Dominican Customs Program Reaches 700 Certified Businesses, Boosting Trade Security

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – The Dominican Republic's Customs Directorate (DGA) has certified 15 additional companies under its Authorized Economic Operator (OEA) program, pushing the nation's total to 700 accredited businesses and solidifying its position as a regional leader in secure trade logistics.

The latest certifications include eight companies under the Simplified OEA regime and seven in the International OEA category. This expansion aims to bolster confidence and transparency within the country's commercial operations.

Yayo Sanz Lovatón, the Director General of Customs, presided over the ceremony, emphasizing the program's significance. "The OEA program showcases the best of what we can achieve as the Dominican state," Sanz Lovatón stated. "By surpassing 700 certifications today, we reaffirm our leadership in the region, demonstrating our capacity for integrity, continuity, and excellence."

Sanz Lovatón highlighted that this growth reflects "the future of Dominican trade," by establishing a more secure, competitive, and reliable system for the nation's international trading partners. He also urged certified companies to promote the program, noting that "each OEA certificate is proof that business can be conducted with security, planning, and trust."

During the event, 29 companies also renewed their OEA certificates, which undergo a review process every two years. Of these, 11 revalidated their Simplified status, while 18 renewed their International category.

Lucía Zorrilla, the Deputy Director General of Customs, congratulated the accredited companies and acknowledged the OEA program team's efforts. She underscored that the certification affirms adherence to "security standards, integrity, and sound business practices." Zorrilla added that the program continues to advance through collaborative efforts between Customs and the private sector, fostering a culture of voluntary compliance and ongoing partnership.

Manuel Machado, General Manager of Almafrío SRL, spoke on behalf of the revalidated companies, sharing how the OEA certification has been crucial in strengthening his company's logistical and operational processes. "Thanks to this program, we have managed to reduce costs, optimize processes, and improve our supply chain times. This translates into greater quality, precision, and security for our clients," Machado explained.

The new International OEA certifications were granted to Comercial Abreu, Congelados Express AH SRL, Congelados AM, Distribuidora de Equipos Industriales y de Seguridad, Reid & Compañía S. A., Terratrans Logistics SRL, and WAT Insumos.

Companies receiving new Simplified OEA certifications include CCT Critical Care Technologies SRL, Corporación para el Desarrollo de la Seguridad y Defensa (Codesed) SRL, Compañía de Electricidad de Bayahíbe (CEB), Conelec SRL, Daniel Espinal SAS, Dynamic Solutions Global SRL, Señor Vino SRL, and Tony Manzana SRL.

About the OEA Program

The Authorized Economic Operator (OEA) program is an international initiative championed by the World Customs Organization (WCO). It recognizes companies that meet stringent standards for security, traceability, and best practices throughout their supply chain. Certified OEA companies benefit from expedited operations, fewer physical and documentary inspections, international recognition in countries with reciprocity agreements, and a significant boost in their competitiveness and commercial trust.