Exporting goods to the Dominican Republic, whether it is for the first time, or on a regular basis, can be a challenging experience. There are many elements to consider when shipping freight to a Caribbean country. If you are in Canada or the US and not entirely familiar with the Latin American market, you should consider a cargo shipping company that knows the business culture, the language, the customs regulations and has a proven track record of success when it comes to shipping to Dominican Republic.
Regulations in the Dominican Republic are not only very different from the ones in the US or Canada, communication methods and business etiquette are also very distinct: ● The high number of tourists and expats have had an impact on the style and manners of doing business in the Dominican Republic. Business is treated formally although Dominicans are more relaxed and they like to develop easy going business “friendships”. Third-party contacts are also a key to business success in this country. An established person vouching for you and presenting your company will help you gain trust in the market. ● Flexibility and spontaneity are also common traits of Dominicans and they have a different perception of time management - often more relax - than American and European business people. ● It is also important to consider the language as a possible barrier. Although most business executives speak English fluently, a good knowledge of Spanish would be highly appreciated for business relations.
The Dominican Republic has the largest economy in the Caribbean and Central America offering a unique and dynamic background for companies looking to expand internationally. The country’s economic performance has been historically tied to tourism, an industry that has brought opportunities to many others such as transport infrastructure, construction, hotel & restaurant equipment, agricultural products, air conditioning & refrigeration equipment, vehicles & parts, etc. The USA is Dominican Republic’ largest trading partner. The large number of free-trade zones and the Central America – Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) offer lots of opportunities for exporters, with no duties on US consumer and industrial goods that Dominicans highly appreciate. The need for shipping to and from the Dominican Republic has been increasing exponentially during recent years. With LAC by your side you will reinforce your company’s cargo shipping capability to the Dominican Republic. Our experienced professionals are very familiar with the market requirements in the Dominican Republic which is very important to avoid delays during the importation process. We provide you with all the necessary tools to break into the Dominican market, headache free.
Every country in every continent offers a unique mix of laws, guidelines, customs regulations, documentation requirements, controlled or prohibited goods lists, communication norms, and cultural biases. If you want to be successful in penetrating the Dominican market, you will need a logistics partner that understands the Dominican culture, the business landscape and speaks the local language as well. Our team of experts offer you superior freight forwarding services and the best rates for your cargo shipping to the Dominican Republic. Our combined experience, extensive knowledge; logistics skills and local connections will help you get started on the right foot and make sure that your goods are transported quickly, safely, and worry-free. We have your company’s best interests at heart, if you want to be successful in the Dominican Republic, Latin American Cargo is the best freight forwarding company for you.
If you are sending merchandise to the Dominican Republic by sea or air for the first time, guidance and support will surely be needed, as there are guidelines, prohibitions and restrictions to consider. Documentation requirements vary depending on the category of goods being shipped, and can get quite extensive. They usually include: Commercial invoice, Bill of lading / Air waybill, Packing list, Insurance certificate, Certificate of Origin (if required). To avoid delays or hassles when shipping to the Dominican Republic, your packing list must be as detailed as possible. Vague wording like “miscellaneous” attracts negative attention and further inspections. Regulations can be strict on certain categories of goods being imported to the Dominican Republic. Prior authorization or special permits may be needed for certain items such as agricultural products, drugs and pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals. Prohibited commodities include certain used personal vehicles, used vehicles for the transportation of goods and used clothing and accessories. Duties and tariffs are usually based on the total value of the shipment in question, and depending on how well-documented the cargo is, those values could be determined by the judgment of Customs Officials on the spot. Shipping cargo to the Dominican Republic is easier with LAC as we have overcome these obstacles many times and have developed a thorough understanding of the customs procedures.
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