Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of Decision No 4/2025:
**1. Essence of the Act:**
This decision amends Appendix III of the Convention on a common transit procedure to include the Republic of Moldova as a contracting party. It updates the guarantee forms used in transit procedures to include Moldova and sets a transitional period for using older versions of these forms. The decision ensures that guarantees are valid in Moldova and that existing forms can be adapted for continued use.
**2. Structure and Main Provisions:**
* **Article 1:** Formally amends Appendix III of the Convention as detailed in the Annex.
* **Article 2:**
* Specifies that the decision takes effect when Moldova becomes a contracting party to the Convention.
* Allows the use of older versions of guarantee forms (Annexes C1, C2, C4, C5, and C6) until December 31, 2026, provided they are adapted geographically and with respect to addresses for service or authorized agents.
* **Annex:**
* Replaces Annex C1 with a new version of the “Guarantor’s Undertaking – Individual Guarantee” form, which now includes the Republic of Moldova in the list of countries where the guarantee is valid.
* Replaces Annex C2 with a new version of the “Guarantor’s Undertaking – Individual Guarantee in the Form of Vouchers” form, which now includes the Republic of Moldova in the list of countries where the guarantee is valid.
* Replaces Annex C4 with a new version of the “Guarantor’s Undertaking – Comprehensive Guarantee” form, which now includes the Republic of Moldova in the list of countries where the guarantee is valid.
* Amends Annex C5 by adding “MOLDOVA” in box 7, which likely pertains to a list of countries or regions relevant to the form.
* Amends Annex C6 by adding “MOLDOVA” in box 6, which likely pertains to a list of countries or regions relevant to the form.
**3. Main Provisions for Practical Use:**
* **Inclusion of Moldova:** The most significant change is the inclusion of the Republic of Moldova in the list of countries covered by the guarantee forms. This means that the common transit procedure now applies to goods moving to, from, or through Moldova.
* **Transitional Period:** The allowance to use older versions of the forms until the end of 2026 provides flexibility for businesses and customs authorities to adapt to the new requirements without immediately needing to replace all existing forms.
* **Adaptation Requirements:** Users must ensure that older forms used during the transitional period are adapted to include Moldova geographically and that the address for service or authorized agent information is updated as necessary.
**** This act is directly related to Ukraine because it includes Ukraine in the list of countries covered by the guarantee forms.
