Dominican business groups seek extension for corporate criminal liability laws

Business organizations in the Dominican Republic are calling for an extension of the implementation period for the new corporate criminal liability provisions within the proposed Penal Code.

The Consejo Empresarial Santo Domingo Norte (CESDN) supports a proposal to extend the grace period to 24 months. CESDN President Julián Pérez stated that this extension would allow companies, particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), to undergo a responsible and orderly adaptation process. The organization emphasized the need for legal certainty, training programs, and technical assistance to help businesses strengthen internal controls and prevention mechanisms.

Similarly, the Organización Nacional de Empresas Comerciales (ONEC) held a forum to analyze the impact of the new legal framework on corporate risks and compliance culture. ONEC President Ernesto Martínez noted that a reform of this magnitude requires real capacity to comply, rather than just willingness. The organization highlighted that the transition involves not only legal adjustments but also changes in corporate governance, human resources, and risk management.