The Dominican Republic, strategically positioned in the heart of the Caribbean with a vibrant and expanding economy, is one of the fastest-growing nations in the region and a significant player in Latin American trade. However, the country's role as a crucial maritime and aerial hub, coupled with its dynamic economic activities, has made it vulnerable to a spectrum of illicit practices. From counterfeit goods permeating local markets to the clandestine movement of smuggled products, the illegal wildlife trade, and complex networks of money laundering, the Dominican Republic faces substantial challenges in its ongoing fight against illicit trade.
​

Publications

---

Combatting Illicit Trade in the Dominican Republic (November 2024)

The report, Confronting the Threat of Illicit Trade: Spotlight on the Dominican Republic, assesses the nature and extent of illicit trade in the Dominican Republic. It examines the impact of illicit trade on the economy and society, analyzes the government's ongoing efforts to address the issue, and presents practical recommendations for effective solutions. This report aims to empower stakeholders in their fight against illicit trade, ultimately contributing to a more secure and prosperous Dominican Republic.

Featured Events

---

Customs workshop in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 21-23 September 2026 - TRACIT participated in a three-day operational workshop on customs risk analysis, targeting, and profiling, with a focus on illicit alcohol trade, organized for the Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA). The event was co-hosted by the Alliance Against Counterfeit Spirits (AACS), Moët Hennessy, and TRACIT (Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade). Training was delivered by SITRAC.Z.The workshop is one of several efforts TRACIT co-organizes between its annual Illicit Trade Summits of the Americas, working directly with customs administrations to turn regional dialogue into action on the ground.
As part of the opening session, TRACIT Director General Jeff Hardy set out priorities for customs inspections on illicit alcohol, from profiling high-risk flows to intelligence sharing across customs, tax authorities, regulators, and legitimate industry. The workshop featured brand protection experts from Moët Hennessy and Diageo.
​
View the program here.

​

Customs workshop in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 19-20 November 2024 – TRACIT participated in the Taller Internacional sobre Comercio Ilícito y Competencia Desleal, a forum dedicated to tackling the pressing issues of illicit trade and unfair competition in the Dominican Republic. Convened by Dominican Republic Customs, the event brought together high-level government officials, industry leaders, and subject matter experts to develop comprehensive strategies aimed at protecting the Dominican economy from the detrimental impacts of illicit activities. More

​

AIRD and BRITCHAM Anti-Illicit trade event

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 8 May 2019 – TRACIT addressed government officials and industry stakeholders during a conference on Illicit trade. The primary objective of the conference was to gather experiences and international best practices to support implementation of the Dominican Republic’s new anti-contraband legislation. View the media release (English) and (Spanish). ​

Global Illicit Trade Environment Index (June 2018) ​

---

​EIU Briefing on Dominican Republic
​Download File (English)
​Download File (Spanish)

​TRACIT Dominican Republic Policy Recommendations 
Download File (English)

Media Center

TRACIT Media Release: Illicit trade and unfair competition in Dominican Republic 
19-20 November 2024.
English

​TRACIT Media Release: AIRD and BRITCHAM Anti-Illicit Trade Event.
8 May 2019.  
​English  -  Spanish