Import Regulations in Dominican Republic

The Harmonized Tariff System (HTS)is used for commodity classification in the Dominican Republic. Duties and taxes for imported goods are calculated on the ad valorem price (i.e. the CIF price in US dollars multiplied by the unified foreign exchange rate). They are collected in Dominican pesos.

The documentation should be in Spanish or accompanied by a Spanish translation, and should include the following: transportation document (air waybill or bill of lading), commercial invoice, packing list, and insurance certificate.

Other required documents are Visa’d Passport (for Customer and each member of the family); detailed inventory (original in English or Spanish); Marriage Certificate (if married); Birth Certificate of children living in same house; Dominican Consular invoice; Work Permit; Customs Bond; Residence Visa; Work Contract; Dominican Residence Card; bank guarantee or affidavit; contracts for house or apartment rental as well as electrical and water service. All the documents must be originals.

Shipper must be present for customs clearance. A physical examination is required prior to applying to the Department of Exoneration for clearance of goods.

Only one shipment is allowed.

If household goods are used and owned for over two years, they are imported duty-free. Dominican citizens may be allowed one time exemption if they have lived abroad a minimum of one year.

The dutiable/restricted items are the following: all new items (invoices required); duplicate electrical appliances (i.e. refrigerators, washers, dryers, air conditioners); computer equipment and machinery.

The prohibited items are weapons, ammunition and explosives; drugs and narcotics (shipment subject to confiscation if included); pornographic material.

Tobacco and alcohol products must not be shipped with household goods, but separately and requires consular documents.