Moldova implements new accessibility laws for digital and financial services

A new law regarding accessibility requirements for certain products and services has been published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Moldova. The legislation aims to ensure equal access and non-discrimination for persons with reduced mobility, including individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and those with temporary or permanent functional limitations.

Transposing European norms into national legislation, the law imposes obligations on economic operators and service providers across six key sectors: software technologies and programs, e-commerce, financial services, transport services, public institution services, and emergency communications. Specifically, accessibility requirements will apply to electronic communications, audiovisual media services, mobile applications, travel information, and self-service terminals. The regulations also extend to hardware systems, payment terminals, ATMs, and card readers, as well as the 112 emergency call process.

Micro-enterprises are exempt from these accessibility obligations. Service providers that fail to comply with the new requirements face administrative sanctions. The law is set to enter into force on January 1, 2028.