Import rules · Rest of Europe

Wood packaging import rules: Moldova

Moldova: ISPM 15 status for pallets and crates, approved treatments, the plant protection authority, common pallet sizes and main ports.

Last checked: 2026-10
ISPM 15 on imports
Required
Enforced since
—
Treatments
HT, MB, DH, SF per ISPM 15
Plant protection authority
National Agency for Food Safety (ANSA)
Common pallet sizes
1200 × 800 mm (EUR)
1200 × 1000 mm
Main ports
Giurgiulești (Danube port), Chișinău (road/rail/air hub), Constanța (Romania, transit), Odesa (Ukraine, transit)

Overview

Moldova expects imported wood packaging to comply with ISPM 15, and its plant health system is being aligned with EU law as part of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area and candidate status. The National Agency for Food Safety, ANSA, serves as the national plant protection organisation, and its inspectors work at border crossings and inland customs points. I did not verify the legal act or the year enforcement began, so the start year is blank. Moldova's geography is unusual: it has no seacoast, but owns a very short stretch of Danube bank at Giurgiulești, with a small port and oil terminal. Most overseas containers arrive through Constanța in Romania or Odesa and Chornomorsk in Ukraine and then go by rail or truck. Since 2022 the Romanian route has become far more important. Trucks from the EU enter at Albița and Leușeni, the crossings on the Prut. Where unmarked or infested wood packaging is found, it can be treated, destroyed or returned at the importer's expense. The pallet market combines the EU's 1200 × 800 mm EUR pallet, used in retail and wine and food exports to the EU, with 1200 × 1000 mm pallets from legacy post-Soviet supply chains and heavy industry. Moldova's agricultural exporters, notably of wine, fruit and grain products, rely on stamped pallets when shipping to EU markets.

Key points

  • Moldova has only a short Danube frontage at Giurgiulești; sea cargo transits Romania or Ukraine
  • DCFTA with the EU means plant health rules are being aligned with EU law
  • Border inspections by ANSA at crossing points such as Leușeni, Albița and Giurgiulești
  • National legal act and year of ISPM 15 enforcement not verified

Frequently asked questions

Does Moldova require ISPM 15 for wooden pallets?

Yes, imported wood packaging should be treated and IPPC-marked; confirm specifics with ANSA.

How does sea cargo reach Moldova?

Through Constanța in Romania or Odesa and Chornomorsk in Ukraine, then by rail or truck.

Does Moldova follow EU plant health rules?

It is aligning with them under the DCFTA and as an EU candidate, but national rules still apply.

Sources

  1. National Agency for Food Safety (ANSA), Moldova
  2. IPPC – ISPMs index (ISPM 15)

Import rules change. Confirm current requirements with the national plant protection organization or your importer before shipping. This page is general information, not legal advice.