Dominican and Salvadoran customs sign agreement to boost trade

Santo Domingo.- The Customs authorities of the Dominican Republic and El Salvador have signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) during the Meeting of Customs Directors of the Americas and the Caribbean. This agreement expands the network of countries where Dominican exporters and importers benefit from streamlined customs processes and trade facilitation.

The MRA aims to enhance trade relations through mutual trust and the recognition of security controls, certifications, and conformity assessments. It also seeks to reduce operating costs, eliminate redundancies, and expedite merchandise clearance—aligned with the standards of the World Customs Organization (WCO).

One key advantage is that companies certified as Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) in either country will now receive reciprocal preferential treatment at ports and airports. This development strengthens the strategic position of both nations in regional trade.

Additionally, El Salvador signed its action plan for joining the broader Mutual Recognition Agreement of the Americas and the Caribbean, now totaling 11 member countries. This follows the Dominican Republic’s earlier agreement signed in São Paulo in May 2022, further reinforcing regional customs cooperation.