The Free Trade Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the Member States of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) will extend its full application starting from 1 April 2025, upon the completion of internal procedures by Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Signed on 27 June 2023 in Schaan, Liechtenstein, the Agreement is already provisionally applied between the Republic of Moldova, Iceland and Norway since 1 November 2024. Starting from 1 April 2025, the Agreement became fully operational in all EFTA Member States upon the completion of internal procedures by the Swiss Confederation and Liechtenstein, which are in the customs union.

The EFTA-Moldova Free Trade Agreement is ambitious and comprehensive, covering key areas such as trade in goods and services, investment, protection of intellectual property rights, public procurement, competition, e-commerce and sustainable development. Of particular importance is the fact that the Agreement features a dedicated chapter on digital trade, alining with EFTA’s modern standards.

As regards intellectual property, this is provided for in Chapter 6 (Article 6.1) and Annex XV, which provides for enhanced protection measures, including the mutual recognition and protection of geographical indications, appellations of origin and geographical indications of the Republic of Moldova and the Swiss Confederation and the Kingdom of Liechtenstein, respectively. This mutual recognition will contribute to the protection of traditional Moldovan products and to increasing the added value of our exports.

Over the last five years, two-way merchandise trade between the Republic of Moldova and the EFTA States has increased by more than 38%, reaching a value of EUR 87 million. The entry into force of the Agreement will facilitate access of Moldovan products to EFTA markets and will eliminate customs duties for numerous categories of industrial and agricultural products.

Thus, Moldovan exporters, especially in the winemaking, textile, beekeeping and agricultural sectors, will benefit from new opportunities. For example, Iceland has granted free access for products such as honey, wines, cereals and sunflower oil.

Through the Free Trade Agreement with EFTA, the Republic of Moldova is diversifying its exports and strengthening its presence on international markets, confirming its firm commitment to integrating into the global economy.

The State Agency on Intellectual Property expresses its conviction that this agreement will contribute substantially to the development of the business environment and the strengthening of intellectual property protection, for the benefit of enterprises and consumers in the Republic of Moldova and the EFTA States. The Free Trade Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the EFTA States, including Annex XV with reference to Article 6.1 “Protection of Intellectual Property” can be consulted here.