Coinciding with the militarizing of the El Hoyo de Friusa in Bavaro, the Haitian government has announced a ban on the entry of foreign goods through the Dominican Republic, a measure set to take effect along the entire border starting Monday, 7 April 2025, as reported in El Dia.
According to an official circular from Haiti’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, signed by Minister Alfred Fils Metellus, foreign goods will only be allowed to enter Haiti by sea, under the control of national customs authorities.
This decision directly impacts the traditional overland trade flow at major border points between the two countries, such as Dajabón, Elías Piña, Jimaní, and Pedernales. Going forward, Haitian customs offices at these points will no longer be authorized to receive foreign goods coming from the Dominican side, until further notice.
The official document, dated 25 March 2025, also instructs customs officials to seize any goods that cross the border in violation of the new directive. It further directs Haiti’s National Police (PNH) and Armed Forces (FADH) to intensify border surveillance.
Failure to comply with this new regulation will result in administrative penalties and potential criminal charges under Haitian law. El Dia reports that the Haitian authorities indicate that the measure aims to reorganize Haiti’s customs control system and improve the traceability of goods entering the country, although the immediate reasons for this drastic move have not been specified.
Analysts warn that the ban could disrupt Haiti’s supply chain for mass consumer goods, as a significant portion of these products traditionally crosses the border from the Dominican Republic, even though their origin may be from other countries. The measure will increase the cost of goods for the Haitian population and impact thousands in Haiti who make a living off trade with the Dominican Republic.
The measure is not a new one, as the governments in Haiti have frequently called for a stop to trade when in disagreement with decisions in the Dominican Republic.
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El Dia
27 March 2025