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(…) Headline inflation has been artificially contained (by about 0.5-1 percentage point) due to unchanged utility tariffs over the last few years [7] (…)

[7] In some utility companies the tariff level is below the cost recovery, and it is estimated that the needed adjustment in heating and utility tariffs is about 10%. To achieve greater energy efficiency, the authorities have launched a comprehensive restructuring of the centralized heating system in Chisinau while more favourable electricity and gas prices have been negotiated with foreign suppliers to alleviate expenditure pressures. IMF (2014a).

Under the National Development Strategy "Moldova 2020", published in November 2012, the following seven long-term strategic objectives were identified :
(...)
• reducing energy consumption by increasing energy efficiency and using renewable energy sources;
(...)

The Republic of Moldova has been involved in two trade disputes, both involving Ukraine: one as complainant, and one as respondent. [6] According to the authorities, both cases are to be solved through bilateral dialogue.

[6] The Republic of Moldova — Measures Affecting the Importation and Internal Sale of Goods (Environmental Charge), with Ukraine as complainant. See WTO document series DS421.

Box 2.1 Activities subject to licensing
(...)
17. Import and / or manufacture, storage, wholesale of toxic chemical substances and materials, of articles and of household chemicals;
(...)
45. Production and / or storage of natural gas; production of renewable fuels; transmission of natural gas; distribution and / or supply of natural gas at regulated and non-regulated tariffs;
(...)

The importation of some products (e.g. certain animals, plants, narcotics, arms, asbestos and ozone depleting substances) are prohibited for various reasons, such as health, environment, public security and order, cultural heritage or the fulfilment of international obligations, e.g. under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). According to the authorities, temporary import prohibitions are also in line with the latest updates on hazardous diseases from the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE) and based on EU legislation for certain diseases.

Table 3.4 Import licensing procedures, 2015
Product - Agency responsible - Domestic legislation
Toxic chemical substances and materials - Licensing Chamber - Law No. 451-XV of 30 July 2001 on Business Activity Licensing; and Law No. 160 of 22 July 2011 on regulating the authorization of entrepreneurial activity

Halogenated hydrocarbons that deplete the ozone layer - Ministry of Environment - Law No. 852-XV of 14 February 2002 for approving the Regulation on trade regime and regulating the use of halogenated hydrocarbons that are depleting the ozone layer
(...)

Moldova's legal framework includes, inter alia, (…) the Law on Accreditation and Conformity Assessment (No. 235 of 1 December 2011) [27] (…)

[27] The Law on Accreditation and Conformity Assessment aims to ensure national security, avoid frauds, preserve the environment through the conformity assessment of products, equipment, processes, technologies, production systems and potentially dangerous works, software, quality systems and services, as well as the supervision of products on the market and/or used in the Republic of Moldova.

CPA (Consumer Protection Agency) and the State Inspectorate on Technical Surveillance of Dangerous Industrial Objects (SITSDIO) are in charge of supervising the conformity and safety of products placed on the market or used in, inter alia,: machinery, electrical equipment, energy efficiency of household appliances, (...) There are currently 99 accredited testing and calibration laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025); two medical laboratories (ISO/IEC 15169); 10 metrological laboratories (ISO/IEC 17020); 18 accredited inspection bodies of products (ISO/IEC 17065 and EN 45011); 3 certification and quality management and food safety systems (ISO/IEC 17021), and 3 ecological productions inspection bodies (ISO/IEC 17020). Market surveillance is carried out by inspectors from CPA and SITSDIO.

Under Article 32 of Law No. 221, if during customs clearance, the official veterinarian detects communicable diseases in animals or there is a suspicion thereof, or other hazard that could endanger animal health, veterinary public health, animal welfare, environmental protection and safety of products of animal origin, the entire consignment of goods subject to state sanitary veterinary control is returned to the country of origin. If this is not possible, NFSA together with Customs, may order the destruction of the consignment, forced slaughter of animals and further processing or immediate treatment thereof, as well as of the related objects and materials.

(...) The Parliament approves legislative acts and action areas of State institutions with independent regulatory activity: (...) thermal energy and natural gas, as well as for public water supply, sewerage and waste water treatment. [74] (...)

[74] NAER also approves tariffs for public water supply, sewerage and waste water treatment in cases provided for by Law No. 303 of 13 December 2013 on public water supply and sewerage.