Import to North America and the Caribbean

Costa Rica has emerged as one of Central America’s leading hubs for technology, medical devices, and digital infrastructure. However, importing tech still requires careful compliance planning. For example, telecommunications and wireless devices require SUTEL homologation before commercialization. Advanced IT often requires product classification reviews, customs declarations, tax calculations, technical certifications, and documentation validation before clearance. 

Organizations moving advanced hardware, servers, networking equipment, or dual-use goods must also ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and trade requirements. TecEx helps businesses navigate these obligations through end-to-end trade compliance, customs management, and local representation services in Costa Rica.

The Dominican Republic is emerging as a premier nearshoring hub for tech trade and electronics manufacturing, and it aims to establish itself as a domestic semiconductor and microelectronics ecosystem for the US. It’s strategically located in the Caribbean, with 87 industrial free zones, CAFTA-DR, expanding digital infrastructure, and advanced ports.

Medical devices and electronics are its largest exports, with 87% of its electronics exports shipping to America, valued at $1.24 billion. However, used electrical appliances are subject to import restrictions, and customs inspections are common, making it crucial to work with an expert DDP service provider.

Guatemala is the largest economy in Central America, attracting more than $1.6 billion in foreign direct investment in 2024. The country is prioritizing growth in ICT, medical devices, and telecommunications. Its CAFTA-DR market access and expanding nearshoring ecosystem are fueling demand for servers, networking equipment, telecommunications infrastructure, and enterprise technology across the country.

However, importing technology into Guatemala still requires careful compliance planning. Foreign importers must navigate customs obligations, duties, taxes, and import documentation. RF equipment, mobile devices, networking hardware, IoT technologies, and certain advanced communications systems can be subject to regulatory review, product classification validation, and technical compliance requirements.

Mexico is North America’s leading nearshoring manufacturing hub, exporting servers, auto components, and medical devices to the US. Its AI infrastructure exports, including GPUs, servers, cooling systems, and cabling, hit a record $105.8 billion between January and May 2026. With 14 Free Trade Agreements spanning 52 countries, Mexico is also a common entry point for expansion into Latin America.

Importers must be listed in Mexico’s Importer Registry, which requires a Mexican tax ID (RFC). Shipments may need NOM certification, IFT homologation for telecom equipment, COFEPRIS approval for health technologies, and ISPM 15 pallet compliance. Inspections and infrastructure bottlenecks often delay clearance, even for goods crossing from the US. TecEx, a registered Importer of Record, manages customs compliance end-to-end.

Puerto Rico is a growing US tech manufacturing hub. Local tax incentives and R&D tax credits up to 50% are attracting tech firms and manufacturers to the island. Firms exporting digital services unlock a 4% corporate tax rate and tax-free dividends.

Between 2020 and late 2025, the island saw a 25% increase in the number of tech companies established. Puerto Rico offers US companies a domestic base with US jurisdictional protections, strict IP enforcement, and global market access. Its startup ecosystem is inhabited by software and data, fintech, and healthtech firms. US CBP compliance is crucial for imports and exports.

America is the world’s main importer, with computers as the top category. America is a key hyperscale data center location and a hub for semiconductor R&D, design, and investments. AI infrastructure demand may triple the number of large-scale American data centers by 2030. Top US exports include IT software and services, such as cloud and data services, as well as IT consulting. This supports global SaaS adoption, emerging cloud-first policies, and worldwide digital transformation.

Imports must comply with CBP, IOR, and ISF requirements. Electronic devices that emit RF energy require an FCC license. Tariffs, the CHIPS Act, the Make More in America Act, and AI export controls have contributed to the nearshoring of semiconductor manufacturing in the region, making customs compliance critical. Accurate HTS codes are vital for imports, and knowledge of the EAR, export controls, and ECCN codes is pivotal to smooth exports. TecEx ensures seamless trade compliance for smooth US imports and exports.