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3.48. The Republic of Moldova notified the WTO of its import prohibition and restriction measures that are currently in force. The authorities maintain that the importation of certain products, such as certain animals, plants, narcotics, arms, asbestos, and ozone depleting substances, are strictly prohibited. According to the authorities, such import prohibitions are implemented on the grounds of public safety and morals, protection of human life and the environment, national security, and compliance with the Republic of Moldova's international obligations.

Table 3.5 Import prohibitions introduced in the period of 2015-21.
(...)
Radiological installations or radioactive sources - Effective date: 27 October 2017;
(...)

3.50. The Republic of Moldova also notified the WTO that effective 1 January 2021, importation of used motor vehicles (including used cars, trucks, buses, and tractors) was no longer prohibited; instead, imports of used motor vehicles are subject to excise duties whose rates vary according to the age of the vehicles. The authorities state that an internal tax rather than a trade measure is a more effective and efficient tool to address the environmental and road safety concerns caused by used motor vehicles.

3.53. Import restrictions are applied to goods that have to meet special conditions or formalities prior their entry (Table 3.6). Restrictions are controlled with "permissive acts" (i.e. import licences). Import licences are issued by various authorities, primarily the Public Service Agency. The authorities maintain that these licensing requirements are applied because of, inter alia, essential security, protection of the environment and human life, revenue protection, intellectual property protection, and requirements of trade agreements.

Table 3.6 Import licensing requirements, 2021. (...); Partial radiological clearance- Licensing authorities: National Agency for the Regulation of Nuclear and Radiological Activities; (...).

3.66. The Republic of Moldova maintains export prohibitions and restrictions on the grounds of protecting human health and the environment, public security, national security, and fulfilling international obligations. Those restrictions were notified to the WTO.

3.67. (...). Effective 5 May 2016, the Republic of Moldova introduced an export prohibition on indigenous raw wood and semi-fabricated wood articles. The authorities note that the export ban is imposed on the grounds of environmental protection and prevention of deforestation; the authorities further note that the export ban is a measure complementary to other already adopted internal measures such as production limitation.

3.70. (...) Most types of export licences are issued by the Public Services Agency[35], while export licences for wild animals/plants, and endangered species of wild fauna and flora are issued by the Environmental Agency. [35] The export licences issued by the Public Service Agency cover products of, inter alia, waste and scrap of ferrous and non-ferrous metals; waste batteries; (...)

3.108. There is legal framework regulating release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment. The authorities state that a new law concerning the release of GMOs is being drafted; the authorities note that the draft law is aligned to the EU Directive (2001/18/EC) on Deliberate Release into the Environment of Genetically Modified Organisms. There is no legislation pertaining to GMOs as food ingredients. With regard to GMO labelling, an approach of positive labelling is adopted, i.e. food and food additive ingredients that contain or are derived from GMOs must be listed.

3.109. For agricultural products (including processed products) marketed as "organic", the certification and control process is governed by Law No. 115/2005 on Organic Agri food Production, the Law's implementing regulation (Government Decision No. 1078/2008), and the Technical Regulation on Organic Agri-food Production and Labelling of Organic Agri food Products (Government Decision No. 1078/2008). Products, including imported products, that satisfy the conditions set forth in the legislative framework may apply to carry a national mark of "Organic Agriculture – Republic of Moldova". Using the mark is voluntary. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry is the competent authority regulating organic agricultural matters, and it holds the register of organic products.