The history of the customs system of the Republic of Moldova began after the proclamation of independence and sovereignty of the state, more exactly on the 4th of September 1991. On that day, the Presidential Decree no. 189 of 03/09/1991 "On the subordination of customs institutions located on the territory of the Republic of Moldova" entered into force. Pursuant to that decree, all customs authorities on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, which at that time included Ungheni customs, Leuseni customs and Chisinau internal customs, were transferred under the subordination and management of the Government.
Given the new realities, the customs system was established as a matter of urgency and the customs control posts were organized in a short period. Moreover, the newly created institution was experiencing staff shortages and new customs officials had to be recruited in order to accomplish the main mission of the institution. Although they had a vague idea about the specifics of that activity, the new employees quickly mastered the skills and became good professionals. In 1992, the Ungheni and Leuseni customs offices were reorganized and four new customs offices were established at the border with Romania: Sculeni, Costesti, Cahul and Giurgiulesti. In the same year, the bases of the activity of 22 customs control posts at the border of the Republic of Moldova with Ukraine were laid, which was legalized under the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine „On the customs border crossing points” on 20/03/1993.
The first Customs Code - the main legal document regulating the organizational and activity principles of the customs system - was adopted on 09/03/1993.
In October 1994, the Republic of Moldova became a full member of the World Customs Organization.
The role of Customs has increased progressively with the development of international trade. The customs authority has been actively engaged in the continuous modernization process with the strategic objective of increasing the contribution to the country’s economic development. Over the years, major institutional reforms have been implemented in the customs system, helping to build a modern customs authority with European aspirations.
The key result of this period is the strengthened capacity of professional and impartial officials, able to contribute to achieving the major objectives of the institution, with a key objective to ensure the economic security of the state. The officials who were employed by the customs bodies at the stage of their professional training and remained devoted to this profession are the talent pool of the Customs Service. They have become a model of professionalism and loyalty, taking the risk of the transition period in the effort to build the rule of law.
Historical events:
- 04/09/1991 - The Presidential Decree on the subordination of customs institutions located on the territory of the Republic of Moldova.
- 1992 - 4 new customs offices are established at the border with Romania: Sculeni, Costesti, Cahul, Giurgiulesti and the basis for the activity of 22 customs control posts at the border with Ukraine is laid.
- 09/03/1993 - The first Customs Code of the Republic of Moldova is adopted.
- 1994 - The Republic of Moldova becomes a member of the World Customs Organization (WCO).
- 15/08/1995 - The Presidential Decree establishes the "Day of the Customs System Worker" on 4 September, celebrated annually.
- 20/07/2000 - The new Customs Code and the Law on service in customs bodies are adopted.
- 01/06/2001 - The Republic of Moldova becomes a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
