Dominican Republic IT and Telecom Equipment Import Requirements
The Dominican Republic is an irresistible import destination, especially for foreign investors dealing in tech equipment supplies.
The country has a liberalised trade regime offering duty-free access to over 900 million consumers across 49 countries. This includes DR-CAFTA, the EU Economic Partnership Agreement, and the WTO’s Information Technology Agreement.
Also, it’s a home to the Caribbean’s strongest internet connectivity and the region’s third-best maritime infrastructure. This ensures rapid equipment delivery to US tech markets in 3-4 days.
Besides, the Dominican Republic has a streamlined customs program (the 24-Hour Clearance Program) to clear containers within 24 hours of arrival.
However, the timely acquisition of import permits for controlled products such as IT equipment can be challenging, requiring the intervention of a technology importer of record like Blackthorne.
Let’s discuss the import requirements for IT equipment when importing into the Dominican Republic and how the IOR can be helpful.
Requirements for Importing IT Equipment into the Dominican Republic
Here are the three main types of requirements you must fulfill when importing IT equipment into the Dominican Republic:
1. Technical Regulations
- Submit a technical file detailing the equipment’s specifications, purpose, power output, and frequency
- Provide manufacturer datasheets, certificates of conformity, and product manuals
- Undergo technical review to determine if the equipment qualifies for general or restricted end-use in the Dominican Republic’s telecom infrastructure
2. Customs Clearance Requirements
Customs Procedures
- Import declaration: Importers must file customs declarations via the Automated System for Customs Management (SIGA)
- Online clearance: Importers can complete pre-arrival clearance (register imports, submit documentation, and pay duties and taxes) electronically via Dominican Customs (Dirección General de Aduanas, or DGA), reducing customs clearance time from days to hours
Documentation
You’re required to fulfill the following documentation to facilitate customs clearance:
- Single Customs Declaration (DUA)
- Commercial invoice
- Customs Value Declaration (DVA)
- Packing list
- Bill of lading/airway bill
- Certificate of origin (if seeking preferential tariffs or tax exemptions under EPA, DR-CAFTA, or WTO ITA)
- Import licence
Duties and Taxes
- Value Added Tax (VAT): The standard Tax on the Transfer of Industrialised Goods and Services (ITBIS) is 18%, with a few exemptions.
- Selective consumption taxes (Impuesto Selectivo al Consumo or ISCs): Applied to the importation of certain goods and services, including a 10% ISC tax on telecommunication services
3. Compliance Requirements
Here are the requirements to meet when ensuring compliance:
Technical Documentation and Safety Certifications
Importers of telecommunication equipment, radio frequency devices, and powered IT appliances must:
- Secure technical approval from INDOTEL
- Provide manuals, transmission power details, and frequency specifications as part of the technical file
- Ensure devices using line power, including switches, routers, and monitors, are independently certified under Dominican or internationally recognised standards
- Confirm that batteries, precisely rechargeable lithium-ion types, meet international safety and shipping standards
Labelling and Packaging Compliance
Imported devices must meet consumer packaging and labelling laws requiring:
- Clear product descriptions and country of origin
- Safety certification marking
- Shock or radiation warnings (where applicable)
- Manufacturer or distributor contact details
- Recycling or disposal information
IP and Distribution Rights
The Dominican Republic enforces intellectual property protection and restricts:
- Unauthorised grey market imports
- Counterfeit or misbranded items
Importers may be required to show proof of distribution rights, especially for branded electronics and telecommunication devices.
Import with an IOR
Use our online calculator to see how much it costs to ship to the USA with Blackthorne IT
Why Collaborate with Blackthorne IOR
- Obtaining INDOTEL technical approvals
- Handling customs declarations via the SIGA platform
- Paying applicable duties and taxes
- Ensuring accurate classification, certification, packaging, and labelling
- Facilitating safe and timely delivery via coordinated freight forwarding services
- Maintaining compliance during and after equipment delivery
Import into the Dominican Republic with Blackthorne IOR Services
Contact us today to initiate your electrical machinery import transaction!
