🇩🇴 Import Customs & Duties: Dominican Republic
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$200
Packages under $200, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
18%
CIF value + duty. ITBIS at 18% on most imports. Reduced 16% rate on some goods. Basic food basket exempt.
Clearance Time
2-5 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-20% (smartphones 0%, laptops 3%, TVs 20%, appliances 14%) | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 20% (all garments 20%) | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 20% (all footwear 20%) | HS 64 |
| Food products | 5-25% (rice 14-20%, meat 25%, dairy 20%, processed food 8-14%) | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-3% (industrial machinery 0%, agricultural 0%) | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 8-14% (perfumes 14%, skincare 8%) | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 8-14% (basic toys 8%, electronic toys 14%) | HS 95 |
| Vehicles | 30% (all vehicles, plus ISC selective consumption tax) | HS 87 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $200 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA, dga.gov.do). SIGA electronic customs system. CAFTA-DR FTA with US eliminates/reduces many duties on US goods. ITBIS (VAT) at 18% on all imports. Santo Domingo (Haina and Caucedo ports) handles most cargo. Las Américas airport for air freight. Free trade zones (zonas francas) for manufacturing/re-export.
What to Actually Expect
Major Caribbean economy with relatively modern customs. CAFTA-DR significantly reduces duties on US goods. ITBIS at 18% is substantial. Courier clearance (DHL, FedEx) in 1-2 days. Postal mail through INPOSDOM, 2-4 weeks, can be unreliable. ISC (selective consumption tax) on alcohol, tobacco, vehicles. Free trade zones significant for manufacturing. SIGA digitization improving processes but some bureaucracy remains.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Required for firearms, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, used vehicles, and some agricultural products. Health permits from DGM for food products. Environmental permits for chemicals. Vehicles over 5 years old restricted.
Certificate of Origin
CAFTA-DR certificate for US/Central American preferential rates. EPA certificate for EU trade. CARICOM-DR FTA certificate. Issued by CEI-RD or Cámara de Comercio y Producción de Santo Domingo.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Dominican Republic:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $100 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $200 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $500 | $42 | $98 | $140 |
| $1000 | $112 | $200 | $312 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Dominican Republic
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Dominican Republic?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Dominican Republic is $200. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Dominican Republic?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Dominican Republic is 18%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. ITBIS at 18% on most imports. Reduced 16% rate on some goods. Basic food basket exempt.
How long does customs clearance take in Dominican Republic?
Typical customs clearance in Dominican Republic takes 2-5 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Dominican Republic?
To import into Dominican Republic, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.