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Export from Dominica
A short guide for companies selling from Dominica: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Dominica sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$22 million
Merchandise exports were US$22.0 million in 2023, as Dominica reported them to UN Comtrade; the figure includes re-exports.
Source: UN Comtrade, Dominica exports by destination, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2023
Services exports
US$180.6 million
Services exports were US$180.57 million in 2025, on the WTO-UNCTAD-ITC basis published by UNCTAD, and travel was most of it.
Source: UNCTADstat, trade in services by category, WTO-UNCTAD-ITC (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Top goods exports
2023
- 1. Parts for lifting, earthmoving and drilling machinery (HS 8431)US$3.08 million
- 2. Bananas and plantains (HS 0803)US$2.74 million
- 3. Soap (HS 3401)US$2.38 million
- 4. Root crops such as cassava, yams and taro (HS 0714)US$1.9 million
- 5. Paints and varnishes (HS 3210)US$1.82 million
- 6. Ginger, turmeric and other spices (HS 0910)US$1.12 million
- 7. Mangoes, pineapples, avocados and guavas (HS 0804)US$1.09 million
- 8. Plastic building products (HS 3925)US$513,825
Show 12 more products
- 9. Earthmoving and drilling machinery (HS 8430)US$497,943
- 10. Other fresh fruit (HS 0810)US$469,189
- 11. Coconuts and other edible nuts (HS 0801)US$396,966
- 12. Specialized machinery (HS 8479)US$379,010
- 13. Sorting, crushing and mixing machinery (HS 8474)US$339,683
- 14. Other iron and steel articles (HS 7326)US$308,677
- 15. Other fresh vegetables (HS 0709)US$298,946
- 16. Cucumbers and gherkins (HS 0707)US$286,656
- 17. Wrist watches (HS 9102)US$262,918
- 18. Electric motors and generators (HS 8501)US$203,536
- 19. Flavored and sweetened waters (HS 2202)US$203,029
- 20. Trucks and goods vehicles (HS 8704)US$198,668
- Flow X includes re-exports, 37.2 percent of 2023 exports on the statistics office’s figures, and Dominica reports no separate re-export flow to UN Comtrade. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Parts for lifting, earthmoving and drilling machinery (HS 8431) rose from US$13,941 in 2022 to US$3.08 million in 2023; 94.8 percent went to Iceland. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Dominica exports by product, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2023
Where the goods go
2023, share of goods exports
- Iceland21.4%
- Antigua and Barbuda17.9%
- France9.4%
- United States8%
- Saint Lucia7.1%
- Barbados6.5%
- Guyana4.9%
- Saint Kitts and Nevis4.3%
- Areas not elsewhere specified (partner 899) were 6.6 percent of 2023 exports and are in the total but not ranked. Source (opens in a new tab)
- In 2023, 94.0 percent of exports to Iceland were machinery, parts, vehicles and prefabricated buildings, a one-year pattern; check before you quote Iceland's share. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Dominica exports by destination, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2023
2. What to look into next
Our reading
The research marks bananas and plantains, soap and root crops such as cassava, yams and taro as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Dominica’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, Dominica exports by product, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
Paints and varnishes grew 15% from 2022 to 2023. A growing line can mean buyers are looking for more; confirm it with that line’s buyers before you plan around it.
Source: UN Comtrade, Dominica exports by product, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports, against the year before
Promote:Global’s reading of the figures above, not a source’s statement, and not advice.
3. Trade agreements
What each arrangement can mean for a seller, and its limits. A preference is conditional: check the rules of origin before you quote.
CARICOM and the CSME
A seller can use CARICOM origin treatment for goods sent to other member states, with proof of origin.
Rules-based preference; goods must meet the CARICOM rules of origin, so confirm the treatment with Customs.
Source: European Commission, trade relations with Caribbean countries (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
OECS Economic Union
Dominica is one of the countries in the OECS Economic Union, which aims for free movement of people, goods and services.
The cited source describes free movement of citizens, so check with Customs what applies to goods.
Source: Government Information Service, OECS Economic Union update, 2012 (opens in a new tab) · as of March 20, 2012
CARIFORUM-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement
A seller can export to the European Union under the CARIFORUM agreement, which covers Dominica.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; origin rules apply.
Source: European Commission, trade relations with Caribbean countries (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
United Kingdom-CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement
A seller can export to the United Kingdom under the CARIFORUM agreement, which covers Dominica.
Rules-based preference; GOV.UK lists it as provisionally applied, and origin rules apply.
Source: GOV.UK, United Kingdom trade agreements in effect (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 3 more agreements
Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA)
A seller can export qualifying goods to the United States under a program that lists Dominica as a beneficiary.
Preference only; it does not remove other United States duties, so check current tariff actions before you quote.
Source: USTR, Caribbean Basin Initiative (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA)
Dominica is not among the eight countries USTR lists as CBTPA beneficiaries, which run to September 30, 2030.
The extra apparel benefits of this program do not apply to goods from Dominica.
Source: USTR, Caribbean Basin Initiative (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CARIBCAN
A seller can export eligible goods to Canada under the Commonwealth Caribbean Countries Tariff, which Canada’s 2026 list grants Dominica.
Rules-based preference; goods must meet the Commonwealth Caribbean Countries Tariff rules of origin.
Source: Canada Border Services Agency, Customs Tariff 2026 country list (opens in a new tab) · as of 2026
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Dominica
- Register the business with the Inland Revenue Division to get a tax number before you trade.Inland Revenue DivisionOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Inland Revenue Division, Starting A Business (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- For produce, ask the Dominica Export Import Agency how to use the export management system it runs with the Bureau of Standards.Dominica Export Import AgencyOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: DEXIA, Export Management System home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Apply to the Bureau of Standards for label approval, a Certificate of Free Sale or farm and pack-house certification, as your product requires.Dominica Bureau of StandardsCertificate of Free Sale: $150, as the Bureau prints itOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Dominica Bureau of Standards, Services (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Ask Plant Protection and Quarantine Services about the phytosanitary certificate your plants or produce need.Plant Protection and Quarantine ServicesOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: IPPC, Dominica country page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 3 more export steps
- File the export declaration in the ASYCUDA World customs system run by the Customs and Excise Division.Customs and Excise DivisionOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: ASYCUDA Compendium 2022, Dominica (opens in a new tab) · as of 2022
- Ask the Customs and Excise Division which proof of origin your CARICOM, partnership agreement or CARIBCAN claim needs.Customs and Excise DivisionOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Trade Facilitation Agreement Database, Dominica publication of information (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Apply through the Invest Dominica Authority for duty and tax concessions if you manufacture or process goods.Invest Dominica AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Invest Dominica Authority, Customs (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with DEXIA and Customs. Each card links to the organization’s own site.
Each card says what it can help with:Get adviceFind financeMeet requirementsResearch markets
Export development and market information
National export agency
DEXIA
Dominica Export Import Agency
Buys and exports fresh produce and agro-processed goods and runs an export management system with the Bureau of Standards.
Visit DEXIA (opens in a new tab)Source: Dominica press office, DEXIA plantain shipments, June 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 20, 2025
- Get advice
Regional export development agency
Caribbean Export
Caribbean Export Development Agency
Regional body
Offers an exporters toolkit and a trade data site for businesses across the Caribbean.
Visit Caribbean Export (opens in a new tab)Source: Caribbean Export, Exporters Toolkit (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 2 more organizations
- Research markets
National statistics office
Statistics Office
Central Statistics Office of Dominica
Publishes trade, price, growth and population tables for Dominica.
Visit Statistics Office (opens in a new tab)Source: Dominica Statistics Office, International Trade page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Foreign affairs and trade ministry
Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy
Sets foreign policy and, through the Dominica Export Import Agency, supports exports of agro-processed foods.
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Customs authority
Customs
Customs and Excise Division
Runs customs clearance on ASYCUDA World, which handles export declarations, and is the body listed for rules of origin.
Visit Customs (opens in a new tab)Source: Trade Facilitation Agreement Database, Dominica publication of information (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Tax authority
Inland Revenue
Inland Revenue Division
Registers businesses for tax numbers and VAT and publishes tax rates and guides.
Visit Inland Revenue (opens in a new tab)Source: Inland Revenue Division, Starting A Business (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 1 more organization
Finance and economic ministry
Finance Ministry
Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security
Houses the customs, inland revenue, statistics and financial services units of the government.
Visit Finance Ministry (opens in a new tab)Source: Dominica Ministry of Finance, divisions and units (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
- Meet requirements
National standards body
DBOS
Dominica Bureau of Standards
Develops standards and certifies farms, pack houses and products, including certificates of free sale.
Visit DBOS (opens in a new tab)Source: Dominica Bureau of Standards, National Certification Unit (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Agriculture and fisheries ministry
Agriculture Ministry
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy
Houses Plant Protection and Quarantine Services, the plant health contact point Dominica lists with the plant protection convention.
Visit Agriculture Ministry (opens in a new tab)Source: IPPC, Dominica country page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 1 more organization
- Meet requirements
Regional standards organization
CROSQ
CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality
Regional body
Lists the Dominica Bureau of Standards as a member and supports regional standards work.
Visit CROSQ (opens in a new tab)Source: CROSQ, Dominica member profile (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
Chamber of commerce
DAIC
Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce
Represents private-sector members, advocates on business policy and runs networking and training events.
Visit DAIC (opens in a new tab)Source: Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Manufacturers association
DMA
Dominica Manufactures Association
Represents Dominican manufacturers in the Caribbean Manufacturers’ Association.
Visit DMA (opens in a new tab)Source: Small Business Support Unit, Dominica Manufactures Association page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 1 more organization
- Get advice
Tourism industry association
DHTA
Dominica Hotel & Tourism Association
Gives tourism businesses information, advocacy and a shared voice, with 85 members.
Visit DHTA (opens in a new tab)Source: Dominica Hotel & Tourism Association, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
6. Worth knowing
Currency and settlement
The Eastern Caribbean dollar is fixed at EC$2.70 to the United States dollar, and Dominica has no separate legal tender.
What to do: State the currency in every quote and contract.
Source: IMF, Dominica 2026 Article IV Consultation, Country Report 26/117 (opens in a new tab) · as of May 29, 2026
Public debt and arrears
The IMF reports public debt of 103 percent of GDP and urges a strategy to clear domestic arrears to suppliers.
What to do: Agree payment dates in writing before you supply a government body.
Sources: IMF, Dominica 2026 Article IV Consultation, Country Report 26/117 (opens in a new tab); Government of Dominica, 2026/27 Budget Address, August 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of May 29, 2026
Climate and water
The IMF names persistent natural disaster threats among the main risks, and the 2026/27 budget announced a tax deduction for disaster reserves from 2027.
What to do: Ask your insurer and freight forwarder how hurricane-season delays affect delivery dates.
Sources: IMF, Dominica 2026 Article IV Consultation, Country Report 26/117 (opens in a new tab); Government of Dominica, 2026/27 Budget Address, August 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of May 29, 2026
Logistics and border performance
The 2026/27 budget names modernizing clearance at ports of entry a priority and announced an end to tax compounding on imports from October 1, 2026.
What to do: Confirm current export declaration steps with the Customs and Excise Division before each shipment.
Source: Government of Dominica, 2026/27 Budget Address, August 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 4, 2026
Show 2 more
United States tariffs
As of October 30, 2026, the IEEPA duties have ended, the section 122 surcharge ran to July 24, and the July section 301 notice omits Dominica.
What to do: Check the United States tariff line, any section 232 metals duty and your CBERA claim before you quote.
Sources: Federal Register, USTR section 301 notice, July 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab); Federal Register, Executive Order 14389, February 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Customs tariff regulations
The Customs (Import and Export Tariffs) Regulations, 2026, S.R.O. 6, were gazetted on April 23, 2026 under the Customs Act.
What to do: Ask the Customs and Excise Division for the current export duty schedule before you price.
Source: Government Printery, Customs (Import and Export Tariffs) Regulations, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of April 23, 2026
7. How Promote:Global helps
- Compare potential export marketsSee which markets import what you sell, ranked on public trade data, and read each country before you commit.
- Check duties and document requirementsCheck the duty, the origin conditions for a preferential rate and the documents a shipment needs.
- Find advisors and service firmsAsk an advisory firm a scoped, paid question, or browse firms that list their own services, from legal work to logistics.
- Organize your next stepsKeep each product and market in a project, with a roadmap of steps you work through.
Turn this guide into your Dominica project.
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Promote:Dominica is an independent guide by Promote:Global, not an official government portal. The organizations named here are independent public and membership bodies, not Promote:Global partners, and every link goes to their own site.
Facts read from public sources, with an editorial cut-off of October 30, 2026. Nothing here is investment, legal, tax or sanctions advice. Check current status with the organization before you rely on it.