With the successful launching of the second phase of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) in Moldova in November 2024, which saw the country’s work plan duly approved, implementation is now in progress. The inaugural activity within the work plan was the Workshop on Customs Brokers´ Licensing, which took place in Chișinău, Moldova, from 28 to 30 January 2025.
The objective of the workshop was threefold:
- Strengthening Customs Brokers’ licensing procedures in Moldova;
- Enhancing cooperation between the Customs Service of Moldova (CSM) and the Public Services Agency;
- Improving Customs clearance processes.
The workshop was attended by 27 participants from the CSM, the Public Services Agency, and the private sector. Through open dialogue and activities, challenges and opportunities in licensing were identified, and a national vision for improving licensing procedures was created, focusing on four pillars:
1) Enhance Licensing Procedure
2) Implement Compliance Management
3) Strengthen Brokers' Professional Capacities
4) Enhance Communication and Cooperation
As a result, the experts reached a consensus on establishing an interagency cooperation agreement to strengthen licensing by the end of 2026. Finally, the workshop provided valuable insights to improve the understanding of competencies, responsibilities, and international best practices, particularly those of the European Union, thereby supporting Moldova’s national accession efforts.
For more information on the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), please contact Capacity.Building@wcoomd.org.