Dominican Republic reopens market to Canadian beef

Canadian beef exporters once again have access to the Dominican Republic market after the country lifted restrictions that have been in place for more than two decades.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced Sept. 11 that the Dominican Republic will allow imports of Canadian beef and beef products, including offal, from cattle of all ages. Restrictions were originally introduced in 2003 following Canada’s first case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

The decision comes after Dominican Republic officials reviewed Canada’s food safety, inspection and animal health systems. Representatives from the country’s General Directorate of Medicines, Food and Health Products (DIGEMAPS) and General Directorate of Livestock (DIGEGA) conducted an audit of Canada’s beef inspection framework before approving access.

Canada is recognized internationally as having negligible risk status for BSE, reflecting the measures in place to monitor and manage animal health.

The Dominican Republic represents an established beef import market. In 2025, the country imported approximately $215 million worth of beef and beef products from suppliers around the world. With restrictions now removed, Canadian exporters can once again sell into that market.

Three Canadian beef processing facilities have received approval to export products to the Dominican Republic.