# Dominican Republic (DO)

**Capital:** Santo Domingo  
**Currency:** Dominican Peso (DOP) (DOP)  
**Population:** 11,430,000 — Older stored figure; source year not documented.  
**Area:** 48,671 km²

> The Dominican Republic is a key logistics and transhipment hub in the Caribbean. The port of Caucedo (DP World) handles most container traffic, complemented by Rio Haina and Puerto Plata. Air cargo runs mainly through Las Americas (SDQ) and Punta Cana (PUJ). Trade flows are shaped by preferential access under CAFTA-DR and the EU-CARIFORUM EPA; imports are processed electronically via the SIGA system and the VUCE single window.

The Dominican Republic (ISO code: DO) is located on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, sharing the island with Haiti. Politically, the country is a presidential republic with stable institutions and democratic structures. The climate is tropical, characterized by warm temperatures, high humidity, and distinct rainy and dry seasons. Economically, the Dominican Republic is highly diversified, with focuses on services, tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. Foreign trade is central, with exports including agricultural products, metal goods, and textiles, while the country is heavily dependent on imports of energy, machinery, and consumer goods. Strategically located ports and an international airport provide important transit and logistics functions for Caribbean trade and regional supply chains. The national currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP), enabling stable trade relations and economic transactions. Due to its geographical location, infrastructure, and economic openness, the Dominican Republic plays a significant role in regional and international goods flows. The combination of tourist attractiveness, industrial production, and logistical connectivity enhances the country's competitiveness in the Caribbean region.

**Top Import Partners:** US, CN, MX, BR, ES

**Top Export Partners:** US, HT, CA, NL, PR

**Top Import Goods:** Petroleum products, Machinery, Vehicles, Chemicals, Food

**Top Export Goods:** Gold, Medical devices, Cigars, Agricultural products

**Key Airports:**
- [Casa De Campo International Airport (LRM)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/casa-de-campo-international-airport-lrm)
- [Las Américas International Airport (SDQ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/las-americas-international-airport-sdq)
- [Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/punta-cana-international-airport-puj)
- [Cabo Rojo Airport (CBJ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/cabo-rojo-airport-cbj)
- [Cibao International Airport (STI)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/cibao-international-airport-sti)
- [Gregorio Luperon International Airport (POP)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/gregorio-luperon-international-airport-pop)
- [La Isabela International Airport (JBQ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/la-isabela-international-airport-jbq)
- [Maria Montez International Airport (BRX)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/maria-montez-international-airport-brx)
- [Samaná El Catey International Airport (AZS)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/samana-el-catey-international-airport-azs)
- [Arroyo Barril Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/arroyo-barril-airport-mdab)

## Customs & Import

**Import VAT:** ITBIS 18 percent standard rate  
**Customs complexity:** medium  
**Customs system:** Electronic processing via SIGA (Sistema Integrado de Gestion Aduanera) and the foreign trade single window VUCE; unified customs declaration.  
**Customs authority:** [Direccion General de Aduanas (DGA)](https://www.aduanas.gob.do)

## Logistics & Risk

**Logistics role:** Caribbean transshipment hub / Tourism and industry  
**Economic area:** CAFTA-DR  
**Logistics risk:** medium  
**Dangerous goods relevance:** medium  
**Pharma/cold chain:** medium to high

## FAQ

### Which import tax applies in the Dominican Republic?

Imports are subject to ITBIS at a standard rate of 18 percent, plus customs duties (0 to 40 percent depending on the goods). Basic foodstuffs and medicines are subject to a reduced rate or are exempt.

### Which customs authority is responsible and how is customs clearance carried out?

The responsible authority is the Direccion General de Aduanas (DGA). Customs clearance is carried out electronically via the SIGA system and the foreign trade single window VUCE, using a unified customs declaration.

### Which documents do I need for importing?

Required are a commercial invoice (with truthfulness declaration), transport document (B/L, AWB or CMR), the unified customs declaration in SIGA, a packing list and, for preferential trade, a proof of origin.

### Are there preferential agreements for lower duties?

Yes. The Dominican Republic is part of CAFTA-DR (with the USA and Central America) and of the EU-CARIFORUM EPA. With a valid proof of origin, reduced or zero duties are possible.

### What are the most important ports and airports?

The most important container port is Caucedo (DP World), supplemented by Rio Haina and Puerto Plata. Air cargo mainly runs via Las Americas (SDQ) in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana (PUJ).

### Which goods may not be imported?

Prohibited are, among others, second-hand clothing, used electrical appliances, vehicles older than five years, and goods that endanger health, animal or plant life.

### What seasonal risks exist for logistics?

The Atlantic hurricane season from June to November may temporarily affect ports and airports. Forward-looking supply chain planning is advisable during this period.

### What is the situation at the border with Haiti?

The border has been heavily controlled since 2023; goods traffic is limited to selected basic goods. Restrictions apply to overland trade with Haiti.

## Sources & Last Verified

- [https://www.aduanas.gob.do](https://www.aduanas.gob.do)
- [https://siga.aduanas.gob.do/](https://siga.aduanas.gob.do/)
- [https://dgii.gov.do](https://dgii.gov.do)
- [https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/dominican-republic-import-tariffs](https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/dominican-republic-import-tariffs)
- [https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/dominican-republic-import-requirements-and-documentation](https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/dominican-republic-import-requirements-and-documentation)
- [https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/dominican-republic-trade-agreements](https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/dominican-republic-trade-agreements)
- [https://qr.wto.org/en/profile/dominican-republic](https://qr.wto.org/en/profile/dominican-republic)
- [https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/s435_e.pdf](https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/s435_e.pdf)

*Last verified: 2026-06-22*

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*Freight Academy — Country Profile: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/do](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/do)*

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