Dominican Republic: Import (general)
Dominican Republic: Import (general)
Important: Be sure to check both general and product-based categories for relevant information. Product-based categories include parts and accessories unless otherwise specified. See disclaimer below and use independent care before relying on this information.
IMPORTANT: The Dominican Republic has begun implementing the new automated Customs system SIGA (Sistema Integrado de Gestión Aduanera) in certain ports. With the implementation of this new system the bill of lading information must now include the shipper's, consignee's and notify party's tax ID (or alternate ID or passport number). Non-compliance with this requirement may result in penalties.
SIGA is currently operating at Rio Haina and Caucedo ports and will eventually be implemented at all ports, airports and land borders in the Dominican Republic. See information under heading "Transport Document."
Include an extra set of shipping documents to facilitate handling of foreign exchange. See below under heading "Foreign exchange controls and letters of credit."
Mis-declaration of value on documentation will result in fines.
Dutiable goods also are subject to various taxes and surcharges, the rates of which depend on the type of product.
(Last updated on 2011-12-05)
The Dominican Republic offers two types of expedited customs clearance procedures:
Shipments not cleared using one of the above expedited procedures must be declared either for consumption or for storage within four working days after vessel arrival. Clearance generally takes about three days once complete documentation is submitted.
Automated Customs System (SIGA) now operates in certain ports. Importers using the new automated system can obtain pre-clearance of shipments electronically. Under the new system importers can register the shipment, submit documentation, verify the shipment and pay taxes before shipment arrival.
(Last updated on 2011-10-18)
Samples may be admitted duty-free under the following conditions:
(Last updated on 2011-10-18)
The Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) is used for product classification.
Tariff rates range from 0 to 20%.
The following are additional taxes and surcharges which may apply:
For tariff and tax information, see Laws, Customs, Tariff and Tax Information.
For more information on tariff requirements and a link to the customs tariff schedule please see Tariff Information (scroll down to desired country).
(Last updated on 2011-10-18)
Import licenses are not required for most products.
Exceptions include: pharmaceutical products (drugs, cosmetics and skin care products); agro-chemicals; fertilizers; dangerous substances; and quota goods.
Tariff rate quotas exist for rice, sugar, garlic, poultry meat, beans, onions, milk and milk powder.
See product specific information below.
(Last updated on 2011-10-18)
Prohibited imports include: diseased or unhealthy plants, plant products, seeds, animals, or animal products; used clothing and electrical appliances; motor vehicles over five years old.
Also prohibited are any products which may be harmful to human, animal, or plant health.
(Last updated on 2011-10-18)
Foreign exchange is administered by the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic and commercial banks.
Commercial banks and authorized exchange banks freely arrange foreign exchange transactions.
The exporter or the agent thereof should forward an extra set of shipping documents to the bank to facilitate the handling of necessary exchange.
Without these added documents, the bank may not grant the exchange.
Three (3) copies each of the:
Confirm the number of copies and documents required from the Dominican importer.
(Last updated on 2011-10-19)
Currently, the Dominican Republic has no laws or regulations relating to pre-shipment inspection.
(Last updated on 2011-10-18)
Required for all commercial shipments.
In general, conform to the information requirements described in the GISTnet 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.
Include the following information:
The following statement must be included on the document: "We certify under oath that the prices stated in this invoice are true and correct." The original, commercial invoice must then be signed, notarized and submitted for consular legalization to the Dominican consul at the point of origin of the shipment or at the port of export not later than two days after departure of the vessel.
For more information on preparing and distributing commercial invoices, see GISTnet headings Commercial Invoice and Shipping Document Distribution Based on Specific Functional Needs.
For airfreight shipments, documents in most cases should accompany cargo. Review definition of airwaybill (AWB).
For non-commercial shipments, prepare a pro-forma invoice.
(Last updated on 2011-10-18)
(Last updated on 2010-03-05)
It is recommended that a packing list be established for all shipments containing more than one shipping unit of packaged cargo. For most destination countries it is mandatory to provide a packing list together with the commercial invoice
The exact contents of each package is to be clearly identified with its respective gross weight and net weight, and with its marks and numbers.
Include at least 3 copies of the packing list as part of the shipping documents provided to the consignee.
See definition of packing list for required information, which must be consistent with all information shown on the commercial invoice.
(Last updated on 2012-04-25)
The number of bill of lading copies required for shipments to the Dominican Republic may vary.
Typically, one (1) original and four (4) copies of an ocean bill of lading (B/L) are sufficient.
The B/L may be in either English or Spanish.
As well as generally required items of information, the transport document should clearly detail any freight charges or other accessorial charges collected by the carrier.
A copy of the applicable insurance certificate or insurance policy or must accompany the transport document for a shipment made on CIF or CIP terms.
"To order" B/Ls are not accepted.
Effective January 2010, all bills of lading must include the consignee's Tax ID (RNC - Registro Nacional del Contribuyente) for Dominican companies; national ID (Cedula de Identidad y Electoral) for Dominican citizens; or passport number for foreigners. The Shippers/Notify Party "Tax Identification Number" is also required. Non-compliance with this requirement may result in penalties.
For airfreight shipments, an airwaybill (AWB) replaces the bill of lading.
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.
(Last updated on 2011-10-20)
Typically required for live animals as well as shipments for which preferential treatment is sought.
If required by the buyer/consignee or the applicable letter of credit (L/C)'s terms, prepare the C/O in three (3) copies using the general certificate of origin (CO, C/O) form available from a stationery store. Once completed, the form must be signed by the shipper or the agent thereof and the signing notarized. That done, the form must then be certified by a legal chamber of commerce.
Using the CAFTA Certificate of Origin form is recommended when preferential treatment is being claimed under CAFTA-DR.
(Last updated on 2011-10-20)
All import shipments (except for U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) shipments) must be insured by a company authorized by the government of the Dominican Republic.
(Last updated on 2011-10-19)
All Wood Packing Material (WPM) must be made from debarked wood. It must be treated, certified and stamped with the internationally standard WPM Mark, according to the ISPM-15 Standard.
Review "International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures" document as outlined in Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade, issued by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), Plant Protection Service, U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, I-00100 Rome, Italy; fax: +39 6 570 56347; e-mail: ippc@fao.org
Also see Overview on Wood Packaging Material as it applies to EU rules governing transportation Packaging (including dunnage) and New Import Requirements for wood and wood packaging material to prevent the introduction of organisms harmful to plants and plant products.
To prevent the spread of Pine Wood Nematode (PWN) in EU countries, consignments of coniferous wood originating from outside Europe and from Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkey must carry a phytosanitary certificate
(Last updated on 2012-04-20)
In general, follow standard shipping practices.
Each package should be uniquely numbered if there are more than one in a shipment, and the numbers should be consecutive.
Multiple markings are not permitted.
Packaging must be made of materials that are harmless and free from any substances that may affect product safety.
Dangerous goods require U.N. Performance Oriented Packaging (UN POP).
Wood packing materials must be treated to conform with the ISPM-15 standard.
For more information, see our Glossary definition of ISPM-15.
(Last updated on 2011-10-19)
Labels should be in Spanish and include the product's composition contents, volume and the expiration date.
There are specific requirements for the labeling of food products, pharmaceuticals, insecticides, fungicides, and poisons.
Specific packaging and labeling requirements may apply to other products and commodities.
Exporters should check with their Dominican customer for specific product requirements.
(Last updated on 2011-10-19)
For information on standards,
contact the Dominican Republic National Standards Organization at Dirección General de Normas y Sistemas de Calidad (DIGENOR).
(Last updated on 2012-04-30)
ATA Carnets are not accepted in this country.
For more details on ATA Carnets see information provided by International Chamber of Commerce.
For a list of participating countries see Countries that accept Carnets.
(Last updated on 2012-03-13)
Important: Exercise independent care before relying on information contained herein. Although we strive to ensure all information is correct and current, GISTnet assumes no liability for detrimental reliance on this information. Trade requirements may change with little or no prior notification, de-facto requirements in certain countries vary from official regulations, and particular shipments and/or importers may have special destination customs arrangements. We encourage you to check with the importer or its customs agent in the destination country for specific importation requirements for specific products and circumstances. We ask your help with feedback (cidb@gistnet.com) concerning information which may be outdated or incomplete.
