Dominican Customs destroys 253,000 counterfeit items

The Dominican Republic's General Directorate of Customs (DGA) has destroyed 253,523 counterfeit items seized for violating intellectual property rights. The destroyed goods included various products such as flip-flops, backpacks, wallets, sneakers, belts, eyewear, and toys, all of which utilized distinctive signs protected under Dominican law.

Director General Nelson Arroyo stated that the destruction serves as a clear signal of the agency's commitment to legality, consumer protection, and the strengthening of formal trade. Arroyo noted that during the first half of 2026, the institution had retained more than seven million units linked to potential intellectual property infringements, highlighting the increased effectiveness of customs controls in combating illicit commerce.