Customs Regulations in Costa Rica

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

• Passport (include all pages) for all members of the family
• Inventory (in Spanish or English) indicating value declared for customs and showing complete contents of cartons and the exact number of cartons in the liftvan or container
  • Include brand name, serial #, model and price of the electronic equipment and electrical appliances
• Document stating insurance coverage
• Letter authorizing destination agent to clear shipment
• *NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE COMPLETED ORIGINALS. COSTS FOR ANY DELAYS DUE TO INCOMPLETE OR INCORRECT DOCUMENTS WILL BE CHARGED TO THE CUSTOMER

CUSTOMS REGULATION

• Used household goods and personal effects are subject to import taxes and duties, except for customers who are diplomats, members of government or international organizations and Costa Rican citizens who have lived a minimum of 24 months abroad (the latter one still pays taxes, but no duties)
• All shipments inspected

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

• New items are subject to very high duties and require an original receipt
• Large appliances must not exceed one of each item
• Computers subject to import regulations
• Purchase Invoice, Instruction Booklets, and original Ocean Bill of Lading/Air Waybill required

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Alcoholic beverages (only small quantities for personal use)
• Narcotics and drugs
• Explosives
• Used tires
• Pornographic or subversive material
• Animal or agricultural products, plants, medicines, and large quantities of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and food require a special permit
• Weapons and ammunition require an original invoice and registration at origin
  • A special permit at the Firearm and Explosive Department must be applied for
  • Import tax applicable
  • Must be for personal use only

MOTOR VEHICLES

• Subject to high import taxes and duties, except for those customers described above
• Amount to be paid depends on the value, model, year, cubic centimeters and extras
• Documents required:
  • Registration Card or Property Title
  • Purchase Invoice
  • *Originals required for all above documents
• If you are sending a vechicle to Costa Rica, a new law was passed as of June 7th, 2000 that all vehicles coming into Costa Rica must have a EPA Smog Test signed off by the Local Consulate from the country which the auto is being exported. Contact your destination agent for more information before sending a vehicle to Costa Rica.

PETS

• Dogs and cats permitted
• Documents required:
  • Anti-rabies vaccination
  • Health Certificate
  • Invoice indicating value of animal