Haiti Prohibited Transit of Third-Party Goods
The Haitian government mandated that international shipments be sent directly to the country's ports or airports.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in International Trade
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The Haitian Ministry of Economy and Finance has banned the transit of goods from third countries through the Dominican Republic. All international shipments must now be sent directly to Haitian seaports or airports to enter the country.
Why it matters
The change forces a shift in logistics for international suppliers who previously utilized land routes through the Dominican Republic. This policy aims to centralize incoming shipments under the direct supervision of national customs authorities.
Goods arriving in Haiti remain subject to all applicable duties and taxes as processed by the General Customs Administration. Products legally manufactured within the Dominican Republic remain exempt and may continue to enter through official land points.
The players
Serge Gabriel Collin
He is the Minister of Economy and Finance for Haiti who signed the recent circular regarding import logistics.
General Customs Administration
This Haitian government agency is responsible for inspecting all goods arriving at the nation's ports and airports.
The details
Minister Serge Gabriel Collin signed a circular mandate directing the General Customs Administration to increase inspection efforts for all goods arriving at national ports and airports. This regulation effectively closes off land-based transit corridors previously used for third-party cargo.
Timeline
The Ministry of Economy and Finance issued the official circular on September 30, 2026.
Market Dynamics
This directive follows a pattern set by the Dominican Republic-Haiti land border trade regulations regarding the restriction of commercial traffic. The move centralizes control over trade routes to bolster national customs oversight.
Businesses currently relying on Dominican transit routes will face immediate logistical disruptions and likely increased transportation costs. Retailers should prepare for potential delays as supply chains are redirected to Haitian maritime and aerial entry points.
The takeaway
Importers should conduct an immediate review of their logistics contracts to ensure compliance with the new direct-entry requirements. Relying on established land corridors through neighboring countries is no longer a viable strategy for third-party goods entering Haiti.
Further reading
For broader context on global commerce shifts, visit the International Trade section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Le Nouvelliste.
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