Requirements for Importing ICT Equipment to Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is growing into a leading innovation hub in the Caribbean, offering some of the most competitive tax incentives for ICT and innovative businesses.
It serves as an innovation-friendly import destination for importers and suppliers of telecom systems, enterprise servers, and advanced networking solutions.
Let’s explore the various import requirements to fulfill when importing to Puerto Rico and the place of Blackthorne IOR when importing.
6 Requirements for Importing ICT Equipment to Puerto Rico
Here are the six key import controls and compliance requirements to fulfill when importing ICT equipment to Puerto Rico:
1. Radio, Telecommunications, and EMC Compliance
Puerto Rico follows the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules for radio frequency and telecommunications equipment.
The FCC’s Equipment Authorization Program requires all devices emitting RF energy to undergo certification, Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC), or verification before importing, marketing, or selling them in Puerto Rico.
As the importer, you are required to:
- Determine if your equipment requires Certification or SDoC
- If Certification, obtain FCC ID via Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB) and accredited lab testing
- For SDoC, compile accredited test reports and supplier declaration
- Keep a record of technical files, test reports, and compliance records to demonstrate compliance with FCC rules
- Label the equipment based on the FCC’s labelling guidelines
- Include user manual instructions, FCC statements, and RF exposure warnings where applicable
Ensure compliance with Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) or Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limits for portable devices
2. Electrical and Electronic Safety Compliance
Three main regulations apply to electrical and electronic equipment imported to Puerto Rico: OSHA and Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) standards Puerto Rico enforces the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for electrical equipment. To comply with OSHA/NRTL safety standards, the importer must:- Ensure equipment has a valid certification from an OSHA-recognised NRTL (such as UL, ETL, or CSA)
- Obtain and maintain safety test reports and certification documentation from the NRTL for each product model
- Clearly label equipment with the appropriate safety mark and follow usage guidelines
- Follow the Puerto Rico Electrical Code for all installations, including wiring, grounding, and protection systems
- Engage a Puerto Rico-licensed electrician or electrical engineer for any permanent installations
- Confirm all components and wiring are recognised for safe use, especially if your product requires on-site electrical setup (e.g., UPS installations, servers, racks)
- Register with the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board as an importer/distributor of electrical equipment
- Develop and submit an electronics recycling and disposal plan detailing how end-of-life devices will be collected, transported, and recycled through certified channels
- Coordinate with local retailers or designated collectors to ensure the collection and disposal of orphan or refurbished devices
- Maintain e-waste collection, recycling outcomes, and any outreach or take-back communications records
3. Network Access and Carrier Approval
Cellular devices must meet PTCRB/GCF requirements and may require approval from individual network operators to function on US and Puerto Rican mobile networks. Before importing equipment, you may be required to:- Secure PTCRB and/or GCF certification for cellular devices
- Apply for operator-specifc approvals (AT&T, T-Mobile etc) if required
- Ensure devices support the required LTE/5G frequency bands used in Puerto Rico
- Maintain updated firmware and security patches to meet operator security policies
4. Customs Procedures
To clear ICT equipment imports to Puerto Rico, you must:- File entry electronically via the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) or submit CBP Form 7501 through a licensed customs broker
- Declare accurate CIF values for duty/tax assessment
- Prepare and submit all required documentation
- Comply with EEI filing in the Automated Export System (AES) for outbound shipments from the mainland US
- Be physically available in Puerto Rico to clear customs or collaborate with a locally established third-party IOR
- Register with the Puerto Rico Treasury Department (SURI) for SUT obligations
5. Documentation Requirements
Here are the key documents to submit when importing IT equipment to Puerto Rico:- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading/ Airway Bill
- Certificate of Origin
- US Customs Entry Form (CBP Form 3461/7501)
- FCC Declaration
- Import permits/ approvals and certifications
- Compliance certificates
- Tariff Prepayment Proof (if any)
6. Duties and Taxes
Puerto Rico applies an 11.5% Sales and Use Tax (SUT) on imported goods:- 10.5% goes to Puerto Rico Treasury (state level)
- 1% goes to the corresponding municipality
Import with an IOR
Use our online calculator to see how much it costs to ship to the USA with Blackthorne IT
Import to Puerto Rico with Blackthorne
To simplify the importation of ICT equipment to Puerto Rico, Blackthorne IOR handles these three main procedures:
- Supply chain optimisation: We save you unnecessary costs and expenses by identifying potential import risks and employing shipping best practices for a compliant yet low-cost importation
- Import and export licensing: We conduct conformity assessments and prepare relevant technical documentation to facilitate approval and acquisition of required import licences
- Record keeping: We securely store and index all shipment documents, regulatory approvals, and correspondence for the minimum required duration to ensure ongoing compliance and facilitate future compliance audits.
Import into Puerto Rico with Blackthorne IOR Services
We are your solution if you need assistance with compliance, managing global logistics, or managing your import expenses when importing to Puerto Rico.
You can contact us today so we can work together towards expanding your ICT equipment importation and distribution.
