Import Guide · Moldovan Wine

Import Wine from Moldova

Everything an importer needs to know: regulations, required documents, logistics options, and how Aproape supports you from first inquiry to arrival in your market.

Importing Moldovan Wine

Moldova is an established wine-exporting country with deep trade relationships across the EU, UK, Scandinavia, and North America. The country's Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) with the EU removes duties on wine exports, making Moldovan wine commercially competitive in the world's largest wine market.

Aproape wines are produced and bottled at the estate in Hirova. We export directly — there are no intermediary suppliers or brokers. Importers work with the family, receive documentation from the source, and have a direct line to the winemaker throughout the relationship.

Import Regulations

Key regulatory facts for importing Moldovan wine into the European Union. Non-EU importers should verify equivalent requirements for their market.

  • 0% EU import duty (DCFTA)
  • DCFTA EU–Moldova trade agreement
  • VI-1 Required EU import document

Wine entering the EU from Moldova requires a VI-1 document (oenological certificate), issued by an approved Moldovan laboratory and verified by the National Office of Vine and Wine. Excise duties apply in the destination country and vary by member state. US importers require a Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) from the TTB. UK importers must register under WOWGR. Aproape's export team has direct experience with all three regulatory frameworks.

Required Documentation

A standard import shipment from Aproape includes the following documents, all prepared in-house and available within 5 business days of order confirmation.

  • Health / Phytosanitary Certificate

  • Certificate of Analysis

  • VI-1 Oenological Document (EU)

  • Commercial Invoice & Packing List

  • Label Approval Copy

  • EUR.1 Movement Certificate (preferential origin)

Additional documents — CMR consignment note, bill of lading for ocean freight, country-of-origin certificates for non-EU markets — are prepared in coordination with the appointed freight forwarder. Aproape does not charge separately for documentation. All document preparation is included in the export price.

Shipping & Logistics

We ship on standard incoterms. The right term depends on your logistics setup and the volume of your order.

  • EXW — Ex Works
  • DAP — Delivered at Place
  • CPT — Carriage Paid To
  • CIP — Carriage and Insurance Paid

Most importer partners start on DAP or EXW terms. For container orders from established partners, CPT and CIP are available in coordination with our preferred freight forwarders. Transit times vary: road freight to Western Europe typically takes 5–10 days from the cellar. Ocean freight to North America takes 3–5 weeks. Pallet orders (minimum 504 bottles / 42 cases) are the standard starting format; full container orders (20 ft or 40 ft) are available for larger volumes.

Customs Clearance

A brief walkthrough of the customs clearance process for wine from Moldova in the EU and UK. For other destination markets, our team can advise based on experience.

For EU clearance, the consignee's customs broker files the entry using the CN code for still wine (2204 21 for bottles under 2 litres) and presents the VI-1 document alongside the commercial invoice and EUR.1 certificate. The VI-1 is the critical document for Moldovan wine entering the EU — without it, the shipment will be held. Aproape prepares and certifies the VI-1 in advance for every shipment.

For UK clearance under WOWGR, the importer must hold a Registered Consignee status (or appoint an approved warehouse keeper). The commodity code for still wine in 75 cl bottles is 2204 21 18. UK excise duty is payable at the duty-suspended warehouse before the wine can be released for free circulation. Our team can advise on customs agents with specific Moldovan wine experience upon request.

How Aproape Supports You

We work closely with importers throughout the process — from the initial sample request to clearance in your market.

  • Full documentation package, prepared in-house

  • Freight coordination with established forwarders

  • Sample boxes for market introduction

  • Direct communication in English, Romanian, or Russian

We have shipped to partners across the EU, UK, Scandinavia, and North America. Our export process is well-rehearsed and our documentation rate of zero rejection at customs reflects the care we put into preparation. If you encounter a specific regulatory requirement in your market that is not covered here, get in touch — we have likely dealt with it before.

Ready to Start the Import Process?

Contact us to request a sample box, discuss pricing, or get the full documentation package for your market.

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