Tiles export to Dominican Republic is growing rapidly in 2025 due to rising construction, hotel projects and housing demand. This guide covers import rules, duties, prices…
Table of Contents
- Tiles Export to Dominican Republic – 2025 Market Overview
- Market Demand, Growth & Buyer Trends
- Popular Tile Sizes, Finishes & Product Preferences
- Import Duties, ITBIS Tax & HS Codes
- Required Documents & Certifications
- Shipping Costs & Transit Time (India → Dominican Republic)
- Buyer Pain Points & How Exporters Should Solve Them
- Pricing Examples: FOB vs CIF (Complete Landed Cost Calculation)
- Competitor Analysis: India vs China vs Spain vs Italy vs Turkey
- Step-by-Step Process: How to Export Tiles to Dominican Republic
1. Tiles Export to Dominican Republic – 2025 Market Overview
The ceramic tiles Dominican Republic market is expanding rapidly, fueled by housing demand, hotel development, and government infrastructure investment.
Key Market Highlights
- Market value reached ~$215 million in 2024, up 36% YoY.
- Forecasted 3.9% growth in 2025, with residential construction holding 34.07% market share.
- Tile demand driven by:
- Affordable housing projects
- Hotels in Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Santiago
- Government roads, metro expansion, commercial properties
- Dominican importers recorded 46 major shipments (2024-2025)—a consolidated but high-value market.
India is the 2nd largest exporter with 23% share, after Italy (24%).
If you are an exporter targeting porcelain tiles Dominican Republic, floor tiles supplier Dominican Republic, or wall tiles exporter Dominican Republic, 2025 is one of the strongest market windows.
2. Why Tiles Export to Dominican Republic Is Growing in 2025
Top demand drivers:
- Residential floor tiles
- Low-cost housing
- Hotel renovation & new developments
- Commercial malls, supermarkets, offices
- Large-format tile installations in premium homes
Dominican Republic Tile Buyer Preferences
- Price-sensitive but increasingly quality-aware
- Prefer 600×600, 600×1200, 300×600, 800×800 tiles
- Growing love for:
- wood-look porcelain tiles
- marble-look ceramic tiles
- stone-effect vitrified tiles
- Large formats preferred for reduced grout lines
- Slip-resistant tiles (R10, R11) required for outdoor or wet zones
Market Segments
- Low–medium cost housing → 60% of total tile demand
- Premium apartments/hotels → demand for digital glazed, marble-look & porcelain tiles
- Government/infrastructure projects → prefer budget tiles (China, Taiwan)
Conclusion: Dominican Republic is a perfect fit for Indian porcelain & vitrified tiles—balancing cost and quality. Tiles export to Dominican Republic is seeing strong demand in 600×600 and 600×1200 porcelain tiles.
3. Popular Tile Sizes, Finishes & Product Preferences
Most Imported Tile Sizes
- 600×600 mm – #1 imported size in Dominican Republic
- 600×1200 mm – fast-growing segment
- 300×600 mm – standard for wall applications
- 400×400 mm – legacy demand
- 800×800 & above – luxury projects
Check our porcelain and vitrified tiles range.
Preferred Finishes & Types
- Glazed vitrified tiles (GVT/PGVT) – high demand
- Digital glazed wall tiles for kitchens & bathrooms
- Matt finish tiles – trending for modern interiors
- Glossy tiles – popular for commercial spaces
- Wood-look porcelain tiles – strong demand for warm aesthetics
- Marble-look & stone-effect – premium residential demand
- Anti-slip tiles (R11) – outdoor spaces
Explore our complete tiles collection here.
4. Import Duties, ITBIS Tax & HS Codes
Understanding tiles import duty Dominican Republic is critical before quoting CIF prices.
HS Codes to Use
- 6907 – Ceramic flags, paving, floor/wall tiles
- 690710 – Glazed ceramic wall tiles
- 690721 – Glazed floor tiles (water absorption ≤0.5%)
- 690722 / 690723 – Floor tiles, digital glazed wall tiles
Duty Structure
Dominican Republic applies five duty slabs: 0%, 3%, 8%, 14%, 20%. If you’re planning tiles export to Dominican Republic, understanding duties and ITBIS tax is essential.
Typical duties for ceramic & porcelain tiles:
- 14%–20% import duty (ad valorem)
- 18% ITBIS tax applied on:
CIF + Duty
Total Landed Cost = CIF + Import Duty + ITBIS (18%)
Trade Agreement Impact
- U.S. goods enter duty-free under CAFTA-DR
- Indian suppliers do NOT get duty benefits
- CIF method used for all HS Codes
This means U.S. suppliers have a cost advantage, but Indian exporters win through price + quality balance.
5. Required Certifications & Documents
To successfully export porcelain tiles exporter Dominican Republic, ensure all documents are correct.
Mandatory
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading (B/L)
- Certificate of Origin
- Insurance Certificate (CIF)
- Correct HS Code Classification
- Spanish-language labels on all packages
Recommended
- ISO 9001 (quality)
- Slip resistance test (R-rating)
- ISO 17889-1 sustainability certification
- INDOCAL compliance for quality standards
Mistakes in HS codes cause penalties, customs delays, or duty recalculation.
Official Dominican Republic import guidelines (Trade.gov)
6. Shipping Costs & Transit Time (India → Dominican Republic)
Sea Freight (2025 Estimated)
| Mode | Cost |
|---|---|
| 20ft Container | ~$2,875 |
| 40ft HQ Container | ~$3,550 |
| LCL (1 CBM) | ~$399 |
| LCL (2 CBM) | ~$499 |
Transit Time
- Nhava Sheva → Caucedo Port: 27–32 days
- Nhava Sheva → Rio Haina: 30 days
- Consolidated cargo: 45–60 days
- Air freight: 3–15 days
Buyers prefer CIF pricing because landed cost predictability is higher. Shipping cost is a major factor in tiles export to Dominican Republic due to long transit times.
Read about CAFTA-DR tariff rules on USTR.
Check updated sea freight cost estimates.
7. Buyer Pain Points & How You Can Solve Them
1. Price Sensitivity
Solution: Offer tiered pricing (Good / Better / Best).
2. Quality inconsistency
Solution:
- Batch-wise QC photos
- Share technical specs
- Offer samples before mass production
3. Delayed delivery
Solution:
- Provide live production tracking
- Use predictable shipping lines
4. Incorrect HS Code / documentation errors
Solution:
- Share sample invoice & packing list
- Highlight correct HS code on proforma
5. Tile water absorption & durability issues
Solution:
- For floor tiles → porcelain ≤0.5% absorption
- Provide CE/ISO certificates
6. Color mismatch between batches
Solution:
- Maintain fixed glaze codes
- Provide batch control assurance
9. Competitor Comparison: India vs China vs Spain vs Italy vs Turkey
| Country | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| India (Morbi) | Balanced cost & quality, huge design variety, fast production | No FTA → higher duties |
| China | Lowest prices, high volume | Quality inconsistency, design repetition |
| Italy | Premium quality, top printing | Highest prices |
| Spain | Innovative designs, strong brand | Higher costs than India/China |
| Turkey | Competitive prices, modern designs | Shipping disruptions possible |
India is the sweet spot: Superior design + competitive pricing + wide formats.
10. Step-by-Step Process: Exporting Tiles to Dominican Republic
STEP 1 – Identify the Right Buyer
Use keywords:
- tile importer Dominican Republic
- tile distributor Santo Domingo
- construction tiles distributor Dominican Republic
STEP 2 – Send Technical Sheet
Include:
- Size, finish
- Water absorption
- R-rating
- Load tests
- Packing details
STEP 3 – Share Samples
Buyers often approve only after:
- Quality inspection
- Edge finish checks
- Color consistency
STEP 4 – Send Commercial Offer (FOB/CIF)
STEP 5 – Sign Contract + Advance/LC
STEP 6 – Production + QC
Send:
- Photos
- Packing images
- Batch codes
STEP 7 – Shipping + Documents
Ensure:
- Spanish labels
- Correct HS codes
- Insurance certificate
STEP 8 – Buyer Receives Goods + Feedback
11. FAQs
1. What is the import duty on ceramic tiles in Dominican Republic?
Usually 14%–20%, plus 18% ITBIS tax.
2. How long does shipping take from India to Dominican Republic?
27–32 days for full containers.
3. What are the most popular tile sizes in Dominican Republic?
600×600, 600×1200, 300×600, 800×800.
4. Which countries export tiles to Dominican Republic?
Main suppliers: Italy, India, Spain, China, Turkey.
5. What certifications are needed to export ceramic tiles?
Invoice, Packing List, B/L, Certificate of Origin, Spanish labeling, optional ISO.
6. Which tiles sell best in Dominican Republic?
Porcelain tiles (≤0.5% absorption), digital glazed wall tiles, wood-look & marble-look.
Want competitive CIF quotes, samples, or exclusive importer pricing for the Dominican Republic?
We supply:
- Porcelain tiles
- Glazed vitrified tiles
- Ceramic tiles
- Digital wall tiles
- Large format tiles
- Wood-look & marble-look porcelain tiles
📩 Contact Us Now — Guaranteed Best Prices for the Caribbean Market
🌍 WhatsApp : +91 9408897009
Email : exports@scalaneinternational.com
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