Support to Improved Transparency and Market Access for European Operators in the Area of Customs

This contract aimed to improve transparency and market access for European exporters, particularly SMEs, in the Dominican Republic by promoting better use of the CARIFORUM–EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). It addressed key barriers related to customs procedures and underuse of tariff preferences available under the agreement.

Working in coordination with Dominican authorities, business associations, customs agents and EU stakeholders, the project sought to strengthen preference utilization rates, reduce conflicts related to the application of EPA rules, and provide targeted support to both local and EU-based economic actors.

 Core objectives included:

• Increasing the use of EPA preferences by EU exporters.

• Reducing import–customs conflicts and clarify rules of origin.

• Identifying and addressing non-tariff barriers hindering market access for EU operators.
• Providing the EU Delegation and DG Trade with actionable insight into obstacles faced by importers.

Studies and consultations with importers provided insights into systemic challenges, shedding light on the underutilization of trade preferences and the misclassification of tariffs. Stakeholders across the business and customs sectors were then engaged in targeted capacity-building activities, and resources were developed to facilitate compliance and streamline trade processes.

In summary, this contract contributed to making EU exports more competitive in the Dominican market while reinforcing the practical implementation of the EPA.