Dominican Republic authorizes Canadian beef imports

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The Dominican Republic has authorized the importation of Canadian beef and meat products, including offal, from cattle of all ages. This decision restores Canadian access to the Dominican market for the first time since 2003, when restrictions were imposed following the first case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Canada.

The reopening follows an audit of the Canadian beef inspection system conducted by the Dominican Republic’s General Directorate of Medicines, Food and Sanitary Products (DIGEMAPS) and the General Directorate of Livestock (DIGEGA). The audit confirmed the reliability of Canadian food safety, inspection, and animal health controls. Canada currently holds an insignificant risk rating for BSE according to international animal health standards.

Three Canadian beef processing plants have already been authorized to export to the Dominican Republic. This development provides a significant opportunity for Canadian exporters, as the Dominican Republic imported approximately $215 million in beef and meat products in 2025.