Puerto Rico
PR · PRI
Karibik-Hub / Pharma-Produktionsstandort
Capital: San Juan
Overview
Puerto Rico (ISO code PR) lies in the Caribbean east of the Dominican Republic and is an unincorporated territory of the United States. The island has a high degree of self-government with an elected governor and legislature but is subject to US federal law. The climate is tropical and maritime, with high year-round temperatures, high humidity and a pronounced rainy season. The economy is dominated by services, especially tourism and finance, complemented by pharmaceutical, electronics and food manufacturing. Puerto Rico exports pharmaceuticals, chemicals and electronics while depending heavily on imports of food, energy and consumer goods. Its logistics importance stems from the seaports of San Juan, Ponce and Mayaguez and from international airports that serve as Caribbean trade and transport hubs. As part of the US customs territory, trade with the US mainland moves duty-free as domestic traffic. The currency is the US dollar (USD).
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); lokale Einfuhrsteuer: Departamento de Hacienda de Puerto RicoImport system
Teil des US-Zollgebiets: Auslandseinfuhren werden über US CBP / ACE nach US-Tarif (HTSUS) abgefertigt; zusätzlich lokale Einfuhr- und Use-Tax-Anmeldung über das Hacienda-Portal PICO/SURI.
Export system
Versand ins US-Festland gilt als Inlandsverkehr ohne Zoll. Ausfuhr ins Ausland: US-Ausfuhrabwicklung via AES/ACE (Schedule B); EEI-Meldung ab 2'500 USD je Warennummer.
Import VAT
- Keine US-Bundes-Mehrwertsteuer
- lokale Sales-and-Use-Tax (IVU) 11,5 Prozent (10,5 Prozent Insel plus 1 Prozent Gemeinde) auch auf Einfuhren, erhoben über PICO/SURI.
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
- CBP-Einfuhrerklärung (Entry)
- Hacienda-Einfuhranmeldung (PICO, SC 2970)
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
- Electronic Export Information (EEI/AES, Schedule B)
Origin proofs / FTA
US-Handelsabkommen (z. B. USMCA) gelten. Der Warenverkehr Puerto Rico–US-Festland ist Inlandsverkehr und benötigt keinen Ursprungsnachweis.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Es gelten die US-Bundesvorschriften (FDA, USDA/APHIS, ATF). Jones-Act-Kabotage: Seeverkehr zwischen US-Häfen nur mit US-geflaggten Schiffen.
Export controls & sanctions
US-Exportkontrolle (EAR/BIS) und OFAC-Sanktionen gelten vollumfänglich; elektronische AES-Meldung über ACE.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Americas) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to the Americas. Depending on the destination, additional security filings, product requirements, or broker processes may apply.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín (SJU)
- Aguadilla Rafael Hernández (BQN)
- Ponce Mercedita (PSE)
Seaports / access ports
- San Juan (Puerto Nuevo)
- Ponce (Port of the Americas)
- Mayagüez
Road corridors & border crossings
- PR-22 / José de Diego (San Juan–Aguadilla)
- PR-52 / Luis A. Ferré (San Juan–Ponce)
- PR-26 / Baldorioty de Castro (San Juan)
Top trade lanes
- US-Festland–San Juan
- Jacksonville–San Juan
- San Juan–Karibik
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Hohe Importabhängigkeit; der Jones Act verteuert Seefracht ab US-Festland. Stromnetz nach Hurrikan Maria weiterhin fragil.
Seasonal & weather risks
Atlantische Hurrikansaison Juni bis November mit Risiko von Hafen- und Flughafensperrungen sowie Lieferunterbrüchen.
Current logistics notes
Netzbetreiber LUMA: wiederkehrende Stromausfälle belasten Kühlketten und Betrieb (Stand 2026). Hafen San Juan bleibt Haupttor der Insel.
As of: 2026-06-27
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
No news for this country yet.
View all news →Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- cbp.gov
- hacienda.pr.gov
- census.gov
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Do shipments from the US mainland to Puerto Rico need customs clearance?
No. Puerto Rico is part of the US customs territory, so trade with the mainland is domestic and duty-free. However, the local use tax (IVU) may still apply.
What import tax applies in Puerto Rico?
There is no US federal VAT. Locally a Sales and Use Tax (IVU) of 11.5 percent applies (10.5 percent island plus 1 percent municipal), levied also on imports.
What is PICO and what is it for?
PICO (Portal Integrado del Comerciante) is the portal of the tax authority Hacienda. Importers must declare imported goods there and pay the use tax to obtain release of the merchandise.
What does the Jones Act mean for transport to Puerto Rico?
The Jones Act requires goods moved between US ports, including between the mainland and Puerto Rico, to travel on US-flagged, US-built and US-crewed vessels, which raises sea freight costs.
What are the main ports and airports?
The main seaport is San Juan (Puerto Nuevo), followed by Ponce and Mayaguez. The leading air cargo gateway is Luis Munoz Marin (SJU) with about 90 percent of air freight; Aguadilla (BQN) ranks second.
Do US export controls and sanctions apply in Puerto Rico?
Yes. As part of the US, US export controls (EAR/BIS) and OFAC sanctions apply in full. Exports abroad are filed electronically via AES/ACE.
What seasonal logistics risks exist?
The Atlantic hurricane season from June to November can cause port and airport closures and supply disruptions. Recurring power outages also strain cold chains.
Which trade partners are important for Puerto Rico?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Puerto Rico?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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