Following the recent seizure of a large illegal shipment of ethanol at the Belladère border, originating from the Dominican Republic, which led to the arrest of the owner for legal suites, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MCI) recalls that the importation of ethanol (ethyl alcohol) in Haiti, for pharmaceutical purposes, medical and industrial, is strictly regulated and that any offender is liable to legal action.

MCI recalls, that in accordance with its notice of February 14, 2011, of March 22, 2012 and January 6, 2012, repeating the provisions of the statement of 23 October 1996 and 28 May 2001 the importation of ethanol in Haiti is subject to a prior request for authorization to import at Ministry of Trade and Industry. This provision applies to all ethyl alcohol : crude alcohol (phlegm), dehydrated alcohol, rectified extra neutral alcohol (REN), pure alcohol and denatured alcohol.

MCI also highlights that any request to import ethanol for pharmaceutical and medical purposes addressed to MCI, is subject to first obtaining a favorable opinion from the Ministry of Public Health and Population.

In the case where ethanol is used for industrial purposes, the demand for import authorization shall be addressed directly to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Finally, the Ministry reminds that it is strictly forbidden to use ethanol imported into the preparation of clairin and that the offenders will be prosecuted and punished according to law.

HL/ HaitiLibre