Nelson Arroyo, the Director General of Dominican Customs (DGA), announced that the institution is implementing new measures to strengthen the control and traceability of goods destined for Haiti, following complaints from companies regarding tax fraud during the transit of goods to that country.

Arroyo emphasized that trade with Haiti is severely disrupted by the security crisis affecting the neighboring country. He explained that shipping companies are avoiding entering Haitian territory and leaving a large portion of their cargo in Dominican ports.

Due to a lack of space in port terminals, companies are using private warehouses. Therefore, the DGA will increase the staff assigned to these facilities in order to intensify inspections and the control of goods.

The official indicated that the use of private warehouses is a consequence of the insecurity in Haiti, where armed groups control areas and shipping companies are avoiding entering the country.

He also emphasized that the trade situation with Haiti is exacerbated by the lack of competent interlocutors on the Haitian side to coordinate procedures between the two customs authorities.

New Control Measures :

Among the measures adopted is the requirement for companies carrying out international transit operations to request service at least 24 hours in advance. This provision will allow customs to put in place the necessary logistics to supervise each operation.

The DGA also stipulated that no container may leave a port or logistics center after 1:00 PM. Departures will be authorized between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM. If a container is not ready within the allotted time, it will have to wait until the following day.

Another provision sets a daily limit on the number of containers each company can send to the border. Arroyo explained that a massive influx of shipments hinders customs' ability to ensure the logistics necessary for tracking goods.

He clarified that this measure does not require all companies to use the maximum limit, but emphasized that some have the capacity to transport a large number of containers. He cited as an example recent cases where a company reported having 40 containers in transit.

The DGA will also implement specific safeguarding mechanisms for operations considered high-risk and will strengthen surveillance at the country's main border crossings to prevent diversions or attempts at illicit trade within the national territory.

"Operations identified as high-risk will be subject to specific monitoring and safeguarding protocols to ensure that goods arrive at their destination in accordance with applicable regulations and procedures established by the customs authority," Arroyo stated.

Compliance with International Standards :

Arroyo explained that the international transit regime operates according to defined rules and that the AGD conducts ongoing checks to ensure these operations comply with international legislation and standards.

“Dominican customs operates like any other customs service in the world. International transit is governed by international agreements and regulations that the Dominican Republic is obligated to respect. Goods must be declared at their origin, with their destination clearly indicated,” he stated.

He explained that the DGA will strengthen existing controls to ensure the best possible traceability of goods in transit.

These new measures aim to preserve the competitiveness of national productive sectors and strengthen confidence in customs operations.

SL/ HaitiLibre