Documents Required

• Copy of passport

• Rated original bill of lading (OBL) / airway bill (AWB)

• Packing list in English or Spanish

Specific Information

• Customs clearance takes approximately 10 business days from the date of shipment arrival.

• The items and weights identified on the OBL must match the actual items in the shipment or a fine of 250 USD will be levied and clearance will be delayed.

• All shipments are subject to physical inspection.

• Diplomat shipments are duty free.

• Returning citizens may receive a partial tax exemption if having lived abroad for at least 24 months preceding import; proof from the Costa Rican consulate in the origin country is required and must indicate the number of years of residence lived abroad.

• Liftvans, airvans, wooden crates, and boxes arriving in containers or single shipments must be fumigated per ISPM-15 guidelines and visibly marked on at least two opposite sides of the container in permanent black ink.

• Certain wood packing materials are exempt from ISPM-15 regulations; contact the destination agent for specific information.

Documents Required

• Original title

• Original purchase invoice

• OBL

Specific Information

• Duties range from 45% to 70% of the retail value of a vehicle.

• The import of motor vehicles is not recommended as duties may exceed the value of the vehicle.

• Contact the destination for additional information.

Documents Required

• Rabies vaccination record

• Veterinary health certificate (2 copies)

• International certificate (APHIS Form 7001) is recommended

• Authorization from the Costa Rican Health Ministry obtained at origin from the Consulate / Embassy

Specific Information

• Documents must be received by the destination agent prior to the arrival of the animal and are subject to examination upon arrival.

• Animals over 3 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies.

• Quarantine is not currently required unless the pet is deemed unhealthy upon examination then the pet may be kenneled in a government facility.

• Arms and ammunition (a permit from the Ministry of National Security is required for returning citizens or residents)

• Dangerous objects (a permit from the Ministry of National Security is required for returning citizens and residents)

• Plants (a phytosanitary certificate and permit from the Ministry of Agriculture are required prior to import)

• New household goods / new furniture (an original invoice or a statement under oath of the value of the item is required)

• Household / electrical appliances (the brand, serial number, and model must be listed on the packing list)

• Wedding trousseaux, inheritances, gifts and souvenirs

• Carpets

• Antiques and works of art

• Furniture (wooden items / ornaments require a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture)

• Precious metal objects, such as jewelry, coins, etc. (purchase receipts / invoices are required)

• Non-motorized vehicles, such as bicycles, watercraft, etc. (duties depend on value, year, model, cubic centimeters, and features)

• Wine and alcohol (permits from the Ministry of Health /Ministry of Economy are required)

• Tins and food (a permit from the Ministry of Health are required) (3 copies)

• Narcotics, drugs and medicines

• Pornographic and subversive materials

• Explosives