Are you readying yourself for an international move? Whether it’s for study, work, or a change of scene, Sea & Air International is at your service! We are an experienced international moving company that provides customized moving plans to ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible. Our team specializes in international relocation and would be honored to be a partner for you during these next steps of your journey.
Making Your Next Move Simple
Moving can be stressful, so our professional team of movers is here to provide you with expert advice and international moving services. Our services include:
- Pre-move planning
- Moving supplies for your belongings
- Packing your household goods and personal belongings
- Fine arts packing and care
- Storage facilities at a secure storage area (30 days free for customers!)
- Customs documentation
- Customs clearance management
Our highly competitive rates will get you to your new home without breaking the bank. From start to finish, we will be by your side through it all. Leaving a home you are familiar with for one that is new can be exciting and a little scary. With Sea & Air International, you won’t make a move alone.
Some Things To Know Before You Go
The official language in the Dominican Republic is Spanish, so you may want to learn a little of the language if you do not know some already. The official currency is the Dominican peso which can fluctuate, so you will want to check the latest currency exchange. Currency can be exchanged at banks and hotels though an exchange fee is usually charged when exchanging at a hotel. Major debit and credit cards are accepted at most businesses and restaurants, but it might also be a good idea to have a small amount of cash with you for emergencies.
The Dominican Republic is a nation that enjoys rhythm and dance, good food and friends, and a hassle-free lifestyle. The cuisine is made up largely of rice, meat (beef, pork, or chicken), beans, and salad. Baseball is greatly loved in the Dominican Republic and is practiced year-round. The island is home to many beautiful and mesmerizing species of plants and animals, so be careful not to touch anything you are unfamiliar with.
Customs Information And Documentation
When moving to another country, we want you to be as prepared as possible. Below are some of the required documentation you will want to have in order and available. You may also want to take note of the items that are prohibited or restricted/dutiable.
Required Documents For Goods And Personal Effects
- Passport
- Original bill of lading/airway bill
- A detailed inventory in English or Spanish (or both just to ensure you are prepared.)
- If applicable, a marriage/divorce certificate.
- If requesting a tax exemption, you will need a resident visa.
- Returning citizens will need to provide proof of residence abroad for at least 2 years.
- If the shipment includes new furniture and household goods, you will need a commercial invoice.
- Diplomatic franchise (diplomats)
Required Documents For Motor Vehicles
- The original title/registration
- Original bill of lading
- Purchase invoice
Required Documents For Pets
- Rabies vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Live plants. Before their arrival, you will need to provide a phytosanitary certificate from the origin, as well as obtain a permit from Dominican Agriculture after they arrive. Plants included in household goods shipment may be confiscated/destroyed upon arrival.
- Small quantities for personal consumption are permitted for alcohol and wine.
- Small quantities for personal consumption are permitted for food items.
- A doctor’s prescription is required for medicines, narcotics, and drugs. They must also be duty-free. If not, the owner of the goods may face criminal prosecution, penalties, or even deportation.
- Household goods and new furniture require a commercial invoice and the items are subject to payment of duties.
- New electrical appliances are subject to duties.
- A military permit must be obtained in person after the arrival of the goods but before the shipment arrival for firearms. If unauthorized items are found in the shipment, the owner of the items may face criminal prosecution and penalties.
- Appliances, spare parts, and machines are subject to duties.
Prohibited Items
- Dangerous objects/weapons
- Explosives
- Pornographic and subversive material
- Illegal drugs
Contact Us Today
If you are preparing for an international move and would like to know more about our services, contact us now. With our expertise in international moves and a friendly and professional team of movers, we will help you enjoy more of the process and stress less. Contact us now, and let us help you begin preparations today.
More Customs Information
Except for diplomatic, military, or official shipments that are exempted; all HHG shipments and vehicles are subject to payment of taxes/duties.
According to Law 14-93 for HHG, all person moving to the Dominican Republic is permitted to introduce all of the goods that have been in use for two years or more at their residence abroad, for which the shipper can obtain an important reduction or full exemption on taxes/duties depending on the criteria of the authorities.
Law 168 for Automobiles: Always pay taxes, but according to Law 168, (if applicable), the shipper can obtain from 20% to 60% reduction on taxes depending on the time that the auto has been in legal use, with a minimum of one year. But if the automobile is considered a luxury, is a model of the current year, or if the car has been in possession of the shipper less than one year; regardless of the model, make, and year, if the client cannot apply for the Law 168, would pay full taxes/duties. Autos older than five (5) years of fabrication cannot be imported.
To apply the above-mentioned Laws shipper needs to have Dominican residency and not have visited The Dominican Republic for more than 90 days accumulated during the two years before moving. Consignee should be in the country prior to the arrival of the goods or automobile, for this reason, the Customs Authority requires his presence.
- Foreigners: must possess their Dominican residency.
- Dominican Citizens: need to present their valid passport and prove that they are legally living abroad.
Taxes/duties: Household goods: In normal conditions, HHG shipments pay taxes/duties, mainly completely new items, electrical appliances, furniture, etc.
Importation of firearms, weapons, and ammunition. Explosives, pornographic material, and narcotics drugs are absolutely prohibited.
In the case of the firearms: Once in Santo Domingo, the client must arrange with proper authorities for permit and legal importation, BUT MUST NEVER BE INCLUDED IN HHG SHIPMENT.
Automobile and HHG clear customs separately regardless if included in the same B/L and same container or consular invoice. The Consular Invoice is absolutely necessary to clear out an automobile from customs. If missing, the Client will have to pay penalties and demurrage and will have a lot of problems with customs.
The benefits of the Laws 14-93 and 168 are granted only once for one HHG shipment and one car, if a client brings more than one car or HHG shipment will pay full taxes/duties for them after the benefits of the laws have been used.
In normal conditions, the estimated time for customs clearance under the Laws 14-93 is approximately 15 working days for HHG and 45 working days for cars, after customs physical inspection of the shipment.
When a client pays taxes/duties, the shipment is cleared in approximately 5 to 6 working days and doesn’t need any of the above-mentioned documents, only the Consular Invoice, Original B/L, and inventory.
If a client wants to pay all taxes, the working time is shorter.
To obtain Laws 14-93 and 168, after customs physical inspection of the shipment or vehicle, we make an appointment on behalf of the client at the main office of General Direction of Customs, in Santo Domingo City, where the client has to personally present his personal documents. In case the shipper lives out of Santo Domingo City, will have to come to the city at least three times.
Documents needed for the appointment at General Direction of Customs:
- Copy of Marriage Certificate or divorce (whichever is applicable)
- Copy of birth certificate for kids
- Original and copy of complete passport
- Original and copy of the Dominican residency and originals and copies of shipment’s documents (B/L, Consular Invoice, titles and registrations for vehicles, etc.)
Once we have all the above-mentioned documents, we accompanied the client to his appointment at the General Direction of Customs main office in order to assist him with the procedure.
This documentation is verified by Customs, and, if it is correct, they proceed to apply the Laws, and the personal documents will be returned directly to the client. After this, when the shipper proceeds to pay the taxes/duties, if applicable, and shipment can clear out from customs.
Shipping lines only give 10 to 14 calendar days free of charge from the date of arrival of the container, after that, US$20.00 per day will be charged additionally, including the day when the container is returned empty to the port. Ned Lloyd, Happag Lloyd, CGM, Laser, and Hamburg Sud charge US$25.00 per day for the chassis.
Also, there are other charges for T.H.C., Customs inspection fees, Port authorities, etc., that every shipment has to pay additionally by the shipper, amounting to USD 300.00 to USD 400.00.
The above regulations do not apply to the following shipments: Diplomatic, and military personnel, members of foreign embassies, consulates, United Nations, O.A.S, N.G.O s’.
IF THE CLIENT DOES NOT HAVE HIS DOMINICAN RESIDENCY WILL PAY FULL TAXES/DUTIES ON HHG AND VEHICLE.
WARNING:
Making a false or misleading statement to the Authorities is an offense and may involve heavy penalties. Drug trafficking is against the law, and severe penalties apply.
Important: This information is intended for general guidance. Sea & Air International cannot, however, take responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage that may occur from its use. As such, it is advisable to contact the nearest Australian customs office for full and current information prior to importation.