PUERTO RICO 

PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED GOODS

Liquors and spirits should not be included in any shipment, nor should personal effects be placed in the trunks of automobiles. Liquors will be confiscated by local authorities. Shippers should be advised not to ship firearms to Puerto Rico. The laws for registering these items are strict and complicated, and confiscation by local authorities can be expected. Further, it is likely that the shipment will have to be completely re-handled at the local piers.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS 

Shipments originating in any of the 50 U.S. STATES (Domestic Shipments) are only subject to payment of Insular Excise Taxes, while shipments originating elsewhere are subject to payment of both Insular Excise Tax and U.S. Customs duties (Foreign Shipments).

Documents required for Household Goods and Automobiles:

1. Ocean Waybill (Original in case of Foreign Shipments)
2. U.S. Customs Form 3299 for Foreign Shipments
3. Household Good Freight Bill signed by owner
4. Inventory signed by owner
5. Copy of driver's license and social security card
6. Original Certificate of Automobile Title
7. Original Automobile Registration

If there is any balance pending on an automobile (lien), an original notarized authorization from the entity financing same is required, with copy of registration, before automobile can be registered in Puerto Rico. To accomplish registration, those items indicated with the marks "++", plus a valid driver's license, Social Security number, and local physical and mailing address are required.

Keys to an automobile, including trunk, should be sent to agent, to arrive prior to the arrival of the vehicle. 

Automobiles originating in a so-called foreign country must have displayed thereon, information that it fulfils the U.S. requirements pertaining to pollution, or an accompanying certificate to that effect from the manufacturer. Automobiles are subject to inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

The shipper must be present when the shipment arrives. A single Customs Form can be used to cover both the Foreign Household Goods shipment and the Foreign Automobile shipment, provided both will arrive on the same ship and both are covered by the same Ocean Waybill. 

On foreign shipments, all shippers will be required to attend an interview at the U.S. Customs office before delivery of the shipment. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE:   All shipments of HHG & Personal Effects are subject to local Excise Tax Clearance. New HHG, sports equipment, musical instruments, luxury items, electrical appliances, rugs are taxed at 6.6% of declared value. For shipments to or from the off-shore communities of Culebra and Vieques, it is necessary to obtain a special quotation. 

Important: This information is intended for general guidance and all T.I.M.N. members are entitled to reproduce this information and any contributions are welcomed.  T.I.M.N. cannot however take responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage that may occur from its use.  As such it is advisable to contact the nearest customs office for Puerto Rico for full and current information prior to importation.