Practice areas > DR-CAFTA Labor Compliance Audits

In April 2007, proponents of DR-CAFTA could point to its inevitable success with a Miami trade mission report that in 2006, Nicaexport had attracted $22 million in new purchases from U.S. buyers, with 65% of that revenue going into the hands of small and medium-sized Nicaraguan operations. Similarly, Pahnas, a tamale exporting company in El Salvador, reported its U.S. sales tripling to $600K in 2006 due to the DR-CAFTA’s duty-free access to American markets (as well as the assistance of USAID programs).

The continued growth of DR-CAFTA will depend in large part upon labor compliance by all involved. Auditing of labor compliance, therefore, is key to DR-CAFTA’s future success.

Auditing can be undertaken internally; however, independent auditing companies are available, with more becoming available throughout Central America to meet rising compliance needs.

Fuerst Ittleman assists its clientele in assuring DR-CAFTA labor compliance in several ways. Fuerst Ittleman counsels brands on the technicalities of internal audits. The firm also provides support in the coordination of independent auditing companies, and in communications with the International Labor Organization as needed.

Fuerst Ittleman reviews audits and provides its analysis, as well. Unfavorable audits do occur; Fuerst Ittleman works closely with its clientele to thwart any disputes of an audit in an efficient and expedited manner. In many cases, an audit dispute can be easily and summarily rectified.