SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican government announced the deployment of a national audit of business permits and licenses as part of an offensive to curb illicit trade and strengthen fair competition in the local market.
The measure was announced by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and SMEs, Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, during a session of the Coordination Committee against Illicit Trade held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and SMEs (MICM).
According to the Communications Department of the MICM, the initiative includes a comprehensive review of business permits throughout the country, accompanied by new traceability metrics and a strengthening of tax controls, with the aim of detecting irregularities in commercial operations.
The actions will be carried out by theSpecialized Corps for the Control of Fuels and Trade of Goods (CECCOM), with the support of institutions such as the General Directorate of Customs (DGA) and the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII), in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and Economy.
During the meeting, Sanz Lovatón stated that illicit trade represents a significant challenge for the Dominican economy, as it not only implies losses in tax revenue, but also affects the competitiveness of companies that comply with the law.
“The government is listening to the productive sector. Every concern raised by the trade associations is now being translated into concrete actions of oversight and permit review,” the official stated.
The head of the MICM also emphasized that the authorities seek to ensure that commercial activities are carried out within the legal framework.
“Anyone operating in the Dominican Republic will do so within the framework of the law. Our mission is to combat unfair competition, level the playing field, and protect consumer health,” he stated.
The session included the participation of the Minister of Finance and Economy, Magín Díaz; the Minister of Labor, Eddy Olivares; and the Executive Director of Pro Consumidor, Eddy Alcántara, as well as representatives of the business sector, including directors of the Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic (AIRD).
The crackdown comes amid increased enforcement against illicit trade in the country. In recent years, operations led by state agencies have included inspections of businesses importing goods from Asia, as part of efforts to ensure compliance with tax and trade regulations.
With these actions, the Government seeks to close the gaps that allow the circulation of goods without fiscal or sanitary backing, while strengthening market supervision and consumer protection.
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