SHIPPING TO COSTA RICA

• 🚢 RO/RO & Container Shipping Options

• 📅 Weekly Sailings from major U.S. ports

• 🛡️ Fully Licensed, Bonded & Insured

• 🧾 Full Customs Documentation Assistance

• 📍 Real-Time Tracking for Your Shipment

• 🚚 Door-to-Port Pickup Available Across the USA

• 💰Affordable Rates: Competitive pricing with no hidden fees.

• Whether it’s your first time or you’re a frequent exporter, our team guides you every step of the way.

We handle a wide variety of shipments:

• 🚗 Passenger Cars

• 🚙 SUVs and Crossovers

• 🚙 Pickup Trucks and Vans

• 🏍️ Motorcycles and Scooters

• 🚛 Commercial Trucks and Fleets

• 🚜 Heavy machinery and equipment

• 🏎️ Luxury, Classic & Collector Vehicles

• 🚤 Boats & Jet Skis – Shipped on trailers, crated or on cradle

• Puerto Caldera

• Puerto Limón

• Puerto Moín

• Heredia

• San Jose

• 🛳️ 10-15 days, depending on your departure port and shipping method

🚗 Ro/Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off)

Your car is loaded onto the ship and secured in a protected cargo deck. Ideal for operable vehicles.

📦 Container Shipping

Perfect for high-value, non-operational, or multiple vehicles. Choose between 20ft or 40ft containers. Shared container services available.

• ✅ Original Vehicle Title (free of liens)

• ✅ Bill of Sale or Invoice

• ✅ Valid Passport or ID

• ✅Foreign Tax ID for consignee

Last updated: February 3, 2024

When shipping to Costa Rica, it's important to be aware of certain prohibited and restricted imports that are regulated to protect public health, safety, and the environment. Below is a summary of key restrictions you should consider before shipping:

Costa Rica bans the import of products under 37 specific HS codes. These include:

• Used tires without rims: Prohibited due to health concerns, as stagnant water in rimless tires can breed mosquitoes that transmit dengue and yellow fever.

• Used shoes: Banned to prevent health and contamination risks.

• Used clothing: Allowed only if it complies with current labeling regulations.

• Weapons and explosives: Highly restricted. Only the Costa Rican government is authorized to import automatic firearms.

• Human blood and blood products: Fully prohibited for import.

The import, refining, and distribution of crude oil and petroleum products is managed exclusively by RECOPE (Costa Rican Petroleum Refinery), the state-owned entity responsible for this sector.

To prevent biological contamination and protect agriculture:

• Husks, coffee husks, and used cardboard egg trays are banned due to risk of pests and disease.

• Ozone-depleting substances have been restricted since 1991.

• Asbestos-containing products are not permitted.

The following product categories are restricted and must meet strict regulatory approval before entering the country:

• Cosmetics

• Pharmaceuticals

• Natural health products

• Medicines

All must be registered and approved by the relevant Costa Rican health authorities prior to import.

Before importing any product into Costa Rica, always consult with a licensed customs broker and check the National Tariff System (Sistema Nacional de Tarifas) for any applicable Technical Notes (Notas Técnicas) or product-specific import requirements.

✅ Eligible Vehicles

• Used vehicles are allowed but age and condition matter.

• There’s no official age limit, but older vehicles pay higher taxes.

• Vehicles must pass technical inspection (RTV - Riteve) upon arrival to ensure roadworthiness and environmental compliance.

1. Heavily damaged or salvaged vehicles: Not allowed unless repaired to meet inspection standards.

2. Right-hand drive vehicles: Generally not allowed, as Costa Rica uses left-hand traffic.

3. Vehicles with unpaid liens: Must be free of legal or financial encumbrances.

4. Vehicles with illegal modifications: Must comply with local environmental and safety regulations (e.g., emissions, lighting, bumpers).

1. Salvage Titles

   • Vehicles with a "salvage" or "rebuilt" title can be imported, but may face rejection during the technical inspection (Riteve) if they are not fully restored to roadworthy condition.

   • If accepted, they are subject to extra scrutiny and possible repair requirements.

2. Bonded Titles or Title Replacements

   • These may be rejected or flagged as potentially fraudulent.

   • Customs may delay clearance or require additional documentation.

3. Title with Liens (Loans)

   • Titles showing a lienholder (bank or financing company) cannot be used to import unless the lien is formally released and documented.

   • A lien release letter must accompany the title if it's not yet updated.

4. Duplicate or Incomplete Titles

   • A duplicate title is accepted only if it's certified and verified by the issuing agency.

   • Any alteration, erasure, or missing fields can lead to customs rejection.