Improving E-Customs and AEO Program in Moldova

As a first step, the Moldova Customs Service (MCS) introduced the concept of electronic declarations in November 2013. Initially, MCS introduced electronic export declarations as a pilot in late 2013 and nationwide in early 2014. Similarly, MCS introduced electronic import declarations as a pilot in September 2014 and nationwide in March 2015. The introduction of e-export declarations created a boost in demand from economic agents and customs brokers. The uptake increased steadily each month for the first year, reaching a peak of 45% of all export declarations before settling just below this level in the third quarter of 2015. In the last quarter of the year, the number of e-export declarations rose substantially and now account for close to 90% of all exports. In contrast, the e-import declaration has enjoyed a much less impressive debut, with only slightly over 10% of all import declarations submitted electronically. Customs brokers play a crucial role in facilitating customs procedures for companies. The 2015 BRITE Private Sector Survey revealed that 80% of importers and exporters rely on customs brokers to perform customs procedures, with only 11% clearing goods on their own. This has important implications for implementing customs reforms and facilitation measures, as the Customs Service could more easily promote reforms with the help and support of customs brokers. The survey also revealed a high degree of awareness of the e-customs initiatives, with both importers and exporters naming the introduction of electronic declarations as the main reform implemented by the Customs Service in the last year. Respondents who use the e-export procedure were asked about their perception of the most important benefits from the list of promoted benefits. The most recognized benefit was less interaction with customs inspectors, confirmed by 86.2% of respondents. Additionally, 81.4% of respondents agreed that their company saves time in preparing and filing the electronic export declaration, resulting in lower costs for the broker and their clients. Despite the benefits of e-export declarations, about one-third of the top exporters are not using this procedure. The main technical impediment at that time seemed to be the inability to lodge e-declarations when exporting in "groupage." Groupage is the consolidation of cargo from more than one shipper and/or to more than one consignee into a single shipment, which poses risks for smuggling and has not been allowed for e-export.