By Arnold Junior Pierre, Gazette Haiti, Jan. 16, 2026
This Friday, January 16, 2016, the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Haiti (CCIH) and the Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH) signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at facilitating and optimizing customs clearance procedures for the benefit of national production.
Held at a hotel in Pétion-Ville, the signing ceremony brought together several high-ranking public and private officials, including the Minister of Economy and Finance, the Director General of the General Customs Administration (AGD), as well as the leaders of the CCIH (Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Haiti) and ADIH (Association of Haitian Industries). The initiative aims to be a concrete response to the structural difficulties faced by Haitian industrial companies.
Established for a period of three years, the protocol primarily aims to facilitate the import of raw materials and inputs for local production. The stated objective is clear: to reduce delays, control costs, secure the flow of goods and, above all, strengthen the competitiveness of national companies, both in the local market and internationally.
Speaking at the ceremony, the president of the Haitian Industries Association, Maulik Radia, emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement. In a speech delivered in English, he said “Customs facilitation is a decisive step for our businesses. It allows us to reduce the costs associated with customs clearance procedures, improve productivity, and maintain competitiveness in both the local and international markets”.
According to Radia, the agreement also helps to strengthen the value and credibility of the "made in Haiti" label, by offering local products better conditions to face international competition.
Furthermore, Radia emphasized that signing the document is only the first step. The success of the initiative will depend on rigorous implementation, monitoring of commitments made, and the ability of stakeholders to maintain an open and constructive technical dialogue.
For his part, the president of the Haitian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jean Nathan Létang, placed the agreement in its economic and social context. He acknowledged that the signing comes at a particularly difficult time for the country, marked by persistent political instability and a security situation that is severely impacting economic activity.
Despite this climate, Jean Nathan Létang believes the protocol represents an important step towards a more competitive and better-governed Haiti. He particularly emphasized the responsibility of the beneficiary companies. "The CCIH is committed to raising awareness among its members regarding strict compliance with their tax and customs obligations. Trade facilitation can only work within a framework of compliance, transparency, and mutual trust," he stated.
In concrete terms, the agreement provides for several facilitation measures, including the simplification of customs clearance procedures, the granting of priority channels to compliant companies, the storage of raw materials directly at the factory, the establishment of dedicated counters, as well as the exemption from the Late Declaration Penalty (ADT) in specific and duly justified situations.
These provisions will be implemented in strict compliance with the applicable legal and regulatory framework. The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) will oversee and monitor the system, while the General Administration of Customs (AGD) will ensure the effective implementation of the measures, with a focus on modernization, efficient control, and securing public revenue.
Posted March 29, 2026