Moldova applies for OTIF

In compliance with Article 37 of COTIF, the Republic of Moldova has filed an application to join the Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail (COTIF) in its version amended by the Protocol of Modification of 3 June 1999 (Vilnius Protocol). Article 37 requires only one substantial condition for accession: the state must operate railway infrastructure within its territory. The Republic of Moldova satisfies this criterion.

The Republic of Moldova will adopt Appendix B of COTIF, which contains the Uniform Rules concerning the Contract of International Carriage of Goods by Rail (CIM). In line with the first sentence of Article 42 § 1 of COTIF, the Republic of Moldova has indicated that it will not implement Appendices A (CIV), C (RID), D (CUV), E (CUI), F (APTU), and G (ATMF) of the Convention.

Acting as the Depositary of the Convention, the Secretary General has notified the OTIF Member States' governments about Moldova's application for accession through a circular letter dated 26 March 2024. Unless five OTIF Member States lodge objections, Moldova's application will be deemed accepted three months after this initial notification, on 26 June 2024.