Dominica

Dominica's Customs Act No. 20 of 2010 defines privately used recreational vessels as pleasure craft and authorises separate rules for their arrival, reporting and departure. Current yacht-specific implementing rules were not found in this review. General vessel provisions do not constitute a complete yacht procedure; confirm with customs.

Dominica customs law requires vessels to proceed to a customs-designated location and name it in arrival declarations. Older legislation listed some customs ports, but the current private-yacht clearance-port list must be confirmed with customs. Do not plan arrival solely from an old list.

Pre-arrival declarations

Section 18 of Dominica's Customs Act 2010 requires the master or agent to submit a prescribed advance vessel declaration to customs, normally at least 24 hours before arrival, unless the Comptroller waives it for reasons such as proximity of the arrival location. It includes ETA, intended customs arrival location, a list of cargo for unloading and passenger/crew lists. Proceed directly to the declared location after arrival unless a customs officer directs otherwise.

Section 12A of Dominica's Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act 2007 requires the master, before leaving the previous port, to submit vessel and individual persons-aboard details to immigration at the intended Dominican arrival port in the approved format and manner. Vessels not exceeding 100 net tons are exempt; the Minister may grant other exemptions under prescribed circumstances and conditions. Confirm applicability and submission method with immigration.

Dominica's Customs (Control and Management) Act requires the master or agent to submit a vessel declaration at least 24 hours before ETA unless the competent officer waives it for distance or other reasons. It includes ETA, intended customs arrival location and passenger/crew lists. On arrival, proceed there or follow customs instructions. Vessels bound outside Dominica normally require a customs clearance certificate first. The Act also authorises separate yacht rules; confirm current forms, online reporting and yacht formalities with Dominica Customs before departure.

Dominica imposes quarantine controls on plants, agricultural produce, meat and live animals. Agricultural imports need advance permission, with country of origin, product, quantity/weight, transport method and expected arrival date. Official guidance requires applying at least one week before goods arrive, an origin-country phytosanitary certificate, inspection on arrival, and products free of pests, disease and soil. Before importing meat, meat products or live animals, contact the Ministry of Agriculture Veterinary Unit for applicable permissions and quarantine documents. Verify pet permits beforehand too.

Dominica customs legislation and controlled-goods schedules list firearms, ammunition, fireworks, explosives, narcotics and other controlled goods. Some need prior permission or declaration. Older versions of the schedules exist; confirm current rules with customs before sailing.

Customs Act No. 20 of 2010 requires the master/agent to answer customs questions and provide voyage and vessel documents. In specified circumstances, an arrival report is due within 24 hours after arrival. Outbound vessels need a clearance certificate. The Act separately authorises pleasure-craft rules; confirm current private-yacht sequencing and certificate validity with customs.

Fees and departure

Sections 32–33 of Dominica's Customs Act 2010 require vessels bound abroad to submit the prescribed departure report and supporting documents and answer customs questions before applying for outward clearance. Do not depart without clearance. It may cease to be valid if the vessel has not left Dominican waters within 24 hours after departure. The provisions reviewed give no uniform tariff; confirm charges with the processing port.