New Regulatory Council to safeguard quality and authenticity of Dominican cigars

Santiago de los Caballeros.- The Dominican Republic has formally established the Regulatory Council for the “Dominican Cigar” Geographical Indication (GI), a new body tasked with protecting the authenticity, quality, and international reputation of the country’s signature tobacco product.

Created under Law 20-00 on Industrial Property and Law 34-18 governing the tobacco sector, the Council will oversee compliance with the standards required for cigars carrying the prestigious designation. Its responsibilities include safeguarding production methods, designated growing regions, and the distinctive characteristics that define authentic Dominican cigars.

The Council will enforce Dominican Standards NORDOM 481 and 482, monitoring every stage of production—from cultivation and harvesting to manufacturing and packaging—to ensure consumers receive genuine, high-quality Dominican cigars.

The multi-sector body is chaired by INTABACO and includes representatives from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs, PROCIGAR, ProDominicana, tobacco producers, manufacturers, exporters, INDOCAL, and ONAPI, providing technical, regulatory, and legal oversight.

In addition to verifying compliance, the Regulatory Council will promote the Dominican cigar brand internationally, support marketing initiatives, and provide training for registered operators. Authorities said the initiative aligns the country’s tobacco industry with international best practices while protecting the Dominican cigar designation from misuse and strengthening its competitiveness in global markets.