INFORMACIONES PRÁCTICAS

PUERTO RICO

MUESTRAS

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.

ANIMALES

EQUIPAJE DESACOMPAÑADO

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.

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.