The director of the Customs Agency (DGA) Eduardo Sanz Lovatón says the Dominican Republic is close to being able to offer 24-hour customs clearance. He said when this is achieved, the country will be on its way to become a regional logistics hub. Sanz Lovatón spoke to business audiences for AmChamDR Encounter, an American Chamber of Commerce virtual conference.
The official stressed that clearing goods in less than 24 hours involves integrating all representatives of the logistics sector. He encouraged importers to comply with the prerequisites established for imports.
“A Customs office that clears cargo arriving at the country’s ports within 24 hours contributes directly to the fulfillment of the goal of making the Dominican Republic the Logistics Hub of the region,” said Sanz Lovatón during his speech at the AmChamDR Encounter.
“Being a logistics hub in the region would position the Dominican Republic as a strategic investment destination, increasing the interest of multinational companies in the country and, therefore, the generation of quality employment,” said the Customs director.
However, he pointed out that this goal will be met as long as the merchandise is in normal condition, is not at risk, is not sensitive and has complied with the requirements determined by the DGA and other customs entities.
Prior to Sanz Lovatón’s remarks, the president of the American Chamber of Commerce, Ramón Ortega stressed that measures to clear goods in 24 hours will have an impact on increasing the country’s competitiveness, as it will make logistics processes more efficient and reduce the time and costs of cross-border trade.
“We cannot hide our immense satisfaction and joy upon learning the news that, as of 1 June 2021, goods at the ports will be cleared in 24 hours and not in six days as is currently the case. We recognize the work done to improve, achieve efficiency and digitize logistics processes that will reduce time and costs in cross-border trade,” said Ortega.
In this regard, he highlighted the work of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (CNFC), an entity comprising 18 institutions and associations of the public and private sectors, understanding that they have contributed to the development of the supply chain, the productive chaining and the country brand. The American Chamber of Commerce has been a key player in the CNFC.
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El Dia
19 March 2021