Guide to Sending Parcels to the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is perhaps best known to Canadians as a wintertime getaway paradise. Its balmy beaches, glorious golf courses, and radiant resorts yearly attract thousands of February's frozen souls.
Dominicans enjoy their nation's tropical bounty too, but they are also an industrious people who have created the Caribbean's largest economy. And they are very active e-commerce consumers. Revenue grew 27% in 2020 alone, and is expected to increase at an average of 7.5% per year until 2025. If that doesn't want you to dance the merengue, then nothing will!
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to the Dominican Republic through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to the Dominican Republic. in case you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to the Dominican Republic
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 2, 2023
8:49 am
La Romana, LR, DO
Delivered
Jun 1, 2023
7:18 am
Punta Cana, PC, DO
In transit
May 31, 2023
9:03 pm
Puerto Plata, PP, DO
International Clearance
May 31, 2023
8:14 am
Santo Domingo, SD, DO
In transit
May 31, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 30, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in the Dominican Republic before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
Gift shipments qualify for tax and duty exemptions if they are unsolicited, i.e. they have been sent without request or payment by the recipient.
A gift shipment to the Dominican Republic from Canada will be exempt from duty and taxes if its value is $200 USD or less (about $260 CAD).
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment valued at $200 USD or less (about $260 CAD) from an individual in Canada to an individual in the Dominican Republic is exempt from duty and taxes providing it was shipped without being requested by the recipient.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipment to a business in the Dominican Republic from a business in Canada will incur duty and taxes.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
There is no information at this time regarding a business in Canada shipping a gift to an individual in the Dominican Republic.
Gift Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time
(see sample)
List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Juan Pablo Duarte Calle Isabel La Católica Santo Domingo 10212 The Dominican Republic
Phone: +1 809-687-1436
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
Multiple gifts sent in one shipment should be tagged and wrapped separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Juan Pablo Duarte Calle Isabel La Católica Santo Domingo 10212 Dominican Republic
Phone: +1 809-687-1436
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$39.99
1 Each
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
CA
$49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Shipping of personal effects and household goods to the Dominican Republic will be exempt from duty and taxes for foreigners and Dominican citizens who come to live there permanently.
This exemption may be claimed only once.
Moving Temporarily
Students
Students returning to the Dominican Republic after having lived temporarily in Canada to study may ship home their personal effects duty and tax free.
To qualify for this exemption, they must present either the certificate or diploma earned whilst studying in Canada.
Non-Students
There is no information at this time about non-students shipping their personal effects as a result of a temporary move to the Dominican Republic.
Moving Permanently
Persons moving permanently to the Dominican Republic - either Dominican citizens or Canadians - may ship their household goods (furniture) and personal effects without incurring duty or taxes.
If the individual is moving to the Dominican Republic as a result of a marriage, the amount of goods in the bride's trousseau (items collected specifically due to a marriage) must be appropriate for the size of the home.
Any individual claiming the tax exemption for moving permanently may do so only once.
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
Juan Pablo Duarte Calle Isabel La Católica Santo Domingo 10212 Dominican Republic
Phone: +1 809-687-1436
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Commercial Sample Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Advertising Material
Advertising material that is destined for display or demonstration at an exhibition, trade fair, or similar event may enter the Dominican Republic as a temporary admission exempt from duty and taxes.
Duty and tax exemption is contingent on the materials being:
Supervised by the individual employed by the business or trade
Not sold or traded or leased out
Unaltered or changed when returned to Canada
In an amount reasonable for the size of the event
Advertising Material Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' (see sample)
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Juan Pablo Duarte Calle Isabel La Católica Santo Domingo 10212 Dominican Republic
Phone: +1 809-687-1436
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Equipment may be sent to the Dominican Republic for repair exempt from taxes. This is providing that the item is re-exported within a specified period of time.
Items Under Warranty
Items that have been repaired in Canada under warranty will be exempt from import taxes when the goods are returned to the Dominican Republic.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Items repaired in Canada that are no longer covered by a warranty will incur import taxes when they are readmitted to the Dominican Republic.
Sending Product for Repair to the Dominican Republic
Goods for repair may be sent to the Dominican Republic as a temporary admission and as a result, the repairs will be exempt from import taxes.
The intent is that the equipment will return to Canada within a prescribed time period.
Returning Repaired Product to the Dominican Republic
Equipment that has been repaired in Canada may re-enter the Dominican Republic exempt from import taxes.
Repair Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return
(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Dominican Republic or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Juan Pablo Duarte Calle Isabel La Católica Santo Domingo 10212 Dominican Republic
Phone: +1 809-687-1436
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Temporary importation of goods into the Dominican Republic will be exempt from importation taxes for a period of up to 90 days. This may be extended once for an additional 90 days.
Tax exemption is allowed under the following conditions:
The items are easily identified at their entry and exit from the Dominican Republic
The imports are unchanged except for normal wear-and-tear
A guarantee is provided that covers the amount of duty and taxes as if the items were to be imported
The goods are used only when supervised by the individual who is the organisation's legitimate representative
Temporary imports typically are displayed at meetings, symposia, seminars, trade fairs, and other exhibitions.
They may also be shipped to:
Demonstrate products and explain their features
Advertise goods for sale
Perform tests on equipment
ATA Carnets
The Dominican Republic does not accept ATA Carnets for temporary importations of goods.
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Juan Pablo Duarte Calle Isabel La Católica Santo Domingo 10212 Dominican Republic
Phone: +1 809-687-1436
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 box
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
CA
$1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Permanent/Sold Goods
Sold goods with a maximum value of $200 USD (about $260 CAD) will be exempt from duty and taxes.
Dominican citizens who purchase items on-line from Canada will have to register with the Dominican Republic's RUA (Single Customs Registry).
Occasional Shipper
Even if you only ship sold goods occasionally, be aware that your customers must be registered with the Dominican Republic's Single Customs Registry (RUA).
Sold goods will be exempt from duty and taxes if the shipment's value is no more than $200 USD (about $260 CAD).
Regular Shipper
A regular shipper of sold goods to the Dominican Republic should seek advice from a licenced customs broker in that country.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Juan Pablo Duarte Calle Isabel La Católica Santo Domingo 10212 Dominican Republic
Phone: +1 809-687-1436
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Dominican Republic. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Dominican Republic, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
No specific form is required, but generally includes information regarding:
The exporter, importer and transport company
Date of issue
Number of freight invoice
Type and number of packages
Contents of each package
Marks and numbers
Net weight, gross weight and measurements of each package
Prohibited & Restricted Imports
Goods declared prohibited may not enter the Dominican Republic whereas those declared restricted may enter but will have rules attached to them such as quantity limits or permission from a particular agency.
Prohibited Items
Firearms and their parts, and ammunition
Used electrical devices
Communication equipment
Goods made from protected species
Used clothing
Pornographic or obscene material (such as magazines)
Duty and taxes on shipments to the Dominican Republic are calculated using the sum of the customs value plus insurance costs plus freight charges. This is known as the CIF method of calculation.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
Being able to calculate the CIF value of a shipment will allow you to predict the duty and taxes owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
The threshold value (also known as the de minimis value) on shipments to the Dominican Republic is $200 USD (about $260 CAD). This means that parcels valued at less than the threshold value will be exempt from duty and taxes.
Currency
Dominican Peso DOP
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
$200 USD (about $260 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
18%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
$200 USD (about $260 CAD)
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Excise Taxes
Excise taxes (called a Selective Consumption Tax - ISC) are levied by the Dominican Republic government on alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and several other imports.
Specific details for these products can be found here
Candy20%
Chocolate20%
Spirits and WinesISC* + 10%
TobaccoISC* + 10%
Books0%
Documents0%
Video Games & Consoles20%
Computers & Laptops0%
Tablets0%
Mobiles20%
Cameras20% + 20% ISC
Accessories for Electronics0%
Coats20%
Beauty Products & Cosmetics20%
Jewellery20% + 20% ISC
Shirts & Pants20%
Home Appliances20% + 20% ISC
Toys20%
Sports Equipment20%
*See here
for the specific values of the ISC (excise tax)
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Questions about Shipping to the Dominican Republic
Can I ship to the Dominican Republic?
Shipping to the Dominican Republic from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2 months to complete the delivery.
