Can I send medicine to the Dominican Republic?
Yes, with conditions.
May need a Ministry of Public Health import authorization through VUCE; controlled medicines need a separate permit. Include the prescription.
For every Onvoyo box: Onvoyo can't carry prescription drugs. Over-the-counter medicine and vitamins follow the destination's own rules.
More rules for the Dominican Republic
Allowed with conditions
- Medicines
- Medicines for your own treatment may need a Ministry of Public Health import authorization, requested through the VUCE single window. Controlled medicines need a separate permit. Packages that need a permit are held until it is shown.
Quantity limits
- Medicines (travelers)
- Travelers may carry personal medicines; for controlled or psychotropic ones, carry the prescription covering your stay. Shipped medicines may need a health ministry authorization.
Before you ship to the Dominican Republic
- Tax-free limit
- Express shipments worth up to USD 200 (about DOP 11,900), counting the goods plus shipping and insurance (CIF), pay no duty or ITBIS. That includes personal effects and unsolicited gifts, not just purchases. Customs charges only a fee of USD 0.25 per kilogram. The limit applies to the whole shipment, and customs can add together similar goods sent to the same person. DGA's FAQ still describes the limit as FOB (goods only), but the 2022 customs regulation uses CIF, so keep goods plus shipping within USD 200 to be safe.
- Receiver ID
- Cédula, passport, or RNC, with RUA registration needed. Courier labels must show the receiver's cédula, passport, or RNC (for companies). DGA also requires everyone who uses courier services to be registered in its courier user registry, the RUA. There's no separate number: the ID itself is the registration, and signing up is free and online. Missing RUA registration is one of the listed reasons customs can hold a low-value package, so register before you ship.
- Transit
- 2-5 business days from North America; 4-7 from Europe; 5-8 from Asia
Questions
Can I send medicine to the Dominican Republic?
Yes, with conditions. May need a Ministry of Public Health import authorization through VUCE; controlled medicines need a separate permit. Include the prescription.
Ask about a specific item
Official sources
- 1.
Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA)
Decreto núm. 755-22, Reglamento de aplicación de la Ley núm. 168-21 de Aduanas (opens in a new tab) - 2.
Ventanilla Única de Comercio Exterior (VUCE RD)
Conoce los permisos y leyes que los sustentan (opens in a new tab) - 3.
Dirección General de Impuestos Internos (DGII)
Título III del Impuesto sobre Transferencias de Bienes Industrializados y Servicios (Código Tributario, Ley 11-92) (opens in a new tab) - 4.
Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA)
Ley No. 146-00 de Reforma Arancelaria (opens in a new tab) - 5.
Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA)
Preguntas frecuentes (opens in a new tab) - 6.
Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA)
Manual del Viajero (opens in a new tab) - 7.
Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA)
Ley núm. 168-21 de Aduanas de la República Dominicana (opens in a new tab)
General guidance, not legal advice. Customs in the Dominican Republic makes the final decision on every box.