The U.S. ambassador, Donna Jean Hrinak, has advised the government of the adverse effects that the requirement for consular invoices to accompany imports is having on U.S. businesses in the D.R.’s free trade zones. She said that some businesses have halted production because they are unable to remove their imported raw materials from the ports.
Last November the government announced it was eliminating the need for consular invoices. The Customs service has, however, continued to demand these documents to effect the clearance of imports saying that it is obeying “superior orders”. Failure to present the invoice results in fines of RD$3,700 per container.
The levy significantly increases production costs in the free trade zones. The situation has sparked heated debates between business leaders and government officials. The business community maintain that such a requirement is in violation of WTO regulations while the government argues to the contrary.
The Dominican Republic continues to require a consular invoice and the “validation” of documents which must be performed by a Dominican consul in the country from where the gods are being exported.
Furthermore, importers are frequently asked to secure licenses from the Dominican Customs.
To compound matters, the Customs’ interpretation of exempted materials being brought into the country still arouses many complaints and importers must spend considerable time and money to clear their goods from the ports.