Vehicle import Eligibility

✅ Accepted Vehicles:

• Vehicles must not be older than 5 years (from the date of manufacture) for passenger vehicles
• For heavy trucks, the age limit is typically 15 years, depending on use and tonnage
• Must be in good working condition and free from hazardous contamination
• Vehicle must meet safety and emission standards

Duty Taxes & Fees

Upon import, all vehicles are subject to customs duties and taxes assessed by the Direccion General de Aduanas (DGA)

Breakdown of what is typically applied:

Tax Type                                                    Rate

• Import Duty (Arancel)                          20% of CIF (Cost+Insurance+Freight)
• VAT (ITBIS)                                            18%
• Selective Consumption

        Tax(ISC)                                                  Can range from 15%-60%

• CIF Value                                                (Cost + Insurance + Freight)
• Plate/Registration Fess                        Paid upon registration with Tax dept.

You can use the DGA's online platform to estimate import taxes:

https://www.aduanas.gob.do

"El menaje de casa"

(Returning residents)

🧳 Who Qualifies?:

Dominicans who have lived abroad for 2+years and are returning to reside permanently may bring their household goods and one vehicle with tax exemptions, under the Law 168-67 and Decree 262-15.

Vehicle import under Menaje:

• Only one vehicle per returning resident
• Vehicle must have been owned for 6+ months before return.
• Vehicle must be used and not older than 5 years
• Must not be sold or transferred for at least 5 years after import.
• Must initiate the menaje process at consulate or Dominican customs (DGA) before or during arrival. 

Important notes and recommendations

✅Use a trusted Dominican customs broker
✅ Get a pre-shipping inspection to confirm vehicle eligibility
✅ Expect port fees and inland delivery costs in DR.
✅ Keep all original documentation with you or your authorized agent during pickup

✅Vehicles with liens must have a release letter from the lienholder

✅Vehicles under "El menaje" still undergo inspections

✅Fraudulent declarations can lead to fines or seizure

✅If the vehicle is sold within the exempted period, taxes must be paid retroactively