Countries · DO

Dominican Republic: sanctions and trade risk

No elevated indicator

As of 7 November 2026, the screened UN, EU, UK, Swiss and US sanctions lists contain 13 companies, organisations, vessels and aircraft linked to Dominican Republic.Lists last checked .

Logistics profile: ports, airports, customs, documents, holidays, news ↓

No elevated country indicator for Dominican Republic in the route rules Sanctioni uses. That is not a clearance: goods may still be export-controlled, and parties in Dominican Republic may still be on a list.

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On the sanctions lists

13 entries on the official lists name Dominican Republic — as nationality, address, registration or flag. That links them to the country; it says nothing about other companies there. The same company can appear on several lists and is then counted once per list. Individuals are not included — Sanctioni does not process them.

ListEntries
US OFAC — Specially Designated Nationals (SDN)13

Latest changes

No new listings or removals naming Dominican Republic recorded yet.

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Logistics profile

Dominican Republic: logistics and trade

Caribbean transshipment hub / Tourism and industry

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.

Capital
Santo Domingo
Population
11,430,000
Area
48,671 km²
Currency
Dominican Peso (DOP)
Continent
North America
Region
Caribbean
Economic area
CAFTA-DR
Religions
Christianity
Access to the sea
Yes

Transport modes Sea · Air · Road

Current situation
Border with Haiti heavily controlled since 2023, only limited trade in basic goods. Caucedo (DP World) remains the central container hub of the Caribbean.
Seasonal conditions
Atlantic hurricane season June to November; tropical storms may temporarily affect ports and airports.

Main seaports

  • Puerto Plata

    Puerto Plata (DO POP): cargo and cruise port on the Dominican north coast, ~220,000 TEU, grain and oil products. Large container volumes via Caucedo, Río Haina.

  • Puerto De Haina

    Puerto de Haina (DOINA): the Dominican Republic's busiest port near Santo Domingo, run by HIT, 400,000+ TEU, handling containers, bulk, RoRo and breakbulk.

  • Andres (Andres Lng Terminal)

    Andres (DOBCC): private LNG import terminal at Boca Chica, Dominican Republic, ~250,000 m³ storage. No container cargo; use DP World Caucedo.

  • Santo Domingo

    Santo Domingo (DOSDQ): the Dominican Republic's multipurpose port for vehicles, ro-ro and project cargo. For containers, use nearby Río Haina or Caucedo.

  • Punta Nizao Oil Terminal

    Punta Nizao Oil Terminal: offshore oil terminal in the Dominican Republic with a monobuoy for crude and fuel. No container traffic; use Haina or Caucedo.

  • San Pedro De Macoris

    San Pedro de Macoris (DO SPM): the Dominican Republic's oldest port, exporting sugar and molasses, importing dry bulk. For containers, route via Caucedo or Haina.

Main cargo airports

  • Las Américas International AirportSDQ

    Las Américas (SDQ) Santo Domingo: the Caribbean's busiest cargo airport — new cargo warehouse 2025, UPS, FedEx, DHL, customs express and Caucedo port link.

  • Punta Cana International AirportPUJ

    Punta Cana (PUJ/MDPC): DP World air cargo hub, over 33,000 t handled in 2025 (+15%), 4,000 m2 cold storage, perishables route South America to Europe.

  • Cibao International AirportSTI

    Cibao International (STI/MDST), Santiago: cargo terminal for cigars, textiles and medical devices from the Zonas Francas; runway extended to 2,920 m.

Road corridors

  • Autopista Duarte (Santo Domingo-Santiago)
  • Autopista Las Americas
  • Autopista del Coral
  • Autopista 6 de Noviembre

Main trade lanes

  • Dominican Republic-USA
  • Dominican Republic-China
  • Dominican Republic-Haiti
  • Dominican Republic-EU

Customs and import

Customs authority Direccion General de Aduanas (DGA)Official website ↗

Import customs system
Electronic processing via SIGA (Sistema Integrado de Gestion Aduanera) and the foreign trade single window VUCE; unified customs declaration.
Export customs system
Exports via SIGA and VUCE with a unified customs declaration; for preferential trade, a proof of origin is required.
Import VAT
ITBIS 18 percent standard rate; reduced rate and exemptions, including for basic foodstuffs and medicines (as of 2026).
Proofs of origin and trade agreements
CAFTA-DR and EU-CARIFORUM EPA: origin declaration or certificate of origin for preferential duties; additionally agreements with CARICOM and Central America.
Restricted and prohibited goods
Import bans include, among others, second-hand clothing, used electrical appliances, vehicles older than five years, and goods that endanger health or plants.

Typical import documents

  • Commercial invoice (with truthfulness declaration)
  • Transport document (B/L, AWB or CMR)
  • Unified customs declaration (SIGA)
  • Certificate of origin for preference
  • Packing list

Typical export documents

  • Commercial invoice
  • Unified customs declaration (SIGA)
  • Transport document
  • Proof of origin
  • Sanitary/phytosanitary certificate if required

Logistics conditions

Customs complexity
Medium
Customs delays
Medium
Port congestion
Low to medium
Dangerous goods relevance
Medium
Pharma and cold chain relevance
Medium to high
E-commerce relevance
Medium

Trade

Top import goods

  • Petroleum products
  • Machinery
  • Vehicles
  • Chemicals
  • Food

Top export goods

  • Gold
  • Medical devices
  • Cigars
  • Agricultural products

Typical cargo

  • Container (transshipment)
  • Gold and mining products
  • Medical devices
  • Cigars and tobacco
  • Agricultural products
  • Petroleum products (import)

Logistics questions

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.

Full logistics profile on Freight Academy ↗

Freight Academy

Powered by Freight Academy, verified 22 Jun 2026. Logistics information, not a sanctions source.

Indicator: the route rules of the Sanctioni check, curated from the published sanctions programmes of the UN, EU, UK, Switzerland and the US. Entries: the live version of each list (data sources), updated every 6 hours.

A preliminary screening aid — not legal advice and not a compliance clearance. The official publication of the competent authority prevails.

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