Export to Dominican Republic

Export to the Dominican Republic: a 2026 guide for US manufacturers

5 min read · Updated 2026-09-26 · By the Fromerica team

The Dominican Republic is a CAFTA-DR partner. Most products need no import license, with important exceptions for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, cleaning products and agricultural goods.

CAFTA-DR: duty-free access to the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) entered into force between the United States and the Dominican Republic on March 1, 2007. According to USTR, it eliminated tariffs on more than 80 percent of US exports of consumer and industrial products immediately, phasing out the rest over 10 years.

The preference only applies to originating goods. According to CBP, the producer, exporter or importer may support the claim with a certification, using a template or a free-form document. Give your buyer the origin information they need before the goods ship.

Licenses, registrations and labels

Import licenses are not required for most products, except pharmaceutical products (drugs, cosmetics and skin care, cleaning products), all agricultural products and agrochemicals.
Pharmaceutical products need a sanitary register at the Ministry of Public Health for each trademark or product; DIGEMAPS handles sanitary registration of medicines, cosmetics, hygiene products and prepackaged food and beverages.
Agricultural products need import permits from the Ministry of Agriculture for each shipment, and live plants and agricultural material need phytosanitary or animal health certificates from the country of origin.
Consumer-ready food imports need a Spanish label, attached at origin or with a sticker at destination.
To claim CAFTA-DR preference, the importer presents certification supporting the claim to the General Customs Directorate. ITBIS (VAT) is 18%.

US-side steps for every shipment

Classify the product with its 10-digit Schedule B number (Census Bureau search tool); the first 6 digits are the Harmonized System code your buyer uses for their own tariff.
File Electronic Export Information (EEI) in AES, through ACE AESDirect or a direct connection, when the value under an individual Schedule B number is over $2,500 or an export license is required. The USPPI or its authorized agent files it.
Check your export classification. According to BIS, items subject to the EAR that are not listed on the Commerce Control List are EAR99 and, in most situations, need no license, unless they go to a restricted end user, end use or destination.
Screen your buyer, consignee and end user against the Consolidated Screening List, which combines export screening lists of the Departments of Commerce, State and the Treasury.

Screen a buyer →Guide: how to export from the USA →Look up HTS codes →

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an import license for the Dominican Republic?

Not for most products. According to the International Trade Administration, licenses are required for pharmaceutical products (including cosmetics and cleaning products), agricultural products and agrochemicals.

Do food labels need to be in Spanish?

Yes. Consumer-ready food imports need a Spanish label, either at origin or with a sticker at destination.

Official sources

This page is general information to help you get started. It is not legal, tax or customs advice, and regulations change. Confirm current requirements with the official sources above or with a licensed customs broker, freight forwarder or trade compliance professional.

Selling to buyers in Dominican Republic? Share our Spanish guide on importing from the US with them: it covers the registrations and taxes on their side.