fully with therequirements oftheTBT
agreement? Please describe indetail anyaspects ofMoldova 'sstandards andinspection regimeWT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 40
that arecurrently deficient and thesteps Moldova willtake toremedy thedeficiency prior to
WTO accession.
Answer:
Moldova ‘sstandards andinspection regime does notyetfully comply with therequirements
oftheTBT Agreement; fordetails seereplies tosome ofthesubsequent questions (e.g. publication
of,andreceipt ofcomments on,draft standards; information oftrading partners onstandards). Moldova
willtake thenecessary steps, prior toitsWTO accession, toremedy theexisting deficiencies.
Question 88.
Please indicate thenumber ofcases, inthepast three years, inwhich theGovernment ofMoldova
hasdenied orsignificantly delayed entry offoreign goods onthegrounds that thegoods didnot
satisfy regulations onstandards, measurement orquality, orwere notcorrectly documented under
such regulations. Please provide ageneral descriptions ofthemost significant problems thatforeign
goods have encountered insatisfying standards requirements.
Answer:
Inthepastthree years, atotal of45cases have arisen inwhich entry ofgoods wasdenied or
significantly delayed because thegoods inquestion didnotsatisfy theregulations orstandards,
measurement orquality, orwere notcorrectly documented under such regulations.
Themost significant problems have arisen intheareas offood andalcoholic beverages aswell
ashousehold goods where theshipments, because existing standards hadnotbeen met, were returned
tothecountries ofexportation.
Question 89.
Please indicate how Moldova ‘sstandards areapplied toimports, inparticular, towhat extent
animport permit, certificate orlicence isnecessary forimportation. Inthisregard, wewould
liketoseeinformation onMoldova 'simport standards regulatory system reflected inresponse
tothequestionnaire onimport licensing procedures contained inWT/ACC/1. Please describe how
these requirements areenforced fordomestic product 's.
Answer:
Imported goods subject tostandards require acertificate from onethe16official Moldova
certification bodies (which areindependent public institutions) prior totherelease ofthegoods.
Certificates ofofficial certification bodies ofother countries areatthepresent timeaccepted forimports
from CIScountries andRomania only; however, negotiations fortherecognition ofsuch certificates
aregoing onwith other countries (Germany, France, Poland).
Furthermore, certification onthebasis ofmanufacturers ‘declarations ispermitted foralimited
number ofproducts (alistofwhich wassubmitted together with previous replies). Such certifications
arepreliminary andsubject torandom controls.
Domestic products which aresubject tothesame standards asforeign goods arecontrolled
during theproduction process inMoldova.WT/ACC/MOL/4
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Question 90.
Does theDepartment ofStandards, Metrology andTechnical Supervision (Moldova Standards)
circulate draft standards forcomments inadvance offinalization? Please describe theprocedures
used byMoldova Standards toensure thatpublic notice ofdraft standards forcomment isprovided
toallparties? How long istheperiod forcomments ondraft standards, technical regulations
andconformity assessment procedures? Dothelaws orregulations direct Moldova Standards
orother agencies toconsider theuseofappropriate international standards when they aredrafting
standards?
Arestandards andtechnical regulations published inanofficial gazette orotherwise notified to
thepublic? Areimporters notified ofdraft standards orchanges intechnical regulations? The
WTO Agreement onTechnical Barriers toTrade requires thepublication inadvance of
implementation forcomment byinterested parties, ofconformity assessment procedures and
announcements ofdraft standards andtechnical regulations.
Answer:
Standardsareelaboratedintechnicalstandardizationcommitteesinwhichthedomesticproducers
arerepresented. After approval ofthefinal drafts byMoldova Standards, thestandards arepublished
in
- “Buletinul Standartisarii ”published every three months;
- ”Standartizarea ”published monthly (inRomanian language);
- ”Standarti iKacestvo ”published monthly (inRussian language).
Through their participation inthetechnical committees, domestic producers arebeing made
aware ofthecontents ofdraft, standards, butnopublic notice orpossibility ofcomments onsuch drafts
areprovided atthepresent time. Importers willbemade aware ofnewstandards through theofficial
publications, mentioned above.
Article 4.4oftheLaw onStandardization expressly provides thatMoldovan standards have
tobebased onmodern scientific research, techniques andtechnology, oninternational andregional
standards andonadvanced standards ofother countries. Also Article 18oftheLaw stipulates asthe
main objective ofinternational co-operation between Moldova andother countries theharmonisation
ofnational standards with international andregional standards andwith advanced national standards
ofother countries.
Question 91.
Does Moldova Standards publish, forcomment byinterested parties, conformity assessment
procedures andannouncements ofdraft standards andtechnical regulations?
Answer:
Conformityassessmentproceduresanddraftstandardsandtechnicalregulationsarenotpresently
published forcomments inMoldova.
Question 92.
How much time isallowed forcomment byinterested parties? How much time must elapse between
thepublication ofadraft standard andtheissuance ofthefinal standard? Does Moldova notifyWT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 42
itstrading partners prior totherelease offinal standards? Does Moldova notify those countries
whose comments were rejected?
Answer:
Draft standards arenotpublished inMoldova, noraretrading partners notified ofsuch drafts.
Question 93.
Foragricultural products, please describe indetail how theMoldovan standards andregulations
compare with those oftheCodex Alimentarius (Codex), Organisation ofInternational Epizootics,
andtheEuropean Plant Protection Organisation.
Answer:
MoldovanstandardsandregulationsfullycomplywiththeregulationsoftheCodexAlimentarius.
Moldova isamember oftheOrganisation ofInternational Epizootics andisusing itsregulations. As
fortheEuropean Plant Protection Organisation, Moldova isnotamember andhasnoinformation
regarding itsprovisions.
Question 94.
MoldovashouldcompletethestatementofimplementationrequiredbytheAgreementonTechnical
Barriers toTrade, andsubmit itindraft forreview bytheWorking Party.
Answer:
Thestatement ofimplementation willbeprovided shortly.
(c) Sanitary andphytosanitary measures
Question 95.
Please provide atranslated copy of'Medico-biological requirements andsanitary rates ofraw
material andalimentation products quality," No.5061.-89, totheWorking Party forreview.
Answer:
Moldova willshortly submit atranslated copy ofthedocument totheWorking Party.
Question 96.
Please elaborate further astothetype, administration andscope ofthehygienic examinations
andquality certificate. Please explain how theexamination, certificate and medico-biological
requirements areconsistent with theagreement ontheapplication ofsanitary andphytosanitary
measured.
Answer:
Under Moldovan law, thefollowing products require ahygienic certificate from theState
Sanitary-Epidemiological Service:WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 43
- rawmaterials, machines andequipment theuseofwhich may constitute asource ofdanger
forhuman health;
- goods forchildren;
- materials andequipment used indrinking water systems;
- cosmetics andperfume;
- soap anddetergents;
- textiles.
Thecertificate fordomestic goods isissued onthebasis ofrelevant documentation, including
theresults ofhygienic tests. Forforeign products, thecertificate isissued based onasafety certificate
oftheexporting country andadditional testsinMoldova. Applications fortheissuance ofthecertificates
canbemade byproducers, vendors orbuyers ofthegoods inquestion.
Certificates fordomestic goods arevalid foraperiod ofthree years provided nochanges in
theproduction technology takeplace during thisperiod. Forimported goods, acertificate isrequired
foreach shipment.
Moldova does notexpect thatitssanitary andphytosanitary provisions areinconsistent with
theSPS Agreement.
Question 97.
IsMoldova Standard responsible forthedevelopment ofstandards foragricultural products
imported intoMoldova? Please describe how thestandards areapplied totheimport ofsimilar
butdifferent, products, when nospecific standard exists.
Answer:
Theresponsibility forthedevelopment ofstandards foragricultural products lieswith Moldova
Standard incollaboration with theMinistry ofAgriculture.
Similar, butdifferent, products forwhich nospecific standards exist aresubject tothestandards
oftheother product.
Question 98.
Areimported anddomestically-produced foodstuffs subject tothesame standards andinspection
procedures.
Answer:
Imported anddomestic foodstuffs aresubject tothesame standards. Inspection takes place at
theborder forimported products andduring theproduction process fordomestic products.
Question 99.
Please provide alistofallimported food products thatMoldova Standards tests forconformity
with standards.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 44
Answer:
Alistofallimported goods subject tostandards wassubmitted together withreplies toprevious
questions.
Question 100.
Please describe thedispute settlement procedures applicable totheresolution ofissues related
tothestandards.
Answer:
Recourse against governmental decisions relative tofood standards isavailable toMoldova
Standard andsubsequently toMoldovan economic courts.
Question 101.
Please indicate how Moldova 'ssanitary and phytosanitary requirements areapplied toimports,
inparticular, towhat extent animport permit, certificate orlicence isnecessary forimportation.
Inthisregard, wewould liketosee information onMoldova ‘simport regulatory system for
sanitary andphytosanitary measures reflected inresponse tothequestionnaire onimport licensing
procedures contained inWT/ACC/1.
Answer:
Moldova ‘sSPSrequirements arethesame asforstandards (seereply topreceding question
oncertification requirements).
Question 102.
Please describe how these requirements areenforced fordomestic products.
Answer:
SPS requirements fordomestic products areenforced during theproduction process.
Question 103.
DoMoldova 'sSPS standards conform fully with internationally-accepted guidelines (Codex
Alimentarius)?
Answer:
Moldova ‘sSPS standards comply fully with theCodex Alimentarius.
Question 104.
Foreach product, please describe theveterinary inspection andquarantine requirements that
apply tolivestock, animal products, fish, veterinary drugs andanimal feed.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 45
Answer:
TheMoldovan Law onVeterinary Activity obliges holders oflivestock (cows, pigsandsheep)
to:
(i) respect theveterinary, sanitary andzoo-hygienic rules regarding themaintenance, feeding
reproduction andexploitation ofanimals, aswellasother requirements stipulated byveterinary
authorities;
(ii) takethenecessary actions toprevent infectious diseases and, totreat sickanimals, toeradicate
sources ofinfections andprevent their spreading;
(iii) ensuresystematicmedicalexaminationofpersonnel,prohibitingtheemploymentofsickpersons
who may transmit thedisease totheanimals;
(iv) notify without delay theveterinary authorities about theexistence orsuspicion ofexistence
ofadisease which may require theimposition ofquarantine measures, immediately isolate
thesickordead animals, andprevent theuseorsaleofthemeat oftheanimals inquestion;
(v) notify within 24hours thelocal veterinary authorities oftheacquisition ofanimals from other
areas ofthecountry andkeep these animals separate from theexisting stock;
(vi) provide totheveterinary authorities access totheanimals forinspection purposes;
(vii) sellanimals, products andmeat only with theauthorization ofthelocal veterinary service;
(viii) keep thefacilities (stables, pastures, water supply) inclean condition, inaccordance with
veterinary regulations.
Theimportation intoMoldova oflivestock forbreeding isonly permitted if:
- nodangerous infectious diseases have occurred during thelastthree years inthecountry of
exportation;
- aninspection hasbeen carried outinthecountry ofexportation byarecognized agency, at
least 30days prior toimportation, thatthelivestock tobeimported intoMoldova does not
have anydisease; and
- theradioactivity ofthelivestock does notexceed bk/kg.
Theimportation intoMoldova oflivestock forslaughtering isonly permitted if:
- nodangerous infectious diseases have occurred during thelast30days prior toimportation
inthecountry ofexportation;
- itisingood condition;
- ithasbeen vaccinated against theanthrax disease; and
- theradioactivity ofthelivestock does notexceed bk/kg.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 46
Theconditions fortheimportation offishandseafood products aredetermined onacase by
case basis. Nospecific requirements exist fortheimportation ofveterinary drugs andanimal feed.
Question 105.
Please describe theadministrative andjudicial avenues ofappeal forimporters andexporters
intheapplication ofSPS requirements toimports.
Answer:
RegardingdecisionsrelatingtoSPSrequirements,importersandexporterscanappealtoMoldova
Standards andsubsequently toMoldova economic courts.
Question 106.
Please usethe"statement ofimplementation" required bytheAgreement onTechnical Barriers
toTradeasaguideandprovidetheinformationrequestedconcerningitssanitaryandphytosanitary
measures applied toimports totheWorking Party forreview.
Answer:
Statement ofimplementation willbeprovided shortly.
(d) Trade-related investment measures
Question 107.
Moldova stated intheMemorandum thatthere areatpresent notrade-related investment measures
ofthekind covered bytheTRIMs Agreement.
Does authority exist inMoldovan lawtoapply such measures, either atthecentral orsubcentral
level? Ifso,please citetheauthority andprovide acopy ofitintranslation forWorking Party
review.
Answer:
Moldovan lawdoes notcontain anauthority toapply TRIMs, either atthecentral orsub-central
level.
(e) State-trading practices
Question 108.
Please listalllarge enterprises that have atleast 25percent State equity ownership that engage
ininternational trade andlist,totheextent possible, theproducts inwhich they trade.
Answer:
Every enterprise irrespective ofownership ororganizational form hastheright toengage in
foreign trade. Moldova willsubmit acomplete listofenterprises thathave atleast 25percentState
equity ownership thatengage ininternational trade induecourse.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 47
Question 109.
Please confirm that Moldova hasnofully orpartially State-owned enterprises which receive any
exclusive orspecial trading rights orprivileges. Please indicate ifanyprivate firms orenterprises
independent ofGovernment ownership have been designated totrade ingoods orservices for
theGovernment orenjoy anyexclusive orspecial trading rights orprivileges.
Asmentioned indocument WT/ACC/MOL/2/Add.2, there arenoState-trading enterprises covered
bytheprovisions ofArticle XVII. Could theMoldovan delegation confirm that allenterprises
intheenergy sector listed indocument WT/ACC/MOL/2/Add.2 donotrespond tothedefinition
mentioned inthe"Understanding ontheInterpretation ofArticle XVII oftheGATT 1994"?
Answer:
Asmentioned before, Moldova 'senergy sector will, with thesupport ofmajor international
aidagencies, undergo aprocess offundamental restructuring inthecoming years.
Three ofthefivesuppliers ofenergy inMoldova (listed onp.8ofWT/ACC/MOL/2/Add.2),
i.e.Moldovagaz, Moldenergo andThermocom, have defacto, butnotdejure, positions asmonopoly
enterprises. They donothave anyexclusive orspecial trading rights orprivileges. Inthepast, the
Government compensated these companies forforegone revenues resulting from below cost-of-service
prices which have been fixed bytheGovernment. Inthecontext ofanadjustment programme agreed
with theIMF prices willberaised tocost-recovering level inthecourse of1997. Theprices willbe
raised instages andthefirst increase hasalready been effected.
Consequently,MoldovadoesnotconsiderthesecompaniesasState-tradingenterprisesresponding
tothedefinitionscontainedintheUnderstandingontheInterpretationofArticleXVIIoftheGATT1994.
Fortelecommunication services, refer tothereplies provided inChapter VI.
(g) Free economic zones
Question 110.
Please describe thetaxandtariff incentives offered tofirms tolocate inthezones. Please indicate
ifthere areanyrequirements orsuggestions thatoutput inthezones beexported. Please indicate
ifsales inthezones intotherestofMoldova aresubject tonormal taxes, tariffs andother import
requirements.
Answer:
Taxincentives forfirms located infreeeconomic zones inMoldova are:
- areduced profit taxof15percent instead of32percent intherestofMoldova;
- complete exemption from theprofit taxfor5years forpersons investing atleast US$ 250,000;
- areduced capital repatriation taxof5percent;
- exemption from thevalue added tax;
- reduction ofperiods ofdepreciation ofbasic assets, equipment, etc.
Goods brought intofreeeconomic zones from abroad arenotsubject tocustoms duties.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 48
Once these goods, orgoods derived from them, enter therestofMoldova, normal customs
formalities, customs duties, other import requirements andtaxes apply tothem. There areno
requirements thatoutput produced inthezones beexported.
(j) Government-mandated counter-trade andbarter
Question 111.
According totheMemorandum, theMoldovan Government occasionally negotiates with itstrading
partners topayforcertain essential products, such asenergy, metals, machinery andspare parts,
with agricultural products.
Please elaborate further ontheadministrative process used forthese counter-trade andbarter
transactions. What authority does theGovernment have tocommit firms inMoldova toparticipate
insuch transactions?
Does theGovernment purchase theagricultural products atthemarket value? Ifnot, how isthe
purchase price fortheagricultural product determined?
Answer:
Theadministrative process used forcounter-trade andbarter transactions wasdescribed in
documentWT/ACC/MOL/2/Add.2.TheGovernmentofMoldovaonlyconcludesaframeworkagreement
withtheother governments concerned. Therelative prices oftheagricultural commodities tobeexported
from Moldova intheframework ofthese contracts aredetermined byMoldresurse anditsforeign
counterpart agencies, e.g.Russcontract.
Contracts areconcluded, ontheonehand, between Moldenergo, Moldovagaz, Tirex Petrol,
Arca Moldova orFertilitatea andtheir foreign suppliers, andontheother hand, between Moldenergo,
Moldovagaz,TirexPetrol,ArcaMoldovaorFertilitateaandMoldovansuppliersofagriculturalproduce.
Agricultural enterprises areobliged tosupply thecommodities inquestion only totheextent
thattheyhave debts totheState. Commodities which cannot beobtained inthiswayatallorinsufficient
quantities arethrough commercial channels. Inboth cases, market prices arebeing paid.
Question 112.
Foreach ofthepast three years, what wasthetotal value, byproduct andpartner country, of
theagriculture products used forbarter andcounter-barter trade transaction?
Answer:
During theyears 1994-1997, counter-trade/barter agreements were signed withRussia, Belarus,
Ukraine andUzbekistan. Moldova willsubmit thetrade figures forthese agreements shortly.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 49
(l) Government procurement practices
Question 113.
Weseek acommitment from Moldova tojointheGovernment Procurement Agreement aspart
ofitsaccession protocol commitments, andthat aschedule ofcommitments willbesubmitted
totheGovernment Procurement Committee toinitiate thenegotiations within 3months after
accessions.
Does Moldova intend toaccede totheGPA assoon asthecountry willbeaMember oftheWTO?
Answer:
Moldova willtake adecision inthisrespect induecourse.
Question 114.
What isthecurrent legislative status ofthedraft Law 'OnGovernment Procurement '?Please
provide thetranslated copy ofthisdraft Law totheWorking Party forreview. Towhat extent
does Government Decision No.67,27January 1995, remain ineffect? Ifitisstillineffect, please
provide atranslated copy ofthislawtotheWorking Party.
Answer:
Itisexpected thatthedraft Law 'OnGovernment Procurement 'willbeadopted byParliament
inthefirsthalfof1997. Itwillsupersede Government Decision No.67which ispresently stillinforce.
Both texts have been submitted (inEnglish translation) inresponse toaprevious request.
Question 115.
Please describe anymajor Government procurement purchases thatarenotopen andimplemented
onacompetitive basis. What criteria areapplied indetermining whether aGovernment
Procurement contract willbetendered onanopen andtransparent basis?
How aretheupcoming tenders notified? Dotherequests fortenders specify whether ornotforeign
enterprises areeligible tobeawarded thecontracts? What deadlines aregiven forsubmission
ofdocuments? Are specifications based onperformance rather than design, descriptive
characteristics, ortrade name?
What aretheprocedures forsubmission, receipt andopening oftenders, andforawarding of
contracts? What criteria areapplied toqualify andselect suppliers? Please describe anypreferences
that aregranted todomestic suppliers. Under what conditions donegotiations take place and
how arethey conducted? Does theGovernment ofMoldova require offsets inanycases?
Answer:
Thefollowing answers arebased onthedraft Law 'OnGovernment Procurement '.
Aprocuringentitymustsolicittenders,orifapplicable,applicationsforpreliminaryqualification,
bypublishing aninvitation totender oraninvitation forpreliminary qualification intheRomanian
andRussian languages inthePublic Procurement Bulletin (PPB) issued bytheNational Agency for
Public Procurement (NAPP). Inparticular situations (forfurther details seeArticle 18),theinvitationWT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 50
totender orinvitation forpreliminary qualification shall alsobepublished intheEnglish language
inmass media ofwide international circulation (Article 26).ThePPBalsocontains other announcements
relevant topublic procurement andadvertisements thereof, aswell asother information related tothe
procurement procedures (Article 45).
Theinvitationtotendercontains,interalia,specificationsofthegoods,constructionandservices
tobesupplied interms ofnature, quantity, place andtime, thecriteria andprocedures tobeused for
evaluating thequalifications ofsuppliers, place anddeadline forthesubmission oftenders, means and
place ofobtaining thesolicitation documents (Article 27).
Astothecontractawardnotices,theprocuringentityshallpublishnoticeofprocurementcontract
awards within thirty calendar days after such awards aremade. Thenotice includes ataminimum the
name ofthesupplier, andthesubject aswell astheamount ortheestimated amount ofthecontract.
Procurement contract award notices shall notbepublished ifnational security ordefence isconcerned
orifthecontract price islessthan twenty fivehundred minimum monthly wages (Article 15).
Theprocuringentitymayengageinprequalificationproceedingswithaviewtowardsidentifying
qualified suppliers prior tothesubmission oftenders. Theprocuring entity shall then provide aset
ofprequalification documents toeach supplier thatrequests them, including asummary oftheprincipal
required terms andconditions oftheprocurement contract tobeentered into asaresult ofthe
procurement proceedings, anydocuments orother information thatmust besubmitted bysuppliers
toverify their qualifications, themanner andplace forthesubmission ofapplications toprequalify
andthedeadline forthesubmission, andthecriteria forprequalification. Only suppliers thathave been
prequalified areentitled toparticipate further intheprocurement proceedings. Forfurther details see
Article 7.
Aprocuring entity shall engage inprocurement ofgoods orconstruction bymeans ofopen
competitive tendering proceedings asthepreferred method ofprocurement. Under special conditions,
aprocuring entity may usethefollowing methods ofprocurement (Article 19):
(a) two-stage tendering;
(b) restricted tendering;
(c) specialised restricted tendering;
(d) request forquotations; and
(e) single-source procurement.
Theprocedures andcriteria foreach type ofcontract award procedure areasfollows:
(a) two-stage tendering (Article 20;Article 40):
Aprocuring entity may engage intwo-stage tendering if:
- itisnotfeasible toformulate detailed specifications forthegoods orconstruction, ortoidentify
thecharacteristics ofservices;
- theprocuring entity seeks toenter intoacontract forthepurpose ofresearch, experiment,
study ordevelopment;
- thecircumstances exist toengage inspecialised restrictive tendering; orWT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 51
- tendering proceedings have been engaged inbutnotenders were submitted oralltenders were
rejected bytheprocuring entity andengaging innewtendering proceedings would beunlikely
toresult inaprocurement contract.
Inthefirststage, thesolicitation documents shall callupon suppliers tosubmit initial tenders
containing their proposals without atender price. Inthesecond stage, theprocuring entity shall invite
suppliers which participated inthefirst stage andwhose tenders have notbeen rejected, tosubmit
final tenders with prices with respect toasingle setofspecifications.
(b) restricted tendering (Article 21;Article 41):
Aprocuring entity may engage inrestricted tendering if:
- there isonly alimited number ofsuppliers, or
- subject toapproval bytheNAPP, where thevalue oftheprocurement contract isestimated
tobelessthan twelve thousand minimum monthly wages andthetime andcostrequired to
evaluate alarge number oftenders would beunreasonably high incomparison with thevalue
ofthegoods, construction orservices tobeprocured.
Theprocuring entity shall solicit tenders from allsuppliers from whom thegoods,construction
andservices tobeprocured areavailable.
(c) specialised restricted tendering (Article 22;Article 42):
Aprocuringentitymayengageinspecialisedrestrictedtenderingifthesubjectoftheprocurement
involves armament orgoods, construction orservices fornational security ornational defense ofsuch
nature astorequire secrecy orconfidentiality.
(d) request forquotations (Article 23;Article 43):
Aprocuring entity may engage inprocurement bymeans ofarequest forquotations forthe
procurement ofreadily available goods orservices thatarenotspecially produced orprovided tothe
particular specifications oftheprocuring entity andforwhich there isanestablished market, solong
astheestimated value oftheprocurement contract islessthantwenty-five hundred minimum monthly
wages, orother amount asmay bestipulated intheprocurement regulations issue bytheNAPP.
(e) single-source procurement (Article 24;Article 44):
Aprocuring entity may engage insingle-source procurement if:
- there isanurgent need forthegoods, construction orservices, andengaging intendering
proceedings oranyother method ofprocurement would therefore beimpractical;
- there isonly oneparticular supplier forthegoods, construction orservices tobeprocured;
- theprocuring entity, having procured goods etc.from asupplier, determines thatadditional
supplies must beprocured from thatsupplier forreasons ofstandardization orcompatibility;
- theprocuring entity seeks toenter intoacontract with thesupplier forthepurpose ofresearch,
experiment, study ordevelopment; orWT/ACC/MOL/4
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- where procurement proceedings have been engaged inandonly onetender, proposal, offer
orquotation wasreceived bytheprocuring entity inresponse tothesolicitation documents,
andengaging innew proceedings would beunlikely toresult inaprocurement contract.
Theprocuring entity may procure thegoods etc.bysoliciting aproposal orprice quotation
from, andengaging innegotiations with, asingle supplier.
Tenders forgoods andconstruction shall beevaluated onthebasis ofthefollowing criteria
(Article 37):
- thetender price;
- other criteria, including thecost ofoperating, maintaining and repairing thegoods or
construction, thetime fordelivery ofthegoods, completion ofconstruction orprovision of
theservices, thefunctional characteristics ofthegoods orconstruction, andtheterms ofpayment
andofguarantees; and
- provision ofnational defence andsecurity.
Thesolicitation documents shall specify theevaluation criteria andtheir relative weight inthe
evaluation procedure orbeexpressed inmonetary terms wherever practicable.
Astotheevaluation ofproposals forservices, theevaluation criteria include (Article 48):
- thequalifications,experience,reputation,reliabilityandprofessionalandmanagerialcompetence
ofthesupplier andofthepersonnel tobeinvolved inproviding theservices;
- theeffectiveness oftheproposal inmeeting theneeds oftheprocuring entity;
- theproposal price, including anyancillary orrelated costs; and
- national defence andsecurity considerations.
Theprocuring entity shall determine therelative weight ofthecriteria andnotify thesuppliers
about themanner inwhich they aretobeapplied intheevaluation oftheproposals.
Ifapproved bytheNAPP, aprocuring entity shall have theright togrant amargin ofpreference
forthebenefit oftenders forconstruction bydomestic contractors orforthebenefit oftenders for
domestically produced goods. Themargin ofpreference shall notexceed tenpercent (Article 37).
Theprocuring entity hasnoright toestablish anycriterion, requirement orprocedure with
respecttothequalificationsofsuppliersthatdiscriminatesagainstoramongsuppliersoragainstcategories
thereof onthebasis ofnationality (Article 6).Suppliers arepermitted toparticipate inprocurement
proceedings without regard tonationality, except incases inwhich theprocuring entity decides tolimit
participation inprocurement proceedings onthebasis ofnationality (Article 8).
Thedraft procurement lawdoes notmake provision foranyoffset requirements.
Question 116.
What procedures exist forchallenges totheaward ofcontracts anddispute settlement?WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 53
Answer:
There arethree levels onwhich suppliers thatclaim tohave suffered, orthatmay suffer, loss
orinjury duetoabreach ofaduty oftheprocuring entity may seek redress (Article 54).Appeals can
besubmitted directly totherespective procuring entity andtheNAPP (Article 55).Furthermore, the
decisions oftheNAPP aresubject toreview bythecourt (Article 59).
TheNAPP may cancel infullorinpartanunlawful actordecision oftheprocuring entity,
orrevise anunlawful decision bytheprocuring entity. TheNAPP may require thepayment bythe
procuring entity ofcompensation foranyreasonable costs actually incurred, butnotforlostprofit or
opportunity costs, bythesupplier. Moreover, theNAPP may order thattheprocurement proceedings
beterminated (Article 56).
Question 117.
AccordingtotheMemorandum,specialprovisionsapplytopurchaseswhichaffectnationalsecurity.
Please identify thetype, scope andadministration ofthese special provisions asthey apply to
agricultural products. Please describe thetype ofpurchases that aredeemed to'affect national
security '.
Answer:
Special provisions onnational security donotapply tothepurchase ofagriculture products.
These provisions apply mainly tothepurchase ofmilitary equipment.
4. Policies Affecting Foreign Trade inAgricultural Products
(b) Exports
Because export subsidies arethemost trade-distorting form ofsupport, westrongly encourage you
tocommit tobinding export subsidies atzero forallproducts.
(c) Export prohibitions andrestrictions
Question 118.
Please describe theadministrative procedures that apply totheregistration ofexport products
covered inAnnex 3BoftheMemorandum.
Answer:
Registration ofexport contracts takes place inaspecial register bypersons authorised bythe
Ministry ofEconomy andReforms, after which theregistration card ofthecontract authorising the
delivery ofgoods through theborder isissued. Theregistration ofcontracts iseffected in10days from
thedateofreceipt oftherequired documentation. Registration ofcontracts canberefused incase of
incomplete presentation ofdocuments ornon-compliance with Moldovan legislation.
Thetextoftheregulations ontheprocedure ofregistration ofcontracts forexport ofgoods
iscontained inAnnex 8totheGovernmental Decision No371of6June 1995, which willshortly be
superseded byanewDecision (Annex 6contains theRegulation onthemethod ofregistration ofcontract
forexporting goods). Thetexts ofboth Decisions willbesubmitted totheWorking Party.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 54
(e) Internal policies
Question 119.
Please describe thedomestic agricultural policies bysubmitting aresponse toWT/ACC/4,
information tobeprovided ondomestic support andexport subsidies inagriculture, prior tothe
next meeting oftheWorking Party.
Answer:
Therequested information willbecirculated asdocument WT/ACC/MOL/5.
V. TRADE-RELATED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY REGIME (TRIPS)
1. General
Question 120.
TheTRIPS Agreement isafundamental component oftheobligations undertaken byallWTO Members.
Weexpect Moldova toimplement fully theWTO TRIPS Agreement asofthedateofaccession, without
recourse toanytransitional arrangements.
(b) Responsible agencies forpolicy formulation andimplementation
Question 121.
Please provide theaddress oftheState Agency forCopyright, itsphone andfaxnumbers, and
thename andtitle ofthehead oftheAgency. Wealready have such information fortheState
Agency forIndustrial Property.
Answer:
Theaddress isthefollowing:
State Agency fortheProtection ofCopyright andNeighbouring Rights
Strada Sciusev 55
Chisinau 2012
Moldova
Telephone: 00373-2-223542 or222653.
Telefax: 00373-2-226094
Thehead oftheAgency isDirector-General Cius.
(c) Membership ofinternational intellectual property conventions andofregional orbilateral
agreements
Question 122.
Will Moldova accede totheBerne Convention fortheProtection ofLiterary andArtistic Works
andtheGeneva Convention onPhonograms prior toWTO accession?WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 55
Does Moldova intend tobecome amember oftheBerne Convention andoftheRome Convention?
Answer:
Moldova isamember oftheBerne andRome Conventions which comprise theprovisions of
theGeneva Convention.
Question 123.
Does Moldova have anybilateral agreements which contain provisions onintellectual property
protection? Ifso,please identify theagreements anddescribe theobligations. Arethebenefits
ofsuch agreements accorded tonationals ofother countries onamost-favoured-nation basis?
Answer:
Moldova hassigned numerous bilateral agreements, including agreements onprotection of
investments, which provide for,inter alia, theprotection ofintellectual property rights ofnationals
oftheagreements. Once Moldova willbecome WTO Member, itwillapply fullm.f.n. treatment to
allWTO countries, although inpractice such treatment isalready now applied toallcountries.
(d) Application ofnational andm.f.n. treatment toforeign nationals
Question 124.
Article 19oftheConstitution ofMoldova provides national treatment forforeign nationals, subject
toexceptions established bylaw.
Pleaseidentify(includingcitation)anddescribeanysuchexceptionstonationaltreatmentapplicable
tointellectual property protection orenforcement?
Please explain theexceptions tothenational treatment.
Answer:
Moldova applies theprinciple ofnational treatment with regard tointellectual property. The
exceptions stipulated inArticle 19oftheConstitution refer totherights tovoteandtobeelected, military
service andrelated issues.
(e) Fees andtaxes
Question 125.
Aretheamount offeespayable forpatents forinventions, utility models, industrial designs, trade
marks,andappellationsoforiginthesamefornationalsandforeigners?Pleaseprovidetheschedule
offeesforeach form ofintellectual property.
Answer:
Theschedule offeesfortheintellectual property rights listed inthequestion iscontained in
annex Itothisdocument.WT/ACC/MOL/4
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2. Substantive Standards ofProtection
(a) Copyright andrelated rights
Question 126.
Please submit atranslated copy oftheLaw 'Oncopyright andneighbouring rights 'No.293-XII '
asof23November 1994, andanyamendments.
Answer:
Acopy ofthislawwasinreply toprevious questions (WT/ACC/MOL/3/Add.1).
Question 127.
What changes inthecopyright lawwould have tobemade tomeet therequirements oftheBerne
Convention andGeneva Phonograms Convention?
Please explain how Moldova complies with Articles 1through 21oftheBerne Convention (1971)
andtheAppendix thereto asrequired byArticle 9oftheTRIPS Agreement?
Answer:
TheMoldovan Copyright Law ofNovember 1994 isinfullcompliance with therequirements
ofthetwoconventions mentioned inthequestion since Moldova isamember ofthese conventions.
Question 128.
Arecomputer programs protected asliterary works under Moldova 'sLaw 'OnCopyright and
Neighbouring Rights '?Aredata bases protected ascompilations? According totheMemorandum,
"the exclusive right ofuseofthework isdefined astheright oftheauthor orother copyright
holder torealise, toallow ortoprohibit the...distribution (sale orrental) ofthework"?
Answer:
Computer programs, data bases andcompilations areprotected inthesame way asliterary
works under Moldova 'sCopyright Law.
Question 129.
Docopyright owners have theright toprevent therental ofacopy ofawork even after that
particular copy hasbeen sold? Dosound recording producers have asimilar right toprevent the
rental ofcopies ofthesound recordings, even after those copies aresold? Ifnot,when does Moldova
envision including such rental rights initsregime fortheprotection ofcopyrighted works and
neighbouring rights?
Answer:
Article 28.2.and 3oftheMoldovan Copyright Lawgives copyright owners andsound recording
producers theright outlined inthequestion.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 57
Question 130.
Please describe indetail anylimitations ontheexclusive rights ofcopyright owners orowners
ofneighbouring rights.
Answer:
Very detailed regulations onthelimitation ontheexclusive rights ofcopyright owners orowners
ofneighbouring rights exist andrelate to:
- reproduction ofworks forpersonal use;
- reprographic reproduction bylibraries;
- freeuseofworks;
- reproduction ofcomputer programs andcomputer data bases.
Fordetails, please refer toChapter III,Articles 20-23 oftheMoldovan Copyright Law which
isbased ontheBerne Convention.
Question 131.
What aretheterms ofprotection provided forcopyrights andneighbouring rights? What isthe
term ofprotection provided forworks that cannot bemeasured bythelifeoftheauthor?
Answer:
TheMoldovan Copyright Law provides foraterm ofprotection ofcopyright andneighbouring
rights of50years. Article 17(9) andArticle 33oftheLaw provides fortheofauthors tobeprotected
without limitation intime.
Question 132.
According totheMemorandum, copyrights areregistered with theState Agency onCopyright,
butthat registration isnotnecessary fortheexercise ofcopyright. What advantage isobtained
bytheregistration ofawork?
Answer:
Under Article 8.4oftheCopyright Law, thecertificate ofregistration may, intheevent of
thedispute, constitute apresumption ofauthorship forthecourt intheabsence ofproof tothecontrary.
Inaddition, there areeconomic benefits fortheauthor toregister hiscopyright.
(b) Trademarks, including service marks
Question 133.
Please provide atranslated copy oftheLaw "OnTrademarks andAppellations ofOrigin ofGoods"
No.588-XII 22September 1995 andamendments totheWorking Party forreview.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 58
Answer:
Acopy ofthe Law was already provided with answers toprevious questions
(WT/ACC/MOL/3/Add.1).
Question 134.
Arecolours recognised astrademarks ifthey arecapable ofdistinguishing theproduct ofone
entity from those ofother entities?
Answer:
Colours arerecognised astrademarks iftheir spectrum hasaspecific connotation toaparticular
product.
Question 135.
Please describe therights atrademark owner acquires byregistering itsmark andhowthese rights
may beexercised, including anylimitations onthose rights?
Answer:
Moldovan lawgrants theowner ofaregistered trademark throughout theterm ofthevalidity
ofthetrademark anexclusive right todispose ofandexploit itaswelltheright toprohibit other persons
from using itontheterritory ofMoldova. Noperson shall beentitled touseatrademark protected
inMoldova without theconsent ofitsowner (Articles 6.1and2).
Thefollowing actsconstitute aninfringement oftherights ofthetrademark owner ifcarried
outwithout hisconsent: themanufacture, use,import, offer forsale, saleoranyform ofmarketing,
orholding forsuch purposes, ofatrademark oraproduct designated bysuch trademark, ortheuse
ofasimilar sign liable tomislead theconsumer, inrelation togoods orservices ofthesame type
(Article 6.3). Theexclusive trademark right shall notextend toelements ofthetrademark which, taken
separately, cannot beregistered inaccordance with thislaw. There arenolimitations tothese rights.
Question 136.
Ifaparty believes that itsinterests willbeinjured bytheregistration ofamark byanother, is
itpossible forthat party tooppose theregistration ortoseek itscancellation asprovided forin
Article 15.1 oftheTRIPS Agreement? Please describe theprocedure tobefollowed, andanyfees
involved, tooppose registration ofamark ortoseek itscancellation?
Answer:
Opposition toregistration ofatrademark ispossible under Article 17oftheTrademark Law
bywayofanapplication totheAppeals Board oftheAgency forIndustrial Property Protection (AGEPI)
andsubsequently tothecourts.
Cancellation ofregistration ofatrademark may berequested totheAGEPI Appeals Board
andsubsequently tothecourts under Article 26oftheLaw.
Fordetails ofthetime limits andfurther details please refer totherespective provisions of
theLaw. FortheAGEPI procedure nofeesarepayable.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 59
Question 137.
Please explain whether Moldovan trademark lawimposes time limitations onactions tocancel
trademark registrations that have been obtained byfraudulent means.
Answer:
According toArticle 26oftheMoldovan Trademark Law, theregistration ofatrademark may
becancelled atanytime during itsterm ofvalidity ifithasbeen obtained through infringement of
theLaw.AnypersonmaysubmittotheAGEPIAppealsBoardarequestforcancellationofaregistration,
forwhich theLaw does notprescribe anytime-limits.
Question 138.
Article 6bisoftheParis Convention, incorporated byreference byArticle 16.2 oftheTRIPS
Agreement requires protection forwell-known marks. Please describe theprotection available
forwell-known marks inMoldova, including thecriteria considered indetermining whether the
mark iswell-known.
Please explain how unregistered well-known trademarks areprotected inMoldova, asrequired
byTRIPS Article 16(2) and(3).
Answer:
Well-known marks areprotected without aspecial procedure andwithout registration in
compliance with Article 6bisoftheParis Convention fortheProtection ofIndustrial Property
(Article 7(4) oftheMoldovan Law OnTrademarks andAppellations ofOrigin). TheLaw does not
contain anyspecial criteria forwell-known marks, butinconcrete cases themark isconsidered
well-known based onawareness ofagreat number ofpeople about thisparticular mark.
Question 139.
Please describe anyrequirements orlimitations Moldova places ontheexercise oftrademark rights,
forexample, arethere anyspecial requirements trademark owners must meet inusing their marks
orarethere limitations ofthelicensing ofmarks?
Answer:
Moldovan Law does notplace anylimitations ontheexercise oftrademark rights. Inparticular
theuseofatrademark isnotacondition forfiling anapplication ortomaintain aregistration.
(c) Geographical indications
Question 140.
According totheMemorandum, thecertificate ofregistration isatitleofprotection forappellations
oforigin inMoldova. Theright toreceive titles ofprotection fortheappellations oforigin belongs
toindividuals orlegal persons who realise their activity inthegeographical area indicated inthe
application.
Must allparties doing business inconnection with theproduct associated with theappellation
apply separately forthecertificate?WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 60
Answer:
Allparties doing business must apply separately forthecertificate.
Question 141.
Please describe theprocess forapplying foracertificate ofregistration, criteria applied inthe
determination toapprove theapplication, andthenature oftherights conferred bytheissuance
ofthecertificate.
Answer:
Anapplication forregistration ofanappellation oforigin shall befiled with theAGEPI. As
forthedetails ofthedocumentation required andthecriteria applicable fortheapproval ofthe
registration, please refer totheprovisions ofArticle 8oftheTrademark Law.
Theappellation oforigin rights arethesame astherights ontrademarks.
Question 142.
The term 'Appellation oforigin 'isgenerally associated with wines andspirits. Does Moldova
protect geographical indications associated with other products? Please describe thenature of
theprotection andthemeans bywhich itisacquired.
Answer:
Theprotection through appellations oforigin applies toallproducts andisnotlimited towines
andspirits. Appellations oforigin arethedesignations ofacountry, aregion orlocality used todesignate
aproduct whose natural properties derive essentially orexclusively from thenatural orhuman factors
specific tothatgeographical area (Article 3oftheTrademark Law).
Question 143.
Pleaseindicatewhethergeographicalindicationsforwinesandspiritsaregivenadditionalprotection
compared togeographical indications forother goods. Ifnot, please explain how Moldovan law
isconsistent with TRIPS Article 23.
Answer:
Theuseofaregistered geographical indication, even ifaccompanied byastatement ofthe
trueplace oforigin oftheproduct orintranslation orinassociation with words such as"kind", "type",
"imitation", orother similar notices isprohibited foranyperson whoisnottheholder oftheregistration
certificate. Theuse,forproducts ofthesame type, ofsimilar designation liable tomislead consumers
astotheplace oforigin andspecial properties oftheproducts isalsoprohibited (Article 22.2, Law
onTrademarks andAppellations ofOrigin).
Apart from theabove, there isnoadditional protection ofwines andspirits. However, there
arespecialproceduresforregisteringwinesandspiritswhicharecontainedintheGovernmentalDecision
No.760of10November 1995.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 61
(d) Industrial designs
Question 144.
Paragraph 2ofTRIPS Article 25requires thatmembers ensure thattherequirements forobtaining
protection fortextile designs donotunreasonably impair theopportunity toseek andobtain such
protection
Please describe themeans bywhich textile designers canobtain protection forthedesigns in
Moldova.
Answer:
Textiles designs areprotected inthesame manner asindustrial designs, i.e., they canbe
registered asadesign orindustrial model ifthey have anew appearance andutility function.
Question 145.
Please describe anylimitations thatmay beplaced ontheprotection provided toindustrial designs
inMoldova.
Answer:
There arenolimitations provided onprotection ofindustrial designs.
(e) Patents
Question 146.
Please provide atranslated copy oftheLaw "On patents forinventions" No. 461-XII asof
18May 1995 totheWorking Party forreview.
Answer:
Acopy ofthePatent Law was already submitted inreply toaprevious request
(WT/ACC/MOL/3/Add.1).
Question 147.
TRIPS Article 27provides that patents shall beavailable foranyinventions, inallfields of
technology, unless specifically excepted. The Moldovan Law does notconsider topographies of
integrated circuits tobepatentable inventions.
Answer:
Topographies ofintegrated circuits aresubject tothepatent provisions ofTRIPS because they
arenotspecifically excluded from coverage inArticle 27.How does Moldova intend toamend itsPatent
Law toprovide patent protection forintegrated circuits which arenovel andindustrially applicable?
Moldova intends todraft aspecial lawwhich willprotect topographies ofintegrated circuits
prior toitsaccession toWTO.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 62
Question 148.
According totheMemorandum, thepriority date ofaninvention isthedate theapplication is
submitted. Asamember oftheParis Convention, does Moldova treat thedate offiling inany
Paris Convention member State asthepriority date, provided that anapplication isalso filed
inMoldova within 12months?
Answer:
AsMoldova isaParis Convention member country, ittreats thedateoffiling inanyConvention
member State asthepriority date (Article 12ofthePatent Law).
Question 149.
Please describe allcompulsory licensing provisions andexplain how theprovisions comply with
therequirements ofTRIPS Article 31?
Answer:
Iftheinvention hasnotbeen used forthree years since thepatent hasbeen issued, orithas
notbeen sufficiently used bytheholder, theperson whoisready to,andwishes toutilize theinvention,
incase theholder refuses toconclude alicensing contract with thatperson, thelatter cansubmit a
request tothecourt orarbitrage tobeawarded anon-exclusive obligatory licence.
Intheinterest ofnational security, theMoldovan Government hastheright toauthorize the
useoftheinvention bythird parties without theconsent ofthepatent holder, paying thelatter anadequate
financial compensation. Theholder hastheright tocontest theamount ofcompensation inthecourt
(Article 33(4), Law OnPatents forInvention).
Question 150.
What rights areprovided topatent holders? Please describe anylimitations ontheexercise of
those rights.
Answer:
Theholder ofapatent hastheexclusive right ontheinvention protected bythepatent which
consists oftheright tousetheinvention, provided theusage does notinterfere with therights ofother
patent holders, todispose ofthepatent andtoforbid others tousetheinvention protected bythepatent
(Article 22(1), Law OnPatents forInvention)
Incivil infringement proceedings involving process patents, TRIPS Article 32provides that
judicial authorities shall have theauthority toorder thedefendant toprove thattheprocess toobtain
anidentical product isdifferent from thepatented process. Theburden ofproof isrequired tobeshifted
tothedefendant iftheproduct obtained bythepatented process isnew, orifthere isasubstantial
likelihood thattheidentical product wasmade bytheprocess andtheowner ofthepatent hasbeen
unable through reasonable efforts todetermine theprocess actually used.
Question 151.
Does Moldova 'sPatent Law require thedefendants toprove thattheprocess toobtain anidentical
product isdifferent from thepatented process, inaccordance with therequirements ofTRIPSWT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 63
Article34?PleasedescribehowtheGovernmentofMoldovaintendstoremedyanysuchdeficiencies
prior toWTO accession?
Answer:
Moldova does nothave atpresent aprovision corresponding toArticle 34ofTRIPS andwill
therefore adjust itslegislation prior toWTO accession.
(f) Plant variety protection
Question 152.
Please provide atranslated copy ofthe"Provisional Statute ofIndustrial Property Protection
inMoldova" toWorking Party forreview.
Answer:
Forthepurposes ofplant variety protection theProvisional Statute mentioned inthequestion
hasinthemeantime been superseded bytheLaw 'OnPlant Variety Protection ';atranslated copy of
which wassubmitted inresponse toprevious request (WT/ACC/MOL/3/Add.1). Asforanimal variety
protection theprovisions oftheProvisional Statute arestillinforce andMoldova willsubmit acopy
ofthese provisions shortly.
Question 153.
According totheMemorandum, plant oranimal varieties areconsidered patentable inventions
under theLaw 'OnPatents forInventions '.
Please describe therights andterm ofprotection available toholders ofpatented plant oranimal
varieties. Please describe anyspecial rules orprocedures thatapply toplant andanimal varieties
that donotapply toother inventions under theMoldovan Patent Law.
Answer:
Moldova adopted a"Law OnPlant Variety Protection" which entered into force on
28November 1996 andprovides forspecial protection ofplant varieties. Protection isgranted onthe
basis ofcertificates issued bytheState Commission fortheTesting ofPlant Varieties. TheLaw grants
theexclusive rights ofexploitation tothepatentee which arelisted inArticle 13(Law onPlant Variety
Protection). Moldova alsobecame amember ofUPOV.
Theterm ofprotection is25years fortrees, fruit trees andivy-wines and20years forplant
varieties andother species, with thepossible extension forfurther 10years.
(g) Layout designs ofintegrated circuits
Question 154.
Please describe therights acquired inMoldova bytheholder ofacertificate ofthelayout
registration. Please describe anylimitations ontheability oftheholder toexercise these rights
andanycompulsory licensing provisions applicable tolayout designs ofintegrated circuits. Is
Moldova 'sLaw incompliance with therequirements ofparagraph 2ofTRIPS Article 37?WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 64
Answer:
Presently, there arenoprovisions governing layout-designs ofintegrated circuits. ADraft Law
onLayout Designs ofIntegrated Circuits which willcomply with relevant international agreements
iscurrently inpreparation andwillbesubmitted totheWorking Party induecourse.
(h) Requirements onundisclosed information
Question 155.
Please provide atranslated copy oftheLaw 'Ontheprotection ofthecommercial secret, No171,
adopted byParliament on6June 1994 totheWorking Party forreview.
Answer:
Atranslated copy oftheLaw "On theprotection ofthecommercial secret" willbeprovided
totheWorking Party.
Question 156.
Please describe thenature oftheprotection provided under theLaw "On theprotection on
commercial secret", No.171of6June 1994.
Answer:
Article 6(4)oftheLaw provides thattheState willensure theappropriate conditions forthe
economic entities tokeep theinformation secret.
Question 157.
What kinds ofinformation areeligible astrade secret? Must theinformation bedocumented in
some form before itwillreceive protection and, ifso,what form ofdocumentation isrequired?
Answer:
Information isconsidered ascommercial secret if:
(i) ithasrealorpotential value totheeconomic agent;
(ii) access toitisrestricted;
(iii) itismarked, bystamp orotherwise, asconfidential;
(iv) itisnotcovered bytheprovisions oncopyright orpatents.
Nofurther documentation isrequired.
Question 158.
What istheterm ofprotection forcommercial secrets? Arecommercial secrets protected aslong
asthey satisfy thecriteria (asspecified insection V.2(h) oftheMemorandum) tobeconsidered
acommercial secret? Please describe anylimitations ontheprotection provided forcommercial
secrets andanyapplicable compulsory licensing provisions.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 65
Answer:
Commercial secrets areprotected aslong asthey satisfy thecriteria listed inthepreceding
reply. There nolimitations ontheprotection andnocompulsory licensing provisions intheLaw.
Question 159.
Paragraph 3ofTRIPS Article 39requires member countries toprotect undisclosed testorother
data submitted asacondition ofapproving themarketing ofpharmaceutical oragricultural
chemical product which utilise new chemical entities.
Please describe how thetestorother data issubmitted togovernmental authorities inMoldova
andthemethods used bytheauthorities toprotect thisinformation from disclosure?
Answer:
Themarketingofpharmaceuticalsandagriculturalchemicalproductswhichutilizenewchemical
entities without registration ofintellectual property rights isonly subject toapproval bytheMinistry
ofHealth ortheMinistry ofAgriculture, respectively.
Moldova does notrequire thesubmission ofundisclosed testorother data asthecondition
ofapproving themarketing ofproducts mentioned inthequestion. Themarketing ofsuch products
isonly subject ofapproval bytheMinistry ofHealth ortheMinistry ofAgriculture, respectively.
4. Enforcement
(a) Civil judicial procedures andremedies
Question 160.
Please provide thetranslated copy oftheCivil Law provisions that apply totheprotection of
intellectual property rights totheworking party forreview.
Answer:
While Moldovan Civil Law contains general provisions relating toproperty rights, thespecific
provisionsrelatingtotheprotectionofIPRsarecontainedintherespectiveMoldovanintellectualproperty
rights laws.
Question 161.
Please describe thestructure ofthecourt system intheRepublic ofMoldova andthetribunals
having jurisdiction over disputes involving intellectual property rights.
Answer:
Jurisdiction forIntellectual Property Rights (IPR) inMoldova lies,depending ontheparticular
case, with:
- theordinary courts, against whose judgments appeals canbelodged totheCourt ofAppeals
andultimately theMoldovan Supreme Court;WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 66
- theEconomic Court inChisinau (which istheonly oneinMoldova sofar), against whose
judgementsappealscanbelodgedtotheEconomicAppealsCourtandultimatelytotheMoldovan
Supreme Court.
Question 162.
Pleasedescribethecivilremedieswhichareavailabletoholdersofeachformofintellectualproperty
toprovide provisional andpermanent relief from theinfringement oftheir rights.
Please explain how Moldovan lawcomplies with theArticles 42to49oftheTRIPS Agreement
concerning civil andadministrative procedures andremedies.
Answer:
Arightholder inMoldova canrequest from acourt thataninjunction beissued which would
prevent further infringements ofhisright. This procedure isgoverned bythenormal provisions of
Moldovan law. Permanent relief canbeobtained through resort totheeconomic courts.
Theexactprovisionsgoverninglegalremediesforspecificintellectualpropertyrightsareincluded
intherespectivelaws,copiesofwhichMoldovahasalreadysubmittedorwillsubmit(seee.g.Article25,
Trademark Law). Foradministrative procedures seeanswer provided under Chapter V,section 4(d)
below.
Question 163.
Please describe thenature oftheevidence that isrequired toprove infringement inconnection
with each form ofintellectual property right.
Answer:
Thenormal rules onevidence governing civillitigation inMoldova apply tointellectual property
right cases.
(b) Provisional measures
Question 164.
Please describe theprovisional measures that areavailable toprevent any infringement of
intellectual property right from occurring, inparticular toprevent theentry intothecommerce
ofinfringing goods, andtopreserve relevant evidence.
Answer:
Arightholder canrequest from acourt aninjunction which willprevent further infringements
ofhisrights andtheentry intocommerce oftheinfringing goods.
Question 165.
Please describe theprocedures andevidence required bytherightholder fortheapplication of
provisional measures.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 67
Answer:
Seethereply toprevious questions.
(c) Any administrative procedures andremedies
Question 166.
What isthecurrent status ofthepromulgation ofstandards toprovide special border enforcement
measures tocombat counterfeiting oftrademarks andpiracy ofcopyrighted goods, asrequired
bysection 4ofTRIPS? When does theGovernment ofMoldova expect thestandards tobe
implemented?
Please provide atranslated copy ofthedraft standards totheWorking Party forreview.
When willMoldova adopt thespecial border measures pursuant toArticles 51to60oftheTRIPS
Agreement?
Answer:
According toArticle 38.10 oftheCopyright Law, thecustoms authorities areentitled toseize
copies ofworks orphonograms thathave been thesubject ofattempted unauthorised importation or
exportation.
Assoon asthedraft ofageneral border enforcement lawbecomes available, acopy willbe
submitted totheWorking Party.
(d) Any special border measures
Question 167.
Please describe anyadministrative procedures andremedies available toholders ofintellectual
property rights.
Answer:
Article 51oftheCode onAdministrative Infringements provides forfines of10-75 minimum
salaries andconfiscation ofgoods incases ofviolation ofanexclusive industrial rights. Article 152.2
ofthesame Code provides forafineof25minimum salaries andconfiscation ofgoods incases of
false utilisation oftrademarks.
(e) Criminal procedures
Question 168.
Please describe thecriminal procedures andpenalties applicable totheunlawful utilisation of
trademarks, asprovided byArticle 158oftheCriminal Code.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 68
Answer:
Article 158oftheCriminal Code provides forapenalty ofoneyear ofcorrectional work or
50minimum salaries fortheunlawful utilisation ofatrademark. Theprocedures inthese cases are
thesame asforordinary criminal offences.
Question 169.
Please describe thecriminal procedures and penalties applicable tocopyright piracy ona
commercial scale.
Answer:
According toArticle 38(12) oftheCopyright Law, aperson committing anintentional
infringement ofacopyright orneighbouring rights forgain andhaving caused considerable prejudice
totheholder oftheright shall beliable toaterm ofimprisonment ofbetween oneandthree years
ortoafineofbetween 100and1000 times theminimum wage orboth.
6. Statistical data onapplications forandgrants ofintellectual property rights
Question 170.
Please provide thestatistical data required byWT/ACC/1.
Answer:
This information willbeprovided shortly.
VI. TRADE-RELATED SERVICES REGIME
1. General
Question 171.
Weappreciate thedescription oftheservices regime provided intheForeign Trade Memorandum.
However, since thesubmission oftheMemorandum, theSecretariat issued atechnical note,
WT/ACC/5, which provides astandard format forthecomprehensive description ofservices
information.
Please submit aresponse totherequest forinformation contained inWT/ACC/5.
Answer:
Thequestionnaire WT/ACC/5 willbesubmitted shortly.
Question 172.
Please provide references forallexisting legislation anddocuments relating toservices, particularly
relating toforeign service providers, issued bylegislative agencies and where they have been
published.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 69
Answer:
Thefollowing laws andlegislative documents relate tothesupply ofservices:
- Law onForeign Investment No.998-XII of1April 1992;
- Law onEnterprises andEntrepreneurial Activity No.846-XII of1April 1992;
- Law onBanks andBanking Activity No.601-XII of12June 1991;
- Law onFinancial Institutions No.550-XIII of21July 1995;
- Law onRent No.861of14January 1992;
- Law onInsurance No.886-XIII of20June 1996;
- Law onEmployment No.878-XII 16January 1992;
- Law onAccounting No.321of25May 1995;
- Law onAuditing No.729-XIII of15February 1996;
- Law onSecurities No.491-XIII of8June 1995 andrelated documents;
- Law onAudio-Visual Services No.603-XIII of3October 1995;
- Law onPublic Associations No.837-XIII of17May 1996;
- Law onTelecommunications No.520-XIII of7July 1995;
- Law onPostal Services No.463-XII of18May 1995;
- Law ontheState Privatization Programme 1995-1996 No.390-XIII of15March 1995;
- Government Decision ontheRegulation ofCertain Kinds ofActivities No.581 of
17August 1995.
Allthese laws andtheGovernment Decision arepublished intheMonitorul Oficial.
Question 173.
Please submit atranslated copy oftheLaw "On Enterprises and Entrepreneurial Activity"
No.845-XII, asof3January 1992, with amendments, totheWorking Party forreview.
Answer:
Atranslated copy oftheLaw onEnterprises andEntrepreneurial Activity No.845-XII of
3January 1992 including amendments hasbeen submitted totheWorking Party together with the
Memorandum.
Question 174.
Many services have remained largely unregulated. Asmentioned indocument WT/ACC/MOL/2,
theMoldovan Government intends toimprove thecollection ofspecific data inthissector. Could
theMoldovandelegationprovideuswithsomemoreinformationonthatissue?WhendoesMoldova
intend topresent adraft schedule ofspecific commitments inthissector?
Answer:
Moldova isreceiving technical assistance from aninternational aidagency toimprove data
collection forGDP calculation. Inafirststeptheefforts concentrated ontheagricultural andindustrial
sectors where datacollection hasbeen improved considerably. Forsome services such asconstruction,
wholesale andretail trade, repair andmaintenance works, transportation, education andhealth and
social services data isavailable for1995 and1996.
Adraft schedule ofcommitments willbesubmitted induecourse.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 70
2. Policies Affecting Trade inServices
(b) Judicial, arbitral oradministrative tribunals orprocedures
Question 175.
What arethemain conditions forforeign insurance companies toobtain alicence ifthey wish
tosellinsurance?
Answer:
According totheLaw onInsurance of20June 1996, foreign insurance companies canoperate
inMoldova only inajoint venture with Moldovan partners. Theforeign share insuch ajoint venture
must notexceed 49percent.
Moldovan andforeign insurance companies must, inorder tocarry outbusiness inMoldova,
obtain alicence from theState Insurance Service attheMinistry ofFinance. Thefollowing documents
have tobesubmitted:
- anapplicationindicatingthelegal/organizationalform,legaladdress,currentsettlement,account
bank details, andfiscal code;
- thelastreported balance sheet, equity andother financial information confirmed byauditors;
- economic background, including solvability standards valid forthelastreporting date, profit
andlossstatement, statement ofoperational andmanagement costs, theprogramme ofprotection
regarding re-insurance andother guarantees offulfilment ofinsurance obligations;
- models ofinsurance contracts (insurance certificates, insurance policies);
- payment note forapplication fee;
- information ontheexecutive officers oftheapplicant andtheir deputies.
Inaddition, theapplicant must have aminimal social fund ofMDL 300,000 incash andthe
necessary reserves related tothetotal amount ofinsurance policies contracted. Incase oftransport
insurance, thesocial fund andthereserves must beatleast MDL 1million. Acopy oftheRegulation
ontheIssue ofLicences forInsurance Services of17November 1995 wassubmitted inresponse to
previous questions (WT/ACC/MOL/3/Add.1).
(d) Provisionsgoverningtheexistenceandoperationofmonopoliesorexclusiveservicesuppliers
Question 176.
Please describe theactivities ofPosta Moldovei andMoldtelecom intheform ofaresponse to
thequestionnaire onState-trading. Please describe themechanisms inplace inMoldova toensure
that theoperations ofthese two enterprises areconsistent with therequirements ofGATS
Article VIII.
Although noentry barriers exist inthetelecommunications sector there isstilldefacto aState
monopoly forthese services. Does Moldova intend toliberalize thissector?WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 71
Answer:
Posta Moldovei hasexclusive rights inproviding thefollowing basic postal services:
- forwarding ofletters andparcels;
- money orders;
- pension money orders.
Express parcel forwarding services areopen tocompletion andthere areforeign providers
inMoldova.
Moldtelecom fully applies them.f.n. principle initsoperations.
Questionnaire onState-Trading forMoldtelecom
1. Enumeration ofState-Trading Enterprises:
Moldtelecom hasbeen granted exclusive rights forthefollowing services:
- international telecommunications;
- telegraph;
- telex;
- domestic basic telecommunication services andleased circuit provision viathepublic
telecommunications network.
2. Reason andPurpose forIntroducing andMaintaining State-Trading Enterprises:
Historically, Moldtelecom hasbeen theonly service provider inthisarea since 1991. Asa
first step, Moldova hasembarked ontheprivatization ofMoldtelecom (seefollowing question). As
afurther step, Moldova intends toderegulate thetelecommunications sector nolater than 2005.
3. Description oftheFunctioning ofState-Trading Enterprises:
Regimes intheTelecommunication Sector
Telecommunication Sector Regime
International telecommunications,
telegraph andtelex.Exclusive authorization forthesupply ofservices in
thissector isheld byMoldtelecom, thecountry ’s
national operator ofthepublic telecommunications
network.
Domestic basic telecommunication
services andleased circuit provision via
thepublic telecommunications network.Exclusive authorization fortheprovision ofthese
services isatpresent alsoheld byMoldtelecom,
scheduled tolastuntil 2005. After 2005, open
competition willbeintroduced. Local telephone
operators willbeawarded operating licences onthe
basis ofpublic tenders. Such licences willbeissued
only forthose districts where there issufficient
demand.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 72
Telecommunication Sector Regime
Mobile telephone services andmobile
radio connected tothepublic
telecommunications network.One company hasbeen awarded alicence for
establishing amobile analog NMT-450 telephone
system. Another four companies have been awarded
licences tooperate trunked type systems. One GSM
licence willbeawarded after tender evaluation in
1997. Further mobile radio licences shall beawarded
only ifjustified bydemand andsubject toexisting
undertakings andavailability offrequencies.
Independent local networks connected
with thepublic telecommunications
network.There areanumber oflicence holders forsuch
networks. Theaward oflicences iswithout restriction
ofnumber butlicences have limited scope.
Radio paging. There arecurrently three local suppliers, each ofthem
holding alicence. Theaward oflicences issubject
only totheavailability ofradio frequencies.
Networks requiring theuseofradio
frequencies butnotconnected tothe
public network, such astaxiradio,
ambulance carradio etc., and
independent networks notconnected to
thepublic network.There arepresently many suppliers, each ofthem
holding astandard licence oranauthorization touse
certain frequencies. Theaward oflicences issubject
only totheavailability ofradio frequencies.
Other services, e.g.conceive, create
andmaintain telecommunication
networks.These services arepresently provided byseveral
suppliers, each ofthem holding astandard licence.
Theaward ofstandard licences iswithout restriction
ofnumber based onopen competition.
Customers premises equipment. There aremany suppliers, each ofthem holding a
standard trading licence forthesaleofapproved
equipment. Theaward ofstandard trading licences is
without restriction ofnumber onthebasis ofopen
competition.
Question 177.
Weunderstand that Moldova intends toprivatize Moldtelecom. What isthecurrent status of
theprivatization ofthisenterprise? What isthetimetable forcompleting theprivatization and
how willitbecarried out? Will foreign investors bepermitted toparticipate intheprivatization
ofMoldtelecom? Please describe anyownership interest thatwillberetained bytheGovernment
ofMoldova inMoldtelecom after privatization. Will Moldtelecom function asamonopoly provider
oftelecommunication services after privatization?
Answer:
TheGovernment ofMoldova haslaunched aninternational tender fortheprivatization of
Moldtelecom, supported bytheEBRD. Privatization should becompleted bytheendof1997.
Forty percentoftheshares arereserved forforeign investors, whereas 60percentwill, forthetime
being, remain inState ownership. AsforMoldtelecom asamonopoly, seereply tothepreceding
question.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 73
3. Market Access andNational Treatment
(a) Limitations onthenumber ofservice suppliers
Question 178.
Please describe indetail thelimitation ontelecommunications services. Are United States
telecommunications service suppliers exempt from this limitation pursuant tothe
United States-Moldova bilateral investment treaty?
Answer:
DetailsofthelimitationsontelecommunicationsservicesareprovidedinthetableontheRegimes
intheTelecommunications Sector above. TheUnited States-Moldova bilateral investment treaty does
notprovide foranyexemptions tothelimitations inthetelecommunications sector.
(g) Measures providing forlessthan thetreatment accorded tonational services orservice
suppliers
Question 179.
Please describe therestrictions onretail banking activity byforeign banks.
Answer:
Asstated intheMemorandum, foreign banks duly licensed bytheNational Bank ofMoldova
facenorestrictions onretail banking. Only off-shore banks, notlicensed inMoldova, aresubject to
some restrictions.
4. Most-Favoured-Nation Treatment
Question 180.
On24September 1993, Moldova signed theAgreement creating aneconomic union between
Moldova andtheother CIScountries providing forthefreecirculation notonly ofgoods butalso
ofservices, capital andmanpower.
Please indicate anyprovisions ofthat Agreement that would restrict Moldova 'sability tomake
commitments intheWTO concerning m.f.n. ornational treatment fortrade ingoods orservices.
Answer:
TheAgreement mentioned inthequestion does notcontain anyprovision thatwould restrict
Moldova 'sability tomake commitments intheWTO concerning m.f.n. ornational treatment fortrade
ingoods orservices.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 74
VII. INSTITUTIONAL BASE FOR TRADE AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS WITH THIRD
COUNTRIES
1. Bilateral orPlurilateral Agreements Relating toForeign Trade inGoods andTrade in
Services
Question 181.
Please provide atranslated copy oftheAgreement ofPartnership and Co-operation with the
European Union totheWorking Party forreview. Please describe anyprovisions inthisagreement
that restrict Moldova 'sability tomake commitments regarding market access and national
treatment intrade ingoods andservices.
Answer:
TheAgreement ofPartnership andCo-operation with theEuropean Union hasnotyetentered
intoforce asithasnotyetbeen ratified byallmember States oftheEuropean Union. Inthemeantime,
aninterim agreement hasbeen signed. Acopy oftheinterim agreement willbesubmitted totheWorking
Party. Theagreement does notcontain anyprovisions with restrict Moldova 'sability regarding market
access andnational treatment forgoods andservices.
Question 182.
Please describe theprovisions oftheAgreement with theEuropean Union onTextiles andClothing.
Does Moldova grant preferential market access toanyEuropean Union goods orservices pursuant
tothisAgreement. Ifso,please describe fully.
Answer:
Under theAgreement mentioned inthequestion, Moldova textile andclothing products can
enter theEuropean Union (EU) market without quota limitations. Inaddition, Moldova shall create
favourable conditions forimports oftextile products originating intheEUand, where appropriate,
accord tothem non-discriminatory treatment asregards theapplication ofquantitative restrictions, the
granting oflicences andtheallocation ofcurrency needed topayforsuch imports.
Moldova permits duty-free import ofrawmaterials fortextile andclothing products from the
EU, provided thefinished products aresubsequently exported totheEU(inward processing).
2. Economic Integration, Customs Union andFree Trade Area Agreements
Question 183.
Concerning thebilateral trade agreement with Iran:
Please submit atranslated copy oftheAgreement( including anyannexes) totheWorking Party
forreview. Please describe fully anyprovisions ofthisbilateral agreement that apply toanyof
thegoods subject tolicensing, asidentified inAnnex 3AoftheMemorandum.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 75
Answer:
Acopy oftheAgreement (inEnglish) willbesubmitted totheWorking Party. TheAgreement
does notrefer toanyoftheproducts subject tolicensing inMoldova, asidentified inAnnex 3Ain
theMemorandum.
Question 184.
Doanyimport orexport goods currently receive preferential market access pursuant tothis
Agreement. Ifso,please identify theproducts, including HSnumbers, anddescribe thepreferential
market access.
Answer:
TheAgreement does notprovide forpreferential market access.
Question 185.
Please describe any provisions inthis Agreement that restrict Moldova 'sability tomake
commitments regarding market access andnational treatment intrade ingoods andservices?
Answer:
TheAgreementdoesnotrestrictMoldova'sabilityregardingmarketaccessandnationaltreatment
forgoods andservices.
Question 186.
Because Iran wasomitted from table 6ofAnnex IoftheMemorandum, please provide thebilateral
trade statistics forIran. What wastherationale fornegotiating abilateral trade agreement with
Iran?
Answer:
Year Imports inMDL Exports inMDL
1993 0 0
1994 234.000 0
1995 405.000 1,615,000
1996 174.800 649.800
Theobjective oftheagreement was'striving forfuture extension anddevelopment oftrade
relations andpromotion ofeconomic andtrader co-operation based onequality, non-discrimination,
reciprocal interests '.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 76
Question 187.
Concerning thetrade agreement with Bulgaria:
Please identify themarked package orbottles tobereconditioned, including HSnumbers, that
enjoy preferential market access pursuant tothat agreement. What istherationale forgranting
thispreferential market access? Would Moldova bewilling toextend theterms ofmarket access
forthese products toallWTO Members onm.f.n. basis?
Answer:
TheAgreement does notcontain theprecise product coverage interms ofHSnumbers.
Since these marked packages orbottles donotrepresent aproduct forconsumption butrather
forrefilling (e.g. with wine) inthecontext oftheinward andoutward processing, there isnoneed
toimpose customs duties onthese items.
Moldova isprepared toconsider extending thesame treatment toallWTO Members under
thesame conditions.
Question 188.
Concerning thevarious preferential agreements among CIS:
Does theRepublic ofMoldova expect toimplement theCIScustoms union prior toWTO accession?
What isthecurrent status ofitsnegotiations with other CIS fortheformation ofthecustoms
union?
Answer:
Atthepresent time noactive negotiations fortheformation oftheCIScustoms union aregoing
oninwhich theGovernment ofMoldova isinvolved. Itisnotexpected thattheCIScustoms union
willbefully achieved prior toMoldova 'sWTO accession.
Question 189.
Please describe theprovisions, ifany, oftheApril 1994 CIS Free Trade Agreement that are
currently ineffect intheRepublic ofMoldova.
What isthecurrent status ofthenegotiation oftheCISfreetrade area agreement protocol which
willspecify thegoods excluded from thefree trade regime?
Please identify, including HStariff number, those products thatMoldova intends toexclude from
theCIS free trade regime ortoseek progressive implementation.
Moldova hassigned several bilateral agreements with countries listed inAnnex 8Aandisatthe
same time party toamultilateral agreement within theframework oftheCISTreaty onEconomic
Union. This treaty remains essentially ageneral conceptual framework and didnotitself
operationalize sofarthecommitments contained therein. In1994, Moldova anddifferent members
ofthistreaty intended toimplement freetrade asforeseen bytheTreaty. What arethefirst results
oftheimplementation policies listed onpage 36ofdocument WT/ACC/MOL/2?WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 77
Answer:
Since only very fewcountries have ratified the1994 Agreement, ithasnotyetentered into
force. Instead, anumber ofbilateral freetrade agreements were concluded (seebelow).
Question 190.
Please explain how Moldova andother CISintend topromote acommon customs andprice policy
prior toformation ofafullfree trade area orcustoms union. Please supply lists ofMoldovan
andCIS 'important products 'that enjoy tariff free trade treatment prior toimplementation of
theagreements.
Answer:
The 1993 framework agreement between 9CIS countries didnotexpressly provide the
introduction ofacommon customs andprice policy prior totheformation ofafullfreetrade areaor
customs union.
Lists ofMoldovan andother CIS'important products 'were inthepastonly exchanged inthe
contextofbilateralpreferentialtradeagreements.Howeveratthepresenttimenosuchlistsareexchanged
with Moldova.
Question 191.
Moldova currently hasseveral bilateral preferential trade agreements inforce aspart oftheCIS
framework agreement. These trade agreements appear toinclude Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Belarus,
Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan andRomania.
Please identify, including HSnumbers, allitems excluded from each ofthese bilateral trade
agreements.
Please identify, including HSnumbers, allitems thatreceive preferential, butlessthan duty-free,
access pursuant tothese trade agreements. Foreach country forwhich Moldova hasabilateral
preferential trade agreement, please provide thetrade-weighted average tariff ratethatiscurrently
ineffect.
Answer:
Thebilateral agreements cover allproduct items which aresubject tozero customs duties.
Question 192.
Pleaseidentifytheproducts,includingHSnumbers,currentlysubjecttoexportrestrictionspursuant
tothebilateral trade agreement with Romania.
Answer:
Moldova does notpresently impose anyexport restrictions onitstrade with Romania. Inan
annex totheagreement, Romania hasreserved theright toimpose export restrictions oncertain goods,
alistofwhich issubmitted with these replies.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 78
Question 193.
According toParagraph 4ofAnnex 8BoftheMemorandum, Moldova concluded bilateral trade
agreements only for1995, with Kyrgyz Republic, Tadjikistan and Uzbekistan, which provide
some preferences relating tothetrade with most important goods fortheparties concerned.
Arethese bilateral trade agreements stillinforce? Foreach agreement, please identify theproducts
covered, including HSnumbers, andthepreferential market access they receive.
Please identify theproducts, including HSnumbers that aresubject toexport quotas pursuant
tothese agreements. What isthesizeoftheexport quota provided foreach product? Please describe
theprice policy foreach bilateral agreement?
Answer:
These bilateral trade agreements arenotanymore inforce. However, thefree-trade agreements
with Kyrgyz Republic andUzbekistan have inthemeantime entered intoforce.WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 79
Annex I
toGovernment Decision No.415asof13June 1994
TAXES
forinventions 'patenting andregistration ofutility models, trade marks,
designs, industrial models andnames oforigin forproducts
No.
d/o Object ofpayment Terms ofpaymentAmount
minimal
wages
US$
1 2 3 4 5
I. Inventions, utility models
1. Application forinvention patent: upto2months from
deposition date
foroneinvention 0.5 50
foragroup ofinventions (foreach
invention exceeding one)0.1 10
2. Application forregistration oftheutility
modelupto2months from
deposition date 0.5 50
3. Receipt ofinternational application upto1month from
thedate of
international
application3 100
4. Submitting ofapplication andreceipt of
theinvention patent oftheRepublic of
Moldova onthebasis ofUSSR patentsatthemoment of
application
1 100
5. Invocation ofpriority inanapplication
forinvention patent, orforutility modelupto2months from
deposition date 0.2 25
6. Issue ofthepriority document (not
including thecostofapplication 'scopy)atthemoment of
application 0.2 25
7. Anticipated publication ofthematerials
oftheinvention patent applicationatthemoment of
application 1 100
8. Holding inan"non-public" regime
materials regarding anapplication for
invention patent, forevery yearatthemoment of
application
1 100
9. Basic examination, including
documentation, regarding:atthemoment of
application
aninvention 4 400
agroup ofinventions (foreach invention
exceeding one)3 300
autility model 2 200
10. Basic examination incase a
documentation report orexamination
decision, elaborated byaninternational
body, isattached, regarding:atthemoment of
applicationWT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 80
No.
d/o Object ofpayment Terms ofpaymentAmount
minimal
wages
US$
1 2 3 4 5
aninvention 2 200
agroup ofinventions (foreach invention
exceeding one) 1.5 150
autility model 1 100
11. Elaboration ofthedocumentation report
foraninvention patent application, for
registration oftheutility model onthe
basis ofsolicitation, regarding:atthemoment of
application
aninvention 2 200
agroup ofinventions (foreach invention
exceeding one) 1.5 150
autility model 1 100
12. Transformation:
oftheinvention patent application into
anapplication fortheutility model
registrationatthemoment of
application
0.5 50
13. Issue ofaninvention patent, of
registration certificate ofutility modelwithin 3month from
thedate thesolicitor 's
decision hasbeen
received2 200
14. Introduction bythesolicitor of
modifications intheinvention patent
application, registration certificate of
utility model after thepreliminary
examinationatthemoment of
application
0.2 40
15. Prolongation ofthetime given tothe
solicitor toanswer totheexaminer 's
interpolation regarding theinvention
patent application, registration certificate
ofutility model, foreach monthatthemoment of
application
0.2 40
16. Deposition ofcontest appeals atthe
Reexamination Commission
1.Contest ofthedecision regarding the
refuse toexamine theinvention patent
application oraregistration certificate of
utility modelatthemoment of
deposition
0.2 40
2.Contest ofthedecision regarding the
refuse toissue theinvention patent orto
register theutility model 2 200WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 81
No.
d/o Object ofpayment Terms ofpaymentAmount
minimal
wages
US$
1 2 3 4 5
3.Contest ofthedecision regarding the
issue oftheinvention patent or
registration oftheutility model 4 300
17. Terms 'renewal bythesolicitor:
forpresentation ofmodification or
missing documents, requested inthe
process ofthepreliminary examination
oftheinvention patent application,
registration oftheutility modelatthemoment of
application
0.5 50
forpresentation ofadditional documents
requested intheprocess ofbasic
examination oftheinvention patent
application orapplication forthe
registration oftheutility model 0.5 50
fordeposition attheReexamination
Commission ofacontest regarding the
decision torefuse theapplication forthe
invention patent ortheregistration ofthe
utility model 1 100
18. Introduction ofmodifications intothe
National Register andintheinvention
patent, intheregistration certificate of
utility modelatthemoment of
application
1 100
19. Keeping thepatent valid, foreach year:
forthe3rdyearwithin 3months from
thedate ofreception
bythesolicitor ofthe
decision regarding
patent 'sissue uptothe
first dayofeach
protection year2 80
forthe4thyear 2 80
forthe5thyear 2 80
forthe6thyear 3 150
forthe7thyear 3 150
forthe8thyear 3 150
forthe9thyear 3 150
forthe10thyear 3 150
forthe11thyear 4 300
forthe12thyear 4 300
forthe13thyear 4 300
forthe14thyear 4 300
forthe15thyear 4 300WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 82
No.
d/o Object ofpayment Terms ofpaymentAmount
minimal
wages
US$
1 2 3 4 5
20. Keeping theregistration certificate of
utility model valid, foreach year:
forthe1styearwithin 3months from
thedate ofreception
bythesolicitor ofthe
decision regarding
registration uptothe
first dayofeach
protection year0.5 50
forthe2ndyear 0.5 50
forthe3rdyear 0.5 50
forthe4thyear 0.5 50
forthe5thyear 0.5 50
21. Validity renewal oftheregistration
certificate ofutility model foreach year:
forthe6thyearatthemoment of
application uptothe
first dayofeach
protection year
1 100
forthe7thyear 1 100
forthe8thyear 1 100
forthe9thyear 1 100
forthe10thyear 1 100
22. Revalidation oftheinvention patent atthemoment of
application 4 400
II. Trade Marks andproducts 'names oforigin
23. Application fortrade mark registration
andexamination ofthesolicited trade
mark
foraclass ofproducts andservicesatthemoment of
application
5 150
foreach class ofproducts andservices,
more than one 1 50
24 Application forname oforigin
registration andexamination ofsolicited
nameatthemoment of
application
5 150
25. Application andissue ofthetrade mark
registration certificate intheRepublic of
Moldova foraperiod of10years, onthe
basis ofaUSSR certificateatthemoment of
solicitation
2 100
26. Priority invocation inanapplication for
trade mark registration, oraservice
markwithin 2months from
thedate ofapplication
0.2 25
27. Priority document issue (without thecost
oftheapplication copy)atthemoment of
solicitation 0.2 25WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 83
No.
d/o Object ofpayment Terms ofpaymentAmount
minimal
wages
US$
1 2 3 4 5
28. Registration andissue oftheregistration
certificate:
ofatrade mark, ofaservice markwithin 3months from
thedate ofreceipt by
thesolicitor ofthe
registration decision 2 200
ofacollective mark, certification mark 4 400
ofaproduct 'sname oforigin 2 200
29 Prolongation ofthetime given tothe
solicitor toanswer totheexaminer 's
interpolation regarding trade mark
registration application, service mark,
product 'sname oforigin, foreach
month 0.2 40
30. Deposition ofcontest appeals atthe
Reexamination Commission
1.Contest ofthedecision regarding the
refuse toexamine thetrade mark
registration application, service mark,
product 'sname oforiginatthemoment the
contest ispresented
0.2 40
2.Contest ofthedecision regarding the
refuse toregister thetrade mark
application, service mark, product 's
name oforigin 2 200
3.Contest ofthedecision regarding the
issue ofthecertificate fortrade mark
registration, service mark, product 's
name oforigin 4 300
31. Terms 'renewal bythesolicitor:
forpresentation ofmodified ormissing
documents, requested intheprocess of
thepreliminary examination ofthe
application fortrade mark registration,
service mark, product 'sname oforiginatthemoment the
solicitation ispresented
0.5 50
forpresentation ofadditional documents
requested intheprocess ofbasic
examination oftheapplication fortrade
mark registration, service mark,
product 'sname oforigin 0.5 50
forcontest deposition atthe
Reexamination Commission 1 100WT/ACC/MOL/4
Page 84
No.
d/o Object ofpayment Terms ofpaymentAmount
minimal
wages
US$
1 2 3 4 5
32. Introduction ofmodifications intothe
National Register andinthecertificate
oftrade mark registration, service mark,
product 'sname oforigin 1 100
33. Validity renewal oftheregistration
certificate fora10years period:
oftrade andservice markswithin last6months of
validity
4 300
ofcollective andcertificate marks 6 400
34. Granting offavorable conditions terms
for6months forthevalidity renewal of
registration certificate:
oftrade andservice marksatthemoment the
solicitation ispresented
2 150
ofcollective andcertificate marks 3 200
III. Designs andindustrial models
35. Application fordesigns andindustrial
models registration
foronevariantatthemoment the
application ispresented
0.5 50
foreach additional variant 0.2 20
36. Application andissue oftheregistration
certificate fordesigns andindustrial
models registration intheRepublic of
Moldova foraperiod ofvalidity, onthe
basis ofaUSSR certificate/patentatthemoment the
solicitation ispresented
3.5 350
37. Priority invocation inanapplication for
designs andindustrial models '
registrationwithin 2months from
thedate ofapplication
0.2 25
38. Priority document issue (without thecost
oftheapplication copy)atthemoment the
solicitation ispresented 0.2 25
39. Basic examination ofanapplication for
designs andindustrial models '
registration
foronevariantwithin 3months from
thedate ofpublication
2 200
foreach additional variant 1 100
40. Registration andissue oftheregistration
certificate fordesigns andindustrial
models foraterm of10yearswithin 3months from
thedate ofreceipt by
thesolicitor ofthe
registration decision5 500WT/ACC/MOL/4
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No.
d/o Object ofpayment Terms ofpaymentAmount
minimal
wages
US$
1 2 3 4 5
41. Prolongation ofthetime given tothe
solicitor toanswer totheexaminer 's
interpolation regarding registration
application fordesigns andindustrial
models, foreach monthatthemoment the
solicitation ispresented
0.2 40
42. Deposition ofcontest appeals atthe
Reexamination Commission
1.Contest ofthedecision regarding the
refuse toexamine theapplication for
designs andindustrial models '
registrationatthemoment the
contest ispresented
0.2 40
2.Contest ofthedecision regarding the
refuse toregister theapplication for
designs andindustrial models '
registration 2 200
3.Contest ofthedecision regarding the
issue ofthecertificate fordesigns and
industrial models 'registration 4 300
43. Terms 'renewal bythesolicitor:
forpresentation ofmodified ormissing
documents, requested intheprocess of
thepreliminary examination ofthe
application fordesigns andindustrial
models 'registrationatthemoment the
solicitation ispresented
0.5 50
forpresentation ofadditional documents
requested intheprocess ofbasic
examination oftheapplication for
designs andindustrial models '
registration 0.5 50
forcontest deposition atthe
Reexamination Commission 1 100
44. Introduction ofmodifications intothe
National Register andintheregistration
certificate ofdesigns andindustrial
modelsatthemoment the
solicitation ispresented
1 100
45. Validity renewal ofthedesigns and
industrial models registration certificate
for5years period:within last6months of
validity
3 300
46. Granting offavorable conditions terms
for6months forthevalidity renewal of
registration certificate fordesigns and
industrial modelsatthemoment the
solicitation ispresented
1.5 150WT/ACC/MOL/4
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No.
d/o Object ofpayment Terms ofpaymentAmount
minimal
wages
US$
1 2 3 4 5
IV. Other actions with alegal significance
47. Registration ofthecontract, agreement
oncession (total orpartial) regarding:
onetitleofprotectionatthemoment of
contact/agreement
presentation
1 100
several titles ofprotection 2 200
48. Introduction ofmodifications inthe
contract/ cession agreement (total or
partial)atthemoment the
solicitation ispresented
0.5 50
49. Issue ofthecertificates, copies etc. 0.05 5
50. Copying services According
to
effective
expenses