Santo Domingo – The Dominican Republic is intensifying its efforts to combat illicit trade, a problem that officials say undermines the country’s economy and poses risks to public health. A coordinated strategy, spearheaded by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and SMEs (MICM) and involving multiple government agencies, aims to disrupt illegal networks and formalize the economy. The push comes as the government seeks to build on recent successes in curbing the sale of counterfeit goods and adulterated products, particularly alcohol, which previously led to a public health crisis.
Minister of Industry, Commerce and SMEs, Yayo Sanz Lovatón, announced the escalated offensive following a meeting of the Coordination Table against Illicit Trade and Unfair Competition on March 26th. He emphasized that tackling this issue has become a “national cause” requiring a “frontal, firm and sustained” approach. The core of the new strategy involves simultaneous inspections by officials from the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII) and Customs during control operations, ensuring that enforcement isn’t just about physical seizure of illegal goods, but also about pursuing fiscal penalties.
“In direct coordination with President Luis Abinader, we have designed a strategy of inter-institutional articulation to maximize the State’s operational capacity,” Sanz Lovatón stated. “From today, control interventions, such as the seizure of illicit goods, will have the simultaneous presence of inspectors from the DGII and Customs personnel. The objective is that the prosecution of fraud is not only physical, but fiscal. By unifying the logistical strength of Ceccom with the tax authority of the DGII, we guarantee exemplary sanctions and a strong deterrent effect.” The government is also leaning on the private sector, recognizing its influence and access to information as crucial components of the effort.
A Multi-Agency Approach to Combatting Illicit Trade
The Dominican Republic’s strategy relies on a coordinated response from a wide range of government bodies. Key players include the Procuraduría General de la República (PGR), the Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA), the Cuerpo Especializado de Control de Combustibles y Comercio de Mercancías (Ceccom), the Instituto Nacional de Protección de los Derechos del Consumidor (Pro-Consumidor), and the Dirección General de Migración (DGM). The Comisión Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia (ProCompetencia) and the National Office for Intellectual Property (ONAPI) are also involved, focusing on issues of counterfeiting and intellectual property rights violations.
This collaborative effort is designed to ensure that the state acts as a unified force, streamlining investigations and maximizing the impact of enforcement actions. The government hopes that by reducing opportunities for informal commerce, more businesses will be incentivized to formalize their operations, contributing to a more transparent and regulated economy. This push for formalization is seen as vital for sustainable economic growth and increased tax revenue.
Recent Successes and Seized Goods
The government points to significant progress already made. According to data presented by Deputy Minister of Internal Trade, Martín Olivo, Ceccom seized and incinerated 375,231 illicit products during 2025. In the first three months of 2026 alone, Ceccom confiscated 8,237,178 units of cigarettes, 39,089 units of medication, 29,488 units of sexual stimulants, 43,56 bottles of alcohol, and 8,503 liters of adulterated cleaning products (clerén).
Perhaps the most notable achievement highlighted by officials is the reduction to zero of deaths caused by the consumption of adulterated alcohol in the last five years. This success follows a devastating crisis that claimed over 330 lives in the country. The government attributes this improvement to stricter regulations, increased enforcement, and public awareness campaigns. However, the ongoing vigilance is crucial to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy.
Strengthening Operational Capacity
To further bolster the fight against illicit trade, the MICM, through Ceccom, is developing a new instrument aimed at strengthening its operational capabilities. Officials emphasize that this initiative will not involve the creation of new sanctions or changes to existing laws, but rather a better organization and coordination of existing resources. The goal is to optimize the institutional response to these challenges.
Current actions include finalizing a proposed decree, gathering input from various involved institutions, and formalizing the instrument. Ceccom, in collaboration with Customs and ProCompetencia, is also conducting investigations into reported commercial practices. Coordination with ONAPI and the National Commission of Intellectual Property is underway to address illicit trade, counterfeiting, and other irregularities.
The government recognizes the importance of strategic alliances, both within the public sector and with the private sector, as key to effectively combating illicit trade and fostering a fairer, more transparent market environment. Representatives from the Asociación de Industrias de la República Dominicana (AIRD), the Organización Nacional de Empresas Comerciales (ONEC), and the Consejo Nacional de Promoción y Apoyo a la Micro, Pequeña y Mediana Empresa (Codopyme) participated in the recent coordination meeting, demonstrating the commitment of the private sector to this effort.
Participants in the meeting included: Isis de la Cruz (PGR), Eduardo Rodríguez (DGA), General Orlando Jerez (Ceccom), Eddy Alcántara (Pro-Consumidor), Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester (DGM), María Elena Vázquez (ProCompetencia), Mario Pujols and Juan José Attias (AIRD), Lya Mata and Jennifer Troncoso (ONEC), Isabel Puig (Codopyme), and representatives from ProCompetencia, among other authorities.
The Dominican Republic’s intensified crackdown on illicit trade represents a significant step towards strengthening its economy and protecting its citizens. The success of this initiative will depend on continued collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and a sustained commitment to enforcement. The next key step will be the formalization of the new operational instrument being developed by Ceccom, which is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
This ongoing effort to combat illicit trade is crucial for fostering a level playing field for legitimate businesses and ensuring the safety and well-being of consumers. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences on this essential issue in the comments below.
