The electronic clearance procedure launched last November becomes more popular. In a news conference, director general of the Customs Service Tutor Balitski said the electronic statements on export can be presented to all the customs offices of the country, IPN reports.

“Having a digital signature and being connected to the customs information system, the economic entity can submit the export statement in about 7 minutes, at over twice lower costs. With e-Customs, the procedure becomes transparent. The direct contact between the exporting economic entity and the customs officials is eliminated, the corruption risks being minimized,” said Tutor Balitski.

According to him, the number of companies that present export statements in electronic format in March increased considerably compared with last yearend. The Customs Service intends to extend the electronic customs procedures. In this respect, a number of informative meetings with representatives of businesses will be held in April.

The electronic clearance procedure was launched with the support of the BRITE program, financed by the U.S. Government through USAID. USAID Director for Moldova Kent Larson said they are glad to help Moldova fulfill one of the commitments made as a fully-fledged member of the World Trade Organization, namely to reduce the number of paper documents presented by economic entities to public institutions.

Electronic statements will be soon submitted on import too. A relevant bill was passed by Parliament in the first reading.