Often, due to lack of knowledge, some individuals send shipments to Costa Rica with items that are prohibited from entering the country or require prior authorization.
Additionally, they use services from companies not authorized by Customs, causing many goods to not reach their final destination due to failure to comply with legal requirements.
With over 20 years of logistics experience, we are equipped to properly advise you and prevent your cargo from being detained or not reaching its final destination.
All food products entering the country, whether for human or animal consumption, consumables, cosmetics, dietary supplements, as well as certain wood derivatives, must have the corresponding permits and registrations from the Ministry of Health.
The process is straightforward; in addition to the invoice, a permit must be processed through PROCOMER, specifically at the Ministry of Health for proper nationalization.
We handle this procedure for our clients, with a cost of $25 covering up to 5 products, provided they travel in a single package. For example, if 6 products are sent, two permits must be processed.
Restricted Shipments
All packages imported into Costa Rica must pass through Customs and are subject to physical inspection. Products that could pose a danger cannot be sent by air freight and must be dispatched via sea freight, which takes approximately 3-4 weeks to reach Costa Rica. Other products may require additional documentation upon entry into the country.
Any product containing alcohol, explosive agents, or corrosive materials as a primary ingredient is considered hazardous for air cargo.
The following products may require additional documentation to be sent through other means. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us for further information regarding the shipment of any of the following items:
- Inflammable, corrosive, or explosive materials.
- Ammunitions, firearms, and firearm spare parts.
- Products with alcohol as a primary ingredient.
- Batteries containing chemical substances.
- Cleaning agents.
- Fireworks and gunpowder.
- Poison.
- Compressed air containers.
- Fuel.
- Pepper spray.
- Fuel-powered tools.
- Psychotropic drugs and controlled substances.
- Cash or coins.
Additional Considerations:
Extra processing time (including storage): 7-8 business days. Some products may take longer if the only shipping option available is through maritime cargo.
For processing medications, pills, syrups, suppositories, medicinal gels, and similar items, it is essential to provide a prescription; otherwise, permits cannot be processed, and claims for such packages will not be accepted.
We can assist you in the permit acquisition process through PROCOMER as long as the total value of goods requiring permits does not exceed $500.
Please contact us for assistance in managing permits for items exceeding $500 USD in value.
