In three years, Customs has inspected more than 16,000 containers with undervalued Chinese merchandise.

The General Customs Directorate presented yesterday the results of the actions taken in response to the problem of illicit trade and unfair competition, especially those linked to Asian trade in the Dominican Republic. Rainiero Olivo Bordas, representative of the DGA, explained that in the last 5 years, about 196 post-clearance audits have been carried out, almost tripling what was done in other administrations. In addition, he indicated that from 2023 to date, more than 16,000 containers (before being dispatched) with a high risk of undervaluation have been identified, which were revalued (due to reasonable doubt and discarding of the valuation method), resulting in additional taxes. He highlighted that, through the auditing processes, the DGA has generated an impact of more than RD$15.215 billion in taxes and fines against unfair competition in this sector. Among the innovative actions and measures that have been implemented are; the measurement of value risk during the dispatch processes, the use of X-rays and bodycams, working tables with other international customs on best control practices with Asian importers, joint audits with DGII and the closure of companies involved in illicit practices.

This data was released at the meeting of the Table Against Unfair Competition and Illicit Trade, chaired by the Minister of Finance and Economy, Magín Díaz and the Director of Customs, Yayo Sanz Lovatón, and comprised of General Luis Rafael Lee Ballester, Director of Migration; Victor Benavides, Executive Director of Pro Competencia; Peter Prazmowski, Director of the National Competitiveness Council, Eddy Arango, Deputy Director of Inspection of the General Directorate of Internal Taxes and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

During the meeting, representatives from the private sector were also present through the Organization of Commercial Companies (ONEC) and its president, Ernesto Martinez, as well as Antonio Papaterra, the main authority of the Dominican Association of Hardware Importers, among others.