WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  ANNEX 2 - DOMINICA 
 WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  CONTENTS 
1   ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ...................................................................................... 116  
1.1   Main Macroecono mic Developments .......................................................................... 116  
1.1.1   Real  economy ..................................................................................................... 116  
1.1.2   Fiscal policy and structural reforms......................................................................... 118  
1.1.3   Balance of payments, monetary and exchange rate policy .......................................... 118  
1.2   Trade and In vestment Flows .................................................................................... 119  
1.3   Outlook ................................................................................................................. 122  
2   TRADE POLICY REGIME: FR AMEWORK AND OB JECTIVES ........................................ 123  
2.1   General Constitution al and Legal Framework .............................................................. 123  
2.2   Development and Admini stration of Tr ade Policy ......................................................... 123  
2.2.1   Main trade laws ................................................................................................... 123  
2.3   Trade Policy  Objectives ........................................................................................... 124  
2.4   Foreign Inve stment Regime ..................................................................................... 125  
2.5   Trade Agreements and Arrangements ........................................................................ 126  
2.5.1   World Trade Organization ...................................................................................... 126  
2.5.2   Regional agreements ............................................................................................ 127  
3   TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE ...................................................... 129  
3.1   Measures Directly  Affecting Import s .......................................................................... 129  
3.1.1   Procedures ......................................................................................................... 12 9 
3.1.2   Customs valuation and rules of origin ..................................................................... 129  
3.1.3   Tariffs ............................................................................................................... . 130  
3.1.3.1   MFN applie d tariff stru cture ................................................................................ 130  
3.1.4   Other charges affecting imports ............................................................................. 132  
3.1.5   Import prohibitions, restrictions, an d licensing ......................................................... 134  
3.1.6   Continge ncy measures ......................................................................................... 135  
3.1.6.1   Anti-dumping and countervailing measures ........................................................... 135  
3.1.6.2   Safeguards ...................................................................................................... 135  
3.1.7   Standard and other technical regulations ................................................................. 136  
3.1.8   Sanitary and ph ytosanitary me asures ..................................................................... 137  
3.2   Measures Directly Affecting Exports ........................................................................... 137  
3.2.1   Procedures ......................................................................................................... 13 7 
3.2.2   Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing .......................................................... 138  
3.2.3   Export promotion and marketing assistance ............................................................. 138  
3.3   Measures Affecting Production an d Trade ................................................................... 139  
3.3.1   Legal framew ork for busi nesses ............................................................................. 139  
3.3.2   Competition policy and price controls ...................................................................... 140  
3.3.3   Ince ntives .......................................................................................................... 1 40 
3.3.4   Role of state-owned en terprises and pr ivatization ..................................................... 142  
3.3.5   Government  procurement ..................................................................................... 142  WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  3.3.6   Intellectual property rights .................................................................................... 143  
3.3.6.1   Copyright ......................................................................................................... 144  
3.3.6.2   Trademarks ...................................................................................................... 144  
3.3.6.3   Patents and industrial designs ............................................................................. 145  
3.3.6.4   Geographic al indications .................................................................................... 145  
3.3.6.5   Protection of layout-des igns of integrat ed circuits .................................................. 145  
3.3.6.6   Protection of new plant varieties .......................................................................... 146  
3.3.6.7   Enforcement ..................................................................................................... 146  
4   TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR ................................................................................... 147  
4.1   Agriculture ............................................................................................................ 147 
4.2   Elec tricity ............................................................................................................. . 148  
4.3   Manufac turing ........................................................................................................ 14 8 
4.4   Services ................................................................................................................  149 
4.4.1   Banking, finance, and insurance ............................................................................. 149  
4.4.1.1   Re gulation ....................................................................................................... 14 9 
4.4.1.2   Onshore fi nancial serv ices .................................................................................. 149  
4.4.1.2.1   Banking ........................................................................................................ 14 9 
4.4.1.2.2   Insurance ...................................................................................................... 150  
4.4.1.3   Offshore fi nancial serv ices .................................................................................. 151  
4.4.2   Telecommunications ............................................................................................. 151  
4.4.3   Transport ........................................................................................................... 1 53 
4.4.3.1   Air transport ..................................................................................................... 153  
4.4.3.2   Mariti me transp ort ............................................................................................ 153  
4.4.4   Tourism .............................................................................................................. 154  
4.4.5   Profession al services ............................................................................................ 155 
REFERENC ES ................................................................................................................ 156  
5   APPENDIX TABLES .................................................................................................. 157  
 
CHARTS 
 Chart 1.1 Merchandise trade by SITC section, 2007 and 20 12 .............................................. 120
 
Chart 1.2 Merchandise trade, by main destination and orig in, 2007 and 2012 ......................... 121  
Chart 3.1 Frequency distribution  of MFN tariff  rates,  2013 .................................................... 132  
 
TABLES 
 Table 1.1 Basic macroeconomic indicators, 2007-13 ............................................................ 116
 
Table 1.2 Balance of payments, 2007-13 ........................................................................... 118  
Table 1.3 Trade in services, 2007-11 ................................................................................ 122  
Table 2.1 Major trade-related la ws and regulati ons, 2013  .................................................... 124  
Table 2.2 Ministries and agen cies dealing with trade ........................................................... 125  WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  Table 2.3 Notifications to  the WTO, 2006-13 ...................................................................... 126  
Table 3.1 Structure of the tariff schedule in Domini ca, 2006 and 2013 ................................... 130  
Table 3.2 Summary analysis of the MFN ta riff, 2013............................................................ 131 
Table 3.3 Rates of the excise tax and the environmen tal surcharge ....................................... 133  
Table 3.4 Goods subject to prohibitions, licensing, or other restrictions or import 
requirements, 2013 ........................................................................................................ 134  
Table 3.5 Main taxes in Dominica ..................................................................................... 139  
Table 3.6 Subsidies granted under the Fiscal Incentiv es Act,  1974 ........................................ 142  
Table 3.7 Intellectual property rights le gislation and terms of protection ................................ 144  
Table 4.1 Selected telecommuni cations indicato rs, 2008-1 3 ................................................. 152  
Table 4.2 Visitor arrivals, by main category, 2007-12 .......................................................... 154  
Table 4.3 Revenue collected under different ta xes on tourism activi ties, 2007/08-2 012/13 ....... 155  
 
APPENDIX TABLES 
 
Table A1. 1 Merchandise exports and re-e xports by SITC se ction, 2006- 12 ............................ 157  
Table A1. 2 Merchandise imports by SITC section, 2006-12 .................................................. 158  
Table A1. 3 Merchandise exports and re-e xports by trading partner, 2006-12 ......................... 159  
Table A1. 4 Merchandise imports by trading part ner, 2006- 12 .............................................. 160  
 WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  1  ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 
1.1  Main Macroeconomic Developments 1.1.1  Real economy 1.1.  Dominica is an upper middle-income country with a population estimated at 
71,780 inhabitants in 2012, and a per capita GDP of US$6,692.
1 Compared with other OECS 
countries, Dominica is relatively small in terms of population and GDP. The island is mostly volcanic, and is vulnerable to a range of natural disasters and hazards (hurricanes, storms, 
landslides). In 2007 and 2008, Dominica was stru ck back-to-back by two hurricanes (Dean and 
Omar), resulting in socio-economic disruption and considerable damage to infrastructure.
2 
In 2011, major flooding severely damaged bridges and roads.  
1.2.  Agriculture (including livestock and forestry) remains a major source of foreign exchange 
earnings and employment in Dominica. Although in decline over the long term, its contribution to 
GDP increased from 8.9% in 2007 to 10.5% in 2013 (Table 1.1). This contribution is far larger than in any other OECS country where the agricu lture sector accounts for less than 6% of GDP. 
The sector is vulnerable to natural disasters and crop conditions, which is particularly costly given 
their relatively frequent occurrence. In 2010, the sector was hard hit by a drought. In 2013, the 
production of bananas was halved due to a leaf disease. 
1.3.  Other major sectors of activity are tran sport, storage and communications; and wholesale 
and retail trade. The manufacturing sector is relatively small; its contribution to GDP fluctuated between 2.8% and 3.8% during the review period. 
1.4.  Dominica's tourism sector is smaller than that of other OECS countries. Hotels and 
restaurants contribute to less than 2% of GDP, while at OECS level, the sector's contribution 
exceeds 8% of regional GDP. The island has few be aches, and relies more on cruise ship visitors 
than the relatively more lucrative stay-over visitors segment. 
1.5.  Over the decades, Dominica has successfu lly developed an offshore education sector. In 
2013, the contribution of the private education subsector to GDP neared 8%. There are currently two private medical schools in operation
3, and another is schedule to open in 2014. The sector is a 
significant source of foreign exchange earnings, as most of the students are from foreign 
countries, mainly the United States.  
Table 1.1 Basic macroeconomic indicators, 2007-13 
  2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
GDP at market prices          
Nominal GDP (EC$ million) 1,114 1,221 1,303 1,283 1,327 1,338 1,367 
Real GDP (EC$ million) 1,114 1,221 1,303 1,283 1,327 1,338 1,367 
Real GDP growth  6.0 7.8 -1.1 1.2 0.2 -1.2 -0.5 
National accounts aggr egates (% of GDP)     
Total consumption 101.6 107.5 104.1 100.5 98.8 100.6 105.0 
Private consumption 85.0 92.7 86.7 83.1 81.1 82.5 87.1 
Government consumption 16.6 14.8 17.4 17.4 17.7 18.1 17.9 
Gross fixed capital formation 19.8 21.4 19.6 19.1 16.9 14.9 13 
Exports of goods and non-factor services 35.8 34.7 31 36.1 38.1 32.7 30.8 
Imports of goods and non-factor services 57.3 63.5 54.8 55.7 53.9 48.2 48.8 
Gross national savings -1.2 -7.3 -3 1.7 2.4 -0.8 -3.8 
General government fi nance (% of GDP)      
Current revenue 28.0 27.7 26.9 27.4 26.9 26.1 .. 
  Taxes on domestic goods and services 14.6 14.4 14.3 14.3 13.4 13.4 .. 
  Taxes on international trade  5.4 5.6 5.3 5.7 5.3 4.5 .. 
Current expenditure 24 24.2 22.1 24.7 24.7 25.3 .. 
                                               
1 World Bank, World Development Indicators. Viewed at: http://data.worldbank.org/ . 
2 Damage caused by the hurricane Dean were estimated at nearly 20% of GDP (IMF, 2011). 
3 Ross University Medical School, and All Saints University School of Medicine. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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    2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Current account balance 4 3.5 4.7 2.7 2.2 0.8 .. 
Primary Balance (after grants) 1.7 -0.7 -1 -4.7 -6.7 -8.4 .. 
Total public debt (% of GDP) 81.5 81.9 96.3 88.4 93.4 88 .. 
Composition of GDP by sector (%)    
Agriculture, livestock and forestry  8.9 9.4 9.7 8.8 9.5 10.3 10.5 
  Crops 7.5 8.3 8.6 7.7 8.4 9.1 9.3 
  Livestock 1 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.9 0.9 
  Forestry 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 
Fishing 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.3 
Mining and quarrying 1.3 1.6 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.7 0.7 
Manufacturing  3.8 3.1 3.1 3 2.8 2.9 3.1 
Electricity and water  4.3 4 4.4 4.6 4.5 4.6 4.6 
Construction 4.5 5.5 5.2 5.6 5.8 5.5 4.7 
Wholesale and retail trade 10.5 11.2 11.9 11.8 12.6 12 12.2 
Hotels and restaurants  1.7 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.6 1.6 1.7 
Transport, storage and communications 13.4 13.4 12.7 12.5 12.5 12.7 12.5 
Financial intermediation 6.5 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 
  Banks 5.2 5 5 5.2 5.2 5.3 5.5 
  Insurance 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 
Real estate, renting and business activities 8.9 8.5 8.8 8.7 8.7 8.8 8.9 
Public administration 7.1 6.4 6.9 6.9 7.4 7.5 7.6 
Education 11.1 11 11.1 11.6 10.6 10.9 11.2 
  Public 3.4 3.2 3.2 3.3 3.1 3.1 3.2 
  Private 7.7 7.8 7.9 8.3 7.6 7.8 8 
Health and social work 2.9 2.8 2.9 3.1 3 3.1 3.2 
Other community, social and personal services 1 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 
Activities of private ho useholds as employers 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 
Prices and interest rates   
Inflation (CPI, period average) 3.2 6.4 0.0 2.8 2.4 2.5 2.3 
 
.. Not available.  Source: Dominica's Statistical Office; ECCB and IMF (2013), Dominica: 2012 Article IV Consultation.  
International Monetary Fund, Country Report N° 13/31, January 2013. Viewed at: http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/scr/2013/cr1331.pdf . 
1.6.  After a contraction in 2005 due to the devastating effects of the hurricane Ivan, Dominica's 
economy had three consecutive years of strong econ omic performance, with a decade peak in real 
GDP growth of 7.8% in 2008. Due to the econom ic downturn, GDP contracted by 1.1% in 2009. 
Dominica's OECS peers were more affected by the downturn because of their higher reliance on 
tourism (regional GDP contracted by 5.2% in 2008 and 3.2% in 2009). In response to the crisis, 
the authorities were able to deploy a signif icant fiscal stimulus thanks to prudent fiscal 
management in the years leading up to the crisis. The package included massive public 
investment, the scaling-up of social spending, and a reduction of personal income taxes. Growth 
resumed moderately in 2010 and 2011, driven mainly by the recovery in the agriculture sector, public construction projects, and new projects in the hotels and restaurants subsector.  
1.7.  Inflation accelerated to 7.9% in 2008, mainly reflecting the pass-through of higher world 
energy and food prices. Prices were stable in 2009 thanks to the Government's measures to 
support the economy: the authorities lowered th e excise tax, eliminated the customs service 
charge on imported fuel, and reduced the CET on  a number of essential food items. Inflation 
resumed moderately in 2011, and in spite of anothe r surge in international food and fuel prices, 
hovered around 2.4% the following years, as stro ng agricultural production weakened the passing 
through of international food prices. 
1.8.  In the financial sector, the collapse of Colonial Life Financial Group and British American 
Insurance Company in 2009 exposed Dominica to substantial losses.  WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  1.1.2  Fiscal policy and structural reforms 
1.9.  Dominica's monetary policy is managed at the ECCU level. Fiscal policy is the main 
macroeconomic instrument available to the authorities. The Ministry of Finance is responsible for fiscal policy. The main goal of Dominica's fiscal policy is to maintain a 2.4% primary surplus and to 
reduce public debt below the regional recommended  threshold of 60% of GDP. The Government is 
pursuing this policy by securing mainly grant fund s, concessional loans, and turning to regional 
markets for its financing needs. However, fiscal space is severely restricted as the country has 
been facing natural disasters more frequently in the past few years. According to the IMF
4, the 
authorities tapped into its Rapid Credit Facility three times between 2008 and 2012, to deal with the effects of hurricanes and flood-related damage, using up to 71.2% of the country's quota of borrowing under emergency programmes.
5  
1.10.  Dominica managed to maintain prudent fiscal management in the years preceding the crisis. 
In 2007, the primary surplus amounted to 1.7% of  GDP. However, the fiscal position weakened 
in 2010 and 2011 due to the expansionary fiscal policy that was put in place to support the 
economy throughout the economic downturn, and to rebuild infrastructure damaged by natural 
disasters. The primary balance turned into a deficit that reached 6.7% of GDP in 2011. 
1.11.  Debt restructuring efforts had reduced the public debt to 63% of GDP in mid-2010 from 
100% in mid-2002. This downward trend was reversed in 2011. In order to face their higher 
financing requirement, in February 2012, the authorities launched a T-bill in the regional securities markets, representing 1% of the GDP. As of June 2013, Dominica's total public debt was estimated at 71.4% of GDP, two third of which was external debt.  
1.12.  During the period under review, Dominica pursued its efforts to simplify and rationalize its 
tax system. The reform was launched in 2006 with the first phase consisting in the introduction of a new excise duty and VAT regime. Dependency on  foreign trade taxes as sources of revenue was 
reduced significantly with the introduction of the VAT. Taxes on international transactions 
accounted for 17% of government current revenue in 2012 (44% in 2005), while taxes on domestic goods and services increased from 23% to 51% of current revenue. However, this 
includes VAT paid on imported products. During the second phase, the Government reformed the 
personal income tax regime by increasing pers onal allowances, reclassifying tax brackets, and 
reducing tax rates.  
1.1.3  Balance of payments, monetary and exchange rate policy 
1.13.  Dominica's current account widened to  EC$350.7 million in 2008, reflecting higher 
international food and fuel prices (Table 1.2). The deficit narrowed in 2011 as large surpluses were recorded in the travel and government services  components. In 2011, the balance of trade in 
goods improved substantially as a result of lower reconstruction-related imports. However, the 
overall trade in goods and services deficit widene d due to lower export of travel services. The 
deficit widened again to EC$210.8 million in 2012, reflecting higher transportation receipts and a 
decline in average daily tourist expenditures an d average length of stay. Imports in 2012 were 
lower than in 2011, amounting to EC$462.57 million and EC$537.13 million respectively. 
Table 1.2 Balance of payments, 2007-13 
(EC$ million)a 
  2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Current account -234.8 -350.7 - 295.1 -223.8 -192.9 -210.8 -230.5
  Goods and services  -238.9 -352.6 -309.7 -251.6 -208.9 -206.9 -246.0 
   Goods -360.0 -468.4 -435.8 -438.4 -449.0 -359.5 -378.6 
   Services 121.1 115.8 126.1 186.9 240.1 152.6 132.6 
  Income  -53.0 -49.5 -36.9 -25.5 -28.5 -49.3 -30.8 
   Compensation of employees 2.5 2.5 2.9 3.1 2.2 2.5 2.5 
   Investment income -55.5 -52.0 -39.7 -28.6 -30.7 -51.8 -33.4 
                                               
4 IMF (2013). 
5 Dominica is a member of the Caribbean Catastroph e Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF), an insurance 
scheme that provides 16 Caribbean countries with access to immediate liquidity after major catastrophes such 
as hurricanes and earthquakes. However, the pay-out is lim ited as it covers only es timated liquidity needs for 
the first three to six months after the catastrophe. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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    2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
  Current transfers 57.1 51.4 51.5 53.2 44.5 45.4 46.4 
   General Government -0.9 -0.2 0.8 1.7 -5.5 1.1 1.1 
   Other sectors  58.0 51.6 50.7 51.5 50.1 44.3 45.3 
Capital and financial account 223.8 295.6 296.4 237.1 238.5 216.6 208.9
  Capital account 156.5 155.4 118.8 90.4 51.3 33.1 22.4 
   Capital transfers 156.5 155.4 118.8 90.4 51.3 33.1 22.4 
   General Government 147.8 146.6 110.3 81.6 42.4 24.1 13.2 
   Other sectors  8.7 8.8 8.5 8.8 8.9 9.0 9.2 
  Financial account  67.3 140.2 177.7 146.8 187.3 183.4 186.6 
   Direct investment 109.3 152.7 114.5 65.7 38.3 62.5 47.8 
   Portfolio investment 4.6 -8.9 1.0 -14.9 -5.4 2.6 -5.2 
   Other investment -46.6 -3.6 62.1 95.9 154.4 118.3 144.0 
Net errors and omissions 7.3 46.0 54.7 -9.9 -28.5 3.9 10.0
Overall balance -3.6 -9.1 56.0 3.4 17.2 9.6 -11.5
Financing  3.6 9.1 -56.0 -3.4 -17.2 -9.6 11.5
Change in SDR holdings  - - -33.2 - 0.4 - - 
Change in Government foreign 
assets  -3.4 -5.4 2.4 1.9 4.1 34.8 - 
Change in imputed reserves 6.9 14.4 -25.3 -5.2 -21.7 -44.4 11.5 
 
Note: 0.0 = less than 0.5 million EC$; - = zero.  a EC$2.7 = US$1.  Source: ECCB online in formation. Viewed at: http://www.eccb-cen tralbank.org/Stati stics/index.asp  
[12.12.13]. 
1.14.  As a member of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU), Dominica's monetary policy 
is under the responsibility of the Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB). 
The main goal of the monetary policy is to maintain price stability; this is pursued through the defence of a fixed exchange rate wi th the U.S. dollar (Common Report).
6  
1.2  Trade and Investment Flows 
1.15.  Between 2007 and 2012, Dominica's merchandise trade was relatively stable. Exports 
totalled US$35.3 million in 2012 (US$36.3 million in 2007), while imports reached a peak of 
US$246 million in 2008 before declining to US$194.7 million in 2012 (Tables A1.1 and A1.2). This 
resulted in an overall merchandise trade deficit of US$165 million. Dominica exports mainly to 
other CARICOM countries. In 2012, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Saint Kitts and Nevis 
accounted for nearly half of Dominica's exports (Chart 1.2).  
1.16.  Exports to the EU declined by half partly due to preference erosion in the banana sector and 
represented 10.9% of total exports in 2012 (Tab le A1.3). Within the EU, France and the 
United Kingdom are the main markets for Dominica's exports. The majority of exports are 
chemical and related products (Chart 1.1). During  the review period, exports of food and live 
animals declined sharply, and accounted only for 10% of total exports in 2012 (compared to 
32.6% in 2007).  
1.17.  The United States accounts for more than  a third of Dominica's imports, and remains the 
main source (Chart 1.2). Within the region, Trinidad and Tobago is the main partner, accounting 
for 17% of total imports in 2012. Imports from other CARICOM countries are relatively small 
(generally, less than 2%). The structure of Dominica's imports remained relatively stable during 
the review period. The share of food products and live animals in total imports increased by 
4.6 percentage points to 20.6%, while the share of machinery and transport equipment decreased 
from 21.8% to 16.7% in 2012. 
1.18.  Dominica's trade in services profile is in contrast with its goods counterpart: the trade 
balance was in surplus over the past decade. Between 2007 and 2011, imports of services 
increased by 6%, to US$67.5 million, while exports increased by 62.6% to US$162.8 million 
(Table 1.3). The trade in services balance was a surplus of US$95.3 million. Travel services 
account for the bulk of this surplus. Dominica is also a net exporter of telecommunications, and 
computer and information services.  
                                               
6 Since July 1976, the common currency (E.C. dollar) is pegged to the U.S. dollar at EC$2.70 to US$1. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  1.19.  The global downturn of 2009 affected Dominica through lower FDI. From a peak of 
US$43 million in 2009, FDI inflows were more than halved to US$23.2 million in 2012.7 No 
information on breakdown by sectors was available. 
Chart 1.1 Merchandise trade by SITC section, 2007 and 2012 
2007 2012
(a)    Exports and re-exports
Total: US$36 million
(b)    Im ports 
Total: US$196 million Total: US$195 millionTotal: US$35 millionBeverages, 
tobacco
2.4%Misc.manuf. 
articles
0.7%Machinery & 
transport 
equip.
0.9%Food & live 
animals
10.2%
Food & live 
animals
16.0%Food & live 
animals
32.6%Manufactured 
goods
0.5%Other
0.9%
Other
2.2%Other
4.5%Beverages, 
tobacco
1.4%
Crude materials
10.2%
Manufactured 
goods
1.9%Machinery & 
transport equip.
2.1%Misc.manuf. 
articles
19.9%
Beverages, 
tobacco
3.9%Beverages, 
tobacco
2.8%Food & live 
animals
20.6%
Crude materials
2.2%
Crude 
materials
2.6%Mineral fuels
17.2%
Mineral fuels
15.3%
Chemicals
10.1%
Chemicals
8.8%Manufactured 
goods
16.2%Manufactured 
goods
15.9%Machinery 
& transport 
equip.
21.8%Machinery & 
transport equip.
16.7%Misc.manuf. 
articles
11.5%Misc.manuf. 
articles
11.6%Crude materials
9.3%Chemicals
53.7%
Chemicals
53.3%
 
Source: Eastern Carribbean Central Bank (ECCB). 
                                               
7 UNCTAD (2013). World Investment Report 2013: Global Value Chains: Investment and Trade for 
Development.  New York and Geneva: United Nations. Viewed at: 
http://unctad.org/en/publicationslibrary/wir2013_en.pdf . WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  Chart 1.2 Merchandise trade, by main  destination and origin, 2007 and 2012 
2007 2012
(a)    Ex ports and re-ex ports
Total: US$36 million
(b)    Im ports 
Total: US$196 million Total: US$195 millionJamaica
20.0%
Total: US$35 millionSt Kitts & Nevis
4.2%United 
States
3.0%
Barbados
3.6%
Canada
2.3%United 
States
4.2%Trinidad & 
Tobago
8.2%
Other 
America
14.5%Others
4.5%
United States
35.7%
Other 
America
16.6%Europe
11.6%Japan
4.1%China
2.4%Other Asia
1.2%Others
1.5%
United 
States
36.8%
Canada
2.3%Other America
18.2%Europe
9.2%Japan
2.4%
China
2.4%Other 
Asia
0.9%Europe
10.9%
Europe
23.9%Asia
0.7%
Other America
27.2%Guyana
9.5%Trinidad & 
Tobago
18.8%
St Kitts & Nevis
14.3%Jamaica
16.2%
Trinidad & Tobago
23.1%Trinidad & 
Tobago
17.0%Colombia
1.4%
Colombia
2.0%Others
8.9%Guyana
4.9%Others
5.0%
Barbados
6.3%
 
Source: Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB); and UNSD Comtrade database. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  Table 1.3 Trade in services, 2007-11 
(US$ million)  
 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Exports   
Transportation 8.5 10.5 9.7 11.5 11.4 
Travel 66.3 81.8 84.1 95.1 112.8 
Construction services - - - - - 
Insurance services 8.8 9.2 5.7 6.1 6.3 
Financial services - - - - - 
Charges for use of intellectual property - - - 0.0 - 
Telecommunications, computer, and information 12.2 11.7 9.7 15.6 15.4 
Other business services 3.1 3.0 3.3 3.3 4.7 
Personal, cultural and recreational services - - - - - 
Government services 1.3 1.9 4.9 6.0 12.0 
Total 100.1 118.0 117.5 137.5 162.8
Imports   
Transportation 31.4 35.2 33.0 32.3 31.1 
Travel 10.6 11.1 12.8 12.9 12.6 
Construction services 3.3 3.3 1.8 0.7 0.5 
Insurance services 10.5 11.8 8.4 8.2 7.3 
Financial services - - - - - 
Charges for use of intellectual property 0.6 0.6 0.4 1.2 0.6 
Telecommunications, computer, and information 3.1 3.3 2.9 4.1 3.5 
Other business services 3.0 3.0 5.2 6.9 9.7 
Personal, cultural and recreational services - 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.3 
Government services 1.3 1.1 1.0 2.2 1.8 
Total 63.8 69.8 65.8 68.8 67.5
 
Note: - = zero.  Source: Central Statistics Office, "Trade in Services 2001-11", Ministry of Finance, Commonwealth of 
Dominica. 
1.3  Outlook 
1.20.  According to IMF estimates, growth is projected at 1.6% in 2014, supported by new public 
infrastructure projects, and recovery in the agriculture and tourism sectors.8 
1.21.  Over the medium term, the development of geothermal energy has the potential to 
transform the economy. A power plant is under construction, and its entry into operation by 2015 m a y  l e a d  t o  a  d e c r e a s e  b y  u p  t o  4 0 %  o f  t h e cost of electricity, thereby improving the 
competitiveness of the economy and attracting new investments. 
                                               
8 IMF (2013). WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  2  TRADE POLICY REGIME: FRAMEWORK AND OBJECTIVES 
2.1  General Constitutional and Legal Framework 2.1.  The Commonwealth of Dominica (Dominica) became an independent nation on 
3 November 1978. Executive authority is exercise d by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of 
Ministers. The President may be appointed jointl y by the Prime Minister and the parliamentary 
leader of the opposition. In case there is no cons ensus, the President is elected on the basis of a 
simple majority by secret ballot cast by members of the House of Assembly (the House). The 
President serves for a term of five years, renewable once. The current President took office in 
October 2013. The President appoints as Prime Minister an elected member of the House who appears likely to command the support of the majo rity of the other elected members. Cabinet is 
appointed by the President on the advice of th e Prime Minister, who has exclusive authority to 
determine the scope of ministerial portfolios and designations. Ministers are appointed from either 
elected members or from among those appointed as Senators. The Prime Minister and Cabinet 
have exclusive authority for signing and concluding treaties and international agreements. 
2.2.  The legislative authority is exercised by the House of Assembly. It has 30 members 
comprising one elected representative from each  of the 21 constituencies, and nine Senators, 
five appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister  a n d  f o u r  o n  t h e  a d v i c e  o f  t h e  l e a d e r  o f  t h e  
opposition. Legislative elections in Dominica were last held in December 2009. 
2.3.  In the hierarchy of domestic legislation, the Constitution is the supreme law and all other 
laws must conform to it, or are void to the extent of any inconsistencies. International agreements that have not been incorporated into domestic law may not be invoked before the courts and have 
no direct effect under Dominican law, except if the relevant legislation expressly states otherwise. 
The law-making process starts with the introduction of bills in Parliament. Members of Parliament (MPs) and ministers have the right to introduce bills. After introduction in Parliament, a bill goes 
through several stages: it is presented and published in a first reading, debated in a second 
reading, examined and amended by a committee, presented by the Speaker of the House, and 
accepted or rejected in a third reading. Bills be come law only after receiving the assent of the 
President and after publication in the official Government Gazette . This procedure applies to all 
laws. 
2.4.  The legal system is based on English common law. The administration of justice is vested in 
the judicial branch, which functions independentl y from the legislature and executive. At the 
lowest level of the judiciary system, magistrate courts deal with minor civil and criminal cases. The 
Supreme Court handles more serious cases. Appeals are handled, in first instance, by the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal. The London-based Judicial Committee of the Privy Council remains the 
final court of appeal for Dominica.  
2.5.  Dominica is party to the Agreement Establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). 
Established in 2005, the CCJ has two jurisdictions:  an exclusive jurisdiction for interpreting 
provisions of the Revised Treaty of Chaguarama s, and an appellate jurisdiction for municipal 
appeals from the member States. The authorities noted that Dominica is well on its way to acceding to the CCJ as its final appellate court. Dominica requested approval from the British Government to break from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. The British Government 
has responded on 6 January 2014 expressing that it  has "no objection." A Bill has been tabled in 
Parliament to enact the accession. 
2.2  Development and Administration of Trade Policy 
2.2.1  Main trade laws 
2.6.  Since its previous Review, Dominica has enabled or amended some legislation affecting its 
trade policy environment. These include laws related to customs, intellectual property rights, and 
government procurement (Table 2.1).  WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  Table 2.1 Major trade-related laws and regulations, 2013 
Description Legislation 
Foreign trade  Customs Act, 2010 
Customs Import and Export Tariffs Ordinance (Cap. 265) 
Tariff and Wharfage Dues  Act, Chapter 69:05 
Customs Environmental Charge Imposition Order, 1995  
Caribbean Free Trade Associ ation Act, Chapter 80:01 
Order of the Caribbean Community Act, 1992, Act 17 of 
1992 
Dominica Export and Import Agency Act, Chapter 82:01 
Supply Control (Restr icted Imports and Ex ports) Act No. 14 
of 2003 
Quality control Standards Act, 1999 
National Metrology Act, 2009, Act 5 of 2009 
Fresh Produce Export Quality Control Act, 2009 
Plant Protection and Quaran tine Act (Chap. 58:40)  
Fruit Trade Regulation Act, Chapter 82:03 
Pesticides Control Act, Chapter 40:10 
Investment/business environment  Supplies Control Ac t (Chap. 20:01) 
Invest Dominica Authority Act 2007, Act 9 of 2007 
Excise Tax Act, 2005 Value Added Tax Act, 2005, Act 7 of 2005 
Income Tax Act, Chapter 67:01 
Mines and Minerals Act, 1996 
Government procurement Finance and Audit Act, Chapter 63:01 
Public Procurement and Contract Act, 2012 
Intellectual property rights Copyright Act, 2003 
Marks, Collective Marks and Trade Names Act 1999 
Trade Unions Act, Chapter 89:03 
Patents Act,1999 (latest amendment by SRO 43 of 2008) 
Protection of New Varieties of Plants Act, 1999  Geographical Indications Regulations, 2008, SRO 46 of 
2008 
Services  Telecommunications Act,2000  
Banking Act, 2005 
Insurance Act, 2012 
International Business Companies Act, 1996 
Financial Intelligence Unit Act, 2011 
Exempt Insurance Act, 1997 
Financial Services Unit Act, 2008, Act 18 of 2008 
Co-operatives Societies (Amendment) Act, 2003 
Discover Dominica Authority Act, 2007 
Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority Act, 2006 
International Maritime Act, 2000 
Electricity Supply Act, 2006 
Financial Services Unit Act, 2008 
 Source: Information provided by the authorities. 
2.3  Trade Policy Objectives 
2.7.  Dominica's trade policy objectives have remained broadly unchanged since the previous 
Review. The main goal is to maximize exports and export earnings in order to improve the WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
- 125 - 
 
  country's balance-of-trade position. This goal is pursued through competitiveness-improving and 
marketing-assistance and promotion programmes.  
2.8.  Dominica views participation in the WTO as critical, in light of concerns about preference 
erosion and its effects on banana exports an d on agriculture more generally. Dominica's 
engagement in the Doha Round, in particular, is viewed as a priority. To this end, Dominica has 
sought to deepen cooperation with OECS-WTO Members in order to overcome significant constraints in financial and human resources related to trade policy formulation and 
implementation. Dominica is committed to deepening trade integration at the regional level, with 
other OECS and CARICOM countries. 
2.9.  The Ministry of Employment, Trade, Industry  and Diaspora Affairs formulates and coordinates 
trade policy, while the Ministry of Finance and Pla nning, in cooperation with the Division of Trade, 
is responsible for tariff issues (Table 2.2). 
Table 2.2 Ministries and agencies dealing with trade 
Government Ministry/Agency Area of responsibility 
Ministry of Employment, Trade, 
Industry and Diaspora Affairs All trade issues, WTO coordination, OECS, CARICOM affairs, FTAA, and 
price controls 
Ministry of Finance and Planning Economic planning and monitoring, regulation of the financial sector, 
fiscal policy, debt management, trade facilitation, tariffs and other 
customs duties, import controls, and customs valuation 
Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Private Sector Relations Tourism policy formulation and implementation, and industrial policy 
implementation and formulation 
Customs and Excise Division Trade facilitation, and implementation of border taxes and measures 
The Bureau of Standards Development and implementation of standards 
Ministry of Health Food safety issues  
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Agricultural policy formulation and implementation and research; 
implementation of the SPS Agreement 
 
Source: Information provided by the authorities. 
2.4  Foreign Investment Regime 
2.10.  Dominica's investment regime did not change substantially during the period under review. 
Foreign investment policy is under the responsibility of the Ministry of Employment, Trade, 
I n d u s t r y  a n d  D i a s p o r a  A f f a i r s ,  a n d  I n v e s t  D o m i n i c a  A u t h o r i t y .  T h e  G o v e r n m e n t ' s  s t r a t e g y  i s  t o  attract foreign investors by offering various incentive schemes. 
2.11.  In general, foreign investments in Dominica are not subject to any restriction, except those 
under the Alien Landholding Act, 1995. The Act defines rules governing land acquisition by individuals or corporate bodies that are not from  one of the CARICOM countries. They are required 
to obtain a land-holding licence in order to acquire land for residential purposes (of one acre or 
more) or commercial purposes (three acres and more).
9 In any land acquisition, the alien must 
pay a fee equivalent to 10% of the market value of the land to the Government. Foreign investors 
can be exempted from this requirement for projects declared as approved under the Fiscal 
Incentives Act, provided that they are in one of the following sectors: housing, industry, tourism, 
forestry, fisheries, or agriculture. Foreign investors are subject to bona fides checks and verification of the validity of their project funding. 
2.12.  Foreign investors may hold up to 100% of an investment. There is no restriction on the 
repatriation of dividends, to the extent of the foreign participation in the company. Foreign investment profits are subject to a 30% tax rate for individuals and companies, an exemption is 
granted under the Fiscal Incentives Act. 
                                               
9 Invest Dominica online information. Viewed at: http://www.investdominica.com/the-ida-full-guide-to-
doing-business-in-dominica/purchase-of-land/non-nationals-wishing-to-purchase-landproperty/ . WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
- 126 - 
 
  2.13.  The incentives regime is governed chiefly by Fiscal Incentives Act Cap 84:51 of the Revised 
Laws 1990; the Hotel Aids Act Cap 85, Vol. 4 of  the Revised Laws of Dominica; the Income Tax 
Act, Cap 61, Vol. 1 of the Revised Laws; and the Value Added Tax Act No. 7 of 2005. The Fiscal Incentives Act and the Hotels Aid Act are currently under review; the intended reform is to 
eliminate any element of export subsidy before th e end of 2015, in accordance with the extension 
granted under Article 27.4 of the SCM Agreement. In  this respect, the authorities have indicated 
that they are currently in consultations with the single beneficiary, Colgate Palmolive, and that the 
Ministry of Legal Affairs has been informed of th e amendments to be made to the Fiscal Incentives 
Act and Parliamentary action is awaited. Dominica welcomes investment in any sector of the economy. However, the Government places a part icular emphasis on: tourism, manufacturing, 
agriculture, agri-processing, and information technology. Horizontal incentives for foreign investors 
are also in place with respect to exemptions from foreign exchange remittance limitations under 
the Foreign Exchange Control Act.  
2.14.  Dominica has bilateral investment treaties with Germany and the United Kingdom. It has 
double taxation treaties with Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Arrangements to 
prevent double taxation of income are in place with other CARICOM countries. Dominica has signed agreements on tax-related exchange of information with: Australia, Belgium, Canada, 
Denmark, Faeroes Islands, Finland, France, Ge rmany, Greenland, Iceland, Netherland, Norway, 
New Zealand, Portugal, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
10 
2.15.  The Economic Citizenship Programme provid es foreign investors with the possibility to 
acquire citizenship if they invest between US$100 000 and US$200 000 (depending on their family 
size) in certain selected sectors. Priority is given to tourism, information technology, and 
agriculture. The authorities have indicated that investment under this programme in 2007-13 totalled EC$133.6 million (US$49.5 million), of wh ich EC$40.5 million in 2012 and EC$38.5 million 
in 2013. 
2.5  Trade Agreements and Arrangements 2.5.1  World Trade Organization 
2.16.  Dominica is an original WTO Member. It applies at least MFN treatment to all its trading 
partners. Under the GATS, Dominica made initial commitments on tourism, recreational, communication, and financial services. 
2.17.  During the period under review, Dominica made a few notifications to the WTO, covering, 
inter alia , its fiscal incentives programme, its imports licensing regime, and some technical 
regulations (Table 2.3). However, notifications in some areas, such as agriculture, and sanitary 
and phytosanitary measures are still lagging. 
Table 2.3 Notifications to the WTO, 2006-13
 
WTO 
Agreement Description of the requirement periodicity Latest notification/ 
date 
Agreement on the Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994 (Anti-dumping Agreement) 
Article 16.4 and 
16.5 Absence of an authority competent to 
initiate and conduct investigations, and no 
AD action taken  G/ADP/N/193/DMA 
30/6/2010 
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 
Article 
XXIV:7(a)  Free Trade Areas (CARIFORUM-EU EPA) Ad hoc S/C/N/469/Rev.1 
WT/REG255/N/1/Rev 1 
24/10/2008 
 
S/C/N/469 
WT/REG255/N/1 
20/10/2008 
Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures 
Article 25.1 and 
GATT 1994 
Article XVI:I Notification and extension of the Fiscal 
Incentives Programme  G/SCM/N/253/DMA 
G/SCM/N/260/DMA 
29/8/2013 
                                               
10 Tax Information Exchange Act (Chap. 67:02): Tax Information Exchange Order, 2011. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  WTO 
Agreement Description of the requirement periodicity Latest notification/ 
date 
Article 25.1 and 
GATT 1994 Article XVI:I Notification and extension of the Fiscal 
Incentives Programme  G/SCM/N/155/DMA 
G/SCM/N/177/DMA 4/9/2008 
Articles 25.11 
and 25.12 Absence of an authority competent to 
initiate and conduct investigations, and no 
countervailing action taken  G/SCM/N/202/DMA 
11/4/2011 
Article 27.4 Fiscal Incentives Programme annual G/SCM/N/243/DMA 
2/10/2012 
Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade 
Article 5.6.2 Standards specification for the labelling of 
brewery products, food products, textiles, cigarettes, electrical appliances Ad hoc G/TBT/N/DMA/11 
4/3/2008 
Agreement on Import Licensing 
Article 7.3 Replies to the questionnaire on import 
licensing procedures  Ad hoc G/LIC/N/3/DMA/2 
6/12/2006 
General Agreement on Trade and Services (GATS) 
Article V:7(a) Regional Tr ade Agreement (CARIFORUM-
EU EPA)  Ad hoc S/C/N/469/Rev.1 
WT/REG255/N/1/Rev1 24/10/2008  S/C/N/469 WT/REG255/N/1 20/10/2008 
 Source: WTO Secretariat. 
2.18.  Dominica has not been involved as a complainant or a defendant in any case before the 
Dispute Settlement Body. It has been a third party in three cases: European Communities – 
Regime for the Importation, Sale and Distribution of Bananas ; United States – Sections 301-310 of 
the Trade Act 1974 ; and United States – Import Measures on Certain Products from the European 
Communities.11  
2.5.2  Regional agreements 2.19.  Dominica is a founding me mber of CARICOM and the OECS (C ommon Report). It cooperates 
with the OECS members on trade policy formulation and negotiations, and a number of areas, 
such as telecommunications, competition policy, and international relations. Dominica ratified the 
revised Treaty of Basseterre Establishing the OECS Economic Union in 2011, and has completed the legal and administrative processes for the free circulation of people under the Treaty. Dominica 
views its participation in regional trade arrangements as a springboard into the wider global 
economy. In addition to the economic benefits from deeper economic integration with CARICOM members, Dominica's participation in the OECS and in CARICOM has enabled it to share the 
human and technical resources of other member states, to benefit from greater political influence 
in a number of fora, and to better participate in a range of international negotiations (through the Caribbean regional negotiating machinery). 
2.20.  Dominica enjoys preferential access to the EU market under the CARIFORUM-EC EPA. As 
part of CARIFORUM (a negotiating partnership involving CARICOM and the Dominican Republic) 
Dominica signed an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU in 2008 (Common Report). The EPA, although in force, is still in the process of full implementation on the part of 
Dominica and other OECS countries, requiring a number of legal and institutional changes 
(Common Report). As at early 2014, Dominica had implemented administratively the 2011 tariff reductions under the EPA, and was awaiting the passing of a Standing Order to put into effect the 
subsequent cuts in the Schedule of tariff reductions. A number of exports from Dominica also 
benefit from preferences granted under the U.S. Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI). Dominica has preferential access to the Canadian market through CARIBCAN, mainly for processed foods and fresh vegetables. Through its participation in CARICOM, Dominica is currently negotiating a 
CARICOM/Canada Trade and Development Agreement. Exports under  CARIBCAN totalled 
EC$165,462 in 2013.  
                                               
11 For more information, see WTO Disp ute Settlement Gateway. Viewed at: 
http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/dispu_e/dispu_e.htm#disputes . WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
- 128 - 
 
  2.21.  Products from Dominica are eligible for the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) 
schemes of Australia, Canada, the European Union,  Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Switzerland, and 
the United States. The range of eligible products varies according to each country's scheme. 
 WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  3  TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE 
3.1  Measures Directly Affecting Imports  3.1.1  Procedures 3.1.  Import procedures are regulated mainly by  the Customs Act, 2010. There are no particular 
registration requirements for importers of commercial goods, except to obtain a VAT identification 
number. It is mandatory to use the services of a customs broker for commercial imports. The list of licensed brokers is published annually in the Gazette . 
3.2.  The Single Administrative Document (SAD) is the main document required for the customs 
declaration. It comprises one main document and four other forms, to be completed electronically through the ASYCUDA system. Other required documents include an invoice and a bill of lading or airway bill, and, depending on the nature of the import: a certificate of origin; FT1 101 form to 
obtain duty-free exemptions; FT1 104 form to ob tain duty-free exemptions for the vehicles of 
returning residents; import licence; health permit; delivery note; packing list; insurance certificate; contract of sale; proof of payment;  proof of exportation of goods re-imported; and 
proof of warranty and exportation (for goods under warranty that are imported). Any supporting 
documents must be scanned and uploaded as part of the declaration. 
3.3.  The Customs and Excise Division of the Mini stry of Finance is responsible for the control and 
the management of the customs clearance of g oods. Once the declaration is assessed, the 
importer may pay the fees at any authorized Customs office. With the introduction of the pre-payment account facility in December 2011, assessment and payment may be done simultaneously, and there may be no need to go to a Customs cashier. An examining officer then 
assesses the risk and assigns the goods to one of the selectivity lanes. Goods assigned to the 
Blue/Green Lane can be released without further check. Goods in the Yellow Lane are subject only to a documentary examination. In the Red Lane, a physical examination is executed in addition to 
the documentary check. The importer is notified via email when goods are ready for release, or if 
any further documents are required. The customs clearance procedures take, on average, one-and-a-half days. 
3.4.  Appeals may be brought to the Customs Appeal Commission  by serving a notice of appeal 
within 30 days of the notification of a decision by the Comptroller of Customs. The Commission has 
the powers of a subordinate court with respect to enforcement of witnesses' attendance, the 
hearing of evidence on oath, and punishment for contempt. At appeal, the commissioners may 
increase, decrease, or confirm the amount of duty  d u e .  I f  u n s a t i s f i e d  b y  t h e  d e c i s i o n  o f  t h e  
commissioners, the importer may appeal to the High Court or the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal. The authorities have indicated that most appeals are in the area of valuation. 
3.5.  Dominica is not a member of the World Customs Organization. It is a member of the 
Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC),  from which it receives technical assistance. 
3.1.2  Customs valuation and rules of origin 
3.6.  Dominica did not invoke the special and differential treatment provisions in Article 20 of the 
Customs Valuation Agreement (CVA). It has not responded to the WTO checklist of issues on customs valuation. Dominica's legislation incorporates the GATT Customs Valuation Code. According to the authorities, the methods of valu ation contained in the CVA are used by customs 
officers. Where there are concerns about the declared value, the good may be released upon 
payment of duty calculated by the customs valuation, and a review undertaken. If the importer was correct, the difference is refunded. 
3.7.  No minimum prices are used for valuation purposes. However, reference prices based on 
international lists, catalogues, or previous import values, are used for about 5% of shipments. This applies mostly to vehicles and other high-duty items that are more susceptible to under-invoicing. 
The authorities have indicated that these goods are valued in accordance with Schedule 2 of the 
Customs Act of 2010. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  3.8.  Dominica has notified its preferential rules of origin to the WTO.12 It does not have any 
non-preferential rules of origin. Dominica adopted the rules of origin introduced by CARICOM in 1998. Duty-free treatment is granted only if the g oods satisfy the origin criteria, and are shipped 
directly from another member State (Common Re port). Dominica, like other CARICOM members, 
was initially expected to implement the rules of origin contained in the amended schedule I of the 
Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, based on the 2012 HS as from 1 January 2013. However, these rules have not yet been implemented.  
3.9.  Dominica also applies the rules of origin included in the CARIFORUM-EC EPA 
(Common Report). 
3.1.3  Tariffs  3.1.3.1  MFN applied tariff structure 
3.10.  Dominica grants at least MFN treatment to all its trading partners. The tariff is based on 
CARICOM's Common External Tariff (Common Report ), with exceptions included in Lists of 
Exc e p tions  A  and  C of the  CET . G oods  in L is t A may b e  imp orte d  at rates  b e low the  CET , and 
goods in List C, at rates higher than the CET. Wi th the introduction of the OECS Economic Union in 
2011, tariff changes are, in principle, under the responsibility of the OECS Economic Affairs Council. However, at the time of this Review, the Government still retains authority to change 
tariffs within the limits of the CET. Upon appr oval of a request from the CARICOM Secretary 
General. 
3.11.  Dominica's 2013 tariff is based on the 2007 Harmonized System. All tariff rates are 
ad valorem . The 2013 tariff comprised 6,359 tariff lines at the ten-digit level (Table 3.1).  
Table 3.1 Structure of the tariff schedule in Dominica, 2006 and 2013 
Description 2006 2013 
Total number of tariff lines 6,479 6,359 
Non-ad valorem  tariffs (% of all tariff lines) 0.0 0.0 
Non-ad valorem  with no AVEs (% of all tariff lines) 0.0 0.0 
Lines subject to tariff quotas (% of all tariff lines) 0.0 0.0 
Duty free tariff lines (% of all tariff lines) 22.0 22.4 
Dutiable lines tariff average rate (%) 15.6 15.9 
Simple average tariff (%) 12.2 12.3 
  WTO agriculture 25.8 26.9 
  WTO non-agriculture (including petroleum) 9.5 9.5 
  Agriculture, hunting, fo restry and fishing (ISIC 1) 23.1 24.8 
  Mining and quarrying (ISIC 2) 6.1 6.2 
  Manufacturing (ISIC 3) 11.5 11.6 
  First stage of processing 17.8 18.9 
  Semi-processed products 5.0 5.1 
  Fully processed products 14.7 14.6 
Domestic tariff "peaks" (% of all tariff lines) a 7.9 8.3 
International tariff "peaks" (% of all tariff lines) b 27.8 27.8 
Overall standard deviation 19.4 19.8 
Nuisance applied rates (% of tariff lines) c 0.0 0.0 
Bound tariff lines (% of all tariff lines) 93.2 92.7 
a Domestic tariff peaks are defined as those exceed ing three times the overall average applied  rate. 
b International tariff peaks are defined as those exceeding 15%. 
c Nuisance rates are greater than 0% but inferior or equal to 2%.  Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on da ta provided by the authorities of Dominica. 
                                               
12 WTO document G/RO/N/24, 15 January 1999. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  3.12.  Tariff rates range from 0 to 165% (Table 3.2). The highest rate applied on agricultural 
products is 150%, which corresponds to the final rate bound in the WTO. In the case of industrial products, competing imports from non-CARICOM countries are subject to (non-CET) rates between 50% and 165%, for products not bound in the WTO. The highest rate applies to, inter alia , 
enamels, paints, and varnishes.  
Table 3.2 Summary analysis of the MFN tariff, 2013 
Description No. of 
lines Average
(%) Range
(%) Coefficient 
of variation Final bound
Average
(%) 
Total 6,359 12.3 0 - 165 1.6 61.5
HS 01-24 1,131 28.6 0 - 150 1.1 116.5
HS 25-97 5,228 8.8 0 - 165 1.5 50.9
By WTO category  
WTO Agriculture 1,028 26.9 0 - 150 1.3 115.8
 - Animals and products thereof 150 19.3 0 - 40 0.8 114.7
 - Dairy products 24 6.3 0 - 20 1.0 100.0
 - Fruit, vegetables and plants 306 29.0 0 - 150 1.0 113.2
 - Coffee and tea 29 30.2 0 - 135 1.3 122.4
 - Cereals and preparations 125 18.3 0 - 135 1.0 115.6
 - Oil seeds, fats and oils and their products 97 17.1 0 - 40 1.1 117.7
 - Sugars and confectionary 21 21.9 5 - 40 0.7 114.3
 - Beverages, spirits and tobacco 118 77.9 0 - 150 0.7 136.9
 - Cotton 6 0.0 0 - 0 .. 100.0
 - Other agricultural products n.e.s. 152 8.2 0 - 40 1.5 107.0
WTO Non-agriculture (including petroleum) 5,331 9.5 0 - 165 1.5 50.0
 - WTO Non-agriculture (excluding petroleum) 5,304 9.6 0 - 165 1.5 50.0
 - - Fish and fishery products 181 27.4 0 - 40 0.6 100.0
 - - Minerals and metals 1,116 7.2 0 - 35 1.0 50.0
 - - Chemicals and photographic supplies 1,025 10.1 0 - 165 2.4 50.1
 - - Wood, pulp, paper and furniture 335 9.6 0 - 40 0.9 50.0
 - - Textiles 642 6.4 0 - 30 1.0 50.0
 - - Clothing 277 19.6 5 - 20 0.1 50.0
 - - Leather, rubber, footwear and travel 
 goods 179 8.9 0 - 20 0.9 50.0
 - - Non-electric machinery 591 3.9 0 - 60 1.8 50.0
 - - Electric machinery 272 9.3 0 - 30 0.8 50.0
 - - Transport equipment 197 10.4 0 - 40 1.1 50.0
 - - Non-agriculture articles n.e.s. 489 12.6 0 - 50 0.8 50.0
 - Petroleum 27 5.7 0 - 20 1.3 50.0
By ISIC sectora  
Agriculture and fisheries 420 24.8 0 - 150 1.0 104.5
Mining 107 6.2 0 - 35 1.2 50.0
Manufacturing 5,831 11.6 0 - 165 1.7 59.0
By HS section  
 01 Live animals & products 337 23.5 0 - 90 0.8 107.7
 02 Vegetable products 384 23.4 0 - 150 1.1 113.9
 03 Fats & oils 53 28.2 0 - 40 0.6 134.0
 04 Prepared food etc. 357 39.0 0 - 150 1.2 121.5
 05 Minerals 188 5.7 0 - 20 0.9 50.0
 06 Chemical & products 945 10.2 0 - 165 2.5 53.3
 07 Plastics & rubbe r 258 7.3 0 - 20 1.0 50.0
 08 Hides & skins 80 8.3 0 - 20 1.1 56.4
 09 Wood & articles 133 10.4 0 - 20 0.6 50.0
 10 Pulp, paper etc. 178 7.0 0 - 20 1.1 50.0
 11 Textile & articles 903 9.9 0 - 20 0.8 51.4
 12 Footwear, headgea r 60 15.8 0-2 0 0.4 50.0
 13 Articles of stone 186 9.4 0 - 20 0.7 50.0
 14 Precious stones, etc. 62 17.4 0 - 35 0.8 50.0
 15 Base metals & products 713 6.5 0 - 20 0.9 50.0
 16 Machinery 883 5.8 0 - 60 1.3 50.0WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  Description No. of 
lines Average
(%) Range
(%) Coefficient 
of variation Final bound
Average
(%) 
 17 Transport equipment 208 10.1 0 - 40 1.1 50.0
 18 Precision equipment 229 9.2 0 - 30 0.9 50.0
 19 Arms and ammunition 26 29.4 0 - 50 0.6 50.0
 20 Miscellaneous manufactures 168 15.7 0 - 40 0.5 50.0
 21 Works of art, etc. 8 20.0 20 - 20 0.0 50.0
By stage of processing  
First stage of processing 804 18.9 0 - 150 1.2 87.7
Semi-processed products 1,871 5.0 0 - 40 1.0 52.9
Fully-processed products 3,684 14.6 0 - 165 1.6 60.8
 
a ISIC (Rev.2) classification, excluding electricity (1 line).  Source: WTO Secretariat estimates, based on da ta provided by the authorities of Dominica. 
3.13.  Duty-free treatment applies to 22.4% of tari ff lines (Chart 3.1). Some 27.8% of tariff lines 
are subject to international peaks, and 8.3% to domestic peaks. 
3.14.  Dominica does not use tariff quotas. Since 2006, Irish potatoes (HS 0701.90) have been 
subject to a seasonal tariff, with the "in-season" tariff (i.e., from February to June) of 150%, and the "off-season" tariff of 10%. 
Chart 3.1 Frequency distribution of MFN tariff rates, 2013 
(22.4%)(40.1%)
(4.4%)(5.3%)(18.0%)
(0.3%)(0.8%) (0.4%)(5.7%)
(2.6%)
0102030405060708090100
05001,0001,5002,0002,5003,000
D u t y  f r e e 5 1 01 52 02 53 03 54 0 > 4 0Number of tariff linesaPer cent
Cumulative %
Number of lines (% of total)
 
 
a The total number of lines is 6,359. 
 Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities of Dominica. 
3.1.4  Other charges affecting imports 
3.15.  In addition to customs duties, the Govern ment levies a customs service charge (CSC), a 
value added tax (VAT), an excise tax, and an environmental surcharge. 
3.16.  The CSC is applied at a rate of 3% on the c.i.f. value of all imports. Goods imported by the 
Government, military forces, diplomatic missions, and international organizations and their 
personnel, and petroleum products are exempted from the CSC.  
3.17.  The VAT applies to most items at the rate of 15%. The tax base comprises the c.i.f. value of 
goods and all other duties and charges. Basic food products (rice, flour, sugar, milk, infant WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
- 133 - 
 
  formula) and fuel are zero-rated. New enterprises benefiting from incentives under the Fiscal 
Incentives Act, and the Hotels Aid Act, may obtain a VAT exemption on initial capital, goods investments. Other exemptions include some approved goods imported by churches; vehicles purchased by diplomats; bona-fide unsolicited goods not exceeding EC$75 in value; goods 
imported by Dominicans returning home for permanent residence; and goods imported by 
diplomatic missions and international organizations.
13 
3.18.  The excise tax is levied on some alcoholic beverages and tobacco, fuels, and motor vehicles 
(Table 3.3).14 The tax is ad valorem  and applies to imported and locally manufactured goods. Its 
base comprises the c.i.f. value of goods and any other payable duty (excluding the VAT). 
3.19.  Pursuant to the Solid Waste Management Act 2002, an environmental surcharge applies to 
most imported goods at a specific or an ad valorem  rate, depending on the item (Table 3.3). Raw 
materials and packaging materials are exempted if  imported for one of the following purposes: 
manufacture of goods by locally registered manuf acturers; manufacture of goods for export; and 
goods for use in the agriculture sector. Other exempted products include milk, sugar, flour, rice, 
and pharmaceuticals. The surcharge does not apply to domestically produced goods. 
Table 3.3 Rates of the excise ta x and the environmental surcharge 
Charge and item Rates 
Excise tax 
 Alcoholic beverages EC$1.25 per litre on HS 2203.00.10-2203.00.90 (beer, stout, other);  
EC$1.20 per litre on HS 22.04 and 22.05 (wine and vermouth);  
EC$0.28 per litre on HS 2206.00.10, 2206.00.90 (shandy, other);  
EC$8.50 per litre on HS 2208.20.00, 2208.50.00, 2208.60.00 (brandy, gin & 
Geneva, vodka);  
EC$12.50 per litre on HS 2208.30.00 (whiskey);  
EC$2.60 per litre on HS 2208.40.00, 2208.70.00, 2208.90.90 (rum & taffia, liqueurs 
& cordials, other). 
 Tobacco products EC$22.00 per kg. 
 Fuels EC$0.45 per kg on petroleum gases (L PG) and other gaseous hydrocarbons. 
 Motor vehicles 15% on HS 87.02 (motor vehicles for the tr ansport of ten or more persons including 
the driver);  
15% on HS 87.11 (motor cycles);  
28% on HS 87.03 and 87.04 (motor cars and motor vehicles for transport of goods). 
Environmental surcharge 
 Motor vehicles:  Less than 5 years old: 1%  of the c.i.f. value + duties and charges. 
Over 5 years old: EC$3,000.00 per unit. 
 Other goods EC$10.00 per unit on used tyres;  
EC$20.00 per unit on used refrigerators;  
EC$20.00 per unit on used freezers;  
EC$10.00 per unit on electric accumulators (batteries); 
1.5% on goods in containers made of plasti c, glass, metal, paperboard or wood; 1% 
on all other goods. 
 
Source: Dominica Customs and Excise Division (undated), Handbook for Import and Export Procedures In 
the Commonwealth of Dominica . Viewed at: 
http://www.investdominica.dm/Customs%20I mport%20and%20Export %20Procedures1.doc ; and 
information supplied by the authorities. 
                                               
13 Goods exempted from the VAT include: gifts of good s to an approved charitable organization, other 
than for purposes of re-sale; unconditi onal gifts of goods (other than for re -sale) consigned to the State; goods 
referred to in paragraph X in the List of Conditional Du ty Exemptions specified in the Second Schedule of the 
Customs Import and Export Tariffs ( Amendment) Order 2001 (SRO 18 of 2001); motor vehicles imported by natural persons on change of perman ent residence; imported goods or goods produced or manufactured in 
Dominica, that were exported and thereafter reimport ed, without having been subjected to any process of 
manufacture or adaptation and without a permanent ch ange of ownership; unsoli cited gifts which do not 
exceed EC$75, excluding goods contained in passenger’s baggage, wine, spirit and manufactured tobacco; goods shipped or conveyed to Dominica for transhipment  or conveyance to any ot her country; goods imported 
by Dominicans returning home for permanent residence, or upon retu rn from studies abroad; and goods 
imported by diplomatic missions and internat ional organizations (inclusive of vehicles). 
14 The application of the excise tax is regulated by the First Schedule of Excise Tax Act 8 of 2005 and 
the Excise Tax (Amendment) Order 2008. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  3.1.5  Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing 
3.20.  The Customs Act 2010 lists goods subject to import prohibition or restriction (Table 3.4). 
These prohibitions or restrictions are generally for health and safety reasons, to safeguard the Dominican public, or to curb the illegal use and import of certain products. Goods originating from 
Iraq are prohibited.  
3.21.  Dominica's import-licensing regime is regulated by the Supplies Control (Restricted Imports 
and Exports) Order, 2003. It is administered by the Ministry of Employment, Trade, Industry and 
Diaspora Affairs, and was notified to the WTO in 2001.
15 Dominica responded to the WTO 
questionnaire on import-licensing procedures in 2006.16 The authorities indicated that some 
150 licenses are granted in any particular year. 
3.22.  Licences are applied generally on restricted imports and on: liquefied petroleum gas (butane 
and propane) except for domestic use; diesel, petroleum spirits, kerosene, aviation fuel, 
acetylene; oxygen; sulphuric acid; kerosene oil and other petroleum products; spirits and wine; tobacco, cigarette, cigarillos or cigars. The licensing regime is used to manage the import of 
products subject to priority sourcing conditions (Table 3.4). 
Table 3.4 Goods subject to prohibitions, lic ensing, or other restrictions or import 
requirements, 2013  
Category Products Legal authority 
Prohibited goods  All gold and silver articles of foreign manufacture 
bearing imitations of British assay marks, or bearing British assay marks not complying with the standard indicated by the mark Substandard coins of lega l tender in Dominica 
Food declared by the authorities as unfit for human consumption 
Indecent or obscene articles 
Infected animals, or their carcasses, hides, and skins Pistols in the form of styl ographic pens or pencils 
Any goods bearing the coat of arms of Dominica Fictitious stamps Any other goods prohibited by law Customs Act 2010, 
Schedule 3, Part I  
Restricted imports Arms and ammunition (written permission of the 
Commissioner of Police is required) 
Cannabis (sativa or indica), indica, choras, ganja (and 
any preparation or mixture of) 
Gunpowder, blasting powder, detonators and high 
explosives: except for the use of the Government 
Imitation banknotes 
Kerosene and petroleum products (with a flash point 
below 73°F) 
Spirits and wines (unless packed in containers of one 
gallon or more) 
Tobacco, cigars, cigarillos or cigarettes (unless 
imported by parcel post, in  packages of no less than 
20lbs of tobacco) 
Cigarette making appliances 
All other goods the importation of which is restricted 
by any other enactment  (Customs Act 2010, 
Schedule 3, Part II) 
Goods that may be 
imported only under licence from the Ministry in charge of trade  Liquefied petroleum gas (butane and propane) except 
for domestic use Diesel, petroleum spirits, kerosene, aviation fuel, acetylene Oxygen Sulphuric acid Kerosene oil and other petroleum products with a flash point below 73 degrees F Spirits and wine Tobacco, cigarette, cigarillos or cigars Noxious and Dangerous 
Substances Control Act No. 4 of 1982;  
Customs Control and 
Management Act 
                                               
15 WTO documents G/LIC/N/1/DMA/1, 23 February 2001; and G/LIC/N/3/DMA/1, 23 February 2001. 
16 WTO document G/LIC/N/3/DMA/2, 6 December 2006. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  Category Products Legal authority 
Import licence 
required if imported 
from any non-
member of 
CARICOM Potatoes, fresh or chilled 
Footwear with upper straps  of thongs assembled to 
the sole by means of plugs of rubber or plastic Supplies Control 
(Restricted Imports and 
Exports) Order No. 14 of 
2003 
Import licence if 
imported from any country other than a CARICOM LDC Wheat flour 
Oxygen Carbon dioxide Candles of paraffin wax  Supplies Control 
(Restricted Imports and Exports) Order No. 14 of 2003 
Licence from the 
Commissioner of 
Police Arms and ammunition 
Gunpowder, blasting powder, detonators, high 
explosives of any description 
Fireworks Firearms Act of 1973 
imported by the Government of Dominica only Tear gas Customs Control and 
Management Act 
Permission of the 
Minister of Finance Cigarette-making applianc e, whether machine or 
paper Customs Control and 
Management Act 
Health certificate 
and a sanitary 
certificate  Live animals 
Meat of animals, poultry or  bird carcasses and parts 
thereof Animals Act Chap. 61:02 
Import permit and a 
phytosanitary 
certificate  Plants, vegetables, fruit  and plant products Plant Protection and 
Quarantine Act No. 19 of 
1986 
Import permit and a 
registration with Pesticide Control Board Pesticides Plant Protection and 
Quarantine Act No. 19 of 1986 
 Source: Dominica Customs and Excise Division (undated), Handbook for Import and Export Procedures in the 
Commonwealth of Dominica . Viewed at: 
http://www.investdominica.dm/Customs%20I mport%20and%20Export %20Procedures1.doc , 
supplemented by additional informat ion supplied by the authorities. 
3.1.6  Contingency measures 
3.1.6.1  Anti-dumping and countervailing measures 
3.23.  The Customs Duties (Dumping and Subsidies) Act No. 14 of 1959 remains the main 
legislation on the use of anti-dumping and countervailing measures. It was notified to the WTO 1999.
17 The Act authorizes the imposition of duties  where goods imported are considered dumped 
or subsidized, and if it is determined that it is in the interest of Dominica to impose such duties, in 
addition to customs duties. In accordance with th e Act, the application of these duties has to be 
consistent with the GATT 1947.  
3.24.  In 2010, the authorities notified the WT O of the absence of an authority competent to 
initiate and conduct investigations.18 The situation has not changed.  
3.1.6.2  Safeguards 
3.25.  Dominica did not avail itself of the spec ial safeguard provisions of the WTO Agreement on 
Agriculture, or of the right to use the transitional safeguard mechanism in the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing. Dominica has notified the WTO that it does not have any legislation with 
                                               
17 WTO documents G/ADP/N/1/DMA/1 and G/SCM/N/1/DMA/1, 8 June 1999. 
18 WTO document G/ADP/N/193/DMA , 30 June 2010. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
- 136 - 
 
  respect to safeguards.19 However, the authorities note that, at the multilateral level, Dominica 
follows WTO safeguard rules. 
3.26.  The rules governing the use of safeguards are set at CARICOM level. As a less developed 
CARICOM country, Dominica may invoke the special provisions in Chapter 7 of the Revised Treaty 
of Chaguaramas, in particular Article 150, when necessary, to impose safeguard measures. These 
provisions entitle a disadvantaged country to limi t imports of goods from other member States for 
up to three years, and to take such other measures as COTED may authorize. Dominica did not 
make use of any safeguard measures during  the period covered by this Review.  
3.1.7  Standard and other technical regulations 3.27.  The Dominica Bureau of Standards (DBOS) is the National Standards Body as mandated by 
Standards Act No. 4 of 1999. It is responsible for developing, applying, and monitoring standards 
and technical regulations. It has been notified as the national enquiry point for the TBT 
Agreement. The DBOS is under the responsibility of the Ministry of Employment, Trade, Industry 
and Diaspora Affairs and its general administration is guided by a 14-member National Standards 
Council (NSC) appointed by the Minister. On th e recommendation of the DBOS, the Minister may 
declare a specification or draft standard to be a national standard. The authorities indicated that 
standards incorporated into directives and laws, generally become compulsory standards, all of 
which are technical regulations. 
3.28.  The authorities indicated that standards are prepared under the guidelines of Articles 2 and 
4 of the TBT Agreement. Specifications are made  public and open for comment before becoming 
standards; the same applies for revocations. Every declaration, revocation, or variation of a 
standard must be published in the Gazette . 
3.29.  The DBOS promotes the general adoption and implementation of technical regulations and 
standards, establishes or designates testing facilities or laboratories, and provides for the 
examination and testing of goods. The Bureau is also  in charge of certifying that goods, services, 
processes, and practices conform with national, regional or international technical regulations and standards, and of declaring standards and keeping them under review. The DBOS may also 
provide advice to manufacturers on quality control. The authorities have indicated that conformity 
assessment is done through the DBOS' Monitoring Sy stem at the port of entry for imports and also 
through market surveillance. 
3.30.  Technical committees are in charge of the adoption or adaptation of technical regulations 
and standards in each of the following areas: fo od, food products and practices; labelling and 
packaging; manufacturing and chemical produc ts; and building and construction materials.
20 The 
authorities indicated that consultations among inte rested parties are encouraged in the process of 
adoption/adaptation of technical regulations and standards. Consultations on technical regulations 
are done through the WTO notification process. Dominica has made 11 notifications regarding technical regulations to the TBT Committee, the most recent in 2008.
21  
3.31.  Standards are reviewed every five years and revised or withdrawn where necessary. No 
technical regulation or standard was withdrawn during the review period.  
3.32.  The DBOS may request the testing of good s subject to a technical regulation. If tested 
goods fail to conform to the regulation, domestic use or export is prohibited unless the goods are 
marked as imperfect. Moreover, upon application by  the Minister in charge of trade, a High Court 
may order the producer to cease the production of such good. The authorities indicated that, as at March 2014, the DBOS did not yet conduct any testin g as it was in the process of establishing a 
testing facility. 
                                               
19 WTO document G/SG/N/1/DMA/1, 12 November 1998 . 
20 Dominica Bureau of Stan dards online information, DBOS Technical Committees and Their Prime 
Functions . Viewed at: http://www.dominicastandards.org/domi nica_bureau_of_standards_technical_ 
committees_and_their_prime_functions.php . 
21 WTO document G/TBT/N/DMA/11, 4 March 2008. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  3.33.  The National Metrology Act 2009 reinstated the International System of Units as the legal 
units of measurement, and mandates its use in any contract, bargain or sale, and packaging.22 
Additional units may be used if they have practical importance, are widely used or more appropriate in some specialized fields. All weighing and measuring instruments for trade must be 
the authorized units of measurement. The National Metrology Service is in charge of enforcing the 
legislation. The authorities indicated that, as at March 2014, the Act was not yet implemented. 
3.1.8  Sanitary and phytosanitary measures 
3.34.  The Plant Protection and Quarantine Act an d its related regulations regulate the import of 
plants and planting material.
23 I m p o r t e r s  m u s t  o b t a i n  a  p e r m i t  f r o m  t h e  O f f i c e  o f  t h e  P l a n t  
Protection and Quarantine Service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The application has to be made at least a week prior to the arrival of goods. Permits are subject to a fee of EC$10 and 
are valid for one consignment. 
3.35.  All imported produce must be pest and disease free, free from soil, and accompanied by a 
phytosanitary certificate. Goods must enter Dominica through a designated port of entry and be 
subject to examination by officers of the Plant Pr otection and Quarantine Service. Items exempted 
from inspection include: dry hulled rice; nuts; dried, candied, canned, or other processed fruit and vegetables; roasted coffee; commercial yeast; cooked plant products; and seeds of vegetables or 
ornamental plants from Canada, the United Kingdom or the United States.  
3.36.  Some RTAs entered into by Dominica or in the process of negotiation contain SPS 
provisions, for example the EU-CARIFORUM EPA, and the CARICOM Canada Agreement.  
3.37.  The Animals Act Chap 61:02 regulates the importation of live animals, meat, milk, and 
related products. A health certificate is required. Quarantine requirements are imposed on the 
importation of any live animal. The authorities indicated that, when animals or animal products are to be imported into Dominica, the importer is expected to request an import permit prior to 
importation. When a request for import permit is made the granting would be finalized based on 
the commodity, country of origin, and history of product. The importer would have to provide 
details as to the quantity of the product one intends to import as well as the country of origin with 
a health certificate. Where there is a known history and pattern of a particular product being 
imported from familiar country and company the issuance of a certificate can take up to 20 minutes. When there is no known history of importation of a product from either country or company a risk assessment is initiated by the Divisi on of Agriculture. Enquires will be made from 
the World Animal Websites, CARICOM Secretariat, amongst others. This process could take weeks, 
months or even year. This would depend on the importers ability to provide the necessary responses to enquires. 
3.38.  The Pesticide Control Act No. 15 of 1974 provides for the control on the importation, sale, 
storage, and use of pesticides. A licence from the Pesticide Control Board is required. A bill related to pesticide and toxic chemicals is at the drafting stage. 
3.39.  There is no legislation regarding GMOs. The authorities indicated that the importation of 
GMOs is not subject to special procedures or restrictions. Dominica is a contracting party to the IPPC, and a member of the Codex Alimentarius Co mmission. It is not a member of the OIE.  
3.40.  Dominica has not submitted any notifications on to the adoption of SPS measures to the 
WTO. The authorities indicated that no SPS measured had been adopted during the period under 
review. 
3.2  Measures Directly Affecting Exports 
3.2.1  Procedures 
3.41.  There is no registration requirement for exportation. The export declaration must be 
completed through ASYCUDA in the same way as an import declaration (section 3.1.1). The 
                                               
22 It repeals the Weights and Measures Act, 1917. 
23 Plant Protection (Importations) Regulations, and Plant Protection (Import Prohibition) Regulations. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
- 138 - 
 
  relevant supporting documentation (commercial invoice, certificate of origin, health certificate or 
permit) must be uploaded electronically. The sh ipment documents are examined by Customs at 
the port of exit. The authorities noted that export  verification is designed to prevent smuggling 
and ensure that restricted goods are acco mpanied by the appropriate certificate. 
3.42.  Export duties are applied on sand (EC$0.50 ex port royalty per ton), stone (EC$0.45 export 
royalty per ton), and re-exports (EC$1.50 stamp duty).  
3.2.2  Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
3.43.  No products are subject to export licensing.  
3.44.  In accordance with Section 32 of the Fore stry and Wildlife Act 63:01, the export of any 
wildlife or its parts is restricted. Dominica is party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and restricts the export of related products. 
3.45.  The Fresh Produce Export Quality Control Act 2009 regulates the exportation of: dasheen, 
tania, sweet peppers, pineapples, mangoes, cabbage, orange, plantain, sweet potatoes, hot peppers, pumpkin, tomatoes, bananas and grapefruit.
24 Products must be packed in a registered 
packing house, labelled properly, and conform to standards established by the DBOS. Only 
exporters holding a valid licence issued by the DBOS are allowed to export these products. All 
exports are inspected by the DBOS.  
3.46.  Licences and certificates of registration (for packing houses) are valid for 12 months or less. 
A register of licences issued, suspended or revoke d, and a list of registered packing houses is 
published annually in the Official Gazette . The licences carry an application fee and a licence fee of 
EC$25 each.25 For packing houses the application fee and registration fee are, respectively, EC$50 
and EC$100. There is an EC$50 inspection fee. 
3.2.3  Export promotion and marketing assistance 3.47.  Exporters may make use of the ECCB's political and commercial risks insurance guarantee. 
The rates on loans from commercial banks under the guarantee schemes are generally lower than 
rates obtainable otherwise. The ECCB also provides pre- and post-shipment financing schemes. Alternatively, through its Export Credit Guarantee Scheme, it may provide guarantees to 
commercial banks for advances of working capital to exporters of non-traditional manufactured 
goods. 
3.48.  The Dominica Export and Import Agency (DEXIA) through its export facilitation activities 
provides financial and technical assistance to farmers, local exporters, ago-processors and 
manufacturers. DEXIA provides support to expo rters of agricultural, agri-processed, and 
manufactured goods in areas such as: market re search and market entry requirements; product 
identification and development; participation in trade fairs, exhibitions, and promotions; 
organization of trade missions; organizational development; financial risk development; and 
training. To help exporters meet market entr y requirements, DEXIA runs quality assurance 
programmes.  The authorities have noted that DEXIA recognizes the importance of promoting 
Dominican goods and services so as to increase the volume and value of exports. In an effort to 
sustain the “Buy Dominican" culture, DEXIA has collaborated with the Dominica Manufacturers Association (DMA) and the Dominica Art and Craft Producers Association (DACPA) to stage what is 
termed "Buy Dominica Shopping days". This ac tivity, which commenced in 2012, has as its main 
objective to provide local producers with the opportunity to sell and showcase local products. 
DEXIA has been ISO certified since 1999 and is presently certified under the ISO 9001:2008 Standards. DEXIA has an established Quality Management System in place and undertakes annual 
internal audits to ensure that the procedures of the system are adhered to.  
                                               
24 The Act repealed the Fruit Trade Regulation Act, Chapter 82:03. 
25 Fresh Produce Export Quality Control Regulations, 2012. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  3.3  Measures Affecting Production and Trade 
3.3.1  Legal framework for businesses 3.49.  The main legislation governing the establishment of a business has not changed since the 
previous review of Dominica.
26 Investors wishing to establish a business in Dominica have various 
options: sole proprietorships; partnerships; corporations; joint ventures; and international 
business companies.  
3.50.  The process for business establishment may include: application for the work permit; 
incorporation of the business; registration with the Inland Revenue Division, and application for a 
VAT registration number; and registration with the Dominica Social Security. Permission may be required from specific Government agencies  depending on the activity or sector.  
3.51.  The Companies Act 1994 regulates company incorporation. In general, all business 
undertakings with more than 20 owners or sharehol ders must be incorporated. This may be done 
by sending signed articles of incorporation to th e Registrar of Companies. Other related legislation 
includes the Alien Landholding Act No.17 of 1995, the Registration of Business Names Act 
(Chapter 78:46), and the International Business Company Act No. 10 of 1996. For companies 
registered under the Companies Act, the one-off registration fee (certificate of incorporation) is EC$750. There is also an annual licence renewal fee that varies according to the share capital. 
3.52.  In 2008, an amendment to the VAT Act ease d the registration requirement. The threshold 
above which businesses are required to register for a VAT identification number was doubled to EC$120,000.  
3.53.  Under the Trade and Professional Licences Act, Chap 92:01, businesses are required to 
obtain a trade or professional licence.  
Table 3.5 Main taxes in Dominica 
Tax Payee/tax base Tax rate (%) 
Personal income tax Income of  individual (employment or 
businesses) 0, 15, 25, and 35 
Corporate tax Non-individual pers ons or enterprises 30 of gains or profit 
Land transfer tax and other 
fees Buyer and seller, based on the value of the 
land 10.5 for buyer 
2.5 (stamp duty for seller) 
Customs duties C.i.f. value of import s, and some exports 0-165 
Customs service charge C.i.f. value of imports 3 
Travel tax Operators of international passenger 
transportation services (air and sea) 7.5 of the travel ticket 
Customs service charge Importer or exporter 3% 
Excise Tax Act Locally manufactured or imported items 
(alcohol, cigarettes, vehicles, and petrol) 0-28 
Value Added Tax Goods and services 0, 10 or 15 
Withholding tax Payment to non-residents (dividends, 
interest, income from properties, royalties, 
management charges, annuities and other 
periodic payment) 15 
Aliens landholding licence fee  10 of the property value 
Environmental levy Imports based on thei r C.I.F. value, or 
specific levy 
 EC$3,000 per unit for motor 
vehicles of five or more 
years 
1 on CIF value for motor 
vehicles of less than five 
years  
EC$10 per unit on used 
tyres 
Ec$20 per unit on used 
refrigerators 
Ec$20 per unit on used 
                                               
26 The Companies Act (Act No. 21 of 1994), the Intern ational Business Act (Act No. 10 of 1996), and the 
Registration of Business Names Act, Chapter 78:46. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
- 140 - 
 
  Tax Payee/tax base Tax rate (%) 
freezers 
EC$10 per unit on electric 
accumulators (batteries) 
1.5 on goods in containers 
made of plastic, glass, 
metal, paperboard or wood. 
1 on all other goods 
Social security contributions Employer and employee 6.75-7 (employer) 
4 (employee) 
 
Source: Information provided by the authorities. 
3.54.  Corporate gains and profits are taxed at 30% (Table 3.5). A 2010 amendment to the 
Income Tax Act set the tax on income for individuals, incorporated body of persons or trustees at: 15% on the first EC$20,000 of taxable income, 25%  on the next EC$30,000, and 35% for every 
dollar above EC$50,000.
27 
3.3.2  Competition policy and price controls 
3.55.  Dominica does not have anti-trust legislation in place, or a competition policy authority. The 
CARICOM Competition Commission established under Article 171 of the Revised Treaty of 
Chaguaramas, inaugurated in January 2008 and headquartered in Paramaribo, Suriname is in 
charge of competition issues and enforcement in the CSME. Additionally, the OECS countries have agreed to establish a supra-national competition agency to handle competition matters within its 
single market (see Common Report). 
3.56.  Apart from utilities (DOMLEC and DOWASCO), there are, in principle, no monopolies in 
Dominica. 
3.57.  Price controls are regulated by the Supp lies Control Act No. 21 of 1979. The Minister in 
charge of trade is allowed to fix maximum prices for any goods, at wholesale and retail levels. 
Since the previous TPR of Dominica, the number of  products subject to price controls has been 
reduced from over 40 to five: gasoline, diesel, kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas, and cement. 
Prices of petroleum products are adjusted every four weeks on the basis of international prices.
28 
For cement, adjustments are considered periodically, based on changes in import prices; the latest adjustment was in 2012. 
3.3.3  Incentives 
3.58.  The Invest Dominica Authority
29 is in charge of the administration of incentives schemes. It 
receives applications for incentive benefits and makes recommendations to the Government on the 
level and types of concessions to be granted. The Cabinet makes the ultimate decision. The 
authorities have noted that, where investments amount to EC$2 million or less, a Sub-Committee 
of Cabinet meets; where they are in excess of EC$2 million, Cabinet meets. 
3.59.  As notified to the WTO, the Government of Dominica considers it a priority to create the 
conditions necessary for encouraging national and foreign capital investment. This continues to be 
a critical part of the economic diversification thrust. The aim is to reorient the economy away from dependence on one agricultural crop and preferential access to market.
30  
3.60.  Dominica notified to the WTO its Fiscal Incentives Act No. 42 of 1974 as amended by 
Act No. 11 of 1983 as providing export subsidies.31 In accordance with the extensions under SCM 
                                               
27 The previous rates were: 20% on the first EC$18,000, 30% on the next EC$30,000 and 40% for 
every dollar over EC$48,000.  This is the end result of a phased approa ch to income tax reform which began in 
January 2008. 
28 International prices for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (L PG) and Caribbean Postings in respect of gasoline, 
diesel and kerosene. 
29 Invest Dominica Authority Act, 2007. 
30 WTO document G/SCM/N/226/DMA, 7 October 2011. 
31 The latest full notification is in WTO documents G/SCM/N/253/DMA and G/SCM/N/260/DMA, 
29 August 2013. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  Article 27.4 of the Transition Period for the Elimination of Export Subsidies32, Dominica must 
modify this legislation to remove any export subsidy element by end 2015. In July 2008, as a 
follow-up to the findings of the 2007 TPR, the OECS Secretariat, with assistance from the 
Commonwealth Secretariat, undertook to outline a plan of action for implementing the obligations; 
and the OECS contracted the services of a trade a ttorney and legislative drafter to assist with the 
implementation of WTO commitments. In June 2009, model legislation and drafting guidelines that 
have been prepared and shared with drafters and trade officials for comment. According to the 
authorities, the proposed legislation is intended to streamline the administration of incentive 
programmes, provide equal treatment for local and foreign investors, increase transparency, and establish a monitoring mechanism for assessing the application and effectiveness of incentive schemes.
33 
3.61.  In 2013, Dominica had consultations with the single beneficiary under the Fiscal Incentives 
Act, Dominica Coconut Products (DCP), to intr oduce a revised, WTO-compatible programme to 
mitigate the effects of the phasing-out of the relevant subsidy programme. In this respect, the 
authorities have noted that proposals have been forwarded to the Ministry of Trade by Colgate 
Palmolive, and that the Ministry of Legal Affairs has been made aware of legislation which needs to be amended. 
3.62.  The amendment of the Fiscal Incentives Act is geared to remove any export subsidy 
component to bring it into accordance with WTO rules. The authorities note that the process may take some time since it involves: (a) drafting a Cabinet Paper giving a comprehensive overview of the reason for eliminating export-contingent su bsidies, and the time-frame, and requesting 
Cabinet's approval amend of the relevant legislat ion; amending the Act; and (b) the Parliamentary 
process. The entire process should be completed by 2015.
34 
3.63.  The Fiscal Incentives Act provides for tax concessions as follows: (a) exemption from 
payment of customs duties on plant, equipment,  machinery, spare parts, raw materials, or 
components thereof for constructing, altering, re constructing or extending the enterprise or 
equipping such enterprise for the purpose of manufacturing a product; (b) exemption from 
payment of income tax; and (c) exemptions from payment of income tax on export profits by way 
of tax credits. Exemption from customs duties may be granted for the manufacture of approved 
products by approved enterprises: up to 15 years for Group 1 enterprises (i.e. local value of 50% or more of sales); up to 12 years for Group 2 enterprises (local value between 25% and 50% of 
sales); and up to 10 years for Group 3 enterpri ses (local value between 10% and 25% of sales). 
Enterprises in which production is exclusively for export and capital-intensive enterprises (investment of US$10 million or more) may be exempted for up to 15 years.  
3.64.  Also under the Fiscal Incentives Act, exemption from income tax on export profits may be 
granted for up to five years to any enterprise if: export profits amount to 10% or more of total profits; export profits accrue from an approved product; the enterprise is not already benefiting 
from exemptions during a tax holiday period; and the enterprise is engaged in a non-traditional 
industry exporting a product not traditionally expo rted from Dominica. The percentage of the tax 
credit depends on the export profits as a share of total profits, as follows: 25% if the share is 10% 
or more but less than 21%; 35% if the share is 21% or more but less than 41%; 45% if the share 
is 41% or more but less than 61%; and 50% if the share is 61% or more. The authorities have 
notified to the WTO that the current incentives will expire in 2015.
35 
3.65.  Subsidies granted to the sole beneficiary under the Act since 1996, as notified to the WTO 
are presented in Table 3.6. 
3.66.  Although there was only one beneficiary, any enterprise could apply for incentives under the 
Fiscal Incentives Act. Applications are submitted to Invest Dominica Authority, with relevant 
documentation, for review and recommendations to the Cabinet for consideration.  
                                               
32 WTO document WT/L/691, 31 July 2007. 
33 WTO documents G/SCM/N/253/DMA and G/SCM/N/260/DMA, 29 August 2013. 
34 WTO documents G/SCM/N/253/DMA and G/SCM/N/260/DMA, 29 August 2013. 
35 WTO documents G/SCM/N/253/DMA and G/SCM/N/260/DMA, 29 August 2013. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  Table 3.6 Subsidies granted under the Fiscal Incentives Act, 1974  
Year Tax credits 
on exports 
EC$'000 Production 
EC$'000 Export of 
subsidized 
products 
EC$'000 Imports of 
subsidized 
products 
EC$'000 Total 
exports 
EC$'000 Total 
imports 
EC$'000 
1996 635 n.a. 53,847 4,224 138,537 358,683 
1997 444 n.a. 53,327 4,100 141,258 363,292 
1998 833 59,184 72,494 1,337 167,453 356,992 
1999 568 41,684 64,164 3,313 150,448 373,215 
2000 432 36,818 61,789 2,907 144,673 400,952 
2001 61 33,399 55,589 1,865 118,026 355,022 
2002 160 32,125 48,934 1,623 115,192 314,048 
2003 213 17,771 28,336 271 108,002 345,449 
2004 274 39,468 50,233 3,667 111,749 392,031 
2005 813 40,408 26,929 641 112,859 447,761 
2006 1,606 40,217 53,036 991 111,976 450,619 
2007 702 41,961 26,653 1,473 95,826 528,634 
2008 0 35,707 n.a. 2,353 102,958 666,952 
2009 328 27,795 27,581 2,250 86,326 607,780 
2010 n.a. n.a. n.a. 452,259 14,634 157,173 
2011 1,607 30,434 30,706 1,314 69,195 592,160 
2012 1,789 36,515 37,205 1, 228 78,707 525,982  
 
Note: No explanation available for n.a.  Source: WTO documents G/SCM/N/253/DMA and G/SCM/N/260/DMA, 29 August 2013. 
3.67.  The Aid to Development Enterprises Act provides for relief from import duties on raw 
materials and inputs, materials, tools, plant, machinery, and building materials. These goods must 
be for use in manufacturing processes; constructing, erecting or altering factories; equipping 
hotels; or goods packaging. The Hotels Aid Act and the Income Tax Act No. 37 of 1982  allow for a 
tax holiday of up to 20 years for approved hotel and resort developments. Companies registered under the International Business Companies Act are exempt from taxes, duties, and similar 
charges for 20  years from the date of incorporation. 
3.68.  The Customs Control and Management Act grants the Cabinet the power to confer customs 
duty relief on goods or classes or descriptions of goods. The relief may take the form of an 
exemption from duty or payment of a sum lower than the amount due, and may be made subject 
to certain conditions, including post-import conditions. 
3.69.  Dominica has no free zones or legislation allowing for their establishment. 
3.3.4  Role of state-owned enterprises and privatization 
3.70.  Established in 1986, the Dominica Impo rt Export Agency (DEXIA) is a state-owned 
enterprise responsible for importing bulk rice an d sugar, and promoting exports of agricultural 
produce. It has the exclusive right to import suga r (brown and white sugar, except EEC No. 1 used 
by bottlers, and icing sugar), and bulk rice (whi te and parboiled). The private sector may import 
rice in packages of 10 kg or less. 
3.71.  DEXIA purchases the commodities under competitive tender; long-term contracts are 
generally negotiated. The quantities imported are based on the previous years' consumption 
and/or estimated demand. The mark-up on imports is determined by projecting an annual gross 
margin that will accommodate the administrative and operating cost of DEXIA's operations, given 
the contracted prices on commodities for the following financial year.  
3.72.  There was no privatization activity during the review period. 3.3.5  Government procurement 3.73.  Dominica is not a party to the WTO Plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  3.74.  An important step taken by Dominica duri ng the review period was the adoption of new 
government procurement legislation. The Procurement and Contract Administration Act, 2012 (Act No. 20 of 2012, Section 87-93) enhances th e transparency of the procurement regime and 
makes it compatible with standard international procurement practices; and in this respect was a 
significant regulatory reform. The only caveat of the new legislation is the adoption of a margin of 
preference of up to 20% for domestic suppliers. 
3.75.  The 2012 Act repeals the Finance Administration Act No.4 of 1994. It applies to all 
departments of the Government, local authorities, and statutory bodies. It does not cover 
procurement involving national defence or security, which is required to be kept confidential; procurement under a cooperative agreement; or pr ocurement funded by a donor. Some services 
are also excluded: casual hospitality and catering services; supply of electricity, 
telecommunications, and water; and more generally, services provided by a supplier regulated by 
another Act. 
3.76.  The Procurement and Contract Administration Act created a Central Procurement Board to 
approve and review procurement operations ab ove a certain threshold, headed by a Chief 
Procurement Officer. It also created departmental boards for procurement negotiated and contracted directly by the procuring entity: proc urement related to banking services, fiscal agency 
or depository services; sale, redemption, and distribution of public debt; media and media-related 
services; purchase of television or radio time, travel services and hotel accommodation; some specified professional services; and procurement no t exceeding a specific amount as prescribed. A 
Central Procurement Unit was established within the Ministry of Finance, to monitor the operation 
of the public procurement process and compliance with the legislation. It comprises 
representatives from ministries in charge of finance, trade, legal affairs, and works, and from the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce. It appoints the technical committee in charge of 
evaluating bids. The new law also covers administra tive appeal and review processes. With respect 
to the determination of thresholds, the authorities noted that, as at March 2014, consultative work and discussions were on-going. 
3.77.  The Act prescribes the open competitive bidding procedure as the principal method of 
procurement. Restricted bidding procedures may be used if the products or services are available from a limited number of suppliers, and if open competitive bidding is deemed not to be efficient or practical. In that case, every supplier must be  solicited by the procuring entity. At least five 
suppliers must be solicited. The procurement may be restricted to domestic bidders if specified in 
the invitation to bid, or published in advance. 
3.78.  A domestic or local margin of preference  not exceeding 20% of the value of the proposed 
contract may be granted in the evaluation of bids  when comparing bids from domestic bidders with 
those from international bidders, or for domestic suppliers offering goods manufactured locally when comparing local suppliers. This preference margin must be mentioned in the bidding 
documents.  
3.79.  Direct procurement may be used in an emergency situation; if the value of the procurement 
does not exceed a given threshold; or when a supplier has the exclusive right to supply the good or service. There is also a threshold above which a bid security, of no more than 2% of the bid 
price, may be required.  
3.80.  Contracts must be awarded to the lowest bid that meets the qualification criteria. The 
procuring entity must notify unsuccessful bidders of the outcome of the process and the price of 
the contract. Unsuccessful bidders may challenge the results or apply for a review within 15 days 
of the notification. 
3.3.6  Intellectual property rights 
3.81.  In 2001, Dominica notified to the WTO its main intellectual property laws, and its new 
legislation with respect to geographical indications, protection of layout-designs (topographies) of WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
- 144 - 
 
  integrated circuits, protection of new plant vari eties, and marks, collec tive marks, and trade 
names.36 Most of these laws entered into force in 2008. 
3.82.  Dominica is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and a 
signatory to a number of international agreements on intellectual property rights.37 Dominica 
notified that the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Immigration and Labour is its national enquiry point with 
respect to international cooperation for the protection of intellectual property rights. However, intellectual property issues are currently revi ewed by the Companies and Intellectual Property 
Office in the Ministry of Tourism and Legal Affairs.
38 
3.83.  There were 11 patent applications during 2007-12.39 All were made abroad. Nine patents 
were granted over the same period. There were no utility model applications or registrations, and only one industrial design application; 191 trade marks were registered. 
3.3.6.1  Copyright 
3.84.  The Copyright Act No. 5 of 2003, which en tered into force on 15 November 2003, replaced 
the Copyright (Dominica) Order, 1965, of the United Kingdom. The Act provides for the protection 
of literary and artistic works and for related matters. Literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic 
works; sound recordings, films, broadcasts, and cable programmes; and typographical arrangements of published editions will be prot ected by copyright provided that such work is 
original and has been written down, recorded or otherwise expressed in some material form. The 
term of protection is the author's life plus 70 years for literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works; and 50 years from the end of the first year it is made available to the public, for sound recordings 
and films (Table 3.7). 
Table 3.7 Intellectual property rights legislation and terms of protection 
Legislation/rights protected Duration of protection 
Copyright Act 5 of 2003:  
- literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works life of the author plus 70 years 
 - sound recording and films 50 years from the end of the first year it is made 
available to the public 
 - broadcasts and cable programme 70 years from the end of the year of first broadcast 
 - typographical arrangements of published editions 25 years from first publication 
Marks, Collective Marks and Trade Name Act, 
1999 10 years, renewable for 10 years 
Patents Act No. 8 of 1999 20 years, renewable 
Industrial Designs Act No. 2 of 1998 5 years, renewable twice for 5 years each 
Protection of Layout-Designs (Topographies) of 
Integrated Circuits Act No. 11 of 1999 10 years 
Protection of New Plant Varieties Act No. 14 of 
1999 20 years (25 years for vines,  forest, ornamental, and 
fruit trees) 
 
Source: Based on online information. Viewed at: http://dominica.gov.dm/laws-of-dominica . 
3.3.6.2  Trademarks 
3.85.  Trademarks are regulated by the Marks, Collective Marks and Trade Name Act, 1999, which 
entered into force on 2 February 2009.40 The Act repealed the United Kingdom Trade Marks Act, 
and the Merchandise Marks Act. The accompanyi ng regulations are contained in the Marks, 
Collective Marks and Trade Names Regulations, 2009 (SRO 3 of 2009). Under the new legislation, 
                                               
36 WTO documents IP/N/1/DMA/1, 13 June 2001; and IP/N/1/DMA/T/1, IP/N/1/DMA/P/2, 
IP/N/1/DMA/P/1, IP/N/1/DMA/L/1, IP/N/1/DMA/G/1, IP /N/1/DMA/D/1, and IP/N/1/DMA/C/1, 18 June 2001. 
37 Dominica is a member of the Berne Convention (1999); the Nice Agreement (2000); the Paris 
Convention (1999); the Patent Cooperation Treaty (1999); the Rome Convention (1999); and the WIPO Convention. 
38 WIPO online information.. Viewed at: http://www.wipo.int/members/en/contact.jsp?country_id=48  
[29 January 2014]. 
39 WIPO (2014), Statistical Country Profiles: Dominica . Viewed at: 
http://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/country_profile/countries/dm.html. 
40 Marks, Collective Marks and Trade Names (Commencement) Order, 2008 (SRO 54 of 2008). WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  the exclusive right to a trade mark is acquired th rough registration with the Registrar of Marks in 
the Companies and Intellectual Property Office.  
3.86.  Trademarks are protected for ten years, renewable for consecutive similar periods. The non-
use of a trade mark for three years may entail th e loss of the right to the exclusive use of the 
trade mark. The Act provides for the right of priority of an earlier national or regional application 
filed by the applicant in any State party to the Paris Convention or Member of the WTO. The Act 
also specifies that the provisions of any international treaty in respect of marks and protection 
against unfair competition apply in Dominica and, in case of conflict with domestic legislation, 
prevail over it. The owner of a registered mark may grant licences with respect to it. 
3.3.6.3  Patents and industrial designs 3.87.  Dominica's Patents Act No. 8 of 1999 entered into force on 25 August 2008.
41 The Act 
reflects internationally accepted criteria for registration of universal novelty, inventive step, and 
industrial applicability, along with a full search and examination procedure. Patents are protected for 20 years. 
3.88.  Similarly, the Industrial Designs Act No. 2 of 1998, which entered into force in 2008
42, and 
was amended by the Industrial Designs (Amendment) Act No. 15 of 2008, regulates the protection of industrial designs. Industrial designs may be registered if they are new prior to the date of 
filing, or the priority date of the application for registration. Protection is for five years from the 
filing date, renewable for two cons ecutive periods of five years. 
3.89.  With respect to compulsory licensing provisions, the authorities may allow a government 
agency or a third-person to exploit an invention under certain circumstances, in particular, for 
reasons of public interest, national security, nutri tion, health or the development of a vital sector 
of the economy. A compulsory licence may also be issued if the Government determines that the manner of exploitation of the patent is anti-competitive, and that authorizing another operator 
may remedy it. The exploitation must be limited to the purpose for which it was permitted, and 
subject to the payment of "adequate remuneration " to the owner. Such authorization must not 
prevent the owner from concluding a licence contract, continuing the exercise of his rights, or 
granting a non-voluntary licence. 
3.3.6.4  Geographical indications 3.90.  Geographical indications are protected thro ugh the Protection of Geographical Indications 
Act, 1999 (Act No. 13 of 1999), which entered into force in 2008
43, and was amended by the 
Geographical Indications (Amendment) Act, 2008 (Act No. 13 of 2008). 
3.91.  Protection of a geographical indication is available regardless of registration. However, 
registration of a geographical indication raises a presumption that such indication is a geographical 
indication within the meaning of the Act. As at  January 2014, no regulations had been issued to 
implement the Act. 
3.3.6.5  Protection of layout-d esigns of integrated circuits 
3.92.  The Protection of Layout-Designs (Topogra phies) of Integrated Circuits Act No. 11 of 1999 
entered into force in 2008.44 Under the Act, layout-designs must be original in order to be 
protected. The right to registration belongs by law to the creator, and is transferable. The term of protection is ten years from the date of the first commercial exploitation, anywhere in the world, 
or from the filing date of the application for registration.  
                                               
41 Patent (Commencement) Order, 2008 (SRO 27 of 2008). 
42 Industrial Designs (Commencement) Order, 2008 (SRO 29 of 2008). 
43 Geographical Indications (Commencement) Order, 2008 (SRO 28 of 2008). 
44 Protection of Layout-Designs (Topographies) of Integrated Circuits Regulations, 2008 (SRO 45 of 
2008). WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  3.3.6.6  Protection of  new plant varieties 
3.93.  New plant varieties are protected by the Protection of New Plant Varieties Act No. 14 of 
1999, which entered into force in August 2008.45 The Act grants breeder's rights in respect of plant 
varieties that are new, distinct, homogeneous, stable, and given a denomination that is acceptable 
for registration. Applications for breeder's rights  may be filed by citizens of Dominica, of a 
contracting party to the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, or any other State that grants reciprocal treatment to Dominica. Protection is for 25 years with 
respect to vines, forest, ornamental, and fr uit trees, and 20 years for all other species. 
3.3.6.7  Enforcement 3.94.  Each piece of intellectual property legislat ion includes provisions for enforcement. The High 
Court has jurisdiction in case of dispute relating to the application of intellectual property rights. 
Any person who is aggrieved by a decision of the Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property 
has the right of appeal to the High Court. 
3.95.  Customs authorities are not authorized to seize goods that infringe marks to prevent them 
from entering the country, except in the case of copyright, at the request of the right holder 
(Copyright Act 5 of 2003 part 1X Section 99). The authorities indicated that there are no statistics available with respect to enforcement activities. 
 
                                               
45 Protection of New Plant Varieties (Commencement) Order, 2008 (SRO 28 of 2008).  WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  4  TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
4.1  Agriculture 4.1.  Agriculture and, specifically crops continue to play a dominant role in the Dominican 
economy. The sector's contribution to GDP reached 10.5% in 2013, but remains below its 
pre-hurricane level. Dominica's crops include bananas, plantains, citrus fruits, root crops and 
vegetables, herbs, and spices. The sector employs approximately a third of the labour force and is 
an important source of foreign exchange earnings. Because of its location and geology, Dominica is 
vulnerable to a large number of weather related hazards such as storms and landslides. It lies 
within the Atlantic hurricane belt.  
4.2.  The sector is under the responsibility of th e Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The Division 
of Agriculture is the primary institution responsible for the agriculture sector. It provides technical, 
regulatory, and support services for crop and animal husbandry, animal and plant health, 
agricultural engineering and land use, farm management, agricultural information, pre- and post-harvest technology, agri-processing and agri-tourism support, laboratory diagnostic support, 
and research. The Agricultural Investment Unit provides financial and technical assistance to 
farmers and fishermen with the goals of increasing food security, reducing the food import bill and 
promoting job creation. The Government has provided a total of EC$2 million to the Unit; these 
funds are being administered by the Agricultural and Industrial Development Bank. Some of the 
initiatives undertaken by the Unit include: the construction of a multipurpose abattoir; the construction of a coffee processing plant; and direct farm invested programmes. 
4.3.  One of the goals of the National Exports Stra tegy is to transform domestic exports in order to 
improve the trade balance. Three of the six key sect ors identified for priority action are related to 
agriculture: the establishment of an SPS regime; the development of the agri-processing industry 
(especially for condiments, essential oils, herbs and spices, beverages); and the development of 
agri-tourism. 
4.4.  Since the previous Review of Domini ca, the Government has improved the quality 
management system through the construction of modern infrastructure such as an inland banana 
reception and distribution centre, two packing hous es, and a testing centre. New legislation related 
to the exportation of fresh produce was enacted in 2009.
46 Bills revising The Animals Act, the Plant 
Protection, Quarantine Act, and the Pesticides Act were pending enactment in March 2014. 
4.5.  Dominica's average tariff on agricultural goods (WTO definition) is 26.9%, with the highest 
applied rate set at 150% (Table 3.2). This is also the bound rate in some cases; the final bound 
average tariff rate in the agriculture sector is 115.8%. Using the ISIC classification the average 
applied tariff rate on agriculture was 24.8% in 2013. Imports of virtually all agricultural products 
are free from import licensing requirements. The only exceptions are potatoes and wheat flour. 
4.6.  In order to promote investment in agriculture, the Government grants import-duty 
concessions on some agricultural equipment and inputs, such as: seeds, agricultural tools, 
machinery and equipment, planting materials; fert ilizers and agricultural chemicals (pesticides, 
herbicides and other treatments approved for agricultural use); meat-processing equipment; and animal health supplies and animal feeds.
47To be eligible for these concessions, applicants must 
submit proof of being farmers involved in the sale of crops, and that an income is generated from 
farming activities. An excise tax waiver is available for imports of trucks and jeeps for use in 
agriculture.  
4.7.  Apart from import duty concessions, agricult ural products receive preferential treatment with 
regard to the VAT. Locally produced agricultural products are exempted from the VAT. Some 
imported inputs (seeds, fertilizer, and animal feeds) are zero-rated for VAT purposes.  
4.8.  Dominica's fishing sector is small and larg ely informal. It employs an estimated 3,000 fishers, 
but only about 1,000 operate on a full-time basis. The authorities indicated that the majority of 
                                               
46 Fresh Produce Export Quality Control Act, 2009  (Act No. 2 of 2009). 
47 Online information. Viewed at: http://www.dominica.gov.dm/services/duty-free-exemptions-on-
inputs-and-supplies-for-commerc ial-agricultural-production . WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
- 148 - 
 
  fishermen operate part-time, on a subsistence basis, and that fish landings amounted to no more 
than 1,400 tonnes annually during the period under review. Actions taken since the previous review aimed at improving the fisheries infrastructure and standards, include: the construction of a fisheries complex in the Portsmouth area; training  activities in the areas of hygiene and quality 
assurance; and adjustments to the fishing fleet in order to enhance their storage capacity. 
4.9.  In 2012, the Government embarked on a project aimed at developing a fisheries and 
aquaculture policy. Sponsored by the EU-ACP Fish II programme (Strengthening Fisheries 
Management in African Caribbean and Pacific Countries), the policy will set the framework for the 
development of the sector for the next 25 years. The authorities indicated that, as at March 2014, a Draft Agricultural and Fisheries Policy had been prepared, had undergone consultations and was awaiting Cabinet’s approval. 
4.2  Electricity 
4.10.  The Electricity Supply Act 2006, which entered into force in March 2007, established a 
commission in charge of regulating all electricity entities. Under the Act, the generation of 
electricity for a purpose other than domestic, its transmission, distribution, and supply is subject to 
licensing. Plant, equipment, and machinery import ed by a licensee are exempt from all duties and 
taxes on importation (including the VAT). Tariffs are subject to the approval of the commission. 
The Independent Regulatory Commission (IRC ) was established by Act No. 10 of 2006. The 
powers, duties and functions of the Commission are established in Part III of the Act.
48. 
4.11.  The development of geothermal energy was id entified as a national priority in Dominica's 
Growth and Social Protection Strategy (GSPS). With support from the EU's cooperation programme 
INTERREG III-B "Caribbean Space", and in partnership with other agencies, Dominica's 
Government has launched the "Geothermal Energy in the Caribbean Islands".  
4.12.  Dominica Electricity Services Limited (DOMLE C) is the distributor or electricity. The DOMLEC 
distribution system consists of High Voltage (H V) overhead 11kV lines and 400/230 V a.c. three 
phase low voltage. The frequency of the supply is 50 Hz. Electricity rates have remained unchanged since 1 September 2007. Rates applied differentiate across users: domestic rates apply 
to all electricity supplied to premises used exclusively for private residential purposes; commercial 
rates apply to all electricity supplied to any premises not being used exclusively for private residential purposes and not being premises to which industrial or hotel rates are applicable; hotel rates apply to all electricity supplied to premises used as hotels and guest houses with a minimum 
number of ten rooms; industrial rates apply to all electricity supplied to industrial premises having 
an aggregate maximum power rating of not less than 5 kVA; there are also rates for lighting and street lighting.
49 In addition to electricity rates, a fuel surcharge is applied to each unit consumed 
at a rate calculated and published monthly.  
4.3  Manufacturing 4.13.  The manufacturing sector contributed 3.5% of GDP in 2013 (Table 1.1). Manufacturing is an 
important contributor to Dominica's exports. The sector revolves mainly around agri-processing, 
some assembly of plastic and metal goods, and textile production. The agri-industry includes the production of beverages using a variety of raw materials, such as coconut, citrus, and other fruits. Dominica also produces some chemicals, including dental cream, as well as soaps and lotions, 
mainly through a subsidiary of Procter and Gamble. OECS countries, Martinique and Guadeloupe, 
are the main markets for Dominica's exports. The authorities trust that manufacturing will be 
                                               
48 More information relating to the functions and duties of th e Commission may be found at: 
http://www.ircdominica.org/files/downloads/2011/10/Electricity-_Supply_Act_10_of_2006.pdf . 
49 Domestic rates include a charge  of EC$0.58 per kilowatt-hour for up to 50 kilowatt-hours in any 
month and EC$0.67 per kilowatt-hour fo r each kilowatt-hour in excess of  50 kilowatt-hours in any month 
subject to a minimum monthly charge of EC$2.50. In the case of commercial rates, a service charge of EC$4.32 per month per kVA of installed capacity plus EC$0.71 per kilowatt-ho ur, is applied. In the case of 
industrial rates, a service charge of  EC$4.32 per month per kVA of installed capacity is levied; additionally, for 
electricity supplied between 6:00 a. m. and 10:00 p.m. a charge of EC $0.63 per unit is applied, while for 
electricity supplied between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. it is levied at EC$0.58 per unit. For hotels, the service 
charge is of EC$4.32 per month per k VA of installed capacity plus EC$0.63  per unit. Lighting rates are EC$0.71 
per unit subject to a minimum monthly charge of EC$20, while the rate of electricity for street lighting is 
EC$0.71 per unit. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  boosted with the installation of a coffee processing  plant in the north of Dominica. They have also 
noted that the Government continues to support the sector by making financial and technical assistance available to the private sector. 
4.14.  Tariffs on manufactured goods range be tween 0 and 165%, with an average of 11.5% 
(Table 3.2). 
4.15.  The authorities are placing greater policy  emphasis on promoting manufactured exports. 
The range of strategies includes granting assistance for market research, and helping local 
producers develop business plans. The principal agency responsible for conducting such 
programmes is DEXIA. 
4.16.  The Dominica Manufacturer's Associations (DMA) was revived in 2010, with the aim of 
promoting the manufacturing sector and proposing policies. The DMA is consulted frequently in 
trade policy formulation. 
4.4  Services 4.17.  Under the General Agreement on Trade in Services, Dominica made sector-specific 
commitments in four of the 12 main service areas: financial services (reinsurance); tourism and 
travel related (hotel development); recreational, cu ltural and sporting services (entertainment and 
sporting services); and communications (courier and telecommunications services). Except in 
telecommunications, no market access or national treatment limitations were scheduled on 
cross-border supply and consumption abroad, unless the provision of the service was considered technically unfeasible. In contrast, limitations on commercial presence were scheduled in most areas where commitments were undertaken. 
4.18.  Dominica scheduled horizontal market access limitations on commercial presence and 
movement of natural persons. For the former, service providers from abroad are subject to a specific withholding tax applied on foreign investors and to specific regulations on landholding. In 
addition, Dominica reserved a number of small business opportunities for nationals, permitting 
foreign suppliers only on the basis of an economic needs test. As regards movement of natural persons, employment of foreign natural persons is normally limited to people with managerial and 
technical skills that are in short supply or not available in Dominica. Dominica has not listed any 
Article II (MFN) exemptions.
50 
4.19.  The Dominica Coalition of Service Industries (DCSI) was launched in January 2009, and 
serves as a focal point for the service sector. Its goal is to assist service providers to become 
better organized and to better position themselves in order to take advantage of services export 
opportunities. 
4.4.1  Banking, finance, and insurance 
4.4.1.1  Regulation 
4.20.  All on-shore and offshore financial services sectors, with the exception of domestic banks, 
are regulated by the Financial Services Unit (FSU).51 
4.4.1.2  Onshore financial services 
4.4.1.2.1  Banking 4.21.  Domestic commercial banks are under the supervision of the Eastern Caribbean Central 
Bank (Common Report). The Banking Act, 2005 re mains the main legislation governing onshore 
banking services.  
                                               
50 WTO document GATS/SC/27, 15 April 1994. 
51 The FSU is in charge of administration of: the Building Societies Act Ch apter 31:60; Co-operative 
Societies Act 1996; Development banks Dominica Agriculture Industrial and Development Bank Chapter 74:03; 
Exempt Insurance Act 1997; International Exempt Trus t Act 1997; International Business Companies 1996; 
and the Offshore Banking Act 1996. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  4.22.  Four commercial banks operate in Domi nica; three are branches of foreign-owned 
commercial banks, the Bank of Nova Scotia, CIBC First Caribbean International Bank (Barbados) Ltd., and RBC Royal Bank of Canada. The National Bank of Dominica Ltd. is wholly locally owned and incorporated. Dominica also has one development bank, the Dominica Agricultural, Industrial 
and Development Bank (AID). The AID's main source of funds is from the Caribbean Development 
Bank and its key funding areas include agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, services, transportation, mortgage, and education. 
4.23.  At end 2012, Dominica had 11 credit unions, with a total of 63,421 members.
52 The 
Co-operative Societies Act, 2011 regulates the registration, supervision, and operation of 
cooperative societies, including credit unions. The Act establishes a Registrar of non-financial Co-operative Societies, and a Registrar for Credit Unions. The Director of the Financial Services 
Unit (FSU) is the Registrar for Credit Unions. Both Registrars are currently in operation. 
4.24.  Money services businesses are regulated by the Money Services Business Act, 2010. The Act 
makes the distinction between several classes of licence: class A (money transmission) and 
currency exchange; class B (issuance, sale, and redemption of payment instruments); class C 
(cheque cashing); class D (currency exchange); and class E (pay day advances only). The granting of a licence is subject to an application fee of  EC$2,500; and the submission of the appropriate 
documents. The annual licence fee is EC$5,000. Businesses are required to make a statutory 
deposit of EC$50,000, and maintain a capital adequa cy ratio of 10% of the value of the assets 
(with a minimum capital requirement of EC$50,000).
53 As at March 2014, five class E and two 
class A licences had been granted. 
4.4.1.2.2  Insurance 
4.25.  In 2013, Dominica had 16 registered insu rance companies and one underwriter. All but one 
of the companies are foreign-owned, mainly by companies located in other Caribbean countries, 
Europe, and the United States. Five of these co mpanies provide long-term insurance, 12 provide 
general insurance, and 2 provide both long-term and general insurance. There is no reinsurance 
company registered in Dominica. 
4.26.  The main legislation governing onshore insurance is the Insurance Act 2012 (Act No. 4 
of 2012), which repealed the Insurance Act No. 17 of 1974, and came into force on 22 February 2012. The Act applies to: local insurance companies; branches of foreign insurance companies; associations of underwriters; intermed iaries; and privately administered pension fund 
plans. It also applies to re-insurance. Under th e 2012 Act, all of these businesses are subject to 
registration. Supervision of Insurance business is in the hands of the Registrar of insurance, which is the Director of the Financial Services Unit of the Ministry of Finance. 
4.27.  The Act stipulates that foreign insurance companies must be lawfully constituted in 
accordance with the laws of the country of incorporation, and must have been in business for at least five years prior to registration in Dominica. They are required to maintain a principal office in 
Dominica and appoint a resident as a representative. The minimum share capital is EC$2 million 
for local companies, and EC$5 million for foreign insurance companies. Mutual companies are required to have uncommitted reserves of at least EC$5 million.  
4.28.  Businesses are also subject to a deposit requirement. For underwriters, the deposit is 
EC$200,000 or 40% of the gross premium collected for policies issued during the previous fiscal 
year (whichever is greater). The deposit requirement for long-term insurance businesses is EC$1 million, and for any other insurance, EC $500,000 or 40% of the premium income derived 
from that insurance business during the financial year preceding the date of deposit, whichever is 
greater. 
4.29.  Insurance companies must keep separate accounts with respect to their insurance business. 
They are required to establish insurance funds fo r each class of insurance business they transact. 
The funds must consist of assets equal in market value to policyholders liabilities (less the deposit). At the end of each financial year, foreign insurance companies are required to place in 
                                               
52 National Cooperative Credit Union Limited online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.nccudominica.com/images/PDF_Files/septemberchands2013.pdf . 
53 Money Services Business (Capital Adequacy) Order 2011. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  trust the assets of each of the funds established.  They must not apply the assets of an insurance 
fund to any other class of insurance business. They are not allowed to repatriate any profits until the value of the assets of each fund covers at least 110% of the liabilities attributable to the 
related-business. 
4.30.  With the exception of re-insurance, permissi on is required from the Registrar for any person 
to enter into an insurance contract with a company that is not registered. Such contracts are approved only if similar protection cannot be obtained from a registered company. 
4.4.1.3  Offshore financial services 
4.31.  The main legislation governing offshore banking is the Offshore Banking Act No. 8 of 1996. 
Under the Act, offshore banks may only conduct banking business in currencies other than the EC$. Companies must have a physical presence in Dominica, and individuals acting as their 
authorized agent and alternate agent must resi de in the country. Companies licenced under the 
Act are required to maintain minimum permanen t capital of US$1 million or 5% of deposit 
liabilities, whichever is greater, as well as liquidity with a major international bank of at least 12% 
of total assets. At the commencement of activities, the paid-up capital must be at least 
US$1 million in cash. Offshore banks must maintain a reserve fund into which they transfer no less than 25% of their yearly profit. They are subj ect to an annual licence fee of US$8,000. As at 
March 2014, there were eight registered offshore  banks and four applications for registration. 
4.32.  Offshore insurance companies are regula ted by the Exempt Insurance Act No. 14 of 1997. 
The company must be incorporated in Dominica in order to benefit from the status of exempt insurance. All risks and premiums must originate from abroad, and shareholders must reside 
outside Dominica. At least one of the directors must be a resident citizen of Dominica. The 
minimum paid-up capital is US$100,000. As at late 2013, there were  no licensed offshore 
insurance companies in Dominica. There was one offshore company in the process of being 
licensed. As at March 2014, there was one licensed offshore insurance company (Brilla Insurance). 
4.4.2  Telecommunications 4.33.  Dominica's GATS Schedule includes reservations on commercial presence in voice telephony 
(both fixed and mobile), packet-switched data transmission, circuit-switched data transmission, 
telex, telegraph, private-leased circuit, and facsimile services for the exclusive operator. The supply of electronic mail, voice mail, on-line information and data-base retrieval, electronic data interchange, Internet and internet access services (except voice), enhanced value-added facsimile 
services and some other services, is open to othe r suppliers, provided they use the network of the 
exclusive operator to supply these services. 
4.34.  Telecommunications in Dominica is under the responsibility of the Ministry of Information, 
Telecommunications and Constituency Empowerment. The National Telecommunications 
Regulatory Commission of Dominica is the regulator for the sector.
54 At the regional level, the 
Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) has an important advisory and policy-
coordinating role (see Common Report).  
4.35.  As of March 2013, there were five active operators in Dominica: Cable & Wireless /LIME 
(Dominica) Ltd (fixed-line, mobile, internet and submarine cable services); Marpin 2K4 Ltd. (fixed-line and internet services); SAT Telecommunications (fixed-line and internet services); 
Digiciel (Dominica) Ltd. (mobile only); and, Middle Caribbean Network (submarine cable only).
55 
Between 2008 and 2013, fixed-line penetration decreased from 24% to 20% and mobile penetration fluctuated between 125% and 143% (Table 4.1). 
                                               
54 National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Dominica online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.ectel.int/ntrcdm/index.htm . 
55 ECTEL (2014),  Electronic Communications Sector Review 2012–2013. Viewed at: 
http://www.ectel.int/index.php/resources/publicati ons?download=93:ectel-2013-annual-sector-review. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  Table 4.1 Selected telecommunications indicators, 2008-13 
  2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 
Provider Revenues 
(EC$ million) 97 100 96 92 98 95 
Investment  
(EC$ million) 18 24 16 17 12 13 
Employment (number) 301 271 229 233 237 213 
Penetration rates 
(in %)       
  Fixed-line 24 24 22 21 21 20 
  Mobile 125 137 139 140 141 143 
  Internet Broadband 
  Penetration 10 11 11 12 13 15 
 
Note: Information is provided for year ending on 31 March 2013.  Source: Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Author ity, Electronic Communications Sector Review 
2012-2013. Viewed at: http://www.ectel.int/index.php/resources/publications?download=93:ectel-
2013-annual-sector-review .  
4.36.  The NTRC is in charge of managing and co ntrolling the use of electromagnetic spectrum. It 
is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Regional Radio Spectrum Plan established by 
ECTEL, and with international standards, such as the International Table of Frequency Allocation for Region 2 of the ITU.
56 Dominica's national spectrum is  managed by the NTRC. A Regional 
Spectrum Management Plan commenced in 2006, and was amended in June 2012. 
4.37.  A Universal Service Fund has been established to compensate the operators required to 
provide universal service, and to fund any projects  that promote universal service, with a special 
focus on rural, under-served, and maritime areas. The Fund is managed by the NTRC. Operators 
contribute 0.25% of gross annual revenue for the fi rst year, 0.5% for the second year, and 1% for 
each year thereafter.57  
4.38.  The main legislation governing the sector is the Telecommunications Act No. 8, 2000, as 
amended by Act No. 17 of 2001.58 It is substantially the same as the respective 
telecommunications laws of the other OECS ECTEL-member states. The law, inter alia , specifies 
criteria for granting a licence, universal service conditions that may be applied, and procedures for 
concluding interconnection agreements (Common Report). According to the Telecommunications 
(Retail Tariff) Regulations SRO 40 of 2012, operators are free to set their tariffs, but the NTRC may intervene if there is not enough competition, or in cases of unfair competition. The NTRC has 
the authority to regulate the tariffs of special se rvices such as emergency services and operator 
assistance. 
4.39.  Interconnections are regulated by the Telecommunications (Interconnection) Regulations, 
2009. Providers may negotiate interconnection agr eements, but these are subject to approval by 
the NTRC, after consultation with ECTEL. A public network operator must provide interconnection 
to interconnecting operators under no less favourable terms and quality than similar services provided for itself or its affiliates. There are three interconnection agreements between: Marpin 
2K4 Ltd.; Cable & Wireless /LIME (Dominica) Ltd.; and Digicel (Dominica) Ltd.
59 
                                               
56 Telecommunications (Spectrum Management) Regulations 2011. 
57 Telecommunications (Universal Service Fund Contribution) Order, 2009. 
58 Telecommunications Act No. 8, 2000. Viewed at: http://www.ectel.int/documents/telecoms-
regulations/Dominica/TelecommunicationsAct2000.pdf . 
59 ECTEL online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.ectel.int/Current%20Consultations/Consult ation_Interconnection/CurrentInterconnectionAgreemen
tsforpublication-REVISED.pdf  [12.12.13]. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
- 153 - 
 
  4.40.  The Telecommunications (Quality of Serv ice) Regulations, 2008, define criteria and 
parameters for the quality of fixed telecommunications services, mobile, and internet services. Providers are required to submit quarterly reports on compliance to the NTRC. 
4.41.  The NTRC is also in charge of managi ng the National Numbering Plan. Numbering fees 
consist of an application fee, an initial fee payable on the allocation of a code or a block of codes, 
and an annual fee assessed on the codes allocate d to the operator. Annual fees are EC$410 for a 
block of 10,000 numbers, and EC$1,060 for a block of 10 codes.
60  
4.4.3  Transport 
4.4.3.1  Air transport 4.42.  The main legislation governing air transport in Dominica is the Civil Aviation Act No. 21 of 
2005, which entered into force in 2010. There are no foreign investment restrictions on ownership 
of domestically incorporated carriers. Currently, Dominica does not have any domestically 
incorporated airlines. 
4.43.  The Ministry of Public Works, Energy and Ports is responsible for air transportation. At the 
regional level, safety and security oversight is  managed by the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation 
Authority (ECCAA) (Common Report). 
4.44.  Responsibility for airport administration lies with the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority 
(DASPA), established by the DASPA Act of 8 De cember 2006. The Authority is charged with 
providing a coordinated an integrated system of airports, seaports, and port services, and managing the assets, liabilities, resources, and functions of the ports. However, the DASPA Act 
allows the Authority to contract out any of these responsibilities, with the authorization of the 
Minister. According to the authorities, ground handling is provided by private local companies. 
4.45.  Dominica levies a travel tax on air tickets, an embarkation duty on passengers leaving 
Dominica by air, and a security charge (current ly included in the price of the air ticket). 
4.46.  Dominica is not a contracting party to the ICAO. It has bilateral air services agreements 
with France, and the Netherlands. Dominica is a signatory of the CARICOM Air Services Agreement which grants Fifth and Seventh Freedom rights. Dominica has not made any GATS commitments 
on air transport services.
61 
4.4.3.2  Maritime transport 4.47.  In volume terms, the vast majority of Dominica's cargo trade is shipped by sea. The 
Ministry of Public Works, Energy and Ports is  responsible for maritime transportation policy 
formulation, and management. Oversight responsibility for ships engaged in international trade 
rests with the Commonwealth of Dominica Maritime Administration (MARAD), which reports to the Minister responsible for maritime affairs. 
4.48.  International Maritime Act No. 9 of 2000 established an International Ships Registry, for 
commercial vessels providing international maritime services. International business companies and foreign maritime corporations that fly the Dominican flag are not taxed on their income or 
assets. According to the authorities, 165 vessel s are inscribed in the International Registry. 
Dominica had 42 domestic vessels in 2013, down from 65 in 2007. 
4.49.  Dominica has five ports owned and administered by the DASPA: the Port of Roseau 
(comprising Woodridge Bay, a ferry terminal, and a cruise ship terminal); the Port of Portsmouth 
(Cabrits Cruise Ship Berth, the Longhouse jetty); th e Port of Anse de Mai; Marigot; and Colihaut. 
4.50.  Dominica levies a passenger tax on cruise ship passengers, a travel tax on tickets 
purchased for vessels leaving Dominica, and an embarkation duty on passengers leaving 
Dominica. 
                                               
60 Telecommunications (Numbering) Regulations, 2008. 
61 WTO document GATS/SC/27, 15 April 1994. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  4.51.  Dominica is a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and is a party to all 
of the IMO mandatory instruments.62 The authorities indicated that during the review period, 
investments have been made to bring the main ports and terminals into compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code). 
4.4.4  Tourism 
4.52.  In its 2012 report, the WTTC estimated that the tourism and travel sector's direct 
contribution to Dominica's GDP was 10% in 2011,  and was projected to be about 10.7% in 2012.
63 
The sector was affected by the global economic crisis. During the review period, the total number 
of visitors declined to 358,406 (2012), reflecting a decline in the number of cruise visitors (Table 4.2). 
Table 4.2 Visitor arrivals, by main category, 2007-12 
Category 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Stay-over touristsa 77,809 81,112 74,924 76,518 75,546 78,965 
Excursionists 901 965 780 783 764 1,500 
Cruise visitors 354,515 380,671 516,405 517,979 341,501 266,178 
Yacht visitors 11,197 11,102 9,532 8,554 10,338 11,763 
Total 444,422 473,850 601,641 603,834 428,149 358,406 
 
a Includes Ross University students who account for some 5,000 visits annually. 
 Source: Discover Dominica Authority. 
4.53.  The Government sees the tourism sector as a driver of economic activity and diversification. 
This is reflected in the Discover Dominica Authority's mission statement, which is "to increase the 
share of tourism's contribution to national economic development". Implementation of the Tourism Master Plan 2005-15 has been affected by the glob al financial crisis, and the results so far are 
quite limited. 
4.54.  Dominica made GATS specific commitments on hotel development, limited to hotels with a 
capacity in excess of 50 rooms. Development of hote ls with fewer rooms is subject to an economic 
needs test. Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) is responsible for the formulation and 
implementation of tourism policies. 
4.55.  Under the Hotels Aid Act (1991) and the Fiscal Incentives Act, the Minister responsible for 
tourism may grant licences to investors constructing hotels (of not less than five bedrooms) to 
import building materials and articles of hotel equipment duty free. Customs duties already paid 
may also be drawn back. Imports of capital goods, up until the commencement of the hotel's operations may also be exempt from the VAT. Income tax exemptions, for a maximum of 20 years, are available to property developers for the construction and extension of hotels.  
4.56.  The Tourism (Regulations and Standards) Act (No. 19, 2005) provides for the establishment 
of a Quality Assurance Unit to develop and mo nitor standards for the tourist industry, and a 
licensing committee to assess applications for tourism services. 
4.57.  The Government levies a number of tourism-related taxes and charges: an embarkation tax 
of EC$55 on passengers leaving by air or sea, with a lower rate of EC$45 for nationals
64; a cruise 
passenger head tax of US$5; value added tax of 10% on accommodation services by in a hotel, 
guest house inn or similar establishment; and a travel tax of 7% on tickets (for travel by air and 
sea) purchased or issued in Dominica in respect of a journey commencing anywhere, and on 
                                               
62 For the complete list see IMO online information. Viewed at : http://www.imo.org/includes/ 
blastDataOnly.asp/data_id%3 D18214/status.xls . 
63 WTTC (2013), Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2013: Grenada. Viewed at: 
http://www.wttc.org/site_media/uploads/downloads/grenada2013_1.pdf. 
64 Embarkation Duty (Amendment) Act No. 5 of 2004. WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  tickets purchased or issued anywhere in respect of a journey commencing in Dominica (Travel Tax 
Act 2003). 
4.58.  Accommodation services attract a reduced VAT rate of 10%. VAT registration is required 
when annual turnover is EC$60,000 or more (compa red to EC$120,000 for most other industries). 
4.59.  Table 4.3 shows the revenue collected due to the application of the different taxes on 
tourism in 2007-13. 
Table 4.3 Revenue collected under diffe rent taxes on tourism activities, 
2007/08-2012/13  
 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 
Embarkation 
tax 4,212,463.0 4,072,966.4 4,085,535.1 2,655,647.3 2,870,574.7 646,072.4 
Cruise 
environmental 
tax 2,616,664.6 4,754,847.7 6,064,660.1 2,134,057.2 3,396,259.6 2,972,483.9 
Travel Tax 1,325,717.7 1,256,356.7 1,989,671.4 2,330,866.5 1,941,506.8 1,528,028.9 
Hotel 
Occupancy Tax 
(HOT) 61,500.0 37,065.4 0 92.0 34,051.9 3,263.5 
Exit certificate 23,450.0 19,670.0 19,305.3 226,492.1 15,045.0 13,110.0 
       
Total  8,239,795.3 10,140,906.1 12,159,171.9 7,347,155.2 8,257,438.0 5,162,958.7 
 
Note: The Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) was one of the taxes abolished by the imposition of the value added 
tax in 2006. Hence, collections of the HOT from March 2006 represent the payment of HOT in arrears.  
 Source: Information provided by the authorities. 
4.4.5  Professional services 
4.60.  Dominica did not make any GATS specific commitments on professional services. According 
to the authorities, the Government has the excl usive power to legislate on the practice of 
professions. No professions are reserved for nati onals, and there are no residency requirements 
for the practice of any profession. Practicing engineers must be registered by the Board of 
Engineering, in accordance with the Engineerin g Profession Act No. 22 of 2002, and practicing 
architects, by the Board of Architecture, in accordance with the Architecture Profession Act No. 4 
of 2003. Both boards have regulatory re sponsibility for their professions and, inter alia , are 
mandated to assess qualifications and experience , and conduct examinations of persons applying 
for registration. 
4.61.  The Accreditation Act No. 13 of 2006 provid es for the establishment of an accreditation 
body, and sets out the process and procedures by  which an institution or programme of higher 
education would be accredited. The authorities indicated that this accreditation body has been 
established. 
4.62.  As the result of a CARICOM initiative to enhance the free movement of skilled persons, 
professional service providers, university graduates who are CARICOM nationals, may enter and 
work in Dominica without a work permit (see Common Report). Between 2004 and 2013, 
271 CARICOM nationals were issued certificates to enter Dominica under this initiative. In the first two months of 2014, 18 certificates were issued.  WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
- 156 - 
 
  REFERENCES 
IMF (2013), Dominica: 2012 Article IV Consultation.  International Monetary Fund, Country Report 
N° 13/31, January 2013. Viewed at: http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/scr/2013/cr1331.pdf . 
UNCTAD (2013), World Investment Report 2013: Global Value Chains: Investment and Trade for 
Development.  New York and Geneva: United Nations. Viewed at: 
http://unctad.org/en/publicationslibrary/wir2013_en.pdf . 
WTTC (2013), Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2013: Grenada. Viewed at: 
http://www.wttc.org/site_media/upl oads/downloads/grenada2013_1.pdf . 
 WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  5  APPENDIX TABLES 
Table A1. 1 Merchandise exports and re -exports by SITC section, 2006-12 
(US$ million and %) 
Description 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Total exports and re-exports 41.5 36.3 40.0 34.0 36.8 29.0 35.3 
  Domestic exports 40.5 35.4 38.1 32.0 30.6 23.3 26.8 
  Re-exports 1.0 1.0 1.9 2.0 6.2 5.6 8.5 
 (% of total exports and re-exports) 
 0 Food and live animals  32.8 32.6 37.2 46.7 26.8 11.9 10.2 
 1 Beverages and tobacco  1.8 2.4 1.8 2.1 1.5 1.0 1.4 
 2 Crude materials, inedible, except fuels  6.8 9.3 13.6 8.1 5.1 9.9 10.2 
 3 Mineral fuels and related materials  - - .. - 0.1 0.3 - 
 4 Animal and vegetable oils, fats and 
 waxes  - - - .. - - - 
 5 Chemicals and related products  56.6 53.7 44.3 38.8 44.9 57.1 53.3 
 6 Manufactured goods classified by 
 material  0.4 0.5 0.5 0.4 1.1 0.9 1.9 
 7 Machinery and transport equipment  1.1 0.9 1.5 2.8 6.6 2.8 2.1 
 8 Miscellaneous manufactured articles  0.6 0.7 1.0 1.1 13.5 15.7 19.9 
 9 Commodities and transactions not 
 classified elsewhere in SITC  .. .. .. .. 0.5 0.2 0.9 
 
.. Not available.  Source: Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. Viewed at: http://www.eccb-centralbank.org/Statistics/index.asp .WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
- 158 - 
 
  Table A1. 2 Merchandise imports by SITC section, 2006-12 
(US$ million and %) 
Description 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Total imports 166.9 195.8 247.0 225.3 223.8 226.1 194.7 
 (% of total imports) 
 0 Food and live animals  15.5 16.0 15.0 16.3 16.7 17.2 20.6 
 1 Beverages and tobacco  2.5 2.8 2.6 3.0 3.0 3.6 3.9 
 2 Crude materials, inedible, except fuels  2.2 2.2 2.0 2.4 2.9 1.7 2.6 
 3 Mineral fuels and related materials  15.5 17.2 20.0 16.4 16.3 20.9 15.3 
 4 Animal and vegetable oils, fats and waxes  2.8 2.2 2.9 2.4 3.1 2.6 2.6 
 5 Chemicals and related products  12.2 10.1 8.3 8.5 8.0 8.3 8.8 
 6 Manufactured goods classified by material  15.2 16.2 16.5 15.4 15.4 14.7 15.9 
 7 Machinery and transport equipment  23.5 21.8 23.1 24.4 21.0 17.1 16.7 
 8 Miscellaneous manufactured articles  10.6 11.5 9.5 11.3 11.8 12.0 11.6 
 9 Commodities and transactions not classified 
 elsewhere in SITC  .. - .. - 1.9 2.0 1.9 
 
.. Not available.  Source: Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. Viewed at: http://www.eccb-centralbank.org/Statistics/index.asp . 
 WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  Table A1. 3 Merchandise exports and re -exports by trading partner, 2006-12 
(US$ million and %) 
Description 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Total exports and re-exports 41.5 36.3 40.0 34.0 36.8 29.0 35.3 
 (% of total exports and re-exports) 
 America 70.0 71.1 .. 68.8 66.6 79.4 83.8 
  United States 4.5 3.0 .. 2.9 2.8 3.9 4.2 
  Other America 65.4 68.1 .. 65.9 63.8 75.4 79.6 
   Trinidad and Tobago 7.6 8.2 .. 8.8 6.9 13.9 18.8 
   Jamaica 15.1 20.0 .. 16.3 13.9 17.3 16.2 
   St Kitts and Nevis 2.7 4.2 .. 4.4 7.5 17.7 14.3 
   Guyana 6.9 4.9 .. 5.2 4.1 5.8 9.5 
   Barbados 7.2 3.6 .. 2.7 2.5 2.8 6.3 
   Antigua and Barbuda 12.9 15.5 .. 15.2 18.9 9.1 5.5 
   St Lucia 4.3 3.3 .. 2.3 3.0 2.5 2.6 
   Suriname 2.4 1.5 .. 1.2 1.1 1.4 1.8 
   Haiti 0.1 0.1 .. 0.5 0.0 0.0 1.2 
   St Vincent and the Grenadines 1.3 1.4 .. 2.4 0.9 1.2 1.1 
   British Virgin Islands 1.1 1.3 .. 1.2 1.5 1.0 0.5 
   Grenada 0.7 0.6 .. 2.0 0.7 0.6 0.5 
 Europe 26.8 23.9 .. 27.1 27.2 16.8 10.9 
  EU(27) 26.8 23.9 .. 27.1 27.2 16.8 10.9 
   France 8.3 9.7 .. 13.7 15.9 11.3 8.8 
   Germany 0.0 0.1 .. 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.2 
   United Kingdom 18.5 14.1 .. 13.3 11.3 5.0 0.9 
   Netherlands 0.0 0.0 .. 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.1 
  EFTA 0.0 0.0 .. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
  Other Europe 0.0 0.0 .. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
 Africa 0.0 0.0 .. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
 Middle East 0.0 0.0 .. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
 Asia 0.2 0.0 .. 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.7 
  China 0.1 0.0 .. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 
  Japan 0.0 0.0 .. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
  Six East Asian Traders 0.1 0.0 .. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 
   Thailand 0.0 0.0 .. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 
   Korea, Republic of 0.0 0.0 .. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 
   Hong Kong, China 0.0 0.0 .. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
   Chinese Taipei 0.0 0.0 .. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
  Other Asia 0.0 0.0 .. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 
   Viet Nam 0.0 0.0 .. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 
 Other 3.1 5.0 .. 4.1 6.1 3.8 4.4 
 
Note: Shares are based on UNSD Comtrade data.  .. Not available.  0.0 Negligible trade.  Source: UNSD, Comtrade database (SITC Re v.3); and Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.WT/TPR/S/299/Rev.1 • Dominica 
 
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  Table A1. 4 Merchandise imports by trading partner, 2006-12 
(US$ million and %) 
Description 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Total imports  166.9 195.8 247.0 225.3 223.8 226.1 194.7
 (% of total imports) 
 America 77.0 79.1 .. 81.9 78.4 81.6 76.2
  United States 36.1 35.7 .. 39.7 38.3 41.8 36.8
  Other America 40.9 43.4 .. 42.1 40.1 39.9 39.5
   Trinidad and Tobago 22.1 23.1 .. 21.3 14.1 15.3 17.0
   Canada 2.7 2.3 .. 2.7 1.8 1.9 2.3
   Antigua and Barbuda 0.2 0.2 .. 0.2 0.3 0.2 2.1
   Colombia 0.9 1.4 .. 1.1 1.1 1.3 2.0
   Barbados 2.3 2.2 .. 1.8 1.4 1.4 1.8
   Jamaica 1.3 0.9 .. 1.0 1.3 1.3 1.8
   Dominican Republic 0.7 1.7 .. 2.2 2.5 2.0 1.8
   St Lucia 2.2 1.4 .. 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.7
   St Vincent and the Grenadines 1.0 1.1 .. 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.6
   Grenada 1.4 1.4 .. 1.5 1.2 1.2 1.1
   Guyana 1.3 1.5 .. 1.5 1.1 1.5 1.1
   Brazil 0.9 1.2 .. 1.2 2.0 1.0 1.0
   Bahamas 0.0 0.0 .. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.9
   Panama 0.8 1.0 .. 0.8 0.5 0.8 0.7
   St Kitts and Nevis 0.1 0.2 .. 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.5
   Mexico 0.4 0.5 .. 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.5
 Europe 12.8 11.6 .. 9.9 12.6 8.3 9.2
  EU(27) 12.6 11.4 .. 9.6 12.3 8.0 9.0
   United Kingdom 5.7 5.4 .. 4.6 5.3 4.0 4.0
   France 2.7 2.2 .. 1.6 3.4 1.5 2.0
   Netherlands 1.5 1.2 .. 1.2 1.0 1.1 1.3
   Germany 1.6 0.9 .. 0.8 0.5 0.5 0.6
   Italy 0.2 0.3 .. 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.5
  EFTA 0.1 0.2 .. 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.1
   Switzerland 0.1 0.1 .. 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0
  Other Europe 0.0 0.0 .. 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1
   Turkey 0.0 0.0 .. 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1
 Africa 0.2 0.2 .. 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1
   Swaziland 0.0 0.0 .. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1
 Middle East 0.0 0.1 .. 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0
 Asia 9.1 7.8 .. 7.4 8.0 9.2 5.7
  China 3.9 2.4 .. 2.0 2.6 4.0 2.4
  Japan 4.0 4.1 .. 4.3 3.8 4.1 2.4
  Six East Asian Traders 0.8 0.8 .. 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.6
   Korea, Republic of 0.2 0.1 .. 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2
   Thailand 0.1 0.4 .. 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.1
   Malaysia 0.1 0.1 .. 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
   Hong Kong, China 0.2 0.2 .. 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
   Chinese Taipei 0.1 0.1 .. 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1
   Singapore 0.1 0.0 .. 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0
  Other Asia 0.4 0.4 .. 0.4 0.8 0.4 0.3
   India 0.3 0.2 .. 0.3 0.6 0.2 0.1
   United States Minor Outlying Islands 0.0 0.0 .. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1
   Indonesia 0.1 0.1 .. 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Other 0.8 0.7 1.2  0.8 0.9 0.8
 
Note: Shares are based on UNSD Comtrade data.  .. Not available.  0.0 Negligible trade.  Source: UNSD, Comtrade database (SITC Re v.3) and Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.