Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh cherries in the Dominican Republic are primarily an import-supplied, premium fresh-fruit item sold through modern retail in consumer-ready packs. WITS (UN Comtrade) trade data shows Dominican Republic imports of “Cherries, fresh” (HS 080920, HS 1988/92) were about USD 281k (42,764 kg) in 2023, with Chile and the United States listed as the main suppliers. Market continuity is highly dependent on completing the Ministry of Agriculture’s pre-shipment “Guía de No Objeción Fitosanitaria” process and passing phytosanitary inspection upon arrival, making documentation and phytosanitary conformity key gating factors. Commercial quality classification for cherries in international trade commonly references the OECD/UNECE cherry standard (FFV-13) for consistent grading and presentation.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleSmall, import-driven fresh-fruit segment supplied via importers and modern retail
Specification
Primary VarietySweet cherries (Prunus avium) — typical fresh consumer product in trade standards
Secondary Variety- Sour cherries (Prunus cerasus) — covered by trade standards but less common for fresh premium retail
Physical Attributes- Minimum quality expectations in trade standards emphasize intact, sound fruit with handling that maintains freshness; stems are commonly present, but missing stems may not be treated as a defect if skin is not damaged (OECD standard).
Grades- Quality class system commonly used in international trade standards: “Extra” Class, Class I, Class II (OECD/UNECE FFV-13).
Packaging- Trade standards emphasize uniformity within packages (same origin/variety/quality) and packaging materials that protect produce (OECD/UNECE FFV-13).
- Consumer-ready retail packs are used in Dominican modern retail offerings (e.g., 454 g / 1 lb and 1 kg / 2.2 lb product listings on PriceSmart Dominican Republic).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin packhouse (exporter) → refrigerated transport → Dominican port/airport → phytosanitary inspection on arrival → importer distribution → modern retail/warehouse club
Temperature- USDA FAS FAIRS country report (2015) describes fresh fruit being shipped in refrigerated containers at 32–36°F (0–2°C); confirm current temperature and quarantine requirements with the Dominican Ministry of Agriculture for fresh cherries.
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighDominican Ministry of Agriculture (2019 notice) warns that imports of animal or vegetal products placed at ports/airports/border without prior “No Objeción” authorization issued before shipment may be returned, destroyed, or incinerated, with costs borne by the importer.Secure the VUCE-based “Guía de No Objeción Fitosanitaria” and confirm written approval/authorization is issued before loading in origin; align shipment documents to the approved application fields.
Phytosanitary HighCNMSF highlights that plant-product imports are subject to phytosanitary inspection on arrival and must be free of pests and soil; non-compliance can lead to treatment requirements, delays, or refusal actions.Pre-clear supplier phytosanitary program and packhouse hygiene; conduct pre-shipment inspection and ensure the original phytosanitary certificate and shipment details match the load.
Packaging MediumCNMSF notes that wood packaging used for plant-product imports must comply with ISPM 15; non-compliant packaging can trigger holds or corrective action demands.Use ISPM 15-compliant wood packaging (properly marked) or switch to non-wood alternatives; keep supporting documentation available for inspection.
Food Safety MediumUSDA FAS FAIRS country report (2015) lists Dominican regulations addressing maximum residue levels (MRLs) of pesticides in fruits and vegetables; residue non-compliance can create entry and retail acceptance risk for imported cherries.Align residue-testing plan with buyer and Dominican requirements; verify pesticide program and obtain recent COAs/testing where required by buyer/importer.
FAQ
Which documents are commonly required to import fresh cherries into the Dominican Republic?At minimum, the CNMSF highlights the need for an original phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country and that shipments are inspected on arrival. The Ministry of Agriculture’s process also relies on obtaining a pre-shipment “Guía de No Objeción Fitosanitaria” via VUCE, and the Ministry lists a pro forma invoice as part of the permit process. USDA’s FAIRS report (2015) additionally describes a certificate of origin requirement for fresh fruit imports; importers should confirm current requirements with Dominican authorities and their customs broker.
Where did the Dominican Republic source most of its fresh cherry imports from in 2023?WITS (UN Comtrade) reports that in 2023 the Dominican Republic imported “Cherries, fresh” mainly from Chile and the United States, with total imports of about USD 281k (42,764 kg) under HS 080920 (HS 1988/92).
What is the main deal-breaker compliance risk for shipping fresh cherries to the Dominican Republic?The Ministry of Agriculture issued a notice stating that imports arriving without prior “No Objeción” authorization (issued before shipment) may be returned, destroyed, or incinerated, and that the importer bears the costs. The practical implication is that exporters and importers need the VUCE-based authorization process completed and approved before loading the shipment at origin.