The Customs Department reports that its collections increased 7% in September, reaching RD$2.1 billion, or RD$112 million more than in August. Tax collections from January to September of this year amounted to RD$16.2 billion, up from RD$14.8 billion for the same period last year. In 2002, imports were taxed at an approximate exchange of RD$16 to US$1, while this year’s calculations are made at an approximate rate of US$32 to US$1, thus the level of imports is considerably less.