Specific Imports

Consumer electronics and computer equipment generally attract low duty rates under trade agreements Costa Rica has signed. Laptops and computers are typically 0% duty under the ITA (Information Technology Agreement). Phones, tablets, and accessories vary.

Duty rate: 0–13% · Examples: laptops, desktop computers, tablets, smartphones, cameras, televisions, audio equipment

Apparel and clothing items face moderate to higher duty rates to protect the local textile industry. Rates vary by fabric type and garment category. Used clothing (for personal use, not commercial) is treated differently.

Duty rate: 14–20% · Examples: shirts, pants, shoes, jackets, sportswear, undergarments

Books, newspapers, and printed educational materials are exempt from import duties under Costa Rican law. However, IVA may still apply in some contexts. This exemption supports education and access to information.

Duty rate: 0% · Examples: books, textbooks, magazines, newspapers, educational materials, comic books

Duty rates on food vary enormously. Basic staples and items not produced locally may have low or zero rates, while products that compete with local agriculture can face very high duties. Fresh produce faces biosecurity restrictions in addition to duties.

Duty rate: 0–45% · Examples: canned goods, packaged foods, spices, specialty imported items, wine, oils

Alcohol and tobacco are subject to high duties plus selective consumption taxes (impuesto selectivo de consumo) in addition to IVA. The total tax burden can more than double the original cost. Travelers have duty-free allowances of up to 5 liters of alcohol.

Duty rate: 30–100%+ · Examples: wine, beer, spirits, whiskey, rum, cigarettes, cigars

Medical devices, diagnostic equipment, and many pharmaceuticals benefit from reduced or zero duty rates. Personal medications in reasonable quantities for personal use are generally allowed without duty. Commercial quantities require CCSS and Ministry of Health approval.

Duty rate: 0–5% · Examples: wheelchairs, medical devices, diagnostic equipment, surgical instruments, hearing aids

Vehicles are subject to extremely high import duties, making importing a car very expensive. Rates depend on engine size and vehicle age. A selective consumption tax adds significantly to the base duty. See the dedicated vehicle importing guide for full details.

Duty rate: 52–79%+ · Examples: cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, boats

Furniture and household goods face moderate duty rates. New residents may qualify for a one-time duty-free menaje de casa (personal effects) exemption for used household goods. New items purchased abroad and shipped in do not qualify for this exemption.

Duty rate: 5–14% · Examples: sofas, beds, tables, chairs, kitchen appliances, lamps, rugs

Sporting equipment and recreational goods generally face moderate duty rates. Specialized equipment like surfboards, diving gear, and bicycles typically fall in the lower end of this range. Firearms and related equipment are heavily restricted and require special permits.

Duty rate: 5–14% · Examples: bicycles, surfboards, diving equipment, gym equipment, camping gear, golf clubs

Musical instruments generally benefit from low duty rates. Guitars, pianos, and professional instruments are typically 0–5%. Professional musicians may be able to import instruments temporarily without duties for performances.

Duty rate: 0–5% · Examples: guitars, drums, keyboards, brass instruments, strings, amplifiers

• ✗ Handguns and pistols (require special import permit from Ministry of Public Security)
• ✗ Rifles and shotguns (require permits, heavily restricted for non-residents)
• ✗ Automatic or semi-automatic weapons (generally prohibited for civilians)
• ✗ Ammunition (requires permits matching licensed firearm)
• ✗ Silencers and suppressors (prohibited)
• ✗ Explosives and detonators
• ✗ Military-grade weapons and equipment
• ✗ Tasers and stun guns (restricted)
• ✗ Switchblades and automatic knives (restricted)

Firearms are strictly regulated. Residents may apply for permits through the Ministry of Public Security (Ministerio de Seguridad Pública). Tourists cannot legally bring firearms into Costa Rica. All firearms must be registered with the Registro Nacional de Armas.

• ✗ Illegal narcotics (cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, etc.)
• ✗ Cannabis and cannabis products (despite local decriminalization discussions, import is illegal)
• ✗ Synthetic drugs and designer drugs
• ✗ Controlled prescription medications without valid prescription and in excess of personal-use quantities
• ✗ Precursor chemicals for drug manufacturing

Drug trafficking is a serious criminal offense in Costa Rica with severe penalties. Personal prescription medications are generally allowed if carried with a valid prescription and in quantities consistent with personal use (typically 3–6 months supply). Contact CCSS or the Ministry of Health for guidance on specific medications.

• ✗ Fresh fruits and vegetables (most require SENASA phytosanitary certificate or are prohibited)
• ✗ Raw or unprocessed meat (beef, pork, poultry)
• ✗ Fresh dairy products
• ✗ Eggs (fresh, unprocessed)
• ✗ Soil and growing media
• ✗ Cut flowers and plants without phytosanitary certificate

SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal) regulates agricultural imports to prevent introduction of pests and diseases. Commercially packaged, processed, and shelf-stable food products are generally permitted. Fresh agricultural products are highly restricted to protect Costa Rica's biosecurity.

• ✗ Live plants without SENASA import permit
• ✗ Seeds without phytosanitary certificate
• ✗ Unprocessed wood or bark
• ✗ Soil samples or growing media
• ✗ Bulbs and plant cuttings without documentation
• ✗ Invasive species

Costa Rica has strict biosecurity rules to protect its rich biodiversity. Importing plants and seeds requires a SENASA import permit and a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin. Violations can result in fines and destruction of the material.

• ✗ Ivory (elephant, walrus, hippopotamus)
• ✗ Products made from sea turtles
• ✗ Shark fins
• ✗ Jaguar, ocelot, or other big cat skins or products
• ✗ Certain tropical birds (live or dead)
• ✗ Coral and certain marine products
• ✗ Certain orchids and tropical plants
• ✗ Reptile skins without CITES permit

Costa Rica is a signatory to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). Import and export of listed species and products is prohibited or requires special CITES permits. MINAE (Ministry of Environment) enforces these rules. Penalties are severe.

• ✗ Counterfeit branded products (clothing, handbags, watches, electronics)
• ✗ Pirated software, movies, and music
• ✗ Products with falsified trademarks or logos
• ✗ Counterfeit currency
• ✗ Fake documents

Intellectual property protection is enforced under Costa Rican law. Customs can seize counterfeit goods at the border. Commercial importation of counterfeit goods can result in criminal charges. Purchasing and importing for personal use is also illegal.

• ✗ Certain pesticides banned in Costa Rica
• ✗ Ozone-depleting substances (CFCs, HCFCs)
• ✗ Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
• ✗ Radioactive materials (without authorization)
• ✗ Certain industrial chemicals without Ministry of Health permit
• ✗ Asbestos products

MINAE and the Ministry of Health regulate hazardous chemical imports. Many pesticides approved in other countries are banned in Costa Rica due to environmental concerns. Check with the Ministerio de Salud for specific chemical clearance requirements.