Dominican Customs Boosts Financial Reserves by Over 700% Amid Automation

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – The Dominican Republic's General Directorate of Customs (DGA) has reported a dramatic increase in its financial reserves and collections, attributing the growth to extensive automation and stricter administrative controls implemented since 2020.

The agency's financial reserves soared from RD 700 million recorded between 2016 and 2020 to more than RD 6.245 billion by 2025, representing an increase of over 700 percent. An additional RD 5.438 billion was generated within the 2021-2025 period alone. Collection efforts also saw significant gains, rising from RD 2.909 billion in 2019 to RD 6.918 billion by 2025.

Director General Yayo Sanz Lovatón presented these figures, highlighting the administrative transformations under his leadership. He noted that more than 3,000 manual transactions were automated at the DGA between 2020 and 2025, significantly streamlining operations and contributing to increased public funds.

Sanz Lovatón emphasized that these advancements stem from a continuous automation process involving over 700 technological changes. These improvements have not only cut costs but also enhanced the traceability of customs procedures.

Francis Almonte, the DGA's Deputy Administrative and Financial Director, also reported substantial savings for the Dominican state. Between 2020 and 2025, the agency saved RD 287 million on pension processing payroll, with monthly expenditures falling from RD 11 million in 2019 to just RD 872,000 in 2025.