Ports: 

Air: Santamaria Airport, San Jose

Ocean: Port Limon (Atlantic Ocean), Port Caldera (Pacific Ocean)

 

Prohibited

Drugs, Narcotics, Weapons, Explosives, Pornography, Used Tires

 

Shipping Container Restrictions 

The only restrictions that must be upheld are those regarding the net weight of cargo allowed on the following containers: 

  • 20′ Container – Max. Weight Net 48,400 lbs
  • 40′ Container – Max. Weight Net 57,200 lbs

Remarks: 20′ – 40′ – 45′ Containers are acceptable to destinations in all cities. 

 

Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco

Required Documents: A special permit (import licenses) from the Department of Health and/or IHAM

Customs Regulations: Duties are around 110% on average

Clearance: Five (5) working days

Remarks: Small quantities of alcoholic beverages are allowed for personal use. Any quantity is subject to duties.

 

Firearms and Weapons

Required Documents: Original invoice and registration of firearm or weapon at origin are required

Customs Regulations: A special permit granted by the Firearms and Explosive Department must be applied for. Import tax is 141%.

Remarks: Any firearms or weapons must be for personal use only.

 

Household Goods and Personal Effects

Required Documents:

  • New items: Original invoice and OBL or AWB
  • Used items: List of items with actual value signed by customer and OBL or AWB. We recommend that no insurance or other declared values be evident on inventory or shipping documents.

Customs Regulations: Average tax is 45%

Clearance: Three (3) working days. Shipper’s presence is not required.

Remarks: All household goods and personal effects must be unloaded in a bonded warehouse for inspection by customs. If the original passport is submitted to customs, customers will be credited with $100 U.S. in taxes. All Costa Ricans that have lived overseas for more than two (2) years are allowed to import duty free (paying only an 11% tax) on all household goods and personal effects. Big appliances must not exceed one of each item. Customers must submit a letter from the nearest Costa Rican Consulate abroad, stating that they have lived more than two (2) years abroad. Tax exemption takes four (4) weeks in Costa Rica.

New Furniture

Customs Regulations: No limit on quantity

Clearance: Five (5) working days

Remarks: Taxes average around 35%

 

Pets and Animals

Required Documents: Pets require a Health Vaccination Certificate dated less than 30 days prior to arrival in Costa Rica.

Clearance: Three (3) working days.

 

Vehicles

Required Documents:

  • Original title if vehicle is new or a used pickup truck
  • OBL or AWB

 

Customs Regulations: Tax is as follows:

    1. Automobiles – 126%
    2. Pickup trucks – 77%
    3. Boats – 69%
    4. Motorcycles – 65%
A new tax law (August 2013) aiming at reducing the number of old cars on the roads amends tax rates as follows:
1. New and used cars up to 3 years old – 30% tax
2. Used cars up to 5 years old – 40%
3. Older cars – 53%

All used automobiles are subject to depreciation on the value. An average of 10% of depreciation a year is applied, for a maximum of 70% depreciation when vehicles are five or more years old. 

Clearance: Five (5) working days

Remarks: Tourists are allowed to import a vehicle duty-free for a period of six (6) months. Documents required are same as above, plus registration of the vehicle in the name of the person bringing the automobile to Costa Rica. In order to register the car and obtain license plates, it takes ten (10) more working days, but the shipper’s presence is not required.

 

Electricity 

  • Voltage 120 V
  • Type A North American/Japanese 2-blade plugs 

For more info visit the Costa Rica Customs Website.

Written by Einat Mazafi
Einat Mazafi is the owner of NY International Shipping, an International Shipping and moving company based in New York. She is also a specialist in providing the best relocation solutions to clients worldwide.