August 16, 2019 – Importers of used goods require the removal of restrictions on the import of used footwear in the country. Businessmen mentioned that the restrictions were imposed unjustified and developed over the years unfair competition, and the consumer was deprived of a diversity of quality for these types of products at affordable prices.

The topic was discussed within the platform of the Economic Council at the request of the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure and the Prime Minister’s advisor on economic issues. The businessmen in this field also consider that the state introduced the restrictions a few years ago considering the risks for public health of the used footwear.

Attending the meeting, the representative of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection mentioned that the institution he represents supports the elimination of restrictions on the import of used footwear. These as well as the used clothes are disinfected before they are introduced into the country.

According to importers, although today the import and sale of used footwear are prohibited, it is sold freely in the markets of the country. Businessmen say that by imposing bans, smuggling of these products increases and the state has only to lose.

According to the entrepreneurs, in 2016, more than 200 trucks of used clothes entered in Moldova. Estimated calculations show that, if the ban were excluded, about 100 trucks with used footwear would enter the country annually. The customs clearance of a single truck with such merchandise, which is one third more expensive than the second-hand clothes, would bring the state budget between 400 and 450 thousand lei. Based on these figures, the state loses at least 45-50 million lei annually, money that feeds the dark economy.

The importers ask the state authorities to remove the restrictions regarding the import of used footwear in Moldova by making the necessary changes to the GD no. 427 of 07.06.2001.

Attending the debates the representatives of the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure, the Fiscal Service, the Customs Service, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection and the National Agency for Consumer Protection had the opportunity to ask questions to entrepreneurs on the subject.

The subject will be subjected to public debates, after which a consolidated position will be elaborated on the subject. The Secretariat of the Economic Council will monitor the evolution of the subject, organize additional discussions in partnership with the relevant institutions.

The Secretariat of the Economic Council to the Prime Minister is supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, funded by the UK Government’s Good Governance Fund.