Costa Rica Import Restrictions

by countryaah · Published June 2, 2019 · Updated November 3, 2019

In order to enter Costa Rica, certain goods are subject to specific controls and, regardless of their value and quantity, they require the consent of Costa Rica government, preferably, license must be obtained prior to passage through the customs, preventing the goods from being retained. On this page, you will see what kinds of items are prohibited from entering the Costa Rica, and which items need special documentation before exporting to Costa Rica.

Import restrictions

Senders should determine import restrictions from Costa Rica authorities before posting weapons and parts of weapons.

Alcoholic beverages
Animal products
Blank forms
Booklets, brochures
Chemicals, non-hazardous
Coffee
Cologne and perfume
Compact disc
Cosmetics
Drugs, perscription and non-perscription
Food stuffs
Medical/dental supplies and equipment
Personal effects
Plants and plant products
Telecommunications equipment

EDN’s and export permits are required for:

Kangaroo skins
Crocodile skins
Emu oil
Fish oil
Bunker oil
Coal
Petroleum bases products
Tobacco and tobacco products
Any other alcohol including beer and spirits all volumes.

Special documentation

All commercial goods require an invoice in duplicate.

Used clothing requires a Certificate of Disinfection.

The sender and receiver details must be addressed with a valid street address in English. A Post Office Box address is not acceptable.

The sender is responsible for finding if the destination country may impose duties, taxes, brokerage fees or any other fees that may be applied on the item that is being sent. Please contact the consulate office of the country you are sending to or contact the ECI customer contact centre on 1800 007 678.

Prohibitions

In addition to items prohibited by Dangerous and Prohibited Goods & Packaging Post Guide and ECI International Courier Regulations, Costa Rica prohibits: