How to Ship to Puerto Rico: Step-by-Step Guide to Customs, Documents and Transit Times

You ship to Puerto Rico by ocean (FCL or LCL) into San Juan or by air into SJU; LCL from Miami takes about 3 days, US-origin cargo needs no customs entry, and Hacienda collects 11.5% IVU through SURI before release. Puerto Rico sits inside the US customs territory, so a shipment from Florida to San Juan is a domestic move, not an import: no CBP entry, no import duty. Two rules replace them. The Jones Act decides which vessels carry cargo between the mainland and the island, and Puerto Rico's own sales and use tax (IVU) applies to everything brought in, including goods that are exempt from the tax. Foreign-origin cargo from China or Europe is different: CBP clears it under normal US entry rules. Shippers who separate these three cases (domestic, foreign-origin, taxable) budget correctly and clear San Juan without surprises.

Puerto Rico Shipping at a Glance: Transit Times and Options

Miami to San Juan is the shortest ocean lane into the island, at about 3 days for LCL; air takes 1 to 2 days, and Interworld Freight's LCL consolidation from Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao or Shenzhen via Miami reaches San Juan in 21 to 40 days (IWF rate schedule, July 2026).

Transit is port to port and moves with sailing day and transshipment connections. The process behind those transit times follows the same eight steps on every lane.

How to Ship to Puerto Rico: Step by Step

Shipping to Puerto Rico follows eight steps, and the tax step happens before the cargo is released, not at the border.

1. Classify the goods and check permits. Assign the HS code (it drives CBP duty on foreign-origin goods and Hacienda's tax treatment) and confirm any federal or Puerto Rico licence for the commodity before booking.
2. Choose the mode and Incoterm. LCL from Miami covers 2 to 15 CBM, FCL covers larger loads, and air to SJU covers urgent cargo; the Incoterm fixes who pays freight and insurance.
3. Book from Miami or origin. Deliver LCL cargo to a Miami CFS for consolidation, or book an FCL on a Jones Act service from a US mainland port, or an ocean FCL from Asia.
4. Prepare the documents. Collect the commercial invoice or bill of sale, packing list and bill of lading or air waybill, plus the foreign-origin import set when the goods come from outside the US.
5. Check the export record. The Foreign Trade Regulations in 15 CFR Part 30 list shipments from the US to Puerto Rico among the movements covered by Electronic Export Information (EEI) in AES, with the US$2,500 per Schedule B line exemption; the forwarder confirms the filing before the vessel sails.
6. Transit to San Juan. The vessel discharges at the Port of San Juan (about 3 days from Miami for LCL) or the flight lands at SJU.
7. Clear the cargo. US-origin goods move as domestic freight; foreign-origin goods are entered with CBP through a licensed US customs broker.
8. File the Hacienda import declaration and pay IVU. The importer files the Declaration of Imports (Modelo SC 2970) in SURI, pays IVU for non-bonded imports, receives the release authorization (Modelo SC 2015) and takes delivery.

Steps 3 and 6 are decided by the US leg, which carries most of the island's inbound freight.

Can You Ship to Puerto Rico From the USA?

Yes, you can ship commercial cargo from the US mainland to Puerto Rico, and it moves as domestic freight: LCL from Miami to San Juan runs about 3 days in transit on the IWF published lane. The reference rate is about $705 for 5 CBM / 1,500 kg (IWF published LCL rate, October 2026; excludes destination taxes and local charges), quoted FCA Miami CFS to San Juan. For the mechanics of shared container space, see how LCL container shipping works.

Regular container sailings run from Jacksonville and Miami to San Juan. LCL is the default for distributors and contractors shipping under 15 CBM: goods from several US suppliers go to one Miami CFS, are consolidated and loaded into a single San Juan-bound container. Above 15 CBM, a 20ft FCL gives you one seal and one set of terminal charges. Interworld Freight handles container shipping to Puerto Rico in both modes, with Miami warehousing to stage orders until the island consignee is ready to receive them.

The Jones Act (46 U.S.C. 55102) requires merchandise moved between US points, including the mainland and Puerto Rico, to travel on US-built, US-owned, US-flagged vessels with predominantly US crews, according to the U.S. Code. That limits ocean carriers on the lane to US-flag operators, so the booking decision is which Jones Act service to use, not whether to use one. Air freight lands at Luis Muñoz Marín International (SJU) in San Juan in 1 to 2 days from Miami. Air freight to Puerto Rico fits replacement parts, electronics, pharmaceuticals and any cargo where a week of downtime costs more than the airfreight premium. For the US Virgin Islands next door, which follow a similar US-territory model, see our guide to shipping to the US Virgin Islands. Across the Mona Passage, the Dominican Republic is a foreign customs territory with its own tariff and clearance process, covered in our guide to shipping to the Dominican Republic.

Shipping From China, Asia and Europe to Puerto Rico

Interworld Freight's LCL consolidation via Miami reaches San Juan in 21 days from Shanghai and 38 to 40 days from Ningbo, Qingdao or Shenzhen (IWF rate schedule, July 2026); full containers from Asia are quoted per sailing, with the transit of that sailing. Unlike mainland cargo, goods from China are foreign merchandise, so CBP treats them as an import into the US customs territory: they are entered by HS code and normal US duties apply, together with any additional duties that apply to the origin and tariff line (check the HTSUS before you commit to a price). For origin detail, consolidation at Chinese CFS points and FCL versus LCL economics, see our guide to shipping from China to Puerto Rico. Smaller Asian orders move through LCL shipping from China to Puerto Rico, which charges by the cubic meter instead of a full container.

Full containers from Europe are quoted per sailing, with the transit of that sailing, and clear under the same CBP entry rules. Many Puerto Rico importers also bring Asian or European goods into Miami first, then forward them to the island with US-origin freight. That route lets you combine several origins into one San Juan delivery, relabel goods and hold cargo until the island site is ready. Note that the CBP entry for foreign-origin goods is a separate event from the Hacienda IVU declaration, and both are needed. Every routing ends at the same few gateways.

Which Ports and Airports Handle Cargo in Puerto Rico?

The Port of San Juan is Puerto Rico's main cargo gateway, and Luis Muñoz Marín International (SJU) is its main air cargo airport.

• Port of San Juan (PRSJU): the primary commercial port, handling the large majority of the island's containerized cargo through its Puerto Nuevo terminals. Most mainland sailings from Jacksonville and Miami discharge here.
• Ponce (Port of the Americas): the secondary south-coast port, used for select container and project cargo.
• Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), San Juan: the main air cargo gateway for express, pharma and high-value freight.

For most shippers, San Juan by sea and SJU by air cover every practical need. Confirm the terminal and cut-off with your forwarder at booking, because release timing depends on the Hacienda declaration described below.

How Does Customs Clearance Work in Puerto Rico?

US-origin cargo from the mainland clears without a CBP entry, while foreign-origin cargo is entered with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and every shipment needs a Hacienda import declaration in SURI. CBP's basic importing guidance applies to goods arriving from outside the US, and a licensed US customs broker files the entry electronically.

• Mainland-origin goods: move as domestic freight. There is no CBP entry and no duty.
• Foreign-origin goods: entered with CBP by a licensed customs broker, classified by HTSUS code, with duty assessed on customs value.
• Hacienda declaration: every importer must submit a detailed declaration of all goods brought into Puerto Rico, whether the goods are IVU-exempt or not, according to Hacienda's importer guidance. It is filed in SURI (the Sistema Unificado de Rentas Internas) on Modelo SC 2970.
• Release: once the declaration and payment are complete, SURI generates the release authorization (Modelo SC 2015), which lets the cargo leave the terminal.

Non-merchant buyers, such as an individual or non-business entity that brings goods in for its own use, also file the SC 2970 declaration in SURI. The tax that the declaration triggers is the next section.

What Are the Import Duties and Taxes in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico charges no import duty on US-origin goods, but IVU applies at 11.5% (10.5% state plus 1% municipal) on goods brought into the island, and CBP duty applies to foreign-origin goods. The rate comes from the two components of the sales and use tax described on the Hacienda IVU page: the Commonwealth portion of 10.5% and the municipal portion of 1%. The charges to budget:

• IVU on imports (use tax): due on taxable goods introduced into Puerto Rico by sea or air, for use or for resale. For maritime imports, Hacienda requires payment before release.
• Non-bonded importers: pay IVU when they file the declaration in SURI, then file the monthly import return by the 10th of the following month.
• Bonded importers: a merchant authorized by Hacienda's excise bureau and holding a bond can defer IVU until the monthly return, which gives release without paying at the port.
• Municipal IVU: since July 2026, the 1% municipal component for participating municipalities is filed and paid through SURI on the updated monthly return, according to Hacienda Circular Letter 26-13.
• Excise taxes (arbitrios): certain goods, notably motor vehicles, carry excise taxes set by Hacienda in addition to IVU; confirm the rate for your HS code before quoting landed cost.
• CBP duty (foreign-origin only): HTSUS rate by classification on customs value, plus any additional duties that apply to the origin.

IVU is paid at release for sea freight from non-bonded importers, so budget for it in cash flow. Resale goods can qualify for exemption with the right reseller certificate, but the declaration is still mandatory. For a comparison with the CARICOM islands, which charge duty and VAT on every entry, see our overview of Caribbean import duties and taxes. The paperwork behind these charges is short.

What Documents Are Required to Ship to Puerto Rico?

A mainland-to-Puerto Rico shipment needs a commercial invoice or bill of sale, a packing list and a bill of lading or air waybill, plus the Hacienda declaration in SURI:

• Commercial invoice or bill of sale (see our checklist of commercial invoice requirements)
• Packing list
• Bill of lading (ocean) or air waybill (air); see the bill of lading types for how each is issued
• Hacienda Declaration of Imports, Modelo SC 2970, filed in SURI by the importer
• Release authorization, Modelo SC 2015, generated by SURI after payment
• For vehicles: title and registration documents
• Reseller exemption certificate, where the goods are bought for resale and qualify

China-origin and other foreign cargo adds the standard US import set: commercial invoice with accurate value and country of origin, HS classification, any commodity permit, and a CBP entry filed by a customs broker.

Restricted Goods and Import Permits in Puerto Rico

Federal rules govern restricted goods in Puerto Rico, because it is part of the US customs territory: the same agencies that control imports into the mainland (FDA, USDA, ATF, DOT for hazmat) control them here.

• Food, plants and animal products: subject to FDA and USDA requirements on entry from outside the US; confirm permits before shipping.
• Pharmaceuticals and medical devices: regulated by the FDA, which matters because Puerto Rico is a major life-sciences manufacturing location. Plan cold-chain and documentation with the forwarder.
• Vehicles: bring title and registration, and budget for the excise tax Hacienda assesses on vehicle imports.
• Hazardous materials: declared and packed to IMDG (ocean) or IATA DGR (air) rules; Miami hazmat warehousing handles staging.
• Firearms and ammunition: federal licensing applies; verify with the forwarder before booking.

With permits and taxes mapped, the mode decision comes down to volume and urgency.

LCL, FCL or Air Freight to Puerto Rico: Which to Choose?

LCL from Miami is the right mode for 2 to 15 CBM to Puerto Rico, FCL above 15 CBM, and air for urgent or high-value freight under about 2 CBM.

• Under 2 CBM, urgent or high value: air to SJU, landing in 1 to 2 days.
• 2 to 15 CBM: LCL from Miami at about 3 days. One consolidated entry means one Hacienda declaration instead of one per supplier.
• 15 CBM and up: a 20ft FCL; above 30 CBM, price a 40ft. FCL also suits retail restocks that need a fixed delivery window.
• Foreign-origin cargo: price FCL or LCL from Asia by volume, and plan the CBP entry and the Hacienda declaration as two separate filings.

Key Industries Shipping Freight to Puerto Rico

Retail and food distribution, construction and building supply, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing, and hospitality make up most of the freight moving to and from Puerto Rico. Mainland retailers and distributors restock the island by container from Jacksonville and Miami, while hotel groups and contractors import furniture, fixtures and building materials for resorts and reconstruction. Inbound raw materials and components feed the island's manufacturing base, and outbound finished products return to the mainland as domestic freight.

Puerto Rico is also a major location for pharmaceutical and medical device production, which creates a steady flow of regulated, temperature-sensitive cargo. For shippers in that sector, the next step is planning compliant cold-chain freight, which our follow-up on shipping pharmaceutical and medical device cargo to Puerto Rico covers.

Choosing a Freight Forwarder for Puerto Rico

The right forwarder for Puerto Rico earns its fee by treating San Juan as the domestic move it is: booking the right Jones Act service, separating the CBP entry from the Hacienda IVU declaration, and running the door-to-door leg cleanly. Interworld Freight was founded in Miami in 1992 and moves ocean FCL and LCL, air freight and customs coordination from its Miami hub, with warehousing in Miami to stage and consolidate cargo. Our ocean freight and air freight teams cover every major trade lane into San Juan and SJU, and quotes are answered within one business day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay customs duty when shipping to Puerto Rico?

No, not for US-origin cargo. Puerto Rico is inside the US customs territory, so a mainland shipment is domestic freight with no CBP entry and no import duty. Goods from China and other foreign origins are entered with CBP and pay normal US duties by HTS code.

Is Puerto Rico part of the US customs territory?

Yes. Puerto Rico is part of the US customs territory, so US-origin goods move without a customs entry and foreign goods are cleared by CBP under the same rules as the mainland. The island still has its own tax system, so Hacienda's IVU applies to goods brought in.

How long does shipping to Puerto Rico take?

LCL from Miami to San Juan takes about 3 days in transit on the IWF published lane, and full containers from Jacksonville or Miami take 3 to 6 days. Air freight lands in 1 to 2 days. Interworld Freight's LCL consolidation from Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao or Shenzhen via Miami reaches San Juan in 21 to 40 days (IWF rate schedule, July 2026), and full containers from Asia are quoted per sailing, with the transit of that sailing.

How much does it cost to ship to Puerto Rico?

The IWF published LCL rate from Miami to San Juan is about $705 for 5 CBM / 1,500 kg (October 2026), quoted FCA Miami CFS to San Juan. It excludes IVU and local charges. Full container and air rates are quoted per shipment.

What is the Jones Act and how does it affect shipments to Puerto Rico?

The Jones Act (46 U.S.C. 55102) requires cargo moving between two US points, including the mainland and Puerto Rico, to travel on US-built, US-owned, US-flagged vessels with predominantly US crews. It limits ocean carriers on the lane to US-flag operators.

Do I pay sales tax on goods shipped to Puerto Rico?

Yes. Goods brought into Puerto Rico are subject to IVU, 11.5% (10.5% Commonwealth plus 1% municipal), and importers must file a Declaration of Imports (Modelo SC 2970) in SURI even when the goods are exempt. Non-bonded importers pay IVU before release; bonded importers can defer it to the monthly return.

What is SURI and who must register?

SURI is Hacienda's Sistema Unificado de Rentas Internas, the electronic system where import declarations, IVU returns and payments are filed. Any importer bringing goods into Puerto Rico, merchant or not, files the declaration there, so register before the cargo arrives.

Which port handles cargo in Puerto Rico?

The Port of San Juan handles the large majority of containerized cargo through its Puerto Nuevo terminals. Ponce (Port of the Americas) is a secondary south-coast port, and SJU airport is the main air gateway.

Can I ship LCL from China to Puerto Rico?

Yes. LCL consolidation lets you pay by the cubic meter for shipments smaller than a full container, with transit of 21 to 40 days from Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao or Shenzhen via Miami (IWF rate schedule, July 2026). The cargo is foreign merchandise, so CBP entry and the Hacienda declaration both apply.