Country Information - Dominican Republic Country Information - Dominican Republic
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| ISO code: | do |
| Name: | Dominican Republic |
| Region: | Central America and Caribbean |
| Primary language: | Spanish |
| English: | Rarely |
| Time zone(s) (from GMT): | -4:00 |
| Telephone country code: | 1 |
| Commercial holidays: | New Year's Day, January 1; Epiphany, January 6; The Virgin of Altagracia, January 21; Duarte's Birthday, January 26; Dominican Independence Day, February 27; Good Friday (varies--April 18, 2003/April 9, 2004); Labor Day, May 1; Corpus Christi (June 19, 2003/June 10, 2004); Dominican Restoration Day, August 16; The Virgin of Mercedes, September 24; Constitution Day, November 6; Christmas, December 25. For further details on holidays, see also http://www.holidayfestival.com/. |
| Major berth service ports: | Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata U.S. Schedule K port codes, as needed for AES, are available at this site: http://www.marad.dot.gov/statistics/schedulek/schedulek.html. |
| Major international airports: | Santo Domingo (airport code: SDQ) A listing of airport codes is available at this site: http://www.flyaow.com/citycodeg.htm. |
| U.S. export restrictions: | Normal U.S. export requirements and restrictions apply. For detailed U.S. export information, please refer to GISTnet library coverage of this topic under U.S. Export Regulations. You may also refer directly to the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR) as a starting point for export restrictions, and the U.S. Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations (FTSR) for export declaration requirements. |
| Relevant trade agreements: | The Dominican Republic is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), http://www.wto.org/. |
| General import information and restrictions: | Special consular invoice form required for commercial shipments valued over FOB US$100. Consular legalization of this form, as well as other documents, is required. See details below under "Import Documentation Requirements." Transportation documents should be in Spanish, or be accompanied by a Spanish translation. The Dominican Republic uses the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) for commodity classfication. The Dominican Republic is in the process of modernizing its Customs procedures starting with computerization and the ability to receive documentation electronically. There are two express clearance procedures: Advance Declaration (Declaracion Anticipada) - Importers may submit customs documentation 25 days prior to the arrival of the shipment; and Express Dispatch (Despacho Expreso) - this mode includes advance declaration of the goods and the verification of the shipment by customs officials at the importer's warehouse. |
| Import license/permit requirements: | Import licenses are not required for most products, except pharmaceutical products (drugs, cosmetics and skin care products) and agro-chemicals. See product specific information below. |
| Letter of credit or foreign exchange controls: | Foreign exchange is administered by the Central Bank. Commercial banks and authorized exchange banks freely arrange foreign exchange transactions. Payments must be in U.S. dollars. An extra set of documents should be forwarded to the bank to facilitate foreign exchange transaction. The set should include: transportation document ( AWB or B/L), commercial invoice, packling list, consular invoice and insurance certificate. Follow instructions of importer as to the exact number of copies required. The unit of currency in the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso. |
| Official Packaging and Labeling Requirements: | In general, follow standard shipping practices. Packages should be numbered if there are more than one in a shipment. Dangerous goods require U.N. Performance Oriented Packaging (UN POP). Specific packaging and labeling requirements may apply to certain products and commodities. Exporters should check with their customer for applicable product-specific requirements, if any. |
| ATA Carnet: | Not accepted |
| Commercial invoice: | Required for commercial shipments. In general, conform to information requirements described in definition of commercial invoice. Provide at least one (1) original and four (4) signed copies, in Spanish or English with Spanish translation, to be forwarded to consignee or consignee's agent. Consular legalization is required. All information on the consular invoice must also be given on this invoice. The following statement, signed and notarized, must be included: "We certify under oath that the prices stated in this invoice are true and correct." A price list is also required to be included with import documentation. It must be certified by a recognized chamber of commerce and receive consular legalization. For more information on preparing and distributing commercial invoices, see Common/Generic Documentation Requirements and General Document Distribution procedures. For airfreight shipments, documents in most cases should accompany cargo. See airwaybill (AWB). For non-commercial shipments, prepare a pro-forma invoice. |
| Packing list: | In general, a packing list is required for all shipments containing more than one shipping unit of packaged cargo when the exact content of each package is not already clearly identified with its respective gross and net weight, and marks and numbers, on the commercial invoice. See definition of packing list for required information, which must be consistent with all information shown on the commercial invoice. Include least three (3) copies as part of shipping documents provided to consignee. |
| Transport document: | One (1) original and at least four (4) copies of a bill of lading (B/L), that have received consular legalization, are required. (Some consuls require certification by a recognized chamber of commerce before legalization.) As well as generally required information, include detailed freight and any other charges. To order bills are not accepted. A shipment on CIF terms must carry a copy of the insurance policy. The airwaybill (AWB) replaces it for air cargo shipments. For detailed information on completing a bill of lading, please see our interactive bill of lading exhibit. Scroll down to see the form, and click on any field for details on the information that goes in that box. |
| Certificate of origin: | When required by the buyer (consignee) or letter of credit (L/C), prepare in three (3) copies using general certificate of origin (CO, C/O) form, certified by a legal chamber of commerce. |
| Consular legalization: | Required for commercial invoice, (submit price list also), consular invoice form, and bill of lading (B/L), as well as other certificates (i.e., free sale, phytosanitary, etc.), as needed. Consult with nearest consular office to verify requirements and their associated fees. |
| Consular invoice form: | One (1) original and four (4) copies of a consular invoice, "factura consular oficial," in Spanish, are required for all shipments, except those destined for free trade zones. Separate invoices must be presented for shipments to each consignee. The original must receive consular legalization at the shipment's point of origin or export. (Some consuls require certification by a recognized chamber of commerce before legalization.) As well as general information, list owner of the merchandise if other than the shipper and the initial four digits of the tariff number. Customs officials have advised that importers can agree to pay a set fee of RD$6500 (approximately US$400 at current exchange rates) if the importer chooses not to present a consularized invoice at the time of customs processing. Customs allows four additional days for the importer to bring them the consular invoice after the arrival of the goods. |
| Cargo insurance: | All shipments must be insured by a company authorized by the government of the Dominican Republic, except for those of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) export programs. |
| Plants: | A phytosanitary certificate is required for importation of plants, fresh and dried fruits and vegetables, and unprocessed plant products, including hay. APHIS inspects and certifies live plants and unprocessed plant products to assure that they conform to health and sanitary requirements prescribed by the country of destination. Specific country requirements may be obtained from the APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture) 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737, (301) 734-8537; fax: (301) 734-5786 (Plant Protection and Quarantine), http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/pim/exports/, who have access to the EXCERPT database. Most exporters of plant products will have arranged for inspection and certification by their local state or country agricultural inspectors, in which case the local inspection certificate may be presented to any USDA office in exchange for a USDA (federal) phytosanitary certificate. Inspections may also be carried out by APHIS inspectors located in major U.S. cities, ports and airports, or by delegated state and county agricultural inspectors operating in or close to production/packaging facilities. This certificate must receive consular legalization. (Some consuls require certification by a recognized chamber of commerce before legalization.) A good resource is available on-line from the USDA, entitled: Agricultural Export Transportation Handbook. Since requirements are complex and subject to change at any time, U.S. exporters should seek current information directly from the importer prior to shipment. |
| Animals: | A health certificate issued by the USDA is required for animals and unprocessed animal products. Specific country requirements may be obtained from APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture) 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737, (301) 734-7885; fax: (301) 734-6402 (Veterinary Services), http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie/. Most exporters of animals and animal products will have arranged for inspection and certification by their local, state, or county agricultural inspectors, in which case the local inspection certificate may be presented to any USDA office in exchange for a USDA (federal) health certificate or (in the case of certain animal products, a phytosanitary certificate). Inspections may also be carried out by APHIS inspectors located in major U.S. cities, ports and airports. This certificate must receive consular legalization. (Some consuls require certification by a recognized chamber of commerce before legalization.) A good resource is available on-line from the USDA, entitled: Agricultural Export Transportation Handbook. Since requirements are complex and subject to change at any time, U.S. exporters should seek current information directly from the importer prior to shipment. Veterinary products should be registered with the Secretary of State of Agriculture and carry a free sale certificate. |
| Processed Food: | All foodstuffs should be registered with the government and carry a certificate of free sale. Contact the Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 200 C St. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20204, tel: (202) 205-5229; fax: (202) 205-4594; http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/list.html. |
| Pharmaceuticals: | All pharmaceuticals and cosmetics should be registered with the government and require an import license. A free sale certificate is also required, available from the Food and Drug Administration, HFD 310, 7520 Standish Place, Room 166, Rockville, MD 20855, tel: (301) 594-0063; fax: (301) 594-0165, http://www.fda.gov/oia/drugnew.htm. (Note: Scroll down on the page to see the information on obtaining a certificate for export of pharmaceutical products.) |
| Other products: | Agro-chemicals are controlled and require import licenses. Heavy automobiles and machinery are restricted. All shipments of galvanized tubing must be accompanied by test certificates issued by recognized international testing shops. |
| Consular missions in U.S.: | Washington D.C.: Embassy and Consulate General, 1715 22nd St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 332-6280; fax: 265-8057; email: embdomrepusa@msn.com; http://www.domrep.org. Boston: Consulate General, Statler Building, Suite 601, 20 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116, tel: (617) 482-8121; fax: (617) 482-8133. Chicago: Consulate General, One Northfield Plaza, Suite 300, Northfield, IL, tel: (847) 441-1831; fax: (847) 441-1833. Houston: Consulate, 3300 S. Gessner Road, Suite 113, Houston, TX 77063, tel: (713) 266-0165; fax: (713) 708-1543; email: domtx1717@aul.com. Jacksonville, Florida: Consulate General, 1914 Beachway Road, Suite 1-B, Jacksonville, FL 32207, tel: (904) 346-0909; fax: (904) 346-0919. New Orleans: Consulate General, 2 Canal St., Suite 2100, New Orleans, LA 70130, tel: (504) 522-1843; fax: (504) 522-1007; email: codonos@bellsouth.net. New York: Consulate General, 1501 Broadway, Suite 410, New York, N.Y. 10036, tel: (212) 768-2480/1/2; fax: (212) 768-2677; http://www.consuladord-ny.org/ingles-index.htm. Philadelphia: Consulate General, Lafayette Building, Suite 216, Fifth and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19106, tel: (215) 923-3006; fax: (215) 923-3007; email: cd.phi@ix.netcom.com. Puerto Rico: (San Juan) Consulate General, Edificio Avianca, 7th Floor, 1612 Avenida Ponce de Leon, San Juan, PR 00907, tel: (787) 725-9550; fax: (787) 721-7820; (Mayaguez) Consulate General, Calle McKinley, No. 30, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, 00680, tel: (787) 833-4756; fax: (787) 832-4066; Ponce Consulate, Edificio Ponce Darlington, Calle Marina No. 4, Local 9, Ponce, Puerto Rico 00931, tel: (787) 984-2068; fax: (787) 844-6254. San Francisco: Consulate General, 1516 Oak Street, Suite 321, Alameda, CA 94501, tel: (510) 864-7777; fax: (510) 864-2222; email: comsudom@aol.com. |
| Representative chamber of commerce: | In the Dominican Republic: American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic, Torre BHD, 4to. Piso, Av. Winston Churchill esq. Luis F. Thomean, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, P.O. Box 95-2, tel: (809) 544-2222; fax: (809) 544-0502; http://www.amcham.org.do/english/index.htm.
In the U.S.: Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America, 1615 H St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20062, tel: (202) 463-5485; fax: (202) 463-3126; email: info@aaccla.org; http://www.aaccla.org. U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 1019 19th St. N.W., Suite 200, Washington, D.C. 20036, tel: (202) 842-1212; fax: (202) 842-3221. |
| Government information: | Direccion General de Aduanas (Customs), Ave. Mexico, Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep., tel: (809) 688-7070; fax: (809) 221-3255; email: aduana.dga@codetel.net.do. Secretariat of State for External Relations, Avda Independencia 752, Santo Domingo, DN; tel: (809) 535-6280; fax: (809) 533-5772. Secretariat of State for Finance, Avda Mexico 45, Santo Domingo, DN; tel: (809) 687-5131; fax: (809) 688-6561. Secretariat of State for Industry and Commerce, Edificio de Oficinas Gubernamentales 7, Avenida Francia, esq. Leopoldo Navarro, Santo Domingo, DN, tel: (809) 685-5171; fax: (809) 686-1973; email: ind.comercio@codetel.net.do; http://www.seic.gov.do. |
| U.S. Embassy (commercial attaché): | U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, Commercial Service, Ave. Pedro Henriquez Urena No. 133, Edificio Empresarial Reyna I, 5th Floor, Santo Domingo, Dom. Republic, tel: (809) 227-2121; fax: (809) 920-0267; email: Santo.Domingo.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov; http://www.usemb.gov.do/index.htm. |
| U.S. Country Commercial Guide: | http://www.usatrade.gov/website/ccg.nsf/ShowCCG |
| U.S. ITA Trade Information: | http://www.trade.gov/td/tic/ |
| Other: | Andean-Caribbean Help Desk, U.S. Customs Service, P.O. Box 52-3215, Miami, FL 33152, tel: (305) 869-2815 or 869-2804; fax: (305) 869-2790.
Dominican Republic Center for the Promotion of Exports (CEDOPEX), http://www.cedopex.gov.do/. |
| Business Customs: | Business appointments are generally required, but punctuality is not a consistent part of Dominican business practices. Most Dominican businesspeople speak English, but communication in Spanish is desirable. Business cards are exchanged. |