Abinader issues regulations for the 2026-2027 sugar harvest

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader promulgated Decree No. 719-26 establishing regulations for the 2026-2027 sugar harvest, with the aim of ensuring domestic supply, meeting export commitments and strengthening state oversight of the sugar industry.

The decree requires available sugar production and previous-year surpluses to be allocated first to domestic consumption while also meeting export commitments to preferential markets, including the United States. If imports are needed, the Dominican Sugar Institute (Inazucar) will issue the corresponding licenses.

Under the new rules, no sugar, molasses or related by-products may be exported without an authorization issued by Inazucar. Quota Eligibility Certificates (QECs) for access to the U.S. market will be granted only to authorized sugar mills and producers and may not be issued to unauthorized third parties.

Sugar mills must operate under approved production programs and prioritize the local market while complying with international obligations. Companies are also required to report international sales and submit contracts and documentation on quantities and product quality within specified deadlines.

The decree further requires mills to report monthly changes in production estimates and quota compliance. Companies that fail to report potential shortfalls on time may face proportional reductions in their quota for the following harvest.