DM · DMA
Karibischer Insel-/Importmarkt, regionaler Feeder-Knoten
Capital: Roseau
Overview
Dominica (ISO-Code: DM) is an island nation in the eastern Caribbean, part of the Lesser Antilles, situated between Guadeloupe and Martinique. Politically, the country is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth, with autonomous administration. The climate is tropical humid, characterized by high rainfall, warm temperatures, and a hurricane season from June to November. Economically, Dominica is heavily focused on agriculture, tourism, and services, with banana exports historically playing an important role. Foreign trade is limited, and the country is heavily dependent on imports of food, fuel, and consumer goods. Strategically located ports and an international airport secure transit and logistics functions for regional shipping and air traffic. The national currency is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), which supports economic stability and trade relations within the OECS. Dominica leverages its geographical position and natural resources to function as a regional hub for trade and tourism in the Caribbean. The combination of stable governance, tropical climate, and logistical connectivity strengthens the country's role in regional economic activity.
Mentioned countries
Customs authority
Customs and Excise Division (Ministry of Finance)Import system
ASYCUDA World; Einfuhranmeldung IM4 über Broker/Zollagent, CIF-Wert massgeblich.
Export system
ASYCUDA World; Ausfuhranmeldung über die Customs and Excise Division.
Import VAT
CARICOM-Ursprungszeugnis für Präferenzen im CSME; für Drittlandsimporte gilt der CARICOM-Aussenzolltarif (CET).
Beschränkungen u.a. für Waffen, Drogen, bestimmte Agrar- und Lebensmittel (Pflanzenschutz, Einfuhrlizenz); diverse Genehmigungspflichten.
Keine umfassenden internationalen Sanktionen gegen Dominica; als UN-Mitglied werden UNO-Sanktionen umgesetzt.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Quick operational overview for international shipments to the Americas. Depending on the destination, additional security filings, product requirements, or broker processes may apply.
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Insellage mit begrenzter Hafenkapazität (Woodbridge Bay bis ca. 30.000 DWT); Abhängigkeit von Transshipment über Barbados und Trinidad.
Hurrikansaison Juni bis November mit Sturm- und Starkregenrisiko; schwere Schäden in der Vergangenheit (Hurrikan Maria 2017).
Fokus auf klimaresilienten Wiederaufbau nach Hurrikan Maria; regionale Feeder-Dienste ab Roseau verbinden Dominica mit CARICOM-Hubs.
As of: 2026-06-22
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
No news for this country yet.
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Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
Dominica processes imports and exports electronically via ASYCUDA World. The Customs and Excise Division within the Ministry of Finance is responsible; imports are usually filed via an IM4 declaration through a customs broker.
The standard VAT rate is 15 percent. A reduced 10 percent rate applies to accommodation and diving activities; certain goods are zero-rated or exempt.
Besides the CARICOM Common External Tariff (CET), a customs service charge, environmental surcharge, excise tax and VAT may apply. Duties are generally based on the CIF value.
The main sea cargo hub is Woodbridge Bay (Fond Cole) near Roseau, handling vessels up to about 30,000 DWT. Air freight goes through Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM) on the northeast coast.
Yes. As a CARICOM and OECS member, Dominica participates in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). Qualifying regional-origin goods can be traded preferentially, i.e. duty-free, with a CARICOM certificate of origin.
The Atlantic hurricane season from June to November brings storm and heavy-rain risks with possible port and airport closures. Hurricane Maria caused severe damage in 2017; since then investment has focused on climate-resilient infrastructure.
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start: