# Costa Rica (CR) **Capital:** San José **Currency:** Costa Rica Colón (CRC) (CRC) **Population:** 5,164,837 — Older stored figure; source year not documented. **Area:** 51,100 km² > Costa Rica is Central America's key reefer and agricultural export hub. Bananas, pineapples and medical devices move through the Caribbean ports of Limon-Moin (APM Terminals), while Puerto Caldera handles Pacific traffic. Customs are cleared electronically via the TICA system; the standard VAT rate is 13 percent. Free trade agreements with the USA (CAFTA-DR), the EU, EFTA and China ease market access. Costa Rica (ISO-Code: CR) is located in Central America between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, with coastlines on the Pacific and Caribbean. Politically, the country is a stable presidential democracy known for its transparent administration and peaceful domestic policies. The climate is tropical, with a pronounced wet and dry season as well as regional climatic variations due to mountains and coasts. Economically, Costa Rica plays an important role in agriculture, services, and high-tech industry. Foreign trade is central, with exports primarily including agricultural products, electronics, and medical technology, while the country heavily depends on imports of industrial goods and energy. Strategically located ports on both coasts and a well-developed network of roads and airports strengthen the country's transit and logistics function for regional supply chains. The national currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC), which facilitates stable trade relations and financial transactions. Costa Rica benefits from its geographical location and economic openness, making it an important player in Central American trade and global supply chains. Sustainability and tourism further contribute to economic diversification. **Top Import Partners:** US, CN, MX, PA, DE **Top Export Partners:** US, NL, BE, MX, CN **Top Import Goods:** Mineral oils, Machinery, Vehicles, Electronics, Chemicals **Top Export Goods:** Medical devices, Bananas, Pineapples, Coffee, Microchips **Key Airports:** - [Guanacaste Airport (LIR)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/guanacaste-airport-lir) - [Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/juan-santamaria-international-airport-sjo) - [Aerotortuguero Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/aerotortuguero-airport-28643) - [Barra del Colorado Airport (BCL)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/barra-del-colorado-airport-bcl) - [Buenos Aires Airport (BAI)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/buenos-aires-airport-bai) - [Coto 47 Airport (OTR)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/coto-47-airport-otr) - [Golfito Airport (GLF)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/golfito-airport-glf) - [Guapiles Airport (GPL)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/guapiles-airport-gpl) - [Limon International Airport (LIO)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/limon-international-airport-lio) - [Los Chiles Airport (LSL)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/los-chiles-airport-lsl) ## Customs & Import **Import VAT:** Standard IVA rate of 13 percent (Ley 9635) on imported goods **Customs complexity:** medium **Customs system:** Electronic customs clearance via the TICA system with DUA; customs value on CIF basis; duties paid via SINPE. Imports are usually handled through an authorized customs agent. **Customs authority:** [Directorate General of Customs (DGA), Ministry of Finance](https://www.hacienda.go.cr) ## Logistics & Risk **Logistics role:** Reefer export hub of Central America; transit land between the Pacific and the Caribbean **Economic area:** SIECA (Central American Integration / SICA) **Logistics risk:** medium **Dangerous goods relevance:** medium **Pharma/cold chain:** high ## FAQ ### Which customs system does Costa Rica use for imports? Imports are processed electronically through the TICA system of the Direccion General de Aduanas. A DUA is filed, the customs value is determined on a CIF basis and duties are paid via SINPE, usually through a licensed customs broker. ### What is the import VAT (IVA) rate in Costa Rica? The standard IVA rate is 13 percent (Law 9635) and also applies to imported goods. Reduced rates of 4, 2 or 1 percent apply to certain goods. ### Which free trade agreements does Costa Rica have? Costa Rica has agreements with the USA and the region (CAFTA-DR), the EU (Association Agreement), EFTA (in force since 2014, including Switzerland) and China, among others. Preferences require a valid proof of origin. ### What are Costa Rica's main ports? On the Caribbean coast lies the Limon-Moin complex with the Moin Container Terminal operated by APM Terminals (reefer focus); on the Pacific coast is Puerto Caldera. Banana and pineapple exports move through Moin. ### Which airport is relevant for air cargo? The main cargo airport is Juan Santamaria (SJO) near San Jose; Daniel Oduber Quiros (LIR) in Liberia/Guanacaste also plays a role. Air cargo is important especially for medical devices and perishable goods. ### Which goods are restricted or prohibited on import? Restricted or prohibited items include weapons, ammunition and explosives, used tires without rims, used shoes and coffee husks. The reasons are health, safety and environmental protection. ## Sources & Last Verified - [https://www.hacienda.go.cr](https://www.hacienda.go.cr) - [https://www.comex.go.cr](https://www.comex.go.cr) - [https://portaltica.hacienda.go.cr/TicaExterno/hcimppon.aspx](https://portaltica.hacienda.go.cr/TicaExterno/hcimppon.aspx) - [https://www.hacienda.go.cr/docs/ImpuestoalValorAgregado29012021.pdf](https://www.hacienda.go.cr/docs/ImpuestoalValorAgregado29012021.pdf) - [https://portaldecomercio.comex.go.cr/enlaces/derechos-y-cargas/derechos-y-cargas-aduaneros/](https://portaldecomercio.comex.go.cr/enlaces/derechos-y-cargas/derechos-y-cargas-aduaneros/) - [https://www.efta.int/trade-relations/free-trade-network/central-american-states-costa-rica-guatemala-honduras-and-panama](https://www.efta.int/trade-relations/free-trade-network/central-american-states-costa-rica-guatemala-honduras-and-panama) - [https://www.cbp.gov/trade/free-trade-agreements/cafta-dr/costa-rica](https://www.cbp.gov/trade/free-trade-agreements/cafta-dr/costa-rica) - [https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/costa-rica-prohibited-and-restricted-imports](https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/costa-rica-prohibited-and-restricted-imports) *Last verified: 2026-06-22* --- *Freight Academy — Country Profile: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/cr](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/cr)* *Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/country/en/cr](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/country/en/cr)*