As stated in the draft, the document will expand its scope: in addition to the method of purchasing and applying excise stamps or consumer goods stamps, it will also directly regulate the technical standards for security features applied to tobacco products, cartridges, and refills for electronic cigarettes.
New Requirements for Excise Stamps
The design of the “Excise/Consumer Stamp” developed and approved by the Ministry of Finance must contain at least five types of security features, of which the following are mandatory:
– at least one open feature (visible to the naked eye);
– at least one semi-hidden feature (detectable using simple devices—such as a UV lamp or a special marker);
– at least one hidden element (detectable only with professional laboratory equipment).
Why This Is Being Done
As the authors of the document clarify, the banknotes currently in use in the Republic of Moldova already include 12 security features, divided into three categories, and comply with European requirements. Thus, this regulatory intervention is primarily of a clarifying nature with respect to the legal framework, without any substantial changes to the substance.
In addition, it has been established that the trademark design must be approved and communicated to manufacturers and importers six months prior to the filing of the application, and that the stamps must be applied to the individual packaging in such a way that:
– they allow the packaging to be identified and its authenticity verified throughout the entire period the product is on the market;
– they are protected against replacement, reuse, or modification in any way.
The project does not entail additional costs for the state budget, nor for manufacturers, importers, or distributors of tobacco products. Expected outcomes include a reduction in the risk of counterfeiting, enhanced traceability, and a predictable framework for licensed operators.
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