Radu Vrabie
LP: – What were the objectives and tasks set for you when you were proposed to take over the leadership of the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova? What do you personally define as key priorities as head of the institution?
– The proposal to take over as Director of the Customs Service was not new for me. I also had this opportunity before, when I was working in a leading position in a project focused on modernization and digitalization of customs procedures, where I implemented and supported several joint projects with the Customs Service.
I accepted this challenge later, when it was repeatedly proposed to me, out of the conviction that every professional has a responsibility to get involved where they can bring value. In my case, the Customs Service is a key institution at a decisive moment, directly linked to the European integration process of the Republic of Moldova. I wanted to be part of this process and to be able to contribute, through my experience, to this strategic path for the country.
Today, the Customs Service can no longer be seen solely in terms of revenue management. We are talking about an institution that manages economic flows, facilitates trade and ensures economic security, in a complex regional context and in a country that is aligning its systems to European Union standards.
The transformations we are going through are far-reaching and are aimed at adjusting legislation, digitizing processes and simplifying procedures.
In this context, the priorities of my term of office are clear: modernizing the institution, digitalizing it, strengthening its integrity and developing a functional, predictable and trust-based relationship with the business environment.
My previous experience, including in direct interaction with the private sector, has given me an important perspective – that of understanding the needs of the business environment and identifying, together with it, fair and effective solutions for the development of economic activity in the Republic of Moldova.
In my term of office, I want, together with my team, to build a customs authority where processes are predictable, decisions are transparent and human intervention is reduced where it is not necessary.
In parallel, we are investing in people and institutional culture, because without integrity there can be no trust. And without trust there can be no modern and functioning customs system.
LP: – In the context of the Republic of Moldova’s path towards the European Union, what specific customs rules and procedures have already been aligned with European standards and in which areas does the Republic of Moldova still have some catching up to do?
– The Republic of Moldova has made considerable progress in aligning the customs area to EU standards. An essential step was the entry into force on 1 January 2024 of the new Customs Code, which harmonizes national legislation with the European acquis and introduces modern procedures: electronic declaration, customs simplifications, right of reply, extension of the time limit for appeals and reduction of paper-based interaction.
The Republic of Moldova also applies important European mechanisms such as the AEO – Authorized Economic Operator programme, mutually recognized with the European Union, which offers reliable companies fewer controls and priority treatment at customs clearance.
Another major breakthrough is the implementation of the NCTS and the integration into the common transit system, which allows for the electronic management and real-time monitoring of transit operations, following the European model.
The European Commission appreciated these developments in the bilateral screening on Chapter 29 – Customs Union, noting the progress of the Republic of Moldova in aligning legislation, digitizing processes and modernizing IT systems. In the European Commission’s 2025 Report, the Republic of Moldova is assessed as having a good level of preparedness in the area of customs union, in particular on the legislative alignment dimension.
At the same time, we still have some catching up to do in terms of full and uniform implementation of new procedures, full interconnection with the EU electronic customs systems, strengthening risk management, institutional capacity building and further modernization of control and customs clearance processes. Our objective is clear: to have a modern, predictable, digitized customs authority compatible with the European customs area.
LP: – How successful is the digitization of customs processes and the implementation of modern technologies for processing foreign trade operations, controlling the flow of goods and risk analysis? What percentage of customs operations is actually automated without the inspector’s intervention?
– The digitalization of customs processes is one of the most important reforms carried out in recent years and an essential pillar of alignment with EU standards. Today, the majority of external trade operations are processed by integrated information systems that allow customs declarations to be lodged electronically, data to be exchanged in real time and direct interaction between traders and customs officials to be significantly reduced.
We have implemented modern solutions such as the NCTS transit system, automated risk analysis mechanisms and electronic data exchange with other authorities, allowing us to target controls where there are real suspicions and at the same time facilitate the legal flow of goods. At present, a significant proportion of customs declarations are processed in the green lane, which means automatic validation without the direct intervention of the inspector. Specifically, about 98% of export declarations and about 80% of import declarations are processed automatically.
However, let us be very clear: automation does not mean absence of control. IT systems are designed to identify risks and human intervention remains essential in sensitive cases or when alerts are generated.
A particular role in this transformation is played by the “Customs Decisions” system, which has brought a paradigm shift in the relationship between customs and business. It enables the fully electronic management of applications and the issuance of administrative decisions, providing more transparency, traceability and predictability.
In parallel, we are running a large digitization programme covering at least 25 IT systems. We have already made significant progress: last year we joined the Common Transit Convention, allowing goods to move without repeated declarations in each country. Another 18 systems are to be digitized, and ten customs decisions will be fully digitized by the end of June, with eight digitized by the end of 2025. Throughout this process, we are in constant dialogue with business to tailor solutions to real needs.
We are further along in the digitization process than we initially estimated and are performing well despite limited resources. We have a clear plan and the motivation to continue on this path.
At the same time, the digital Border Queuing System (BQS), implemented at the Costești customs post on the exit side of the country, has proven to be a successful project. Launched on a pilot basis, it has contributed to a better management of the transportation flow. We plan to extend the system to other customs posts, such as Leuseni, Sculeni and Giurgiulesti, and subsequently nationwide. This will require the development of related infrastructure, including truck parking facilities, which is why we are in dialogue with the relevant authorities and encouraging private investment in this area.
Further, we are focusing on developing interoperability with European systems, expanding the use of data analytics in risk assessment and further simplifying procedures for business. Our objective is a modern, efficient customs authority fully integrated into the European customs ecosystem.
LP: – How do you see the strategic role of the Customs Service in 5 years from now – will it remain predominantly a tax authority, become more of a trade regulator or will it have a different role? Do you see a need to change the role and place of the customs authority in the national economy and what would be necessary for this?
– The role of the Customs Service is already transforming and in the next 5 years this will become even more visible. Whereas traditionally, the Customs Service was perceived mainly as an institution for the collection of customs duties, import/export duties and excise duties, focused on revenue collection for the budget, today – and especially in the future – we are talking about an institution with a much more complex role, at the intersection of security, trade facilitation and protection of the economy.
In my view, as the process of European integration accelerates, the Customs Service will fully exploit its potential by developing key areas such as customs valuation, tariff classification and the determination of the origin of goods. At the same time, it will not abandon its import control component but will increasingly evolve into an intelligent regulator of international trade.
In the context of European integration, the role of the customs authority is increasingly aligned with the European Union model, where the emphasis is on the balance between control and facilitation. Customs is no longer just a border checkpoint, but is becoming an active player in the logistics chain, a partner for business and a guarantor of economic security.
I believe that this is not a radical change of role, but a recalibration and modernization. The Customs Service is tending to become an authority which manages the risk-based flow of goods, protects the internal market from non-compliant or dangerous products and, at the same time, facilitates the activity of honest economic agents.
In order for this transformation to be fully achieved, further digitalization processes, strengthening risk analysis capabilities, investment in infrastructure and modern control technologies, as well as continuous development of human resources are necessary. It is equally important to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation, including at international level.
Finally, our objective is clear: a modern, credible and efficient customs authority, which not only collects revenue, but actively contributes to the competitiveness of the national economy and to the integration of the Republic of Moldova into the European single market.
LP: – The Customs Service regularly reports that the collection plan has been exceeded. But how do you explain the steady decrease in the share of customs revenues in the budget? If in 2021 they accounted for almost 70% of total revenues, in 2025 – about 54%. Is this the result of structural changes in the Moldovan economy or of shortcomings in the work of the Customs Service?
– This development has to be seen in the context of natural structural changes, including the process of economic integration and modernization of the customs framework.
First of all, it is important to emphasize that the Customs Service is recording a positive revenue dynamics and is constantly meeting its set indicators. The decrease in the share of total budget revenue does not reflect a decrease in performance, but rather a change in their structure.
A determining factor is the gradual liberalization of trade, including through the implementation of the commitments undertaken in relation to the European Union, which implies the reduction or elimination of customs duties for certain categories of goods. This is a natural process for an open and integration-oriented economy, even if in the medium term it affects the share of customs revenues.
At the same time, the modernization of customs procedures and the focus on facilitation of legitimate trade contribute to the smooth flow of goods and reduce administrative costs for business. In this context, the role of the customs authority is no longer defined solely in terms of revenue collection, but also in terms of its contribution to creating a predictable and competitive economic environment.
Therefore, reducing the share of customs revenue should be seen as part of a process of transformation and alignment with European practices, where the focus is on the balance between control, facilitation and economic integration.
LP: – Do you have an estimate of the “gray” losses to the budget generated by customs activity – as a result of abuse of facilities, incorrect classification of goods or undervaluation of customs value? In general, what are the criteria for assessing the efficiency of the institution’s work?
– The Customs Service manages these risks through complex control and analysis mechanisms aimed at preventing and detecting possible attempts to diminish customs and tax liabilities.
Sensitive areas such as tariff classification, customs valuation and the application of facilities are constantly monitored and interventions are targeted on the basis of risk analysis. Modern information systems, exchange of information and subsequent controls allow the identification of non-compliances and the recovery of amounts due, where appropriate.
It is important to note that the current approach does not rely solely on border control, but on an integrated model, including post-clearance checks, audits and inter-institutional cooperation, thus contributing to significantly reducing the risks of undervaluation or incorrect declaration.
In terms of assessing the effectiveness of the Customs Service’s work, it is not just about the level of collections. Several indicators are taken into account, such as the degree of voluntary compliance of economic operators, the processing time of customs operations, the level of digitalization, the efficiency of the risk management system, as well as the capacity to prevent and combat customs fraud.
In essence, the effectiveness of a modern customs authority is measured by the balance between control and facilitation – the ability to ensure proper revenue collection while protecting the legitimate flow of goods and supporting a compliant business environment.
LP: – Fighting corruption is an old problem of Moldovan society. The European Commission’s latest report on the Republic of Moldova, dated November 2025, recommends, among other things: ‘To reduce the risks of corruption in customs, regular rotation of employees in sensitive positions and close monitoring of the implementation of anti-corruption measures are proposed’. However, information about cases of corruption related to customs appears regularly. Where do you see the breakdown in the control system? What further steps should be taken to eradicate this phenomenon?
– The fight against corruption undoubtedly remains a constant priority for the Customs Service and is treated with the utmost seriousness, including in the context of the European course of the Republic of Moldova. The recommendations made by the European Commission are fully taken on board and, to a large extent, already reflected in the internal policies of the institution.
I would like to emphasize that, since it is the facts that define trust in an institution, the Customs Service has finalized and approved the Anti-Corruption Policy and the Action Plan for 2026-2029 – documents that establish a clear, coherent and enforceable framework for preventing and combating corruption in the customs area.
These institutional instruments emphasize the implementation of concrete measures, linked to clear timeframes and responsibilities, and are geared towards measurable results and real impact on the activity. This reinforces a continuous process of promoting integrity, supported by functional monitoring, evaluation and intervention mechanisms.
The Anti-Corruption Policy reaffirms the commitment to zero tolerance for any deviation from integrity standards and promotes transparent, predictable and documented processes aimed at reducing the risks of corruption in all areas of activity.
The Action Plan also aims to modernize and digitize processes, reduce the human factor in decision-making, strengthen reporting mechanisms and whistleblower protection, and consistently apply accountability measures.
Let’s be realistic: in a complex system with a high volume of operations and interactions, risks cannot be completely eliminated, but they can be significantly reduced through effective prevention and control mechanisms. Cases that occasionally occur do not define the system, but on the contrary demonstrate that integrity mechanisms are working and that there is the capacity to identify and sanction misconduct.
In the medium to long term, the focus will be on expanding digitization and automation, which significantly reduces opportunities for discretionary intervention, and on increasing the transparency of processes. Our objective is clear: a customs system where the rules are uniformly applied and any misconduct is promptly identified and sanctioned.
LP: – Business frequently complains about excessive controls and unpredictable customs decisions. How do you strike a balance between the tax function and the need not to burden foreign trade?
– We understand these perceptions and treat them seriously, because constant dialog with the business community is essential to improve our work. Since taking office as Director of the Customs Service, we have maintained open and continuous communication with business representatives. Whenever situations are raised about increased controls or the emergence of checks that were not previously in place, we provide clear and punctual explanations.
There are indeed situations where random checks are applied on the basis of risk management. If they confirm full compliance, there is no need for further checks. On the other hand, there are also cases where deviations are identified, which justify intensified controls. The situations are different, but it is essential that we maintain an ongoing and constructive dialog with economic operators.
The objective of the Customs Service is not to make foreign trade more difficult, but to ensure the right balance between control and facilitation in line with European standards.
In practice, this balance is achieved through the application of risk management. In other words, controls are not applied uniformly to all operations but are targeted where there are indications of non-compliance. For compliant economic operators, procedures are simplified and speeded up, including through the use of the green lane and other available facilities.
At the same time, we are constantly working to increase the predictability of customs decisions. The digitization of processes, the standardization of procedures and the implementation of tools such as electronic customs decisions contribute to reducing inconsistent interpretations and providing a clear framework for business.
In terms of performance, the evaluation of activity is not only based on quantitative indicators such as collections or number of controls. Indicators that reflect the quality of service provided are also taken into account: the time taken to process declarations, the degree of voluntary compliance, the level of use of simplified procedures, as well as feedback from the business community. These elements contribute directly to promoting an approach geared towards facilitating legitimate trade.
It is important to emphasize that facilitation does not mean no control, but intelligent, proportionate and risk-based control. With this in mind, we aim to provide economic operators with a predictable, transparent and efficient environment where the rules are clear and uniformly applied.
LP: – In the Republic of Moldova, in recent times, the issue of securing energy resources – almost entirely imported – is an extremely sensitive one. What is the role of the customs authority in this process? Do you monitor the correctness of values declared in invoices, similar to other types of goods?
– The Customs Service does not intervene in pricing or energy policy, but it ensures the correct application of the legislation when importing energy resources, including verification of the customs value, tariff classification and applicable regimes.
These goods are subject to the same control rules as any other goods, with procedures tailored to their specificities. Value verification is carried out according to international standards and additional checks are applied in case of discrepancies.
At the same time, we strive to maintain a balance between control and operability, so that import flows are legal, transparent and predictable.
LP: –Another current topic is that of postal items and their taxation. How does the Customs Service regulate this process? What is the institution’s position on parcel taxation? Are there concrete estimates of the loss of budget revenue generated by this segment?
– The postal consignments regime is regulated by clear rules and the role of the Customs Service is to ensure their correct and uniform application. At present, goods sent by parcels benefit from import duty exemptions within certain value limits and conditions, in particular when they are non-commercial. At the same time, for parcels exceeding these limits or not meeting the conditions for exemption, import duties are applied according to the legislation in force.
It is important to emphasize that the policies regarding the taxation of this segment are set at the governmental level and the role of the Customs Service is to implement the adopted legal framework. In this respect, the authorities are currently analyzing possible adjustments to the parcel regime, including in the context of alignment with EU practices.
From the Customs Service’s perspective, the objective remains the same: correct application of the legislation, facilitating legal flows and ensuring a transparent and predictable process for citizens and the business environment.
LP: – Thank you for the interview and I wish you success in achieving your goals!
