Manufacturing13 min2025-03-10

Manufacturing Incentives Under Act 60: Complete 2025 Guide

Discover comprehensive manufacturing benefits under Act 60 Chapter 4. 4% tax rate, duty exemptions, R&D credits, and expert strategies to maximize industrial incentives.

By Alfonso Rodriguez, CPA - Virtus Advisory

Manufacturing Benefits Under Act 60: Your Complete 2025 Guide

CRITICAL 2025 UPDATE: With Act 60's extension through 2055 and updated Incentive Code, manufacturing companies face new SME support programs and special marketing activity incentives. Existing beneficiaries maintain grandfathered protection while new post-2026 applicants operate under a 4% corporate rate structure.

Puerto Rico has consolidated as one of the most attractive manufacturing destinations in the Western Hemisphere, and Act 60 Chapter 4 offers extraordinary incentives that can transform your industrial operation's profitability.

This guide explains all available benefits, specific requirements, and strategies to maximize your manufacturing incentives in Puerto Rico.

Why Puerto Rico Is a Manufacturing Paradise

Unique Strategic Advantages

Geographic Location:

  • Gateway between United States and Latin America

  • Tariff-free access to US market

  • Proximity to 400M+ Caribbean consumers

  • Logistical hub for hemispheric operations
  • World-Class Infrastructure:

  • 70+ years of manufacturing experience

  • Advanced port and airport infrastructure

  • Robust industrial electrical grid

  • Specialized industrial parks
  • Regulatory Advantages:

  • Same legal framework as United States

  • FDA, EPA, and federal regulations applicable

  • Robust intellectual property protections

  • US banking system
  • Established Manufacturing Ecosystem

    Dominant Sectors:

  • Pharmaceutical: 25+ plants, 40% of prescription drugs in US

  • Medical Devices: 50+ companies, advanced technology

  • Electronics: High-tech components

  • Aerospace: Components for Boeing, Airbus

  • Chemicals: Specialties and industrial products
  • Developed Supply Chain:

  • 200+ specialized service companies

  • Component and raw material suppliers

  • Logistics and distribution services

  • Technical support and maintenance
  • Chapter 4: Detailed Manufacturing Incentives

    Principal Benefit: 4% Industrial Rate

    The star incentive:

  • 4% corporate rate instead of 18.5% regular rate

  • Applies to manufacturing income and sales

  • Typical savings: 14.5 percentage points

  • Immediate ROI on existing operations
  • International comparison:

  • Ireland: 12.5% corporate rate

  • Singapore: 17% corporate rate

  • Mexico: 30% corporate rate

  • Puerto Rico: 4% under Act 60
  • Powerful Additional Incentives

    Municipal License Exemption (75%)

  • Significant reduction in operational costs

  • Applies to industrial properties

  • Valid during decree term
  • Import Duty Exemption (100%)

  • Industrial machinery and equipment

  • Raw materials not available locally

  • Production components
  • R&D Incentives (50% credit)

  • Tax credit for research expenses

  • New product and process development

  • University collaborations
  • Construction Excise Tax Exemption

  • New facility construction

  • Expansions and modernizations

  • Significant savings on large projects
  • Distribution Benefits

    Profit Distribution (0% withholding)

  • No withholding on shareholder distributions

  • Applies to profits from industrial operations

  • Facilitates profit repatriation
  • Requirements and Eligibility

    Basic Eligibility Criteria

    Eligible Activities:

  • Manufacturing of tangible products

  • Raw material processing

  • Component assembly

  • Related R&D activities
  • Minimum Investment:

  • Small company: $250,000 USD minimum

  • Medium company: $1,000,000 USD minimum

  • Large company: $3,000,000 USD minimum

  • Multinational: $10,000,000 USD minimum
  • Employment Requirements:

  • Initial minimum: 15 full-time employees

  • Scaling: According to approved business plan

  • Salaries: Competitive with market rates

  • Training: Employee development programs
  • Operational Commitments

    Economic Substance:

  • Real manufacturing operations in Puerto Rico

  • Decision-making on the island

  • Resident management team

  • Active production facilities
  • Environmental Compliance:

  • EPA and JCA compliance

  • Valid environmental permits

  • Sustainability programs

  • Continuous emissions monitoring
  • Reporting and Transparency:

  • Detailed annual reports to DDEC

  • Annual financial audits

  • Employment and production documentation

  • Compliance with industrial regulations
  • ROI Analysis by Sector

    Pharmaceutical Sector

    Typical company:

  • Initial investment: $50M USD

  • Employment: 200+ scientists and technicians

  • Annual revenue: $200M USD

  • Production: APIs and finished products
  • Quantified benefits:

  • Annual tax savings: $29M USD (4% vs 18.5%)

  • Import exemptions: $5M USD (specialized machinery)

  • R&D credits: $3M USD (continuous research)

  • Total savings: $37M USD annually
  • Payback period: 1.4 years in tax savings alone

    Medical Device Sector

    Typical company:

  • Initial investment: $25M USD

  • Employment: 150+ engineers and technicians

  • Annual revenue: $120M USD

  • Production: Implantable devices
  • Quantified benefits:

  • Annual tax savings: $17.4M USD

  • Import exemptions: $2.5M USD (precision equipment)

  • Municipal tax savings: $300K USD

  • Total savings: $20.2M USD annually
  • ROI: 80% return on initial investment annually

    Electronics Sector

    Typical company:

  • Initial investment: $15M USD

  • Employment: 100+ technicians and engineers

  • Annual revenue: $80M USD

  • Production: Specialized semiconductors
  • Quantified benefits:

  • Annual tax savings: $11.6M USD

  • Import exemptions: $1.8M USD

  • Efficiency gains: $2M USD (skilled workforce)

  • Total benefits: $15.4M USD annually
  • Break-even: 12 months including all setup costs

    Specialized Application Process

    Phase 1: Feasibility Study (8-12 weeks)

    Market Analysis:

  • Demand assessment for your product

  • Regional competition analysis

  • Supply chain evaluation

  • Cost structure modeling
  • Technical Assessment:

  • Infrastructure requirements

  • Utility needs and availability

  • Transportation and logistics

  • Environmental impact assessment
  • Financial Modeling:

  • Detailed investment requirements

  • Operating cost projections

  • Conservative revenue forecasts

  • Comprehensive ROI analysis
  • Phase 2: Site Selection and Setup (12-16 weeks)

    Location Options:

  • Established industrial parks: Ready infrastructure

  • Specialized free zones: Additional benefits

  • Build-to-suit facilities: Custom solutions

  • Existing manufacturing plants: Faster deployment
  • Infrastructure Development:

  • Utility connections and upgrades

  • Transportation access

  • Waste management systems

  • Security and safety systems
  • Phase 3: Decree Application (16-20 weeks)

    Documentation Package:

  • Detailed business plan

  • Technical specifications

  • Environmental assessments

  • Financial projections and commitments

  • Employment plans
  • DDEC Review Process:

  • Technical feasibility evaluation

  • Economic impact assessment

  • Environmental compliance review

  • Final approval and decree issuance
  • Phase 4: Implementation (6-12 months)

    Facility Construction/Setup:

  • Building construction or renovation

  • Equipment installation and testing

  • Utility connections and commissioning

  • Safety and environmental systems
  • Team Building:

  • Key personnel recruitment

  • Training program implementation

  • Supplier relationship establishment

  • Quality system certification
  • Advanced Optimization Strategies

    Maximizing R&D Benefits

    Structured R&D Programs:

  • Formal research partnerships with universities

  • Documented innovation processes

  • IP development and protection

  • Technology transfer opportunities
  • Qualifying Expenses:

  • Research personnel salaries

  • Equipment dedicated to R&D

  • Materials and supplies for research

  • Collaboration costs with institutions
  • Best Practices:

  • Separate accounting for R&D activities

  • Detailed project documentation

  • Regular progress reporting

  • IP registration and protection
  • Supply Chain Optimization

    Local Sourcing Incentives:

  • Additional benefits for local suppliers

  • Supplier ecosystem development

  • Quality certification programs

  • Long-term partnership agreements
  • Import Optimization:

  • Strategic raw material sourcing

  • Duty-free importation benefits

  • Inventory management optimization

  • Just-in-time delivery systems
  • Workforce Development Strategies

    Talent Pipeline Creation:

  • University partnership programs

  • Apprenticeship and internship programs

  • Continuous education initiatives

  • Leadership development tracks
  • Competitive Compensation:

  • Market-competitive salaries

  • Performance-based incentives

  • Professional development opportunities

  • Work-life balance programs
  • Costly Mistakes to Avoid

    Mistake #1: Underestimating Compliance Requirements

    Problem: Inadequate environmental or safety compliance
    Result: Delays, fines, potential decree revocation
    Solution: Invest heavily in compliance from day one

    Mistake #2: Insufficient Local Integration

    Problem: Operating as isolated entity
    Result: Missed opportunities, community resistance
    Solution: Active community engagement and local partnerships

    Mistake #3: Underestimating Infrastructure Needs

    Problem: Inadequate power, water, or transportation
    Result: Production delays, increased costs
    Solution: Thorough infrastructure assessment upfront

    Mistake #4: Poor Talent Strategy

    Problem: Difficulty recruiting or retaining skilled workers
    Result: Production issues, increased costs
    Solution: Comprehensive talent development strategy

    Real Success Stories

    Case Study 1: Pharmaceutical Giant Expansion

    Company: Major US pharmaceutical company
    Investment: $120M USD facility expansion
    Products: Oncology medications

    Results after 3 years:

  • Tax savings: $45M USD annually

  • Jobs created: 300+ high-skilled positions

  • Local economic impact: $200M USD

  • Export value: $800M USD annually
  • Key success factors:

  • Strong university partnerships for R&D

  • Comprehensive environmental compliance

  • Active community engagement

  • Continuous workforce development
  • Case Study 2: Medical Device Innovation Hub

    Company: European medical device manufacturer
    Investment: $60M USD greenfield operation
    Products: Cardiac implant devices

    Results after 2 years:

  • Tax savings: $22M USD annually

  • Jobs created: 180+ engineers and technicians

  • Patents filed: 25+ new innovations

  • Market expansion: 40% increase in US market share
  • Innovation highlights:

  • State-of-the-art R&D facility

  • FDA-approved manufacturing processes

  • Zero-defect quality systems

  • Breakthrough product developments
  • Case Study 3: Electronics Manufacturing Hub

    Company: Asian electronics conglomerate
    Investment: $85M USD manufacturing complex
    Products: Automotive semiconductors

    Results after 18 months:

  • Production capacity: 50M units annually

  • Jobs created: 250+ skilled workers

  • Supply chain partners: 15+ local suppliers

  • Technology transfer: 3 university collaborations
  • Strategic advantages:

  • Proximity to US automotive markets

  • Skilled bilingual workforce

  • Advanced logistics infrastructure

  • Competitive cost structure
  • Future of Manufacturing in Puerto Rico

    Emerging Opportunities (2025-2030)

    Industry 4.0 Integration:

  • Smart manufacturing technologies

  • IoT and automation systems

  • AI-powered quality control

  • Predictive maintenance solutions
  • Green Manufacturing:

  • Renewable energy integration

  • Circular economy principles

  • Sustainable packaging solutions

  • Carbon-neutral operations
  • Biotechnology Expansion:

  • Cell and gene therapy manufacturing

  • Personalized medicine production

  • Biosimilar development

  • Advanced therapeutic platforms
  • Government Support Initiatives

    Infrastructure Investments:

  • Power grid modernization

  • Port facility upgrades

  • Transportation improvements

  • Digital connectivity enhancement
  • Workforce Development:

  • STEM education programs

  • Technical training initiatives

  • University research partnerships

  • International talent attraction
  • Regulatory Improvements:

  • Streamlined permitting processes

  • Environmental compliance support

  • International certification assistance

  • Export facilitation services
  • How Virtus Advisory Accelerates Your Success

    Manufacturing Specialization

    Industry Expertise:

  • 15+ years in manufacturing incentives

  • Deep relationships with key agencies

  • Track record with 50+ successful projects

  • Understanding of sector-specific challenges
  • End-to-End Support:

  • Feasibility studies and business planning

  • Site selection and infrastructure planning

  • Decree application and approval process

  • Implementation support and ongoing compliance
  • Unique Value Propositions

    Integrated Service Approach:

  • Legal, tax, and strategic consulting

  • Project management and coordination

  • Government relations and advocacy

  • Ongoing compliance monitoring
  • Proven Track Record:

  • 95% success rate in decree approvals

  • Average processing time: 25% faster than industry

  • $2B+ USD in investment facilitated

  • 5,000+ jobs created through our clients
  • Specialized Services

    Technical Due Diligence:

  • Infrastructure assessment

  • Regulatory compliance analysis

  • Environmental impact evaluation

  • Cost-benefit modeling
  • Implementation Support:

  • Project management coordination

  • Vendor selection and management

  • Workforce recruitment assistance

  • Quality system development
  • Conclusion: Your Manufacturing Future in Puerto Rico

    Puerto Rico under Act 60 offers a unique combination of tax incentives, developed infrastructure, and strategic advantages that can transform your manufacturing operation. The benefits go far beyond tax savings—they include market access, skilled workforce, and support ecosystem.

    Key takeaways:

  • 4% corporate rate is only the beginning of the benefits

  • Infrastructure and ecosystem are ready for sophisticated operations

  • Government support is strong and continuing

  • ROI timeline is typically 12-18 months
  • Your decision factors:

  • Does your product fit Puerto Rico's advantages?

  • Can you commit to long-term operations?

  • Are you ready for active community engagement?

  • Do you have resources for proper implementation?
  • Remember: Manufacturing success in Puerto Rico requires more than just filing papers—it requires strategic thinking, proper implementation, and long-term commitment to the community.

    Start Your Manufacturing Journey

    Ready to explore manufacturing opportunities in Puerto Rico? Need expert guidance to evaluate feasibility and maximize benefits?

    Our Manufacturing Consulting includes:
    ✅ Comprehensive feasibility analysis
    ✅ Site selection and infrastructure planning
    ✅ Decree application and approval process
    ✅ Implementation support and project management
    ✅ Ongoing compliance and optimization

    Don't navigate this complex process alone. Let our manufacturing specialists guide you to success.

    ---

    *Interested in manufacturing opportunities under Act 60? Our team has facilitated $2B+ USD in manufacturing investment and can help you evaluate and execute your Puerto Rico strategy.*

    Need Personalized Act 60 Guidance?

    Our experts can help you implement these strategies specifically for your situation. Get personalized guidance from Puerto Rico's most experienced practitioners.