Moldova to Introduce Pre-Shipment Inspections

 

 

by Derek Nowek

 

Moldova is planning to introduce pre-shipment inspection of certain goods imported into the country during the first quarter of 2000. The pre-shipment inspections will be conducted by Soci‚t‚ G‚n‚rale de Surveillance (SGS), a Swiss goods inspection company, which administers similar services on behalf of about 140 countries, including some in the NIS region.

 

According to Dumitru Braghis, Moldova First Deputy Minister of Economy and Reform, the pre-shipment check of imported merchandise will ensure that commodities meet Moldova=s quality, conformity, pricing, and customs codes requirements. The new inspection checks are related to Moldova=s efforts to join the World Trade Organization (WTO). The system is expected to improve the country=s customs revenues collection, professionalize its customs personnel, reduce corruption and smuggling at the borders, and identify overinvoicing. Companies exporting to Moldova will have to hold a Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate before the goods are shipped and cleared through local customs.

 

Moldovan officials are now drafting the list of goods that will be subject to the inspection and the amount of the inspection fee. Pre‑shipment inspections are usually carried out on a fee‑for‑service basis. Since they can be expensive, the sales contract should clearly designate which party bears inspection costs. BISNIS will provide updates on new developments.

 

More information on SGS is available at the company’s website at www.sgsgroup.com.

 

Derek Nowek covers Moldova for BISNIS in Wash., DC