Central AmericaShipping Heavy Equipment to Costa Rica
Costa Rica's manufacturing, construction, and renewable energy sectors drive equipment demand. Ports on both coasts provide comprehensive access to this stable market.
Main Ports
- Port of Limón/Moín
- Port of Caldera
Shipping Methods
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
- Flat Rack Container
- Breakbulk
Key Regulations
- Costa Rican Customs
- CAFTA-DR
- Environmental Standards
Common Cargo
- Manufacturing Equipment
- Construction Machinery
- Renewable Energy Equipment
Main Ports in Costa Rica
Port of Limón/Moín
Caribbean Gateway
Port of Caldera
Pacific Port
Shipping Routes & Transit Times to Costa Rica
| From (US Port) | To | Service | Est. Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | Port of Limón / Moín | Container / RoRo | 10–16 days |
Transit times are indicative port-to-port estimates and vary by carrier, season, and sailing schedule.
U.S. Departure Ports for Shipping to Costa Rica
We ship to Costa Rica (Port of Limón/Moín) from every major U.S. port. Typical ocean transit is 10-16 days.
Gulf Coast
East Coast
Import Duty, VAT & Taxes for Costa Rica
Costa Rica taxes vehicles as luxury goods: the combined import tax (consumption tax + sales tax + Law 6946) effectively runs from roughly 52% to 79% of the customs-assessed value, scaling with age. Newly approved residents can use a one-time tax-free import under Law 9996.
- Import Duty
- ≈52% (<3 yrs), ≈63% (4–5 yrs), ≈79% (6+ yrs) of assessed value
- VAT / Sales Tax
- Included in the combined tax stack (VAT 13%)
- Other Taxes & Fees
- Law 9996 one-time exemption for new residents within 6 months of approval
Source: Ministerio de Hacienda / Aduanas (Costa Rica) · Last verified: June 2026
Import Regulations & Requirements
Costa Rican Customs
National customs with modern procedures.
CAFTA-DR
Free trade agreement with US provides preferential access.
Environmental Standards
Costa Rica has strict environmental requirements.
Required Documentation
Customs & Clearance Notes for Costa Rica
What makes Costa Rica tricky
- Among the world’s highest vehicle taxes (52–79%) — importing rarely beats buying locally unless you qualify for the Law 9996 exemption.
- Customs values on its own assessment, not your purchase price.
- Limón/Moín on the Caribbean is the main vehicle gateway.
Frequently Asked Questions
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