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Haiti’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced a three-month postponement of the enforcement of its new labeling regulations for prepackaged food products. The regulations, which were originally set to take effect on October 1, 2024, require that all local and imported goods include detailed product information in either French or Creole. The moratorium pushes the deadline to January 3, 2025, allowing businesses more time to comply.
The ministry’s decision, aimed at protecting consumer rights, stipulates that after January 2025, any products that do not meet the labeling requirements will be barred from sale in Haiti. The regulations are part of broader efforts to improve transparency and consumer safety in the Haitian market.
Dominican exporters, a key supplier of goods to Haiti, have been notified of the extension. Mario Pujols, president of the Dominican Republic’s Association of Industries (AIRD), confirmed that Dominican businesses are being urged to use this additional time to ensure full compliance with the new legal requirements.
At the Dajabón border market, a key trading point between the two countries, operations continue without disruption. Local trade leaders, such as Noel Fernández of the Dajabón Border Market Association, reported that while some traders are updating their product registrations to meet Haitian regulations, the movement of goods remains normal. Prepackaged products labeled in Spanish continue to be exported as usual, without issues.
Freddy Morillo, president of the Dajabón Traders Federation, expressed support for the new labeling requirements, highlighting that clear communication in French or Creole would enhance trade by making products more accessible to Haitian consumers. He emphasized that adapting product labels to meet Haitian standards is a practical move that will facilitate smoother trade between the two countries.
The moratorium reflects Haiti’s efforts to balance regulatory enforcement with maintaining stable trade flows, particularly with its key trading partner, the Dominican Republic.
