DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Dominican Republic

Diplomatic relations between Switzerland and the Dominican Republic are harmonious. The economic and trade exchanges are not particularly well developed, but offer a growth potential. The Dominican Republic is well known to many Swiss as a holiday destination.

Economic cooperation

In 2015, Switzerland imported CHF 76.91 million of goods from the Dominican Republic – mostly precious stones and precious metals, agricultural products, optical devices and medical instruments. Exports to the Dominican Republic in the same year amounted to CHF 24.38 million, and mainly consisted of machinery, optical devices, medical instruments and chemical products.

Business language

Spanish, English.

Dimensions and weights

Metric system in addition to US standards.

Currency

National currency Dominican Peso (Dom $) =100 Centavos (cts).

ISO code: DOP

Customs tariff

Harmonised system.

Import control

Imports are largely liberalised. However, there are bans on the import used goods (e.g. electrical household goods, clothing, vehicles (consular invoices) category Z which are more than five years old and transport vehicles which are more than 15 years old), weapons, munitions etc. Import authorisations are required for certain foods and luxury foods (e.g. meat and dairy products).

Machines and equipment for civil engineering and for means of transport are required. There are import quotas (vehicles) and bans on import (e.g. for 1 year) for some goods. Ask the importer due to the frequent changes.

Standard VAT rate: 16%

Terms of payment and tenders

Tenders based on CFR (cost and freight); the imported goods must be insured by a Dominican company.

The FOB price must be indicated for customs clearance.

Deliveries on provision of an irrevocable, confirmed letter of credit recommended or where appropriate documents against payment. Invoices in USD or EUR.

The selection of terms of payment is closely linked to the type of import (see above).

Consult with the banks before concluding the contract on this point.

Imports based on collection are predominantly processed in USD.

In the case of state export guarantees for Swiss experts cover is also available for medium-term and long-term business after a strict check of creditworthiness is carried out.

Designations of origin

Not required on goods. In the case of any doubt indicate the country of origin. There is a ban on misleading information.

Marking/labelling

Standard marking regulations. There are special labelling regulations for foods and pharmaceuticals.

Packaging

Seaworthy packaging, marking of the packaging with the trademark, number, port location, gross weight, and legal weight is required; the letters must be at least 6 cm, marking on two sides of the box. Hay and straw are prohibited. Application of the ISPM no. 15 regulation.

Product samples

Duty free where there is no retail value.

Shipping and accompanying documents

Standard and:

a) Chamber of Industry and Commerce certificates are not required.

b) Commercial invoices, 4 copies, in Spanish for all shipments regardless of the value. Indication of the FOB value and the CFR (cost and freight) costs even if the sale is not CFR, and the following legally binding declaration: “Declaramos que el valor de la factura de … (amount in letters and numbers) es conforme con nuestros libros comerciales legalmente tenidos y que los precios de los articulos que figuran en la misma son los actuales” (date and legally valid signature).

c) Certificates of origin (1 copy) where required. As the origin, indicate “Swiss” in the case of Swiss goods, or “European Union” for goods originating from UE. Required and must be certified by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

d) Bills of lading with detailed information about the sea freight paid, 5 copies, must be certified by the general consulate.

e) Postal packages up to 31.5 kg, for commercial customers with a contract 30 kg: 1 international dispatch note, 3 customs declaration in Spanish/French/English.

f) Movement certificate EUR.1 or UE for goods which come under the CARIFORUM (international consignment note) regulation on origin.