If you resell lubricants in the Dominican Republic, Miami is your shortest supply line. American Oil Wholesale and Distribution (aoilw.com), based in Hialeah, minutes from PortMiami, stocks more than 700 active lubricant SKUs and ships EXW to DR consolidators regularly. This guide covers the tariff advantage, the purchase flow, and how to size a first mixed-pallet order.
Why Dominican Republic lubricant resellers source from Miami
Three factors make Miami the preferred source for DR lubricant importers.
Port proximity. PortMiami runs regular container service to Dominican Republic ports, putting Hialeah-staged product on the water faster than inland US suppliers. A pallet ready at our warehouse can be in your consolidator's hands the same morning we confirm pickup.
Brand recognition. Dominican workshops and fleets specify by name: Mobil 1, Valvoline, Castrol, Pennzoil. We stock all four in the grades DR mechanics request most, plus our American Oil house brand in drums and pails for high-volume fleet replacement needs.
Mixed invoicing. DR importers rarely need a single product in full-container quantities. We allow mixed brands and viscosity grades on one proforma invoice, so you can test demand across product segments before scaling to a container load.
CAFTA-DR and HS heading 2710: the tariff advantage
The Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) entered into force for the Dominican Republic in March 2007, according to the U.S. International Trade Administration. Under CAFTA-DR, qualifying US-origin petroleum products, including lubricating oils classified under Harmonized System (HS) heading 2710, enter the Dominican Republic at preferential duty rates compared to the standard most-favored-nation column.
To claim preferential treatment, lubricants must meet CAFTA-DR rules of origin. Products we carry that are manufactured in the United States generally qualify. Confirm with your Dominican customs broker before the first shipment. We issue a Certificate of Origin on request; details are on our export hub.
HS heading 2710 covers petroleum oils other than crude, including motor oils, gear oils, hydraulic fluids, and automatic transmission fluids. Your customs broker in Santo Domingo or Santiago will determine the 8-digit or 10-digit subheading for each product line.
How the EXW Miami purchase works
EXW (Ex Works, Incoterms 2020) means the goods leave our warehouse and your freight costs begin there. Here is the five-step flow DR importers use with us.
- Request a quote. Submit your product list and quantities through our quote form or WhatsApp at (786) 651-6216. We respond the same business day, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern.
- Receive the proforma invoice. Once we confirm availability, we issue a proforma invoice with product descriptions, unit pricing, pallet count, and gross weight. This is the document your customs broker needs to prepare the import declaration.
- Wire payment or Zelle. Export orders require wire transfer or Zelle. The $1,250 minimum export order must be met on the proforma.
- We palletize and stage. Once payment clears, we palletize and wrap your order at our warehouse: 8090 W 30th Ct, Hialeah, FL 33018.
- Your consolidator picks up. Your Miami-based freight forwarder or consolidator picks up the staged load and handles container booking. We make the goods available Ex Works; the freight arrangement is yours from that point.
Sizing your first Dominican Republic order
The $1,250 export minimum supports a mixed pallet of drums, pails, and cases, enough to test three to five products with your existing clients before scaling to a container. DR importers typically open with automotive motor oil in 5W-30 and 10W-30 multigrade, add a drum of gear oil for transmission shops, and include a run of a recognized national brand to serve the workshop segment.
Ready to move a 20- or 40-foot container? Container packing guides and product mix strategies are available on aoilw.com. Your consolidator confirms booking requirements once you have your proforma in hand.
We export to 31 countries, with the Dominican Republic among our most active export destinations. First-time DR importers are welcome to schedule a call to walk through the catalog and identify SKUs that match their existing accounts.
Request your proforma at aoilw.com/quote or call us at (305) 825-2788.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mix brands and viscosity grades on one order?
Yes. We build mixed pallets across brands and grades under one proforma invoice. This lets you test multiple product segments without committing to a mono-product load.
What is the minimum export order for the Dominican Republic?
The minimum export order is $1,250. It can be a mixed pallet of drums, pails, and cases across brands and grades.
Do I need a certificate of origin for lubricants entering the Dominican Republic?
If you are claiming CAFTA-DR preferential duty rates, a Certificate of Origin is typically required. We issue one on request. Confirm the documentation requirement with your Dominican customs broker before shipment.
Which motor oil grades sell best in the Dominican Republic?
5W-30 and 10W-30 multigrade are the most common requests from DR automotive accounts. 15W-40 moves well in fleets and older diesel engines. We stock all three in leading national brands and in American Oil drum and pail sizes.
What documents does American Oil provide with an export order?
We provide a proforma invoice before payment and a commercial invoice once the order is staged. A Certificate of Origin is available on request. Bill of lading and freight documents are handled by your freight forwarder or consolidator.
