Truck Customs Clearance & Excise Calculator Moldova 2026
Current Truck Customs Clearance Regulations: Trucks and commercial vehicles of any manufacturing year can be imported into Moldova. Excise tax is calculated based on engine displacement (cm³), vehicle age and weight category (N1, N2, N3). VAT of 20% and a 5% import duty apply to all truck imports.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| N1 | Light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes |
| N2 | Medium trucks 3.5 to 12 tonnes |
| N3 | Heavy trucks over 12 tonnes |
How Truck Import Excise & Customs Duties Are Calculated
| Age (from) | Age (to) | Price (MDL/cm³) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 years | 10 years | 0 lei/cm³ |
| 11 years | 12 years | 13 lei/cm³ |
| 13 years | 15 years | 17 lei/cm³ |
| 16 years | 20+ years | 80 lei/cm³ |
| Age (from) | Age (to) | Price (MDL/cm³) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 years | 10 years | 0 lei/cm³ |
| 11 years | 12 years | 11 lei/cm³ |
| 13 years | 15 years | 16 lei/cm³ |
| 16 years | 20+ years | 60 lei/cm³ |
| Age (from) | Age (to) | Price (MDL/cm³) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 years | 10 years | 0 lei/cm³ |
| 11 years | 12 years | 6 lei/cm³ |
| 13 years | 15 years | 11 lei/cm³ |
| 16 years | 20+ years | 40 lei/cm³ |
| Age (from) | To | Excise for Customs Clearance |
|---|---|---|
| 30 years | 39 years | 40000 lei |
| 40 years | 49 years | 30000 lei |
| 50 years | 50+ years | 20000 lei |
Taxes are calculated using the official rate of the National Bank of Moldova on the date of customs declaration.
Unlike personal car imports, truck imports are subject to 20% VAT on the customs value plus a 5% import duty. These apply to all truck categories regardless of age or engine type.
What documents are required for truck customs clearance in Moldova?
Invoice or purchase contract, registration certificate, export declaration, ID, customs declaration form, and a vehicle weight certificate confirming the truck category.
Is there an age limit for imported trucks?
No fixed limit, but trucks older than 16 years face significantly higher excise taxes. Vintage trucks (30+ years) have special flat-rate taxes.
How is the customs value of a truck determined?
Based on the transaction value (invoice), verified by customs officials. If the declared value appears too low, customs may adjust it using reference databases.
What taxes apply when importing a truck into Moldova?
Excise duty (based on displacement, age and category), 20% VAT on customs value, 5% import duty on customs value, and a flat customs processing fee.
How long does truck customs clearance take?
Typically 1–5 business days depending on documentation completeness and vehicle inspection requirements.
What are the N1, N2, N3 truck categories?
N1 covers light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, N2 covers medium trucks from 3.5 to 12 tonnes, and N3 covers heavy trucks over 12 tonnes. The category determines the excise rate.
Do trucks pay VAT at import?
Yes — unlike personal car imports, all truck imports are subject to 20% VAT on the customs value.
What is the customs import duty for trucks?
5% of the customs value, applied to all truck categories.
At what age do trucks start paying excise?
Trucks up to 10 years old pay 0 excise. Rates increase progressively from age 11 onwards, with the highest rates for trucks 16+ years old.
Why is the excise rate different for N1, N2 and N3?
Lighter trucks (N1) have higher excise rates per cm³ compared to heavier trucks (N2, N3). This reflects the different use cases and environmental impact.
Are pickup trucks classified as N1?
Most pickup trucks fall under N1 category (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight). The exact classification depends on the vehicle's registration documents.
Do electric trucks pay excise?
Electric trucks do not pay excise duty. However, VAT and import duty still apply.
Which exchange rate is used for truck customs clearance?
The official National Bank of Moldova (BNM) exchange rate on the date of the customs declaration.
Are vintage trucks eligible for reduced taxes?
Yes. Trucks over 30 years old qualify for vintage vehicle rates: 40,000 MDL (30–39 years), 30,000 MDL (40–49 years), or 20,000 MDL (50+ years), replacing the standard excise calculation.
Can returning Moldovan citizens import trucks tax-free?
Law No. 319/2025 allows one vehicle duty-free for returning citizens, but it primarily applies to personal vehicles. Commercial trucks may not qualify depending on classification.
Can a customs broker handle truck clearance?
Yes, licensed customs brokers can act on your behalf with proper power of attorney.
Is technical inspection required after customs clearance?
Yes, technical inspection is mandatory before registration in Moldova.
How long do I have to register the truck after customs clearance?
Within 30 days from the date of customs clearance completion.
What are the penalties for late registration?
Late registration may result in fines. In extreme cases, the vehicle may be seized.
Can I bring a truck temporarily without paying full customs taxes?
Yes, under temporary import rules for up to 180 days within 12 consecutive months. The truck must remain registered abroad and cannot be used for commercial transport within Moldova.
Can I import a salvage or damaged truck?
Yes, but the vehicle will be inspected and valuation may be adjusted. Damaged trucks must pass technical inspection before registration.
Does the trailer have separate customs fees?
Yes, trailers are cleared separately with their own customs declaration and fees.
