Moving to Dominican Republic
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Except diplomatic, military or official shipments that are exempted; all HHG shipment and vehicles are subject to payment of taxes/duties.
According to the Law 14-93 for HHG, all person moving to the Dominican Republic is permitted to introduce all of the goods that have been in use for two years or more at his residence abroad, for which shipper can obtain an important reduction or full exemption on taxes/duties depending on the criteria of the authorities.
Law 168 for Automobiles: Always pay taxes, but according to the Law 168, (if applicable) shipper can obtain from 20% to 60% reduction on taxes depending on the time that the auto has been in his legal use, with a minimum of one year. But if automobile is considered luxury is a or model of the current year or if the car has been in possession of the shipper less than one year; regardless the model, make and year, if client cannot apply for the Law 168, would pay full taxes/duties. Autos older than five (5) years of fabrication cannot be imported.
To apply the above-mentioned Laws shipper needs to have Dominican residency and not having visited The Dominican Republic for more than 90 days accumulated during the two years before moving. Consignee should be in the country prior the arrival of the goods or automobile, in reason that Customs Authority requires his presence.
- Foreigners: must possess their Dominican residency.
- Dominican Citizens: need to present their valid passport and prove that they are legally living abroad.
Taxes/duties: Household goods: In normal conditions, HHG shipments pay taxes/duties, mainly completely new items, and electrical appliances, furniture, etc.
Importation of firearms, weapons, ammunitions. Explosives pornographic material, narcotics drug, is absolutely prohibited
In case of the firearms: Once in Santo Domingo, client must arrange with proper authorities for permit and legal importation, BUT MUST NEVER BE INCLUDED IN HHG SHIPMENT.
Automobile and HHG clear customs separately regardless if included in same B/L and same container or consular invoice. The Consular Invoice is absolutely necessary to clear out an automobile from customs. If missing, Client will have to pay penalties, demurrage and will have a lot of problems with customs.
The benefits of the Laws 14-93 and 168 is granted only once for one HHG shipment and one car, if client brings more than one car or HHG shipment will pay full taxes/duties for them after the benefits of the laws has been used.
In normal conditions, the estimated time for customs clearance under the Laws 14-93 is approximately 15 working days for HHG and 45 working days for cars, after customs physical inspection of the shipment.
When client pays taxes/duties, shipment is cleared in approximate 5 to 6 working days and doesn’t need any of the above-mentioned documents only the Consular Invoice, Original B/L and inventory.
If client wants to pay all taxes the working time is shorter.
To obtain the Laws 14-93 and 168, after customs physical inspection of the shipment or vehicle we make an appointment in behalf of the client at the main office of General Direction of Customs, in Santo Domingo City, where client has to personally present his personal documents. In case that shipper lives out of the Santo Domingo City, will have to come to the city at least three times.
Documents needed for the appointment at General Direction of Customs:
- Copy of marriage Certificate or divorce (whichever applicable)
- copy of birth certificate for kids
- original and copy of complete passport
- original and copy of the Dominican residency and originals and copies of shipment’s documents (B/L, Consular Invoice, titles and registrations for vehicles, etc.)
Once we have all the above-mentioned documents we accompanied client to his appointment at the General Direction of Customs main office in order to assists him with the procedure.
This documentation is verified by Customs and, if it is correct, they proceed to apply the Laws and the personal documents will be returned directly to client. After this, is when shipper proceeds to pay the taxes/duties, if applicable, and shipment can clear out from customs.
Shipping lines only gives 10 to 14 calendar days free of charges since the date of arrival of the container, after that, US$20.00 per day will be charged additionally, including the day when the container is returned empty to the port. Ned Lloyd, Happag Lloyd, CGM, Laser and Hamburg Sud charge US$25.00 per day for the chassis.
Also there are other charges for T.H.C., Customs inspections fees, Port authorities, etc., that every shipment has to pay additionally by shipper amounting USD 300.00 to USD 400.00.
The above regulations do not apply to the following shipments: Diplomatic, and military personnel, members of foreign embassies, consulates, United Nations, O.A.S, N.G.O s’
IF CLIENT DOES NOT HAVE HIS DOMINICAN RESIDENCY WILL PAY FULL TAXES/DUTIES ON HHG AND VEHICLE.
Important: This information is intended for general guidance. Orbit International Logistics LTD. cannot however take responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage that may occur from its use. As such it is advisable to contact the nearest Dominican Republic customs office for full and current information prior to importation.
Moving to Dominican Republic
When moving from Canada to Dominican Republic it is very important to choose the best overseas moving company. Orbit International Moving Logistics is the best international moving company in Canada. With our extensive experience with international relocations to Dominican Republic, Orbit International Moving Logistics can offer you and your family, valuable insights about you’re moving to Dominican Republic and finding the right international relocation companies and choosing the best international moving service overseas moving companies. We have listed below helpful ideas and tips that can help you plan you’re moving to Dominican Republic. Shall you prefer to talk with an International moving consultant, please call (416) 661-4228.
The Best Overseas Moving Companies:
There are many overseas moving companies who claim to be the best mover and best relocation company in the country. Of course this cannot be true because then, all the international shipping companies would be the best.
To help determine which overseas moving company is right for you, Orbit International Moving Logistics Ltd has gathered some vital points for you to consider.
- The best tip – a recommendation from a friend.
- Research the overseas moving companies you are considering. Check if they are licensed to export and import.
- Make sure that you are performing an equal comparison between the quotes of the various companies. You compare international relocation rates from the overseas moving companies based on shipping an equal volume of goods and contracting the same exact shipping service on the same dates. Pay special attention to the “EXCLUDES” of each quote to insure that you are not overlooking any hidden fees.
- Check the overseas moving company’s referrals and reputation. Ask each company for testimonials from past clients. A reputable overseas moving company should have some for you to review.
- Visit the physical office of the overseas moving company you are considering. Never trust an international moving company without a physical address!. In this day and age anyone can have an office in their basement.
- Make sure that the overseas shipping company you choose has reputable overseas forwarding agents who can assist you in the same manner that you are getting from the company moving you from Canada.
Orbit International Moving Logistics Ltd was established by 2 long time family friends who had experienced moves with mixes results. However, none have satisfied the quality of service needed during such an emotional and straining event. We have extensive experience relocating customers worldwide by Ocean Freight and Air Cargo as we are an international shipper. Our rates are always All-inclusive. What sets us apart is the level of service we offer our customers. We provide free, no-obligation estimates, listen to your concerns, and find the solutions best suited to meeting your removal and relocation needs – whether you’re moving your family.(i.e. door-to-door, door to port, full containers, RO-RO, custom crates, etc.) We offer free consultations with one of our relocation specialist and assist you in planning moving to Dominican Republic and choosing the right overseas moving services.
List of Consulates
Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Canada
130 Albert Street
Suite 418
Ontario K1P 5G4
City: Ottawa
Phone: 613-569-9893
Fax: 613-569-8673
Web Site: http://www.drembassy.org/
Email: webmaster@drembassy.org
Consulate of the Dominican Republic in Toronto Canada
2 Adelaide St. W., Suite 302, Toronto,
Ontario, M5H-1L6 Cánada
City: TORONTO
Phone: (416) 369-0403
Fax: (416) 369-1685
Web Site: http://www.serex.gov.do/exterior/misiones/an/can/ctn/default.aspx
Email: gestrella@serex.gov.do