Starting today thousands of Dominicans returning home for the holidays will enjoy the traditional holiday customs exemptions on items they bring with them. Under Law 9-96, Dominicans living abroad who have not returned to the DR within the last six months can bring in tax-free sweets, clothes, shoes and electro domestic goods (televisions, stereos, kitchen appliances and equipment, etc.) with a total value of less than US$1,000. Regarding appliances and other electro domestics, application of the holiday exemption is restricted to where it involves no more than three such items and it involves only one of each type. Because of Hurricane Georges, the traditional food allowance will be extended to up to 125 pounds. Foods must comply with sanitary and phytosanitary regulations, which primarily affect fresh fruit and meat products. The program lasts until January 7 (i.e., the day after the Epiphany, or "Three Magic Kings Day" as it is known in the DR). Customs Director Miguel Cocco has warned that travelers do not have to offer bribes in order to receive these benefits, and that they should not offer any, not even disguised as a gratuity as many try to do. Any customs agent seeking a bribe should be reported to the Customs headquarters office.
