National producers against elimination of pollution tax on import of Tetra Pak products

A number of national associations of industrialists, producers and entrepreneurs are against the Economy Ministry’s initiative to remove the pollution tax on the import of products in plastic or Tetra Pak, Info-Prim Neo reports. In a news conference, ex-Premier Vasile Tarlev, the head of the National Council of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Moldova, in the name of the 28 associations that form part of the organization, said the state budget and Moldova’s environment will be affected if the given tax is eliminated. “The Ministry said a conflict appeared between Moldova and Ukraine within the World Trade Organization. Moldova is accused of discriminating the importers by obliging them to pay a pollution tax. The Ministry chose the easiest way – to remove the tax. But the state budget will thus remain without the US$200 million that is paid as pollution taxes,” said Vasile Tarlev. The former Prime Minister considers the government should protect the domestic market. “We suggest including a guarantee tax on the packed products. If the importers take the used package out of the country, they obtain the money back,” said Vasile Tarlev. The pollution tax on the import of Tetra Pak products was introduced in 2008. In 2010, it was proposed decreasing it, but the bill did not reach Parliament.