Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will
require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting
statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Most documents may be shipped to Costa Rica from Canada duty-free
provided they have no commercial value. Document shipments may include
any of the following:
- Bids
- Cash letters
- Charts and maps
- Drawings
- Driver's license
- Graphs
- Intercompany mail
- Manuscripts
- Maps
- Manuscripts
- Newspapers
- Pamphlets
- Seismic data
- Visa applications
The following items may be shipped duty-free if they meet the criteria
shown in the table below:
| Item | Restriction |
|---|
| Business cards | Maximum of 1 kg, no more than 1 unit per shipment and of no
commercial value |
| Computer print-outs | Maximum shipment weight of 10 kg |
| Catalogues | Maximum shipment weight of 5 kg; and for personal use only |
| Cheques | Only if cancelled |
| Credit cards | No more than 1 per shipment |
| Diskettes | For information purposes and personal use only Cannot be
software |
| Films | For personal use only; and limited to 2 rolls |
| Intercompany data on CD-Rom or disc | Only if they have no commercial value. 'Intercompany data on
diskette/CD-ROM' must be specified in the Description of Goods
field |
| Newsletters | Only intercompany documents for use within the company are
allowed |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping gifts from Canada to Costa Rica may be exempt from duty under
certain conditions.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment sent from an individual in Canada to an individual in
Costa Rica will be subject to duty and taxes if it is valued over $50
USD (about $60 CAD).
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipped from a business in Canada to a business in Costa Rica
will incur duty only if its value is $50 USD or above (about $60 CAD).
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
A gift shipped from a business in Canada to an individual in Costa
Rica may be exempt from duty if its value is $500 USD (about $600 CAD)
or less provided items are for personal use and have no commercial
value.
Gift Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the
commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
- List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
- Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one
individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Juan Santamaría
Provincia de Alajuela
Alajuela
Costa Rica
Phone: +1 (506) 2441-4775 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $79.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If you are sending more than one gift in one shipment, be sure to wrap
and tag each one individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Juan Santamaría
Provincia de Alajuela
Alajuela
Costa Rica
Phone: +1 (506) 2441-4775 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $39.99 |
| 1 Each | Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
| CA | $49.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Sources:
https://thecostaricanews.com/exemption-for-imports-under-500-in-costa-rica-will-only-be-for-family-destined-shipments/
https://www.hacienda.go.cr/docs/604a8cecdfac3_CAUCA%20IV%20Res%20COMIECO%20223-2008%20(Ley%208881).pdf
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Personal effects - new and used - shipped to Costa from Canada may be
exempt from duty under the following conditions:
- For returning Costa Ricans with proof of residence in Canada for a
minimum of 2 consecutive years
- Foreigners with valid work or study permits
- Permanent residents of Costa Rica returning after having gone to
work or study abroad for more than 6 consecutive months
- Foreigners who acquire property or rent a home in Costa Rica for at
least 6 months
NOTE:
The exemption must be
applied for within 6 months of arrival in Costa Rica.
The exemption is allowed providing the household goods comply to the
following:
- They are for the personal use of the importer and/or his or her
family
- The items are used, and arrive in Costa Rica directly from Canada
- Regarding appliances, there is only 1 item of each type
- Office equipment, tools, and associated materials are NOT included
Moving Temporarily
Students
Students moving temporarily to Costa Rica from Canada to study may
ship their personal effects to Costa Rica.
Personal effects may include:
- Educational materials (paper and pens)
- Microcomputers up to $1,500 USD (about $1,800 CAD)
- Furniture used by a student, like a desk and chair
Non-Students
Foreigners moving to Costa Rica from Canada temporarily to work may be
exempt from duty if they have a valid work permit. The request for
exemption must be made 6 months prior to moving.
Moving Permanently
Costa Rican nationals who are returning to Costa Rica to live
permanently may import their personal effects duty-free. Personal
effects must be for use of the shipper or his/her family only and the
request for exemption made 6 months prior to moving.
This exemption applies to:
- All Costa Ricans of legal age who have lived in Canada for a minimum
of 2 years
- Permanent residents of Costa Rica returning after having gone to
work or study in Canada
NOTE:
Request for exemption must
be made 6 months prior to moving
Personal Effects Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://www.hacienda.go.cr/docs/5fb557d2819e9_MH-DGA-PRO01-POL-001%20Import%20Menaje%20de%20Casa.pdf https://www.hacienda.go.cr/docs/524477a0925fe_pais.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Juan Santamaría
Provincia de Alajuela
Alajuela
Costa Rica
Phone: +1 (506) 2441-4775 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 5 Pairs | Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
| IN | $40.00 |
| 1 Each | Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
| CA | $478.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Some food items are authorized to be shipped to Costa Rica but are
restricted to small amounts.
You May Ship
- Chocolate and candies
- Vitamins and supplements
Do Not Ship
- Alcoholic drinks
- Soft drinks
- Sugar additives and similar substances
- Perishable goods
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
- Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description
or Remarks section (see sample)
- Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the
country
- You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
- Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sources:
https://www.hacienda.go.cr/contenido/13708-envios-postales
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Juan Santamaría
Provincia de Alajuela
Alajuela
Costa Rica
Phone: +1 (506) 2441-4775 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Commercial samples are those that can only be used for demonstration
purposes. The goal is to encourage people to place orders of the
samples, not to sell them.
Samples shipped to Costa Rica from Canada will be exempt from duty and
tax if:
- Items displayed are intended for exhibitions, fairs, or cultural
events
- The exhibition or fair has a detailed program and schedule
- There is no more than one specimen per size and type
- Items have no commercial value
- The exhibitor is an organization officially registered in Canada
- Shipper must provide a guarantee on temporary imports
Commercial Sample Checklist
- A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
- Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the
General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
- The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has
permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Sources:
https://www.hacienda.go.cr/docs/51cc423c8abbb_RESDGA3722009PROCEDIMIENTOEQUIPAJES1.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Juan Santamaría
Provincia de Alajuela
Alajuela
Costa Rica
Phone: +1 (506) 2441-4775 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Advertising material may be shipped temporarily from Canada to Costa
Rica provided:
- The items are intended for display at a cultural event, exhibitions,
or fair
- The event has a detailed program and schedule
- The materials are for the demonstration or promotion of goods
- They have no commercial value, i.e. they are not for sale
- The exhibitor is part of a Canadian organization registered in
Canada
NOTE:
A guarantee will have to be
supplied for temporary imports.
Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://www.hacienda.go.cr/docs/536941f2b9729_Ley%20General%20de%20Aduanas.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Juan Santamaría
Provincia de Alajuela
Alajuela
Costa Rica
Phone: +1 (506) 2441-4775 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
| CA | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Promotional Material
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
As Costa Rica and Canada are part of a free-trade agreement (CCRFTA),
material sent from Canada to Costa Rica for repair or renovation will
be exempt from duty as long as the material is under warranty.
Items Under Warranty
When material is shipped to Canada for repair work under a warranty,
i.e. provided free of charge, it will be exempt from Costa Rican
customs duty and taxes.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Material no longer under warranty being repaired in Costa Rica and
shipped back to Canada will be subject to duty and taxes and GST on
the value of the repair and on any added parts.
Sending Product for Repair to Costa Rica
Material sent to Costa Rica from Canada for repair will be exempt
provided it is under warranty.
Returning Repaired Product to Costa Rica
Material returning to Costa Rica after being sent to Canada for
repairs will be exempt from duty only if it is under warranty. Taxes
will apply to the value added to the equipment.
Repair Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General
Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
- Include repair contract with shipment
- Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under
the Detailed Description of Goods section
- Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the
item was first exported to Costa Rica or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
https://www.hacienda.go.cr/docs/604a8cecdfac3_CAUCA%20IV%20Res%20COMIECO%20223-2008%20(Ley%208881).pdf
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d8/d8-2-10-eng.html.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Juan Santamaría
Provincia de Alajuela
Alajuela
Costa Rica
Phone: +1 (506) 2441-4775 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
| US | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Warranty Repair
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Importing items temporarily into Costa Rica will be exempt from duties
and taxes under specific conditions.
These temporary imports often include the following and may be exempt
from duty up to 1 year:
- Goods displayed at an exhibition or fair, and are re-exported
without being altered
- Professional and scientific equipment
- Commercial samples
- Equipment shipped for repairs, restoration, or conditioning
NOTE:
Costa Rica does not accept
ATA Carnets for temporary imports.
Temporary Imports Checklist
- Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written
in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no
repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than the period listed above
- Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
- Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received
within the country (whichever applies)
- Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sources:
ttps://www.hacienda.go.cr/docs/536941f2b9729_Ley%20General%20de%20Aduanas.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Juan Santamaría
Provincia de Alajuela
Alajuela
Costa Rica
Phone: +1 (506) 2441-4775 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 box | Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
| CA | $1032.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Because of the Free Trade Agreement between Costa Rica and Canada
(CCRFTA), most sold goods shipped to Costa Rica from Canada will be
duty-free; however, they will incur VAT (IGV).
Occasional Shipper
If you only ship occasionally to Costa Rica, for example, items sold
on eBay, it will be fairly simple. You must:
- Include 3 copies of the commercial invoice with your shipment
- Provide a detailed description of the goods on the commercial
invoice
Regular Shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods to Costa Rica from Canada, you may be
exempt from duty if you send small shipments to family members only.
However, for all other circumstances, we recommend you employ the
services of a licenced Costa Rican customs broker.
Sources:
https://www.hacienda.go.cr/docs/51cc423c8abbb_RESDGA3722009PROCEDIMIENTOEQUIPAJES1.pdf
https://thecostaricanews.com/exemption-for-imports-under-500-in-costa-rica-will-only-be-for-family-destined-shipments/
https://www.hacienda.go.cr/docs/604a8cecdfac3_CAUCA%20IV%20Res%20COMIECO%20223-2008%20(Ley%208881).pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Juan Santamaría
Provincia de Alajuela
Alajuela
Costa Rica
Phone: +1 (506) 2441-4775 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 15 Each | Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
| CA | $132.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent/Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Can I ship to Costa Rica?
Shipping to Costa Rica from Canada can take between 3-5 business days
through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More
economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2
months to complete the delivery.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Costa Rica by getting a quote now.
Does UPS ship to Costa Rica?
TODO ......................
How long does it take to ship from Canada to Costa Rica?
TODO ......................
How much is it to send a parcel to Costa Rica?
TODO ......................
What is the cheapest way to ship from Canada to Costa Rica?
TODO ......................
How do I send a package to Costa Rica?
TODO ......................
How can I ship my luggage?
TODO ......................
How do I get a FedEx shipping estimate / FedEx quote to Costa Rica?
TODO ......................
How do I ship gifts to Costa Rica?
TODO ........................
