Shipping cargo to Costa Rica? Important information about moving abroad to Costa Rica
Located in Central America near Panama and Nicaragua, Costa Rica or the “Rich Coast” has more than 800 miles of coastline that includes the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The country is known for its biodiversity, which includes animal and plant life.
Divided into seven provinces, Costa Rica is a member of various organizations, including the Organization of American States and the United Nations. While Spanish is the main language of the country, the country is also home to several local languages and is visited and inhabited by people from all over the world.
If you are planning to move or need cargo shipping to Costa Rica, there are some documents you should plan to prepare in advance. For example, if you are moving across the country, make sure you have a passport for all your family members.
To prepare the freight, you must have a complete inventory listed in Spanish or English. Your inventory should include the value of your items declared to customs with full information on the number of cartons in your shipping container. You should also plan to include additional information about equipment and electrical appliances, including:
- brand name
- serial numbers
- models, and
- pricing
Additional documentation you will need for shipping includes proof of insurance and a letter authorizing the destination agent to release your shipment. All documents must be original documents.
All shipments are subject to inspection by Costa Rican authorities. Upon shipment, all of your used household goods and personal items are subject to import taxes and duties. However, it’s important to note that some people get exceptions to this rule, including:
- Diplomats
- Members of government or international organizations
- Costa Rican citizens who have lived outside the country for at least two years – (in this case you will be expected to pay taxes, but you are not required to pay customs duties)
Shipping Policy for New Items to Costa Rica
If you are shipping new items, it is important to note that new items require an original receipt and are subject to high customs duties. If you are shipping large appliances to Costa Rica, you cannot ship more than one of each type of appliance. Additionally, when shipping computers, you will be expected to comply with certain Costa Rican import regulations.
Prohibited items when transporting cargo to Costa Rica
If you are moving to Costa Rica and planning to ship cargo, it is helpful to know about items that are prohibited or restricted. The following items are prohibited or restricted for carriage there:
- Alcoholic beverages (only small quantities are allowed for personal use)
- Drugs and drugs
- Explosives
- Used tires
- Pornographic or subversive material
Arms and ammunition require an original invoice and registration at origin. You must also have a special permit from the Costa Rican Department of Firearms and Explosives.
Import taxes will apply and you will need a special permit if you plan to ship any of the following to Costa Rica:
- Animal or agricultural products, including plants
- Medicines
- Large amounts of alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Food
Car delivery to Costa Rica
Interested in shipping a car to Costa Rica? If you are shipping a car, you will be expected to pay high import taxes and duties unless you are exempt from these requirements as described above. Car delivery charges vary based on your car, including value, model, year and additional information.
Certain original documents are required to ship a vehicle to Costa Rica. You will need a registration card or title and a purchase invoice for each vehicle.
Also, effective June 7, 2000, all vehicles entering Costa Rica must pass an Environmental Protection Agency smog test signed by the consulate of the country of origin. Yours freight company can provide you with additional information regarding car shipping, sometimes referred to as “roll-to-roll” or ro-ro shipping.
Bringing pets
If you are moving to Costa Rica and wish to bring your cat or dog with you, learn more about the necessary documentation. Make sure your cat or dog has:
- Vaccination against rabies
- Health certificate
- The invoice shows the value of your animal
There’s a lot to think about as you prepare for international freight shipping to Costa Rica. A reliable and trustworthy freight forwarding company can help you with all country-specific import rules and regulations. Choosing the right international shipping company can help make your experience with international shipping and moving abroad a smooth one.
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