SANTIAGO DE LOS CABALLEROS, Dominican Republic — The Dominican Republic has formalized the installation of the Regulatory Council for the Geographical Indication (GI) "Dominican Cigar," the body responsible for overseeing compliance with the production standards tied to this designation.
The Council was established under Law 20-00 on Industrial Property and Law 34-18 governing INTABACO, and is tasked with monitoring the processes, production zones, and characteristics that define the typicity of Dominican cigars registered under the GI.
Regulatory framework and scope of oversight
The Council will apply Dominican Standards NORDOM 481 and NORDOM 482 throughout the production process, from planting and harvesting through manufacturing and packaging. According to the regulation’s bylaws, the Geographical Indication is intended to protect the cultural and agricultural heritage tied to Dominican tobacco and to establish a technical framework for the product’s commercialization in international markets.
Composition of the Regulatory Council
The body’s membership brings together public and private sector representation:
- Leadership: INTABACO presides over the Council, with participation from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs, and PROCIGAR.
- Strategic partners: PRODOMINICANA and representatives from the producer, manufacturer, and exporter sectors.
- Technical support: INDOCAL and ONAPI serve as conformity assessment and legal support entities on industrial property matters.
Functions of the body
Beyond monitoring regulatory compliance, the Regulatory Council will be responsible for promoting the GI, supporting the commercialization of cigars registered under the designation, and training operators enrolled in the system.
Requests for information on registration and certification requirements can be directed to INTABACO’s offices.
