Importing a truck or commercial vehicle into Moldova involves several taxes that differ significantly from passenger car customs clearance. Unlike cars, trucks are subject to VAT, a separate customs import duty, and excise rates that depend on the vehicle’s weight category. This guide breaks down every cost and shows you how to estimate your total using our free online calculator. What Taxes Apply When Importing a Truck? When clearing a truck through Moldovan customs, you will pay up to four separate charges: Excise duty — calculated per cm³ of engine displacement, based on the truck’s age and weight category (N1, N2, or N3). VAT (20%) — applied to the customs value of the vehicle. Unlike personal car imports, truck imports always incur VAT. Customs import duty (5%) — a flat percentage of the customs value, applied to all truck categories. Customs processing fee — a small administrative charge for processing the declaration. Truck Categories: N1, N2, N3 Moldova follows the EU vehicle classification system for trucks: N1 — Light commercial vehicles with a gross weight up to 3.5 tonnes. This includes most vans, pickup trucks, and small delivery vehicles. N2 — Medium trucks weighing between 3.5 and 12 tonnes. N3 — Heavy trucks exceeding 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight. The category directly affects the excise rate: lighter trucks (N1) pay the highest rate per cm³, while heavier trucks (N3) pay the lowest. This reflects their different use patterns and economic roles. Excise Rates by Category and Age Trucks up to 10 years old pay zero excise duty. After that, rates increase progressively: Category N1 (up to 3.5t): 0–10 years: 0 MDL/cm³ 11–12 years: 13 MDL/cm³ 13–15 years: 17 MDL/cm³ 16+ years: 80 MDL/cm³ Category N2 (3.5–12t): 0–10 years: 0 MDL/cm³ 11–12 years: 11 MDL/cm³ 13–15 years: 16 MDL/cm³ 16+ years: 60 MDL/cm³ Category N3 (over 12t): 0–10 years: 0 MDL/cm³ 11–12 years: 6 MDL/cm³ 13–15 years: 11 MDL/cm³ 16+ years: 40 MDL/cm³ Vintage Truck Rules Trucks older than 30 years qualify for special vintage vehicle flat rates instead of the per-cm³ calculation: 30–39 years: 40,000 MDL 40–49 years: 30,000 MDL 50+ years: 20,000 MDL How to Use the Truck Customs Calculator Our free calculator at mobile.md lets you estimate the total cost in seconds: 1) Select the truck’s manufacturing year. 2) Enter the purchase price and currency. 3) Choose the weight category (N1, N2, or N3). 4) Select the fuel type and enter the engine displacement in cm³. 5) Click “Calculate” to see a full breakdown of excise, VAT, import duty, and total cost in EUR, USD, and MDL. The calculator uses official exchange rates from the National Bank of Moldova and the latest 2026 excise rate tables. Key Differences from Car and Motorcycle Customs Unlike cars and motorcycles imported for personal use, trucks are subject to both VAT (20%) and a 5% customs import duty. Cars and motorcycles do not pay VAT or import duty for personal imports. Excise for cars depends on fuel type, displacement and age. For motorcycles it depends on displacement and age only. For trucks, the weight category (N1, N2, N3) is an additional factor. Hybrid cars receive a 25–50% excise discount, and fully electric cars and motorcycles are completely exempt from excise. Electric trucks are exempt from excise only — VAT and import duty still apply. Tips for Importers Check the registration documents carefully — the N1/N2/N3 classification must match what’s declared at customs. Pickup trucks are usually classified as N1, but verify with the original certificate. Consider the age threshold — importing a truck that is 10 years old versus 11 years old can mean the difference between zero excise and a significant bill. Use a licensed customs broker if you’re unfamiliar with the process — they can handle documentation and ensure correct classification. Electric trucks are exempt from excise duty, but VAT and import duty still apply. For accurate, up-to-date estimates, use our truck customs clearance calculator — it’s free, requires no registration, and reflects the latest 2026 Moldovan customs regulations.