Costa Rica
CR · CRI
As of: 6/22/2026
Reefer-Exporthub Zentralamerikas; Transitland zwischen Pazifik und Karibik
Capital: San José
SIECA (Zentralamerikanische Integration / SICA)SeeStrasseLuftImport VAT: IVA-Regelsatz 13 Prozent (Ley 9635) auf die WareneinfuhrCustoms: mittelRisk: mittelPharma/Cold Chain: hochDangerous Goods: mittelE-Commerce: mittel
Overview
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.
Mentioned countries
Area51,100 km²
Population5,164,837
CurrencyCosta Rica Colón (CRC)
Economic areaSIECA (Zentralamerikanische Integration / SICA)
ContinentMittelamerika
ReligionsKatholisch, Protestantisch, Atheisten
ISO codeCR / CRI
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Direccion General de Aduanas (DGA), Ministerio de HaciendaImport system
Elektronische Zollabwicklung über das System TICA mit DUA; Zollwert auf CIF-Basis; Abgaben via SINPE. Einfuhr meist über zugelassenen Zollagenten.
Export system
Ausfuhr über TICA und die Ventanilla Unica de Comercio Exterior (VUCE) von PROCOMER mit elektronischer Export-DUA.
Import VAT
- IVA-Regelsatz 13 Prozent (Ley 9635) auf die Wareneinfuhr
- ermässigte Sätze von 4, 2 und 1 Prozent für bestimmte Güter.
Customs complexitymittel
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Frachtbrief (B/L oder AWB)
- Packliste
- Einfuhr-DUA
- Ursprungsnachweis (bei Präferenz)
- Bewilligungen/Zertifikate (bei Bedarf)
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Export-DUA
- Packliste
- Frachtbrief
- Ursprungsnachweis
- Phytosanitäres Zertifikat (Agrargüter)
Origin proofs / FTA
CAFTA-DR-Ursprungserklärung; für EFTA und EU die Warenverkehrsbescheinigung EUR.1 bzw. Ursprungserklärung; China-FTA mit eigenem Ursprungszeugnis.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Eingeschränkt oder verboten u.a. Waffen, Munition und Sprengstoff (bewilligungspflichtig), gebrauchte Reifen ohne Felgen, Gebrauchtschuhe und Kaffeehülsen (Gesundheits- und Umweltschutz).
Export controls & sanctions
Ein- und Ausfuhr von Waffen, Munition und Sprengstoff sind bewilligungspflichtig (Waffen- und Sprengstoffabteilung); automatische Waffen darf nur der Staat einführen.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Americas) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to the Americas. Depending on the destination, additional security filings, product requirements, or broker processes may apply.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Cargo airports
- Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaria (SJO), San Jose
- Aeropuerto Internacional Daniel Oduber Quiros (LIR), Liberia/Guanacaste
Seaports / access ports
- Puerto Limon-Moin / APM Terminals Moin Container Terminal (Karibik)
- Puerto Caldera (Pazifik)
Road corridors & border crossings
- Carretera Interamericana (CA-1 / Panamericana)
- Ruta 32 (San Jose-Limon)
- Ruta 27 (San Jose-Caldera)
Top trade lanes
- Costa Rica-USA
- Costa Rica-EU (Niederlande, Belgien)
- Costa Rica-China
- Intra-Zentralamerika
Risk & Operational Notes
Logistics riskmittel
Customs delay riskmittel
Port congestion riskmittel
Risk notes
Moderne Reefer-Kapazität in Moin; zu Spitzenzeiten Staurisiko an der Karibikküste. Strassennetz im Hochland ist anfällig für Schäden in der Regenzeit.
Seasonal & weather risks
Regenzeit von Mai bis November mit Überschwemmungs- und Erdrutschgefahr; tropische Stürme an der Karibikküste; seismische und vulkanische Risiken.
Current logistics notes
APM Terminals Moin (2019 eröffnet) ist der zentrale Reefer- und Containerhub; Exporte von Bananen und Ananas dominieren die Karibikküste.
As of: 2026-06-22
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Guanacaste Airport
LIR · Liberia
Juan Santamaría International Airport
SJO · San José (Alajuela)
Aerotortuguero Airport
Roxana
Barra del Colorado Airport
BCL · Pococi
Buenos Aires Airport
BAI · Punta Arenas
Coto 47 Airport
OTR · Corredores
Golfito Airport
GLF · Golfito
Guapiles Airport
GPL · Pococi
Limon International Airport
LIO · Puerto Limon
Los Chiles Airport
LSL · Los Chiles
Nosara Airport
NOB · Nicoya
Palmar Sur Airport
PMZ · Palmar Sur
Latest News
More content for this country
As content becomes available, additional information and articles will automatically appear here.
Sources & Data Confidence
hochVerified: 2026-06-22
Official sources
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
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.
Which trade partners are important for Costa Rica?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Costa Rica?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
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