INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT SHIPPING TO COSTA RICA

Looking for an easy way to ship your cargo to Costa-Rica? Choose the best freight forwarder to transport your goods to Costa-Rica safely and on time.

Exporting goods to Costa-Rica, whether it is for the first time, or on a regular basis, can be a challenging experience. There are many elements to consider when shipping to a country such as Costa-Rica.
If you are in Canada or the US and not entirely familiar with the Latin American market, you should consider a cargo shipping company that knows the business culture, the language, the customs regulations and has a proven track record of success when it comes to freight shipping to Costa Rica.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT IN COSTA RICA?

Regulations in Costa Rica are not only very different from the ones in the US or Canada, communication methods and business etiquette are also very distinct:
● Corporate culture in Costa Rica is relationship-driven. Known as formal but friendly people, “Ticos” as they are called, appreciate personal relationships more than formal business connections which is the norm in the US or Canada. Therefore, it is important to develop easy going business “friendships”, as they may be more loyal to you personally rather than to the company you represent. Third-party contacts are also a key to business success in Costa Rica. An established person vouching for you and presenting your company will help you gain trust in the market.
● Costa Ricans have a more relaxed perception of time management than Americans and Europeans, however punctuality is expected for business appointments.
● It is also important to consider the language as a possible barrier. Although most business executives speak English fluently, a good knowledge of Spanish would be highly appreciated for business relations.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT COSTA RICA(2018)

• Capital: San José
• Other Large Cities: Puerto Limón, Alajuela, Heredia, Cinco Esquinas, Desamparados, Liberia
• Population: 4,999,441 (Urban Population: 79.3%)
• Official languages: Spanish
• Time Zone : GMT – 6
• Currency: Costa Rican Colon (CRC)

ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT ( Source: IMF – World Bank, 2018)

• GDP: 60.46 billion USD (GDP Growth: 2.7% / GDP per capita: 12,039 USD)
• Inflation Rate: 2.2%
• Unemployment Rate:9.6%
• Total Imports of Goods: 16.16 billion USD
• FDI Inward Flow: 2.76 billion USD (4,6% of GDP)
• Ease of Doing Business Score (2019): 67th / 190

WHY DOING BUSINESS WITH COSTA RICA?

COSTA RICA TRADE OVERVIEW

• MAIN IMPORTS: Petroleum, Vehicles & parts, Medicaments, Telecommunication equipment, Specialized Machinery, Paper & Forestry, Packaging & Plastic Products
• MAIN EXPORTS: Medical equipment, Fruits, Processed food, Coffee, Tires, Medicaments, Electric wire
• INDUSTRIES WITH STRONG BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES: Renewables Energies, Food & Beverage, Healthcare, Construction Equipment, Chemicals, transport and telecommunications
• PRINCIPAL TRADING PARTNERS: USA, China, Europe (Netherlands, Belgium, Germany), Panama, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Japan, Brazil, Colombia, Chile

IMPORT AND CUSTOM PARTICULARS

If you are sending merchandise to Costa Rica by sea or air for the first time, guidance and support will surely be needed, as there are guidelines, prohibitions and restrictions to consider.

WHAT PAPERWORK IS NEEDED FOR INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT SHIPMENTS TO COSTA RICA?

Documentation requirements vary depending on the category of goods being shipped and can get quite extensive. They usually include: Commercial invoice, Bill of lading / Air waybill, Packing list, Insurance certificate, Certificate of Origin (if required). To avoid delays or hassles when shipping to Costa Rica, your packing list must be as detailed as possible. Vague wording like “miscellaneous” attracts negative attention and further inspections.

WHAT ARE THE REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS WHEN SHIPPING TO COSTA RICA?

Regulations can be strict on certain categories of goods being imported to Costa Rica. Prior authorization or special permits may be needed for certain items such as pharmaceuticals, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, some chemical products, meat. Prohibited commodities include products such as used clothing and used shoes, used tires, firearms, etc.

Duties and tariffs are usually based on the total value of the shipment in question, and depending on how well-documented the cargo is, those values could be determined by the judgment of Customs Officials on the spot.

Shipping cargo to Costa Rica is easier with LAC as we have overcome these obstacles many times and have developed a thorough understanding of the customs procedures.

MAIN OCEAN PORTS AND CARGO AIRPORTS IN COSTA RICA

• MAIN OCEAN PORTS: Puerto Caldera, Puerto Limón, Puerto Moín
• MAIN CARGO AIRPORTS: San Jose (SJO)

Ship freight to Costa Rica from anywhere in the world

Ship freight to Costa Rica from anywhere in the world

• Discover our Trade & Export Guide to Costa Rica
• Ship to Costa Rica from the US: New York, Miami, Houston, Los Angeles
• Ship to Costa Rica from Canada: Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver
• Transportation Services from China to Costa Rica