In addition to the principal amount, a fine for overstaying temporary importation is levied – from 4,200 to 65,000 lei, depending on how long ago the term expired. If the fine is paid within 72 hours, its amount is halved.
The relevant provisions were adopted in December and entered into force on January 1, 2026.
The conditions stipulate that the car was imported to the Republic of Moldova before July 1, 2025, was under the temporary import regime, the term of 180 days was exceeded and the car was destroyed or sold for spare parts. In this case, the customs regime can be closed with a one-time payment between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2027.
As explained by Valeriu Cozyrev, Head of the Customs Appointments Division of the Moldovan Customs Service, for this purpose, one should apply to any customs post with an application, identity card, technical passport of the car (if it is preserved) and a written explanation that the car no longer exists.
“After payment, the customs regime is closed and the person no longer has any obligations to the Customs Service. However, this procedure applies only to cars that no longer exist and does not entitle the person to registration,” Kozyrev said.
