🇨🇷 Import Customs & Duties: Costa Rica
Quick Facts
Umbral libre de impuestos
$50
Paquetes bajo $50, libre de impuestos
IVA / Impuesto
13%
CIF value + duty. IVA at 13% on all imports. Some basic food basket goods at reduced 1-2% or exempt.
Clearance Time
1-3 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-15% (smartphones 0%, laptops 0% under CAFTA-DR, TVs 15%) | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 15% (all garments 15%) | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 15% (all footwear 15%) | HS 64 |
| Food products | 1-15% (rice 35% but reducing under CAFTA-DR, meat 15%, dairy 15%, processed food 1-15%) | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% (industrial machinery 0%, tools 1%) | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 5-15% (perfumes 15%, skincare 5%) | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 5-15% (basic toys 5%, electronic toys 15%) | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Calculadora de aranceles
Por debajo del umbral de minimis, ¡sin arancel!: $50 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA, hacienda.go.cr) under Ministry of Finance. TICA electronic declaration system. CAFTA-DR FTA with US reduces/eliminates many duties, significant preference for US goods. IVA (VAT) at 13% on all imports. Customs broker (agente aduanal) required for commercial shipments. Puerto Limón (Atlantic) and Puerto Caldera (Pacific) main ports.
What to Actually Expect
One of the most efficient customs systems in Central America. TICA electronic system works well. CAFTA-DR eliminates duties on many US goods. Express couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) clear in 1-2 days. Postal mail slower (1-2 weeks). 13% IVA adds to cost. Law 1% on CIF value applies. Relatively low corruption for the region. Well-educated workforce means professional customs service.
Documentos necesarios
Factura comercial
Descripción, cantidad, valor, datos del remitente y destinatario
Lista de empaque
Descripción detallada del contenido
Declaración aduanera (CN22/CN23)
Requerida para envíos postales
Guía aérea (AWB)
Generada por el transportista al reservar el envío
Certificado de origen
Puede requerirse para aranceles reducidos
Licencia de exportación/importación
Para productos restringidos
Import License Requirements
Required for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, firearms, explosives, and some food products. Sanitary permits from Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud) for food and cosmetics. MAG for agricultural products.
Certificate of Origin
CAFTA-DR certificate for US/Central America preferential rates. FTA certificates for EU, China, Singapore, Colombia, and other partners. Issued by PROCOMER or MEIC. Digital certificates available.
Learn more →Artículos prohibidos y restringidos
Prohibidos
- xNarcóticos y drogas ilegales
- xExplosivos y materiales inflamables
- xArmas y municiones
- xProductos falsificados
- xMoneda y documentos falsos
Restringidos (requiere permiso)
- !Medicamentos
- !Alimentos y bebidas
- !Plantas y semillas
- !Electrónica (baterías de litio)
- !Perfumes y cosméticos
Useful Links
Estimación de aranceles
Cargos de importación estimados al enviar mercancías a Costa Rica:
| Valor del producto | Arancel | IVA/Impuesto | Total a pagar |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Gratis |
| $100 | $5 | $14 | $19 |
| $200 | $15 | $28 | $43 |
| $500 | $45 | $71 | $116 |
| $1000 | $95 | $142 | $237 |
Solo estimaciones. Los aranceles reales dependen de la categoría del producto.
Rutas populares a Costa Rica
Preguntas frecuentes
What is the duty-free threshold for Costa Rica?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Costa Rica is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Costa Rica?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Costa Rica is 13%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. IVA at 13% on all imports. Some basic food basket goods at reduced 1-2% or exempt.
How long does customs clearance take in Costa Rica?
Typical customs clearance in Costa Rica takes 1-3 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Costa Rica?
To import into Costa Rica, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Costa Rica?
Costa Rica prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.