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Starting October 1, Haitian authorities will block the entry of food products from the Dominican Republic that do not meet specific labeling requirements, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Haiti announced. This move aims to ensure that all food imports comply with national standards regarding product information and safety.
The new regulation mandates that all pre-packaged food items entering Haiti must have labels detailing key information such as product name, ingredient list, net quantity, manufacturing and expiration dates, storage instructions, country of origin, and the manufacturer’s or distributor’s details. Products that fail to meet these standards will be denied entry at border points, particularly at the Dajabón crossing, one of the busiest trade routes between the two nations.
Border Enforcement
Lesly Theogene, Director of Commerce and Industry for Northeast Haiti, met with Dominican officials at the Dajabón customs office to discuss the implementation of the new regulations. He notified them that starting in October, any products lacking the required labeling information, including expiration and manufacturing dates, will be prohibited from entering Haiti.
Haitian customs inspectors will oversee the enforcement of this policy at the Dajabón border, ensuring that non-compliant products are removed. This initiative is part of broader efforts to improve food safety and consumer protection in Haiti.
Dominican Response
In response, Dominican officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, have begun coordinating with local manufacturers, distributors, and traders to help them comply with the new requirements. Meetings have been held to advise businesses on the necessary steps to avoid disruptions in trade and to prevent the restriction of Dominican products entering the Haitian market.
The move comes amid ongoing trade relations between the neighboring countries, where cross-border commerce plays a crucial role in the economies of both nations. Ensuring compliance with the new regulations is expected to minimize any potential economic impact on Dominican exporters.
