Complete DRS Guide for Producers and Importers

01 Who is required to register in DRS: producer, importer, or both? expand_more

The obligation applies under Law no. 209/2016 and GD no. 379/2025. All economic operators placing beverages in eligible packaging on the Moldovan market (domestic producers and importers) must register.

02 How does a producer or importer register in DRS? expand_more

Registration is done through the portal provided by Eco-Ret Moldova. The application form, document list, and instructions are available on this dedicated page.

03 What documents and company details are required for registration? expand_more

Identification data (Company Name, IDNO, VAT code, legal address, contact persons) and packaging technical specifications are required.

04 Which packaging and beverages fall under DRS? expand_more

DRS applies to primary packaging for beverages made of glass, plastic, or metal, with capacities between 0.1 L and 3.0 L inclusive, registered and carrying the official DRS mark.

05 Which packaging and products are excluded from DRS? expand_more

Packaging outside 0.1L–3L, dairy products, edible oils, syrups, industrial packaging, and pouches/bag-in-box that do not retain shape are excluded.

06 What is the volume range for eligible DRS packaging? expand_more

The general volume range is from 0.1 liters up to 3.0 liters inclusive.

07 How is each SKU registered in the National Packaging Register? expand_more

Each SKU must be registered in the DRS database with its unique EAN barcode, beverage type, container material, color, weight, and volume before market placement.

08 What information must be provided for each EAN? expand_more

Product name, beverage category, material (PET, can, glass), volume (L), empty weight (g), dimensions, label layout, and barcode type.

09 What types of barcodes are accepted in DRS? expand_more

Standard GS1 barcodes (EAN-13, EAN-8) printed in accordance with GS1 General Specifications and ISO/IEC 15416 quality standards.

10 What are the technical requirements for barcode size, contrast, and placement? expand_more

Vertical ladder orientation is recommended, magnification 80%-115%, quiet zones intact, dark bars on white background, placed on smooth cylindrical surface.

11 What is the DRS mark and on which packages must it be applied? expand_more

The official DRS mark signifies that the product participates in the national system and carries a refundable 2 MDL deposit. It must be applied on all registered SKUs.

12 Where and how should the DRS mark be placed on the container or label? expand_more

It must be clearly visible, legible, indelible, and positioned without overlapping the barcode or critical legal texts.

13 Who grants the right to use the DRS mark? expand_more

The DRS Administrator (Eco-Ret Moldova) grants the right of use free of charge to registered producers and importers upon contract signing.

14 What graphic assets and specifications are provided for the DRS mark? expand_more

Eco-Ret provides the official brand book package, vector files (SVG, EPS, AI), and high-resolution PNGs with detailed clear space guidelines.

15 Must images, label layouts, and technical data sheets be sent to Eco-Ret? expand_more

Yes. Label layout (PDF), high-resolution packaging photo, and technical data are submitted during the SKU registration process.

16 Are physical packaging samples required for RVM validation testing? expand_more

Yes. Physical samples (empty containers with finalized printed labels) may be required for RVM scanner calibration and test bench validation.

17 How are new products launched after initial registration? expand_more

New SKUs must be submitted via the registration form and approved in the database before commercial distribution starts.

18 How do I update details for an already registered product? expand_more

Submit a change request in the system. Changes affecting barcode, weight, shape, or dimensions require re-validation.

19 What happens if packaging weight, volume, label, or EAN changes? expand_more

A change in critical parameters requires updating the packaging registry and, if necessary, re-testing in RVM test units.

20 When can a product be placed on the market after DRS registration? expand_more

Only after validation in the National DRS Registry and confirmation that labeling and deposit flows are fully set.

21 How are monthly volumes of packaging placed on the market reported? expand_more

Producers/importers submit monthly declarative reports via the IT platform by the 10th of each following month.

22 What is the monthly deadline for reporting? expand_more

By the 10th of the month following the reporting period.

23 How do I correct an erroneously submitted report? expand_more

Corrections are made through the official adjustment procedure in the IT platform with supporting documentation.

24 What is the deposit amount and who pays it to Eco-Ret? expand_more

The deposit is 2.00 MDL per container, transferred by the producer/importer to Eco-Ret for all units placed on the market.

25 What is the administration fee and how is it determined? expand_more

The administration fee covers operating costs of the national collection, logistics, and sorting infrastructure, calculated per unit material.

26 Does the administration fee vary by material, volume, or packaging type? expand_more

Yes, administration fees reflect the net costs of collecting and recycling each specific material (PET, metal, glass).

27 How and when are invoices issued by Eco-Ret? expand_more

Invoices for the administration fee are issued monthly based on validated volume declarations.

28 What are the payment deadlines to Eco-Ret? expand_more

Deposit and administration fee payments are due by the 25th of the month following the reporting period.

29 How is the DRS deposit treated for accounting and tax purposes? expand_more

The 2 MDL deposit is not part of the product sales price, is not subject to VAT, and is accounted for as a separate refundable guarantee liability.

30 How must the deposit be shown on commercial invoices? expand_more

The DRS guarantee must be stated as a distinct separate line item on fiscal invoices and receipts.

31 What obligations apply to importers of foreign products? expand_more

Importers bear identical responsibilities as domestic producers: company registration, packaging registry, DRS labeling, reporting, and fees.

32 Who within the company can access the Eco-Ret portal? expand_more

Designated authorized users with specific role-based permissions (reporting, finance, logistics, compliance).

33 How are commercial data and confidential information protected? expand_more

Eco-Ret adheres strictly to GDPR, confidentiality covenants, and uses enterprise-grade encrypted cloud infrastructure.

34 What audits and compliance checks can Eco-Ret perform? expand_more

Eco-Ret conducts routine reconciliations, barcode compliance checks, and cross-audits with customs and fiscal data as permitted by law.

35 Where can I find updated contracts, Excel forms, and technical guides? expand_more

All official forms, technical manuals, workshop slides, and contract templates are published in the 'Producers / Importers' section on www.ecoretsda.md.