Export to Puerto Rico - Fedex

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Puerto Rico Country Profile

* Country Information
* Trade Group Member
* General Import Clearance Information
* Puerto Rico Import Prohibitions
* General Import Restrictions
* Puerto Rico Import Restrictions
* Special Import Provisions
o Personal Effects
o Samples
o Gifts
* Standards
* General Export Clearance Information
* Puerto Rico Export Prohibitions
* General Export Restrictions
* Puerto Rico Export Restrictions
* Regulatory Contact Information

Country Information
Capital: San Juan
Population: 3,944,259 (July 2007 est.)
Language: Spanish/English
Weights and Measures: U.S. Standard
Currency: US Dollar (100 cents equal 1 US Dollar)
Time Zone Operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
Daylight Savings Time is not observed.
Puerto Rico GMT-5



Trade Group Member

North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) provides for the elimination or progressive reduction of tariffs between Canada, U.S. and Mexico. The exemption or reduced tariff is applicable only to goods qualified under the agreement as originating goods.

The US-Chile, US-Singapore, US-Australia, US-Bahrain, US-Oman, US-Morocco, and Dominican Republic-Central America-US Free Trade Agreements provides reduced duty or duty free entry for qualified products from Chile, Singapore, Australia, Bahrain, Oman, Morocco, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. Numerous bilateral and multilateral agreements such as the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (formerly the Multi-fiber Agreement) are grouped under the umbrella of the WTO, the World Trade Organization, the successor to the GATT (General Agreement on Tariff and Trade). The WTO oversees most global trade in goods and services as negotiated in the various agreements; it also provides arbitration in case of disputes. MFN or Most Favored Nation tariff treatment is accorded to all countries who have ratified the WTO as well as to the other previous GATT members who have yet to ratify the accord.

The U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement provides duty-free entry for qualified products from Israel. CBI, the Caribbean Basin Initiative (also known as the CBERA, the Caribbean Economic Recovery Act) provides duty-free entry for qualified products from Caribbean nations.

ATPA, the Andean Trade Preference Act provides duty-free entry of eligible goods from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

FAS, Compact of Free Association, provides for duty-free entry for eligible goods directly imported to the U.S. from the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.

CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora provides for the seizure of shipments prohibited under this agreement and the assessment of fines.

Under the U.S. Generalized System of Preference or GSP, duty-free entry is allowed for direct importation into the U.S. of eligible goods from designated developing countries.

APEC, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation is considering the progressive elimination of tariffs among the Pacific Rim members (Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, U.S.A.).




General Import Clearance Information

Clearance Process
Puerto Rico as a US Commonwealth

Puerto Rico is recognized as being part of the Customs Territory of the United States. As such, all processes with regard to imports and exports are to be handled in the same manner as they would for shipments consigned to any other location within the recognized Customs Territory of the United States.

Because Puerto Rico is part of the US customs territory, shipments moving between Puerto Rico and the US are not subject to import duties and shipments imported from outside the customs territory are all subject to the same import duty rates, regardless of whether the destination is the US or Puerto Rico.

As a commonwealth, Puerto Rico has it's own local authorities who have jurisdiction over local matters and who have the authority to impose taxes and other laws that may affect international shipments.

Document Requirements
US importers are generally required to provide the following documents for entry purposes in addition to Customs Forms that are specific to entry filing. Exceptions exist for express consignments (i.e. FedEx International Express Services), for certain goods, and when Customs determines that information submitted electronically via ABI is satisfactory.

* A bill of lading (or an air waybill or carrier's certificate)

* A commercial or pro-forma invoice - IMPORTANT NOTE: COMMERCIAL INVOICE IS NOT REQUIRED FOR U.S. ORIGIN SHIPMENTS TO PUERTO RICO UNDER FEDEX EXPRESS SERVICE. HOWEVER, COMMERCIAL INVOICE IS REQUIRED FOR FEDEX GROUND SHIPMENTS FROM U.S. ORIGIN TO PUERTO RICO.

* Any other documents necessary to determine merchandise admissibility

* When applicable, packing lists and other documents such as Certificate of Origin (for special treatment)

Air Waybill
An air waybill serves as evidence to make entry for importations by a common carrier.

Commercial Invoice

IMPORTANT NOTE: COMMERCIAL INVOICE IS NOT REQUIRED FOR U.S. ORIGIN SHIPMENTS TO PUERTO RICO UNDER FEDEX EXPRESS SERVICE. HOWEVER, COMMERCIAL INVOICE IS REQUIRED FOR FEDEX GROUND SHIPMENTS FROM U.S. ORIGIN TO PUERTO RICO.

For origins other than U.S. - it is required for all shipments except those containing only personal, interoffice or business documents. It must be in English or accompanied by a translation furnished by a party who is knowledgeable of the transaction. Required details include: a detailed description of the goods; quantity; currency and purchase price or fair market value; name and amount of other charges and rebates such as freight, insurance, commission, packing, assists. Specific invoice details are required for importation of a number of commodities including the following:

* For audio/video cassettes and tapes, the length and width of the tape, a brief synopsis of content and the reason for exportation.

* For textiles (unless provided on the textile declaration), the fabric breakdown, whether knit or woven and, for clothing articles, the gender.

* For watches, the value and origin of each of the components (i.e., movement, strap, case and battery).

* For marked/mutilated samples the words "mutilated samples: 9811-0060: or "marked samples, not for resale" as applicable.

* For FDA shipments, the Product manufacturer name and address (the name and address of originating shipper, the country where the goods were last processed, the method used to make or process the product, the kind of packing material in contact with the product and the FDA product code.

Commercial Invoice Statements
A number of commodities require that a particular statement be provided on the invoice or on a separate form. Some commodities are eligible for preferential treatment (reduced duty) when the appropriate statement or declaration is provided. Among the most common statements are the following:

* Film and Video Certificate - The Certificate In Connection With the Importation of Films and Videos or Antipornographic Statement is required for imports of films and videos. The statement can be written on the invoice provided the specific wording of the standard form (CF 3291) is used.

* TSCA Statement - The Toxic Substance Control Act statement is required for the importation of any chemical shipments and any materials in primary form such as paint, dye, stain, raw rubber and raw metal. It must be provided by the importer.

* Quota Charge Statement (QCS) - A QCS is required for the importation of shipments that contain textiles or clothing from a country that is subject to textile quotas imposed by the US Department of Commerce. (When a quota allocation is sold in the origin country, the cost is considered a quota charge.) Several versions of the statement are used depending on whether a quota charge was paid, and if so, whether the amount is included in the unit price or is not known. The statement can be provided on the invoice by either the exporter or the importer.

* Artwork Statement - The artwork statement is required for duty-free entry of original works of art such as sculptures, etchings, engravings, and lithographs.

* Antique Statement - A Certificate of Antiquity, or a similar statement on the invoice, is required to claim duty-free entry of goods over 100 years old. The statement must include the words "circa date" followed by the year of manufacture whether known or estimated.

* Destination Control Statement - The exporter must include this statement on all copies of the invoice, waybill and export control documents unless the ECCN of the goods is EAR99 or the shipments is eligible for and exported under particular license exceptions.

Carnet
The ATA carnet is a document that may be used instead of the usual Customs documentation for the temporary duty-free entry of professional equipment, commercial samples and advertising material. The carnet is issued by the country of origin and is valid for one year. It must be validated by Customs upon import and re-export.

Certificate of Origin or Age
Certain goods (textiles, wine, distilled spirits) require a certificate as a condition of import. A Certificate of Origin may also be required to substantiate claims for preferential treatment of eligible goods. Some trade agreement or regulations require that the exporter complete the Certificate (others allow it to be completed by the importer or another knowledgeable party) and require that the Certificate be notarized and be validated by a government agency or chamber of commerce.

Several certificate of origin versions exist. Among the most commonly used for US shipments are the following:

* NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) Certificate of Origin

* CBTPA (Caribbean Basin Trade Preference Act) Certificate of Origin

* AGOA (African Growth Opportunity Act) Textile Certificate of Origin

* US/Israel Free Trade Agreement Certificate of Origin*

* Certificate of Origin (for general use)*

*Both the general use Certificate and the US-Israel Certificate must be notarized and require a signature and seal from a Chamber of Commerce. The FedEx Regulatory Consulting Group (phone# 800-851-3336) can provide both to US exporters for a reasonable fee.

Textiles

All textile and apparel products imported into Puerto Rico are required to include the full name and address of the manufacturer for each item. Please note if items in a shipment were produced by multiple manufacturers, the full name and address must be provided for each manufacturer, with details of items and quantities produced by each. In addtion, the commercial invoice must include fabric composition and percentage (ex. 50% cotton, 50% polyester), gender, knit or woven details.

Permits/Declarations
Permits or Declarations are required for importation and/or exportation of particular commodities that are subject to regulatory by certain agencies including the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) and FWS (Fish and Wildlife Service.) Import Licenses or permits are required for the following:

FDA Prior Notice of Imported Food Shipments and Registration of Food Facility

FDA must receive Prior Notice of food imported into the U.S./P.R. for human and animal consumption. The Prior Notice requires additional data elements and must be submitted electronically to FDA no more than five days before arrival and no fewer than four hours before arrival by air and two hours by land. For exceptions and more information, please visit Food and Drug Administration available at www.fda.gov/oc/bioterrorism/bioact.html

All domestic and foreign facilities that manufacture, process, pack, and hold food for human or animal consumption in the U.S./P.R. must be registered with FDA prior to shipping. Foreign facilities are also required to designate a U.S. agent for registration purposes to act as liaison between FDA and the facility for both routine and emergency communications. For exceptions and more information, please visit Food and Drug Administration available at www.cfsan.fda.gov/~furls/ovffreg.html

* Cheese and cheese products (import license from USDA)

* Milk and cream (import permit from FDA and USDA)

* Plants and plant products (import permit from USDA; also FDA for fruits, vegetables and nuts)

* Livestock and animals and parts of (permit from APHIS) imports are restricted to "quarantine" ports

* Poultry and related products (import permits from FDA and USDA) exemption applies to imports from Canada

* Firearms, ammunitions and explosives (import license from BATF)

* Radioactive materials and nuclear reactors (import license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or from FDA if intended for Medical use)

* Biological drugs (import license from FDA, from USDA, if for animal use)

* Biological materials such as virus, serum, toxins (permit from U.S. Public Health Service)

* Liquor and other alcoholic beverages (BATF import permit and certificate of label approval granted to licensed dealers only)

FCC 740 Statement Regarding the Importation of Radio Frequency Devices Capable of Causing Harmful Interference
Under the Federal Communication Commission rules, an FCC 740 form is required for any device or subassembly that sends, receives or is capable of interfering with radio frequencies. Examples include radio transmitters and receivers, tape recorders, stereos, TV's, cordless telephones, microwave, radio controlled security devices such as garage door openers, etc. (Shipments of cordless phones intended for the US commerce require digital security encoding and this should be indicated on the invoice or on the individual packaging.)

Invoice Details for Footwear
The footwear invoice, CF 5523, is required for all importations of footwear.

Declaration for Products Subject to Radiation Control Standards FDA 2877
The Food and Drug Administration Form 2877 must be provided by the U.S. importer for shipments which contain radiation producing products (including sonic radiation) such as TV receivers, microwave ovens, X-ray equipment, laser products, ultrasound equipment and other radiation producing electronic devices.

Civil Aircraft Certificate
This certificate is required to obtain special duty or duty-free treatment of eligible parts of civil aircraft. (Not all aircraft or their parts are eligible. The US Tariff details which goods are eligible.) It must be filed with US Customs at the district port (for entry at any port within the district) or at the US port of entry.

Blanket Certificates
Blanket certificates are certificates that are issued to authorize multiple imports of the same commodity. Blanket certificates may be submitted for FDA2877, for FCC740 as well as for certain preferential forms, the civil aircraft certificate, the textile declaration and footwear statement.


Customs Valuation


Inspection
US Customs and other regulatory agencies have the right to examine and take samples of goods entering the US to ensure compliance with US law and accurate assessment of duties. Shipments selected for inspection prior to release for delivery may experience customs delays. When Customs has released goods for immediate delivery prior to customs clearance, the importer is required to comply with post-delivery requests to submit the packages and or sample quantities to Customs.

Record-keeping
An owner, importer, consignee or anyone who files a customs entry is required by law to keep records related to imported goods. Generally records should kept for 5 years from the date of the entry or an activity involving the entry (such as closure of a Temporary Importation Bond). Specific requirements are available in Title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulation (available at www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr). Monetary penalties (for each customs release) and other disciplinary actions may be imposed for failures to produce required records (when requested by Customs).

Import Duties
All goods coming into the United States must clear customs and are subject to a customs duty unless specifically exempted from this duty by law. Rates are determined by the classification of goods within the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). Several rates of duty are possible for each item: "general" rates for most nations; "special" rates (which are lower than the general rates) for goods eligible under special trade programs; and "column 2" rates for imports not eligible for either general or special rates.

Antidumping
In some circumstances, Customs will assess antidumping duties in addition to the normal import duties. Antidumping duties are assessed on imported merchandise sold in the US at less than the normal price of the good in the manufacturer's home market (also called fair market value).

Excise Duties
Puerto Rico assesses an excise tax on all non-documents (including shipments exported directly from the US). The tax is calculated as a percentage against the declared value for customs. Some goods and consignees are exempt from this tax. (When applicable, tax exemption numbers must be included on all shipping documents, including the air waybill and commercial invoice.)

Additional Duties
Countervailing duties are assessed to counter the effects of subsidies provided by the foreign government for merchandise exported to the US resulting in artificially low prices that are detrimental to US industries.

Import Taxes
Although the US does not impose a standard federal tax on imported goods, the importer's state government may assess taxes (such as a sales tax). Some goods (such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, etc.) are subject to federal excise or stamp taxes.

The Government of Puerto Rico has announced a bill signed into law on October, 17, 2006 will remove the 6.6% excise tax on imports into Puerto Rico, effective for goods entered on or after October 17, 2006. The tax was based on commercial value of the imported goods and was collected by a local government tax agency. The new law calls for an island wide 5.5% sales and use tax and also authorizes 1.5 % local sales and use tax.

Customs Fees
Customs duties are usually an "ad valorem" rate (a percentage) that is applied to the value of the imported goods. However, some goods are dutiable at a specific rate of duty (so many cents per piece, kilo, liter, etc.) or are dutiable at a compound rate of duty (a combination of both "ad valorem" and specific rates).

Customs duty is based on the transaction value of the merchandise. Transaction value is the price the buyer actually pays the seller for the goods being imported plus other costs including, but not limited to, packing costs and royalty fees incurred by the buyer.

Exchange Controls
There are no exchange controls.

Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT's)
Technical barriers or non-tariff barriers to trade as they are sometimes known, can cause many problems for exporters looking for new markets for their products. These barriers can be in the form of regulations, standards, testing and certification procedures. The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade tries to ensure that these barriers do not create unnecessary obstacles. To obtain further information on Technical Barriers to Trade as well as Notifications on technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures, go to the WTO website at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tbt_e/tbt_e.htm.


Consular Fees
There are no consular fees.

Import Clearance Process


The United States requires customs entry for all merchandise that is brought into US customs territory except for goods identified in 19CFR141.4 (which includes articles that were undeliverable in a foreign country and records, diagrams and other data with regard to any business, engineering or exploration operation). Except for goods entering the US in possession of a traveler, customs clearance is usually done electronically through the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) program of the Automated Commercial Systems (ACS) by either the importer or by a licensed customs broker on behalf of the importer, purchaser or consignee of a shipment.

Most shipments are admitted for consumption and are assessed duty and tax upon arrival. (For information on admission for other purposes, see below.) The common types of customs entry are as follows:

* Non-Entry: Permitted for goods listed in General Note 18 of the U.S. Tariff.

* Informal: Permitted for most goods providing shipment value is less than $2,000.

* Formal: Required for shipments valued at $2,000 or more and, at a lower value, for shipments containing certain goods. (Some formal entries are called "live" entries because all applicable entry documents and all duties must be presented before Customs will release the goods for delivery. In the case of goods subject to quota, this means that quota processing must be completed also.)

Customs entry is focused on 2 issues; first, admissibility (whether the goods meet conditions for entry) and second, on duty assessment and collection. Many shipments are released for delivery after Customs has determined that the goods are admissible and is assured that duty will be paid. (Customs entry is not legally completed until after the shipment has physically arrived, duties have been paid, and delivery of the goods has been authorized by Customs.

Agency Requirements

In addition to the basic entry requirements noted above, certain goods are subject to regulatory control by other US federal, state and local authorities. In order to ensure that goods are admissible, shipment information is made available to these agencies prior to customs release. Goods subject these controls must be released by the regulating agencies before Customs will authorize delivery or customs clearance. (For specific information, please contact the appropriate agency.) Shipment information is generally submitted to:


Department of Agriculture (USDA): Animals, plants and products derived for them or intended for use on animals

Food & Drug Administration (FDA): Products intended for human use

Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA): Narcotics, chemical precursors, and pill-making and capsule-filling machines

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF)

Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS): Non-domesticated animals and plants (furs, skins, shells, ginseng, etc.) FedEx will now be able to clear shipments of wildlife products at five of our six clearance gateway locations: Anchorage, Alaska, Newark, New Jersey, Memphis, Tennessee, Miami, Florida, and Oakland, California. Note: wildlife shipments arriving at the port of Indianapolis, Indiana (a non-designated port) will move in-bond to one of our designated clearance locations for proper clearance. Additional transit time may be required.

Department of Transportation (DOT): Motor vehicles and equipment

Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Devices capable of affecting radio frequencies

Other Import Requirements

FDA Prior Notice of Imported Food Shipments and Registration of Food Facility

FDA must receive Prior Notice of food imported into the U.S./P.R. for human and animal consumption. The Prior Notice requires additional data elements and must be submitted electronically to FDA no more than five days before arrival and no fewer than four hours before arrival by air and two hours by land. For exceptions and more information, please visit Food and Drug Administration available at www.fda.gov/oc/bioterrorism/bioact.html

All domestic and foreign facilities that manufacture, process, pack, and hold food for human or animal consumption in the U.S./P.R. must be registered with FDA prior to shipping. Foreign facilities are also required to designate a U.S. agent for registration purposes to act as liaison between FDA and the facility for both routine and emergency communications. For exceptions and more information, please visit Food and Drug Administration available at www.cfsan.fda.gov/~furls/ovffreg.html








Puerto Rico Import Prohibitions

The following items are prohibited into US/Puerto Rico by law:

* White phosphorus matches

* Immoral articles (as defined in 19CFR12.40) including films, pictures, writings, etc.

* Merchandise produced by convict, forced or indentured labor (as defined in 19CFR12.42)

* Counterfeit coins, stamps, currency or other monetary securities of any government and any plates, dies or apparatus used to create such counterfeits.

* Switchblade/Balisong/gravity/ballistic knives

* Merchandise from countries under US Sanction or embargo

* Articles containing dog or cat fur

Importation of prescription drugs by an individual U.S. consumer for personal use is prohibited unless FDA approved. There are exceptions/restrictions: 1. prescription drugs, which are made in the U.S. and then exported, can only be returned to the U.S. manufacturer. 2. Under limited circumstances as defined and allowed by FDA regulations, a small quantity of a prescription drug for personal use might be eligible for import in which case the following minimum information and documentation must be included on the commercial invoice and accompany the shipment: a copy of a valid, written doctor's prescription; complete name, address and phone number of the U.S. licensed treating physician, name and address of the drug manufacturer; form of medicine (tablets, capsules, liquid, etc); quantity; type of packaging; type of medical condition being treated; if the medication can be purchased in the U.S.; dosage and strength.

Effective August 3, 2007 commercial shipments of live pigs, swine meat and by-products from the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) are prohibited and will be refused entry and must be destroyed or exported.




General Import Restrictions

The following items are not acceptable for carriage to any international destinations unless otherwise indicated. (Additional restrictions may apply depending on destination. Various regulatory clearances in addition to customs clearance may be required for certain commodities, thereby extending the transit time.)

* APO/FPO addresses.

* C.O.D. shipments.

* Human corpses, human organs or body parts, human and animal embryos, or cremated or disinterred human remains.

* Explosives (Class 1.4 explosives are acceptable for carriage to Canada, Germany, Japan, Sweden, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom. Note: United Arab Emirates only allows Class 1.4 explosives to be shipped hold- for- pick-up to the FedEx Express facility in Dubai.)

* Firearms, weaponry, and their parts (acceptable between the U.S. and Puerto Rico).

* Perishable foodstuffs and foods and beverages requiring refrigeration or other environmental control.

* Live animals (including insects) except via our Live Animal Desk (1.800.405.9052).

* Plants and plant material, including cut flowers (cut flowers are acceptable from the U.S. to selected points in Canada and from Colombia, Ecuador and the Netherlands to the U.S.).

* Lottery tickets and gambling devices where prohibited by local, state, provincial or national law.

* Money (coins, cash, currency, paper money and negotiable instruments equivalent to cash such as endorsed stocks, bonds and cash letters).

* Collectible coins and stamps.

* Pornographic and/or obscene material.

* Hazardous waste, including, but not limited to, used hypodermic needles or syringes or other medical waste.

* Shipments that may cause damage to, or delay of, equipment, personnel or other shipments.

* Shipments that require us to obtain any special license or permit for transportation, importation or exportation.

* Shipments whose carriage, importation or exportation is prohibited by any law, statute or regulation.

* Shipments with a declared value for customs in excess of that permitted for a specific destination.

* Dangerous goods except as permitted under the Dangerous Goods section of these terms and conditions.

* Processed or unprocessed dead animals, including insects and pets. Taxidermy-finished hunting trophies or completely processed (dried) specimens of whole animals or parts of animals are acceptable for shipment into the U.S.

* Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odor of any kind.

* Wildlife products that require U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service export clearance by FedEx prior to exportation from the U.S.

* Shipments* being processed under:

Duty drawback claims unless advance arrangements are made.

Temporary Import Bonds - acceptable under the FedEx International Broker Select option, for initial import only.

U.S. State Department licenses.

Carnets.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration export permit.

Shipments destined to or being withdrawn from a Foreign Trade Zone.

Letters of Credit (however, shipments covered by a Letter of Credit calling for a "Courier Receipt" as defined by Article 25 of UCP 600 may move via FedEx International Priority).

Certificate of Registration shipments (CF4455).

Shipments moving into or out of Foreign Trade Zones or bonded warehouses.

*You may be able to ship these items via FedEx International Premium, FedEx International Express Freight (IXF), FedEx International Airport-to-Airport (ATA) or FedEx International Controlled Export. For information on FedEx International Premium, IXF and ITA, call FedEx Express Freight Services at 1.800.332.0807. For information on FedEx International Controlled Export, call International Customer Service at 1.800.247.4747or your local FedEx customer service representative.






Puerto Rico Restrictions

The importation of certain products into US/Puerto Rico is restricted in order to protect the economy and safety of the United States and its citizens. The restrictions may be imposed by US Customs, by another US agency which has regulatory authority over a particular product, or by a State government into which the goods will be transported or are consigned. Restrictions include the following:

* Import quotas

* Import and/or export permits, license, visas, certificates

* Labeling and/or marking requirements

* Inspection

* Clearance for certain goods being allowed only at certain designated ports

The following goods are restricted by law and are subject to regulatory agency approval but are acceptable for importation on FedEx's International Priority Services:

* Viruses, Serums, Toxins, Anti-Toxins and analogous products

* Domestic Animal Products and Animal Feeding Material

* Products derived from Wild Animals, Birds and Insects (furs, eggs, plumage, honey, etc.)

* Seeds and non-propagating Agricultural Products

* Non-perishable Foodstuffs (canned goods, etc.)

* Motor vehicles, Boats and their associated equipment

* Electronic Products

* Cultural Property, including Pre-Columbian monumental or architectural sculpture or mural

* Textiles, Wool and Fur Products

* Chemical substances (including Fertilizers and Pesticides)

* Medicine, Medical Devices, Cosmetics

* Liquors, Alcohol

* Nuclear/Radioactive Materials






Special Import Provisions

US-Origin Goods

The US allows exemption from duty and tax for goods of US origin that have been exported and returned without having been advanced in value or improved in condition. To claim this exemption, the statement "US Goods returned, HS#9801.00" should be placed on the air waybill and other shipping documents. The foreign exporter and the U.S. importer should be prepared to provide additional documentation, especially if the goods are not clearly marked as U.S. goods.)

A full and complete description of all items in the shipment is required. Depending on the exact contents and/or value, the shipment may require a commercial invoice or be subject to other requirements or restrictions.

Temporary Imports

Not all shipments which arrive in the United States are intended for consumption or to stay permanently. US regulations have special entry provisions and conditions that are available for these other types of shipments. However, because of the special documentation and/or processing required, they may be prohibited by FedEx for importation on FedEx International Express Services or may be acceptable only if the shipment is designated for the Broker Select Option. Clearance delays should be expected.

* Temporary Importation under Bond (TIB): Importers can enter certain classes of goods into US customs territory temporarily free of duty by posting a bond. In the bond the importer agrees to export or destroy the goods within a specified time or pay damages, generally equal to twice the normal duty. Articles entered as TIBs must not be sold within the United States. The importer should co-ordinate arrangements with their customs broker prior to initiating import, destruction, or re-export.

* Warehouse Entry, Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Entry: Goods can be entered in a warehouse or FTZ for various purposes such as storage, manufacturing and other manipulations. Special requirements and documentation exist. For more information, please consult a customs broker.

* Carnet: Several types of carnet exist. However, they may all used be used as an entry document for the temporary admission of goods. Goods entered on a Carnet must be re-exported under customs supervision and meet all other conditions of the Carnet.

* Goods returned for Repair, Testing, Experimental Purposes: Goods of non-US origin sent to the US for repair are subject to duty and tax assessment unless entered under a TIB. Goods of US origin are allowed duty and tax free entry under certain conditions. (See section above regarding US origin goods.)

Personal Effects
US residents are entitled to duty and tax free entry of all personal and household goods taken abroad providing they have not been advanced in value or improved in condition. To facilitate duty-free re-entry, items of foreign origin (such as watches, cameras, tape recorders, or other articles which may be readily identified by serial number or permanently affixed marking) may be taken to the nearest Customs office and registered before departure on the Certificate of Registration (CF 4455). The certificate is valid for any future trips as long as the information on it remains legible. (Duty may be assessed on foreign-made personal articles taken abroad each time they are brought back into the US unless there is acceptable proof of prior possession.)

Foreign visitors (non-residents) are also entitled to duty and tax-free entry of personal effects with certain limitations. The goods must have been owned by and in the possession of the non-resident prior to his departure for the United States. They must be intended for the personal use of their owner and not intended as a gift or for resale. Quantity limits apply to tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.

When shipping personal effects to the US, the importer should provide the following documents for the sender to include with the shipping documents: a copy of any CF4455's, a completed CF3299 Declaration of Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles. The sender should state on the air waybill and other shipping documents that the contents are personal effects.

Samples
US regulations have special entry provisions and conditions for certain categories of samples. If the samples are intended for temporary importation, please see the Temporary Import section below.

* Duty Exempt: Samples for Soliciting Orders / Mutilated Samples: Samples may be eligible for duty-free entry under the provision HS 9811.00.60. It applies only to merchandise being entered for the solicitation of orders for products of foreign countries. In addition, it requires that the sample be valued at $1 (or less) or that it be marked, torn, perforated, or otherwise treated so that it is unsuitable for sale or for use otherwise than as a sample in its imported condition. Merchandise must have been properly mutilated or marked prior to its importation into the United States. It cannot be mutilated or marked to conform to these requirements after its arrival into the United States. In addition, the invoice must contain the statement "Mutilated samples - 9811.00.60" prior to importation into the United States. This statement cannot be added in the United States.

* Exempt from Textile Visa / Marked Samples: Textile samples from most countries are exempt from quota and visa requirements if certain conditions are met even though the samples are not exempt from duty, tax, commercial invoice or textile declaration requirements. To qualify, sample shipments may be equal to or less than $800, "Marked Sample Not for Resale" must be stated on the invoice (and air waybill, preferably), and the goods must be marked in accordance with Customs Directive 3500-07. For more information, visit the Customs website.

Gifts
All gift shipments are subject to duties/taxes of the declared value. There may be a few commodities that are exempt by law. For example: candies, kids clothing, food and medicines. To avoid delays, a detail description of the commodity must be on the Air Waybill and Commercial Invoice. The description 'Gift' is not acceptable.

Shipment of alcohol requires an import license. Duties and taxes must be paid prior to clearance.




Standards

Marking / Labeling
All goods of foreign origin must be legibly, indelibly and permanently marked with the English name of the country of origin unless they meet the exception requirements in the regulations. (The requirement generally applies to individual units.) When marking is not feasible, such as when the article is too small or marking would in some way damage the merchandise, then the packaging or container that will reach the ultimate consumer must be marked. Specific requirements on country or origin marking methods and requirements are available in Title 19, Part 134 of the Code of Federal Regulation (19CFR134) (available at www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr). Certain goods (partial list below) have special packing or marking requirements set by US Customs or by an agency with regulatory control of the goods. For more information, please review 19 CFR 11 and other agency regulations such as 27CFR (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms) and 16CFR (Federal Trade Commission) that are applicable.

* Watch, clock and timing apparatus

* Household appliances

* Medicinal preparations and perfumery

* Cigars, cigarettes, manufactured tobacco

* Distilled spirits, wine and other alcoholic beverages

* Wool and fur products

* Textile products





General Export Clearance Information

Clearance Process


Working with Customs officials throughout the world, FedEx has developed innovative technology to eliminate many paperwork-handling steps and expedite the movement of international shipments. This is the FedEx Expressclear electronic Customs clearance system. Starting at the origin, state-of-the-art technology allows the processing of shipment paperwork and electronic transmission of documents to the designated FedEx hub and destination clearance location. The Expressclear system also keeps a database of regulatory information which includes importer's numbers, broker designation, corporate contact names and telephone numbers. At a FedEx hub, international shipments are sorted, scanned and loaded onto an international flight. Vital shipment information is keyed into a worldwide manifest database which is linked to computer systems operated by brokers and Customs officials in many countries. Even before the plane has taken off, or while it is in the air, Customs agents and brokers at the destination airport of entry can begin examining shipping manifests, querying air waybill data if they need more details, assessing duties and taxes and selecting which shipments they wish to examine. By the time the plane arrives at his destination, many packages have already been cleared by Customs. As the plane is unloaded, the Expressclear system identifies packages to be examined and prints "cleared" Customs labels for all others. Cleared shipments can be transferred to trucks for immediate delivery. International shipments are scanned at all key points throughout the process and allows for up-to-date status reports including when Customs clearance is obtained.

Document Requirements


Shipper's Export Declaration

Shipper's Export Declarations (SED) are required for all shipments leaving the US, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and other US possessions with certain exceptions. (The 2 most common exemptions are for shipments that do not require an export license and are either exported to Canada or, for many other destinations, which contain goods that are valued at $2,500 or less per Schedule B number.)

International Traffic in Arms (ITAR) to require mandatory electronic filing through the Automated Export System (AES) for exports of U.S. Munitions List (USML) hardware using a U.S. port that require the filing of shipper's export information.

There is a mandatory electronic filing via the Automated Export System (AES) of exports of rough diamonds classified under Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) subheadings 7102.10, 7102.21, and 7102.31.

Export Licenses

Specific export licenses are required for commodities subject to export controls. The Bureau of Industry and Security(BIS) is the primary licensing agency for dual use exports (commercial items which could have military applications). Other departments and agencies have regulatory jurisdiction and issue licenses for controlled substances and precursor chemicals; for endangered fish and wildlife species; for defense services and articles; for arms and munitions; for nuclear material, equipment and technology; for fuels; for drugs and medical devices. Specific questions pertaining to commodity licensing requirements should be directed to the lead agency.

Textile Visa

A textile visa is an endorsement in the form of a stamp on an invoice or an export control license. It is issued to the shipper in the foreign country and is used to control exports of textiles and textile products to the US. An original copy of the visa must be submitted to Customs. The visa may be linked to quota restrictions. When under quota, the quantity imported must be verified and charged to the quota before release is granted. Properly marked or mutilated textile samples valued up to $800 may be exempted from visa and quota requirements.

General Export Requirements
Exporters are responsible for filing a Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) for all shipments leaving the US, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and other US possessions with certain exceptions. (The 2 most common exemptions are for shipments that do not require an export license and are either exported to Canada or, for many other destinations, which contain goods that are valued at $2,500 or less per Schedule B number.) Although the exporter is allowed to file a paper SED, the government encourages electronic filing via the Automated Export System (AES). Generally, the exporter provides either a paper SED or the AES Transaction number to the carrier when tendering the shipment. The SED is then submitted to the government at the time of export.

You can now authorize FedEx to file SED as your agent when preparing shipments on fedex.com. FedEx Export AgentFile was designed to provide exporters with a streamlined SED filing and shipping label preparation process for regulatory compliance. The tool stores all of your filings, creating a record you can access online any time within 45 days. The user interface is easy to use and guides you through all of the important steps. For more information, please visit http://www.fedex.com/us/sed/

All exporters are obligated to comply with the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To comply with their obligations, an exporter should determine the end-user and ultimate end-use of the exported goods, the ultimate destination, and the Export Commodity Classification Number (ECCN) of any goods intended for export. (This information is used to determine export license requirements and to complete the SED). Penalties, fines and imprisonment can be imposed on non-compliant exporters.

For those shipments which contain products subject to export controls, the exporter may be required to submit additional information or documentation and the goods may be subject to examination prior to export. Some of the additional requirements that are encounter include the following:

* The Destination Control Statement must be provided on all copies of the waybill, invoice, and export control documents that accompany the shipment to the final end-user.

* Shipments exported under a Department of State license require that the original license is lodged with Customs and the SED is authenticated by Customs prior to export. (These shipments are not acceptable on FedEx International Express Services.)

* International Traffic in Arms (ITAR) to require mandatory electronic filing through the Automated Export System (AES) for exports of U.S. Munitions List (USML) hardware using a U.S. port that require the filing of shipper's export information.

* There is a mandatory electronic filing via the Automated Export System (AES) of exports of rough diamonds classified under Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) subheadings 7102.10, 7102.21, and 7102.31.

* Goods subject to Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) control may require an export permit or inspection and exportation is permitted only from certain designated ports. (These shipments are not acceptable for export on FedEx International Express Services.)

Re-Export Requirements

Goods that have been entered into the US on a temporary basis are usually subject to special requirements when the goods are re-exported to another country. (These shipments are not acceptable for export on FedEx International Express Services.)

* Goods which have been entered duty and/or tax free into a warehouse, Foreign Trade Zone or have been entered under a Temporary importation bond.

* Goods which are being exported under duty drawback provisions.

Temporary Export Requirements

Goods that are exported with the intention to have them returned may be eligible for duty-free or reduced duty upon re-entry. US exporters may register their goods with US Customs prior to export to ensure that they have satisfactory evidence to present to Customs upon re-entry. However, depending on the circumstances, a declaration from the importer or the foreign shipper may be sufficient.

Shipments exported under Carnet require that the original carnet is authenticated by Customs prior to export. The carnet must be authenticated by the foreign Customs officials and presented to US Customs upon re-entry. (Shipments traveling under a Carnet are not acceptable on FedEx International Express Services.)




Puerto Rico Export Prohibitions

Export controls imposed on US exporters by the United States government can take the form of prohibitions such as blockades, embargoes, boycotts, and sanctions or they can take the form of limitations which require an export license. Export controls may be product-specific or they can be based on end-use, end-user or ultimate destination. The following is a listing of commodities prohibited or restricted for export from the United States (but cannot be taken as definitive):

The following items are prohibited from US/Puerto Rico by law:

Wild animals or birds or their eggs (alive or dead) captured or killed contrary to law

Articles containing dog or cat fur






General Export Restrictions

The following items are not acceptable for carriage to any international destinations unless otherwise indicated. (Additional restrictions may apply depending on destination. Various regulatory clearances in addition to customs clearance may be required for certain commodities, thereby extending the transit time.)

* APO/FPO addresses.

* C.O.D. shipments.

* Human corpses, human organs or body parts, human and animal embryos, or cremated or disinterred human remains.

* Explosives (Class 1.4 explosives are acceptable for carriage to Canada, Germany, Japan, Sweden, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom. Note: United Arab Emirates only allows Class 1.4 explosives to be shipped hold- for- pick-up to the FedEx Express facility in Dubai.)

* Firearms, weaponry, and their parts (acceptable between the U.S. and Puerto Rico).

* Perishable foodstuffs and foods and beverages requiring refrigeration or other environmental control.

* Live animals (including insects) except via our Live Animal Desk (1.800.405.9052).

* Plants and plant material, including cut flowers (cut flowers are acceptable from the U.S. to selected points in Canada and from Colombia, Ecuador and the Netherlands to the U.S.).

* Lottery tickets and gambling devices where prohibited by local, state, provincial or national law.

* Money (coins, cash, currency, paper money and negotiable instruments equivalent to cash such as endorsed stocks, bonds and cash letters).

* Collectible coins and stamps.

* Pornographic and/or obscene material.

* Hazardous waste, including, but not limited to, used hypodermic needles or syringes or other medical waste.

* Shipments that may cause damage to, or delay of, equipment, personnel or other shipments.

* Shipments that require us to obtain any special license or permit for transportation, importation or exportation.

* Shipments whose carriage, importation or exportation is prohibited by any law, statute or regulation.

* Shipments with a declared value for customs in excess of that permitted for a specific destination.

* Dangerous goods except as permitted under the Dangerous Goods section of these terms and conditions.

* Processed or unprocessed dead animals, including insects and pets. Taxidermy-finished hunting trophies or completely processed (dried) specimens of whole animals or parts of animals are acceptable for shipment into the U.S.

* Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odor of any kind.

* Wildlife products that require U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service export clearance by FedEx prior to exportation from the U.S.

* Shipments* being processed under:

Duty drawback claims unless advance arrangements are made.

Temporary Import Bonds - acceptable under the FedEx International Broker Select option, for initial import only.

U.S. State Department licenses.

Carnets.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration export permit.

Shipments destined to or being withdrawn from a Foreign Trade Zone.

Letters of Credit (however, shipments covered by a Letter of Credit calling for a "Courier Receipt" as defined by Article 25 of UCP 600 may move via FedEx International Priority).

Certificate of Registration shipments (CF4455).

Shipments moving into or out of Foreign Trade Zones or bonded warehouses.

*You may be able to ship these items via FedEx International Premium, FedEx International Express Freight (IXF), FedEx International Airport-to-Airport (ATA) or FedEx International Controlled Export. For information on FedEx International Premium, IXF and ITA, call FedEx Express Freight Services at 1.800.332.0807. For information on FedEx International Controlled Export, call International Customer Service at 1.800.247.4747 or your local FedEx customer service representative.






Puerto Rico Restrictions

The following goods are restricted by law and may be required to meet special regulatory requirements but are acceptable for exportation on FedEx International Express Services:

* Goods subject to the EAR (Export Administration Regulations) including, but not limited to; chemicals, microorganisms, electronics, computers, telecommunication and information security devices, lasers and sensors, navigation and avionics, propulsion systems, materials and equipment using nuclear technology, software.

* Alcohol (Wine)

* Tobacco, seeds and plants




Regulatory Contact Information

Branch or Agency Name


Areas of Responsibility
US Customs Service
US Customs Service
Caribbean Area Customs
Management Center
#1 La Puntilla St., Room 203
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
Phone: 787-729-6950

* Import controls
* Export controls
* Smuggling/fraud
* Collection of Duties

Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce
100 Tetuan Street
P.O. Box 902-4033
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00902-4033
Phone: 787-721-6060



* Directory for Import and Export Information and Agencies

Excise Tax Office
Imposition, Department of Treasury
Negocio Control de Puerto
P.O. Box 902-4140
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00902-4140
Phone: 787-774-1419

* Collection of Excise Taxes
* Tax exemptions

Puerto Rico of Export Assistance (FOMENTO)
525 Roosevelt Ave., Suite 905
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918
Phone: 787-766-5555

* Export regulations

US Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS)
651 Federal Drive, Suite 372-12
Guayanabo, Puerto Rico 00965
Phone: 787-449-4338

* Endangered Species
* Import and export of wild plants and animals

US Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Plant Protection and Quarantine Service (PPQ)
P.O. BOX 37521
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00937
Phone: 787-53-4699
Fax: 787-253-7837



* Agricultural inspection
* Livestock and animals
* Plants and Plant Products
* Meat and Meat Products

United States


Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)
650 Massachusetts Ave. NW,
Room 8290
Washington, DC 20226
Phone: 202-927-8500

* Alcoholic beverages
* Tobacco products
* Explosives
* Firearms
* Ammunitions

US Customs Service
1300 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, DC 20004
Phone: 202-354-1000

* Import Controls
* Export Controls
* Smuggling/fraud
* Collection of duties

Authentications Office
518 23rd St. NW State Annex One
Washington, DC 20520
Phone: 202-647-5002



* Authenticates documents that will be used overseas, such as adoption papers, patent applications, etc.

Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
301 4ths St., SW, Room 247
Washington, DC 20547
Phone: 202-619-6612
Fax: 202-619-5177

* Protection of Cultural Property (US and worldwide)

Office of Defense Trade Controls (ODTC)
PM / DTC, SA-1, 13th Floor
2401 E St., NW
Washington, DC 20520

* Import and Export controls on defense articles and services

Department of Transportation (DOT)
400 Seventh St. SW
Washington, DC 20590
Phone: 202-366-4000

* Vehicles and parts
* Safety standards

Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
Phone: 888-463-6332 (US Only)



* Foodstuffs and equipment
* Pharmaceuticals
* Cosmetics
* Medical Equipment
* Laser/radiation devices

Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Jamie L. Whitten Federal Building
12th St. and Jefferson Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20250

* Agricultural products
* Livestock and animals
* Plants and plant products
* Meats and meat products
* Seeds

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
1400 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20250

* Inspects imports and exports

Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS)


* Import of meat and poultry assistance for exporters

Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)


* International Food Aid assistance for exporters

Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS),
International Affairs
1849 C St. NW, Room 3245
Washington, DC 20240

* Import and export of wild plants and animals

Department of Commerce
1401 Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20230

* Unfair trade practices patents, trademarks, product standards

Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
14th St. and Constitution NW
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202-482-4811



* Export counseling
* Export licensing controls

International Trade Administration (ITA)
Phone: 1-800-872-8723 (US Only)

* NAFTA Rules of Origin
* Tariffs and Taxes
* Market research and statistics

Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA)
Phone: 202-482-3400

* Textile Import Quotas and Trade agreements (AGOA, CBTPA)

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
445 12th St. SW
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202-418-2555
Phone: 1-888-225-5322 (US Only)

* Radio frequencies and devices that may affect them

International Trade Commission
500 E St. SW
Washington, DC 20436
Phone: 202-205-2000

* Trade policy
* Anti-dumping and countervailing duty, patent and trademark investigations

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Ariel Rios Building
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: 202-260-2090

* Pesticides, insecticides, paints, dyes, stains, radioactive substances, rubber and plastic

AES Direct Filing

* Electronic Filing of SED

Government Printing Office


* Publications for purchase online: Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and the Federal Register