Consumer rights in the Republic of Moldova
As consumers, we interact daily with traders and service providers. Moldovan law gives you concrete tools when something goes wrong.
The right to withdraw from a transaction
For purchases made online, by phone or concluded off business premises, you have the right to withdraw from the contract within 14 days of receiving the product (or of concluding the contract, for services), without justifying your decision.
The right to full and transparent information
Before the contract is concluded, the trader must communicate the full price, the terms of use, the warranty and the way to cancel.
The right to confidentiality
Your contact data may not be used for marketing purposes or passed to third parties without your express consent — under Law no. 195/2024 on personal data protection, overseen by the National Centre for Personal Data Protection.
The right to fair service
A business's unjustified refusal to provide a service it has undertaken is a breach of the law.
The warranty for defective products
If the product turns out to be defective, you have the right to repair, replacement or refund. The warranty period depends on the type of product and the manufacturer's statements — for durable goods, legislation harmonised with European standards tends towards a minimum of two years, but check the period applicable at the time of purchase. Keep the receipt — it is your main proof.
What to do if your rights are breached
- Direct contact with the trader, in writing, with a reasonable time to respond.
- Complaint to the Consumer Protection and Market Surveillance Agency (APCSP) — the authority that can inspect the trader and impose sanctions.
- A small-value claim or a civil action before the court, if the harm is financial and quantifiable.
How to prevent problems
- Read the terms and conditions carefully before buying or signing.
- Keep receipts, contracts and correspondence with the business.
- Check marketing promises against what you actually receive.
This article is for general information and does not constitute legal advice for an individual case.