President Leonel Fernández converted into law the bill that punishes organizers of illegal boat trips with three to 10 years in jail and fines of RD$10,000 to RD$50,000. The new Law is number 344-98. The President also converted into law the bill that exempts personal computers from the payment of value-added taxes (ITBIS). The spare parts, software and other accessories are also exempt from paying the 8% tax. This could reduce the prices these items sell for in the DR. Law 345-98 states that computers will only pay a 1.5% duty.
