Alliance of Small and Medium Enterprises of Moldova (AIM) advocates the regulation of cross-border e-commerce and the fight against unfair competition
This week, the organization sent a letter to the authorities in which it outlined its position in this regard. AIM emphasizes the importance of a fair and transparent legislative framework to regulate e-commerce, especially since foreign commercial products, particularly from China, enter the Moldovan market through digital platforms without complying with the same tax, customs or trade rules as local entities. This inequality affects competition and confidence in the rule of economic law, especially given the prospect of Moldova's accession to the European Union. AIM presented concrete proposals and recommendations that could be applied. For example, it is suggested that a national system similar to the IOSS in place in the EU be established to ensure fair VAT collection for low-value parcels coming from cross-border e-commerce and to prevent unfair competitive advantages. It is also proposed to create an electronic register of online commerce platforms that sell goods to consumers in Moldova, while imposing minimum tax registration and transparency obligations on them. Among the other norms proposed by AIM are the implementation of a simplified digital mechanism of VAT payment and compliance with the European norms of product safety. AIM believes that the implementation of these measures will make a significant contribution to the protection of the local economy and will contribute to Moldova's integration into the EU. The organization is ready to assist in the development of a regulatory framework that ensures fair and competitive trade, protecting both the interests of consumers and local entrepreneurs. According to Amcham's research, in 2023, the annual volume of cross-border shipments exceeded 720 thousand parcels with a total value of 24.4 million euros (including VAT). There is no money flowing into the country's budget from these trade transactions, with some parcels posing risks not only to the economy but also to consumer safety. In 2023, holders of bank cards issued in Moldova spent more than 368.5 million euros on foreign websites. //18.04.2025 - InfoMarket.
