Importing Into 🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Dirección General de Aduanas
13%
US$500
De Minimis Threshold
US$500
500 USD
Shipments below this value may enter without customs duty. VAT may still apply depending on local rules.
Personal-import parcels under USD 500 duty-free; above attracts customs + 13% IVA. CAFTA-DR preferential treatment for US-origin goods.
As of: 2023-01-01
VAT / GST on Imports
13%
Applied on the customs value (CIF — cost, insurance, freight) plus any applicable duties.
Required Documentation
| # | Document |
|---|---|
| 01 | Customs declaration form |
| 02 | Ministerio de Salud permit for medications |
| 03 | SENASA cert for pets/plants |
Requirements vary by shipment value, HS chapter, and origin country. Learn about each document type →
Restricted Import Categories
- ⚠Firearms (Ministerio de Seguridad Pública permit)
- ⚠Pharmaceuticals (Ministerio de Salud)
- ⚠Pets (SENASA cert)
Prohibited Import Categories
- ✗Narcotics
- ✗Counterfeit goods
- ✗CITES-listed species
Special Notes
- 01Costa Rica is a CAFTA-DR member: US-origin goods get preferential tariff.
- 02Strong biosecurity: SENASA screens incoming agricultural products.
- 03Currency: Costa Rican colón (CRC); USD widely accepted in tourism areas.
Estimate duties and VAT for a specific shipment into Costa Rica.
Calculate Duty →