Customs guide
Customs taxes when shipping to the Dominican Republic.
Dominican Customs (DGA) classifies each courier shipment by its value and use. Here is what that means for your shipment.
The US$200 limit
Personal shipments up to this value may enter tax-free.
RUA required
The recipient must be enrolled to receive packages.
Customs decides
Neither we nor the courier set the taxes.
Courier shipment categories
Dominican Customs sorts courier shipments into four categories, based mainly on their FOB value (the value of the goods, without shipping).
| Category | Shipment | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| A | Correspondence and documents with no commercial value | No taxes |
| B | Up to US$200 (FOB value), personal use and unrestricted | Tax-free; a per-kilo fee may apply. Requires RUA |
| C | Over US$200 and up to US$2,000 | Taxes apply; requires an invoice |
| D | Over US$2,000, or restricted, whatever its value | Formal customs clearance |
When the US$200 limit doesn’t apply
- If the shipment contains restricted items.
- If the recipient doesn’t have a RUA.
- If Customs considers it commercial.
- If Customs finds that a shipment was split: it presumes this when identical goods arrive for the same recipient, or related people, within 30 days or less.
Shipments for resale are treated as commercial imports: they need an invoice, pay taxes and may need formal clearance.
What you pay
- Up to US$200 for personal use: according to the DGA, the only charge is a fee of US$0.25 per kilo.
- Over US$200: taxes apply, generally 18% ITBIS plus the duty for each product.
- In every case: these amounts are charged by Customs and are not part of the RV Courier price.
In 2026, Law 30-26 created an ITBIS collection on imports by informal importers. Its application depends on additional rules from the DGII and the DGA, so ask Customs if you import often.
How to avoid holds
- 1Make sure the recipient has their RUA, using the same ID they will give us.
- 2Describe the contents in detail and declare their real value.
- 3Bring the invoice if it’s a purchase: Customs uses it to check the value against the US$200 limit.
- 4Ask us before shipping restricted items.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays customs taxes?
Customs taxes and fees are not part of the RV Courier price. Under our terms, costs caused by an incorrect declaration or a pending requirement are the responsibility of the sender or the recipient.
What is FOB value?
It is the value of the goods themselves, without international shipping. Use the amount on the invoice.
Where can I ask about a held package?
Dominican Customs answers at [email protected]. Include the courier’s name, the tracking number, the items and the invoice.
Can RV Courier guarantee my shipment is tax-free?
No. Customs decides the category and the taxes for each shipment. We can explain the rules and tell you what is missing, but we don’t promise exemptions.
Reviewed on November 1, 2026. Customs sets the rules and they can change; official DGA information prevails.
Sources: DGA: frequently asked questions · DGA: General Rule 01-2018 · Decree 402-05