The Dominican Republic established a Regulatory Council for the “Dominican Cigar” geographical indication (GI) to protect the authenticity, quality and international reputation of its cigar industry. Chaired by Dominican Tobacco Institute Director Iván Hernández Guzmán, the council includes government agencies and industry groups and will oversee compliance with production standards from tobacco cultivation through manufacturing, packaging and storage. It will also promote the designation, support marketing, and train registered producers, with the National Quality Council (Indocal) and National Office of Industrial Property (Onapi) providing technical and legal support.
Tag: Domincan Republic
-
DR Announces $1.3B in Tobacco Exports for 2025
The Dominican Republic’s tobacco industry generated more than $1.3 billion in export revenue in 2025, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s leading export sectors. According to Iván Hernández Guzmán, director of the Dominican Tobacco Institute, the industry supports more than 122,000 direct jobs and includes 130 tobacco-related companies operating in free trade zones. Tobacco exports have increased 41% since 2019, while employment has grown 26%, driven by government support programs such as technical assistance, seed distribution, pest control, and international promotion. Tobacco remains the Dominican Republic’s third-largest export, behind gold and medical devices.