Dominican Republic: Transportation


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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.

Major international airports

(Last updated on 2024-01-05)

Major ocean ports

Autoridad Portuaria Dominicana (Dominican Port Authority); phone: +1 809 537 1706; fax: +1 809 537 1706 (all websites in Spanish only)

(Last updated on 2021-11-17)

Truck transport

The Dominican Republic has nearly 19,705 km (12,244 mi) of highways and roads.

(Last updated on 2023-09-18)

Rail transport

See Rail transportation in the Dominican Republic.

The principal railway, which primarily serves the sugar cane industry, runs on standard gauge (1,435 mm [4 ft 8.5 in.]), is the Central Romana Railroad; phone: +1 809 730 1017 and +1 809 730 1019; email: alburquerque@crcltd.com.do

Additionally, there are some smaller railroads, also employed for sugar cane transportation, running on miscellaneous gauges. There are no rail connections with Haiti.

For additional information see: Railways in the Dominican Republic.

(Last updated on 2022-08-03)

Intermodal container/CTU requirements

The SOLAS Container Weight Verification Requirement for a signed Container Weight Verification (CWV) certificate document or equivalent authenticated electronic data to be provided to the vessel operator or its designated agent in time for vessel load planning applies. This certification must be issued by the shipper or other party who packs a container or other CTU, or by an agent thereof who physically weighs the loaded container.

Check with vessel operator and/or terminal operator for particular requirements and the deadline prior to vessel loading for receiving this certificate. A certificate not received by the deadline will result in the container not being accepted and/or not loaded aboard the intended vessel.

(Last updated on 2023-11-24)

Dangerous goods

An import license is typically required for dangerous goods.

For products and materials in a dangerous goods list, refer to the applicable international and national dangerous goods regulations (DGR) as adopted and/or authorized for use by the competent authority of the origin, destination and transit countries. Requirements for classification: UN number, packaging (UN POP), marking, labeling (hazard label) and documentation (Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods) must all be complied with, including variations by transportation mode and national regulations (i.e., restrictions and additional requirements not required imposed under international regulations).

Transportation carriers may further restrict their acceptance of some, most or all types of dangerous goods, so this must also be checked with each prospective carrier before shipment.

As a general rule, many countries may require the use of the country's own language (in addition to English) on the shipper's declaration for dangerous goods and MSDS. We recommend that you contact the importer and carrier for exact requirements concerning this issue.

(Last updated on 2019-12-07)

Environmental waste or pollutants

Industrial and toxic waste residues are prohibited as it can harm people, animals, and plants, whether it ends up in the ground, in streams, or even in the air. Some toxins, such as mercury and lead, persist in the environment for many years and accumulate over time. Humans and wildlife absorb these toxic substances when they eat fish or other prey.

The import of environmental waste or pollutants, or dumping of such materials in territorial waters, is typically prohibited or subject to having a specific government-issued permit.

(Last updated on 2022-08-18)

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.