Haiti ratifies restrictions for the transit of goods through the Dominican Republic
The Government of Haiti has reaffirmed its position on trade matters by reiterating the ban on the entry through its land border of goods from third countries that use the Dominican Republic as transit territory. This provision was formalized through a circular issued by the Haitian Ministry of Economy and Finance, which was notified to the General Administration of Customs on September 30, 2026.
Customs measure details
The regulations establish that Haitian authorities do not recognize the validity of dry ports or transshipment mechanisms located on Dominican soil for goods whose final destination is Haiti. Under this scheme, products originating from nations such as the United States, China, or Panama are strictly prohibited from using Dominican port infrastructure to then be transported by land into Haitian territory.
The circular requires that any cargo coming from international markets must enter Haiti directly through its seaports or international airports, thus ensuring that products pass through the corresponding national customs controls.
Exceptions for local products
It is important to highlight that this restriction does not affect goods manufactured in the Dominican Republic. Products legally produced in the Dominican Republic are authorized to continue their flow into Haiti through the enabled border crossings, provided they comply with the trade procedures established between both nations.
Background and border context
This decision continues a policy originally implemented in March 2025. The ratification of this measure comes at a key moment, following the Dominican Republic’s recent progress in installing dry ports in the border zone and the tightening of controls on containers in transit. With this announcement, Haiti once again places the control of logistical flow at the center of the debate on bilateral trade relations.
- Prohibited goods: Products from third countries using the DR as a land bridge.
- Permitted channels: Only Haitian international ports and airports for foreign cargo.
- Dominican goods: Exempt from the restriction and permitted through authorized border crossings.
