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Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

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. 

Motor Vehicles

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.

Pets

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.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• The following items are subject to taxes:
  • 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)

Prohibited Items

• Narcotics, drugs and medicines (permits from the College of Pharmacy and Ministry of Health are required)
• Pornographic and subversive materials
• Explosives

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Cultural and Other Information

Wikipedia Entry for Costa Rica