Four Asian businesses in Bonao were intervened for selling expired products and products without sanitary registration in the Dominican Republic

The authorities seized more than 78,000 products valued at 37 million pesos in businesses in Bonao. (Photo: social media) Dominican authorities reported the seizure of more than 78,000 products valued at RD$37 million (about USD 608,000) during four raids carried out at Asian-owned businesses in Bonao. According to the participating agencies, the establishments were found to contain expired goods, items without sanitary registration, and products with alleged irregularities in their labeling. The operations were led by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Mipymes (MICM), the Specialized Corps for the Control of Merchandise Trade (Ceccom), and the Directorate General of Medicines, Food and Health Products (Digemaps). The Public Prosecutor's Office also participated in the interventions and will continue with the corresponding judicial proceedings. The inspections covered four establishments: Plaza Victoria, in the municipal district of Juma Bejucal; Tienda Verano and Supermercado Las Hortensias, in downtown Bonao; and Mei, located on Las Hortensias Avenue, according to Diario Libre. Among the seized products were imported beverages, sexual stimulants, personal care items, and other merchandise. The authorities noted that part of these goods did not comply with the sanitary requirements needed for their sale. The agencies transferred the seized merchandise to the Ceccom facilities, where it remains in custody while the official process moves forward. Inspectors detected expired goods, items without sanitary registration, and labeling anomalies. (Photo: social media) The MICM explained that the sale of expired products, products without sanitary registration, or products without mandatory labeling may constitute a violation of Law 42-01, the General Health Law. The institution also cited Law 17-19 on the Eradication of Illicit Trade, Smuggling, and Falsification of Regulated Products. According to the agencies involved, these provisions seek to establish controls over products reaching the market and to verify compliance with the conditions set forth by legislation. The authorities indicated that merchandise sold without the corresponding requirements can pose risks to consumers. They also mentioned possible effects on tax revenues and on businesses that comply with current regulations. The actions in Bonao took place in a context of inspections of commercial and industrial establishments in various parts of the country. In recent weeks, several state institutions have carried out operations related to alleged violations of construction standards, operating permits, sanitary conditions, and safety requirements. Among the cases cited by the authorities is the closure of a cardboard factory that, they said, was operating without the corresponding authorizations. Fuel storage areas were also observed at that facility, whose condition was questioned during the official verifications. The interventions covered four commercial establishments located in downtown Bonao and in Juma Bejucal. (Photo: social media) The recent inspections included reviews of tax obligations, safety conditions, and requirements for the sale of merchandise. Each intervened establishment must be evaluated individually, according to the circumstances and possible violations detected by the competent agencies. The MICM and Ceccom reported that they will maintain inspections and seizures throughout the national territory. The agencies stated that these actions are part of the measures against illicit trade, smuggling, and the falsification of regulated products. The process related to the merchandise retained in Bonao is now in the hands of the Public Prosecutor's Office, which will continue the proceedings provided for by Dominican law.