Moldova implements stricter auto service standards for 2025
The Republic of Moldova is introducing stricter regulations for auto service centers to enhance road safety, protect consumer rights, and minimize environmental damage.
The new draft regulation outlines mandatory technical equipment and operational standards for auto service centers. Currently, the draft is under public consultation with industry representatives, aiming to ensure high-quality repairs and equal competitive conditions for businesses.
At present, companies offering auto services lack clear regulations specifying the mandatory conditions and technical equipment needed to ensure high-quality services. Recently, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development developed such a document, which includes a list of necessary equipment and devices for an auto service center. According to the authorities' estimates, the costs for equipping a specialized workshop range from 54,000 to 220,000 lei (~€2,000 to €11,000).
Authorities emphasize that the absence of clear regulations may lead to inefficient repairs, jeopardizing road safety—particularly in critical systems like brakes and steering—and causing environmental problems.
The initiative will soon be reviewed and approved by the government. Market participants will have a 12-month transition period to comply with the new requirements once the law comes into effect, as stated by Mircea Păscăluță, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Infrastructure.
"We've based our principles on those from Romania. We need to regulate all auto service activities through a government decision to ensure regulated services for consumers. We have a list of service types and an annex with the equipment that enterprises must have. This is in the consultation phase, and we must ensure that everyone who provides such services is receptive, and we will discuss ways to work legally, with specific conditions, in the consumer's interest," said Mircea Păscăluță.
Vladimir Gherasimenco, the owner of an auto service center, supports the initiative, stating that it will bring order to the market and create fair competition conditions for service providers.
"Currently, there are many so-called auto service centers in garages with minimal investment—just 20,000 to 30,000 lei (~€1,000 to €1,500). Meanwhile, I have invested several million, but these places provide cheaper services, avoid paying taxes, and aren’t regulated. I think this project is a good one. We have top-quality equipment, nearly the latest generation. We invest in new equipment every year, or every six months," said Vladimir Gherasimenco.
On the other hand, some business owners argue they lack the financial resources to meet the new regulations. At the same time, the one-year transition period after the law comes into force is not enough, according to Serghei Jereghi, the owner of an auto service center.
"Sure, give me the money and I’ll change everything, even by tomorrow. The authorities decided on this overnight and claim it's for the best. Maybe it is, but to implement it, you need to provide the necessary conditions and funding. Renovating requires expenses that, sorry to say, no one has. Today, we are all working just to survive," said the entrepreneur.
According to the data from the Register of Related Activities, about 800 business entities were registered in this sector in 2024.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
