SHIPPING TO COSTA RICA
If you are shipping to Costa Rica, Cargomax International has the best service, the best transit times, and the best rates from the USA and Canada. We have offices in North America to assist you in real time, no matter what you need.
With our online tools for pricing, booking, tracking, and documentation, we can assure the best service in the logistics industry.
Cargomax International also coordinates with help from its agents for the land shipment of goods between various Central American countries.
The following countries are the ones in the agreement:
Nicaragua
Costa Rica
Honduras
El Salvador
Guatemala
Panama
Goods of all types, including trucks, vehicles, machinery, and construction equipment can be moved from one country to another without taxes until the item arrives at its final destination.
Single Central American Declaration (DUCA)
The Central American Single Declaration (DUCA) unites the three main customs declarations that protect trading between Central American countries.
The DUCA integrates the Central American Single Customs Form (FAUCA), which is used to con-duct intra-regional trade of originating merchandise. Commonly known as DUT, the Declaration for International Land Customs Transit, is used for the international land transit of goods in Central America. Finally, the Goods Declaration, which is called DUA or DM, is used for trade with specif-ic countries outside the region.
The DUCA has three modalities:
The DUCA-F must be used to trade merchandise that originated in Central American.
The DUCA-D must be used for the import or export of goods with countries outside Central Ameri-ca.
The DUCA-T must be used for the transfer of goods under the international land transit regime.
The application of the DUCA entered into force in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama as of May 7, 2019.
This is a trade facilitation measure, which is the result of the efforts of the region’s customs ser-vices, as well as the Council of Ministers of Economic Integration. It constitutes a firm step to-wards strengthening Central American economic integration.
For more information visit: https://www.sieca.int/index.php/plataformas-electronicas/servicios-en-linea/declaracion-unica-centroamericana/
SHIPPING SERVICES TO COSTA RICA
RO/RO SHIPPING SERVICES TO COSTA RICA
RO/RO SHIPPING TO COSTA RICA
Ro/Ro (Roll on/Roll off) shipping service to Costa Rica: For transporting automobiles, cars, vehicles, buses, ambulances, fire trucks, tractor trucks, all other types of trucks, trailers, machinery, and much more, this is the most secure way of shipping via ocean transportation. Why? Because RO/RO carrier vessels have special inclines (ramps) constructed to enable vehicles to be loaded on and off the vessel using the vehicle’s own power. This is the safest, easiest, and most convenient way to transport drivable vehicles across continents.
How much does it cost to send a vehicle to the Costa Rica?
Between USD 350 and USD 1500 depending on the type, size, weight, and location of the vehicle being shipped. Cargomax handles small automobiles, high and heavy equipment such as trucks, truck and trailer combinations, bulldozers, excavators, mining equipment, and everything in between.
CONTAINER SHIPPING SERVICES TO PUERTO LIMON, LIMÓN, MOIN AND PUERTO CALDERA
Cargomax International offers ocean container service from the Canada, China, and Europe to the Costa Rica. Our services include the ports of Puerto Limon, Limón, Moin, Puerto Caldera.
This service is offered on cellular vessels and involves direct sailing from the East Coast of the United States and service with transshipment from China, Europe, and Canada. Our services are offered from major ports with the standard equipment types, such as 20’ STD Dry, 40’ STD Dry, 40 HC Dry, 45’ STD Dry, 20’ FL Dry, 40’ FL Dry, 20’ OT Dry, 40’ OT Dry, 20’ RF, 40’ RF, and 40’ RFH containers.
How much does it cost to ship a container to the Costa Rica?
Between USD 800 and USD 4000, depending on the port of origin and service required, such as equipment types—20’, 40’, 40 HC, 45’, 20’ FL, 40’ FL, 20’ OT, 40’ OT, 20’ RF, 40’ RF containers.
LO/LO LIFT ON/ LIFT OFF SHIPPING SERVICES TO THE COSTA RICA
Cargomax International offers Lo/Lo services on breakbulk vessels for your project cargo from most ports on the East Coast of the USA and Canada to Puerto Limon, Limón, Moin, Puerto Caldera in the Costa Rica. Ports in China and Europe are also available. This service is provided on regular call from the US East Coast and on inducement from other origins.
How much does it cost to send cargo using Lo/Lo (lift on/lift off) services?
LoLo service can be tricky because everything is determined by the size of the cargo and the lifting points. The weight of the cargo must be well distributed when lifting onto and off of the vessel.
For this service, there are many factors to consider, although the price will likely be 3000.00 or more, depending on the different factors involved.
OOG (OUT OF GAUGE CARGO) SHIPPING SERVICES TO PUERTO LIMON, LIMÓN, MOIN, PUERTO CALDERA
How much it cost to ship cargo with OOG service to the Costa Rica?
Similar to Lo/Lo, this service is determined by the size of cargo, dimensions, and lifting points. The weight of the cargo must be well distributed, but instead of being lifted on/off the vessel, the cargo will be secured on a 20’, 40’, or 45’ Flat Rack container or 60’ 90’ Mafi equipment. Cargo will be secured by blocking and bracing with straps and chains. The cost of this service could be 3000.00 or more.
ABOUT THE COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is among the most prosperous of the Central American countries, with a long history of democratic stability and one of the highest rates of foreign investment per capita. It’s also among the smallest, with a population of only 5 million. 2 millions of those people live in or around the capital city of San Jose. Most of the highly educated workforce speaks English. This country is great for international business. While the traditional exports of bananas, coffee, beef and sugar are still the backbone of Costa Rica, in the last few decades the country has embraced ecotourism, becoming one of the most popular destinations in Central America and serving as a model for many of their neighbors when it comes to preserving environmental resources. They are also a large exporter of medical devices and a leader of export and manufacturing of more than 4600 products related to the use and development of green energy. In 2016, 98% of the country’s energy demands were met using hydro, solar, geothermal or biomass energy sources.
Costa Rica has an ideal geographical position between North and South America. This makes it easy to travel to either continent. The land is also embraced by both oceans (Pacific and Atlantic.) And since it is one of the most peaceful countries in the Americas, according to the Global Peace Index, Costa Rica is the ideal location for foreign investment.
Many entrepreneurs struggle to find a reliable logistics partner to transport their cargo overseas. This challenge is even bigger when it comes to shipping to Central America. Language barriers, lack of infrastructure, and staffing appropriate personnel in the area are some of the biggest issues faced by companies who need to move commodities to countries like Costa Rica.
In this scenario, picking the right freight forwarder makes all the difference to ensure your shipment will have a successful outcome. However, this is not an easy task. Several factors should be taken into consideration when making your choice.
VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS TO THE COSTA RICA
DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VEHICLES
-
- • Bill of Sale or Commercial Invoice (signed by notary from the same state)
• Original Bill of Lading
• Original Title Registration of the unit (made to the consigne)
- • Bill of Sale or Commercial Invoice (signed by notary from the same state)
INFORMATION REQUIRED ON COMMERCIAL DOCUMENTATION
• Vehicle Make
• Vehicle Model
• Color of vehicle
• Year of vehicle Manufacture
• Engine CC
• Serial or Vin Number
• Actual weight
• Number of Axles for high and Heavy Commodities
YEAR OF MANIFACTURE RESTRICTIONS FOR IMPORT
Vehicles:
• 2017 = Until June 30th, 2022.
• 2018 = July 1st , 2022 to June 30th, 2023.
• 2019 = July 1st , 2023 to June 30tth, 2024.
Tractor Heads
• 2007 = July 1st, 2021 to June 30th, 2022
• 2008 = July 1st, 2022 to June 30th, 2023.
• 2009 = July 1st, 2023 to June 30th, 2024.
Any other type of truck that has no restriction must be verified with a Customs Broker in the Costa Rica or our colleagues at import-cri@cargomaxintl.com
• Trailers: There are no years of manufacture restrictions for these commodities.
Please verify with Import-cri@cargomaxintl.com prior to importation.
• Specialized Trucks: There are no years of manufacture restrictions for these commodities, but they must be proven to have the proper specialized features that make them specialized trucks.
Please verify with Import-cri@cargomaxintl.com prior to importation.
• Yellow Equipment Construction for Specialized Machinery such as Caterpillar, John Deer, Volvo CE, Komatsu, International, XCMG, Sany, Liebherr, Doosan, Zoomlion. There are no years of manufacture restrictions for these commodities.
Please verify with Import-cri@cargomaxintl.com prior to importation.
For additional information regarding Customs formalities, please feel free to contact:
Import-cri@cargomaxintl.com
Q&A General Question :
CAN I SEND A CAR TO THE COSTA RICA?
Yes, but you must make sure customs regulations are respected.
CAN I SEND A TRUCK TO THE COSTA RICA?
Yes, but you must make sure customs regulations are respected.
CAN I SEND MACHINERY TO THE COSTA RICA?
Yes, but you must make sure customs regulations are respected.
RORO SHIPPING SERVICE BY ORIGIN TERMINALS AND PORTS
For shipping vehicles, cars, trucks, trailers, container chassis, buses, construction equipment, oilfield equipment, mining equipment, or machinery, we offer Ro/Ro shipping services from various cities in Canada and the U.S. to Costa Rica, with our combined bonded driver service from most Canadian and U.S. cities to most ports in the East and Gulf coasts of the United States.
Find below a list of Ro/Ro Shipping Service origin hub terminals servicing from the U.S. and Canada origins to Costa Rica.
Ro/Ro services and OOG services come from the following city terminals and Ports of Loading:
· Baltimore, Maryland
· Brooklyn, New York
· Brunswick, Georgia
· Calgary, Alberta
· Charleston, South Carolina
· Edmonton, Alberta
· Port Everglades, Florida
· Galveston, Texas
· Halifax, Nova Scotia
· Houston, Texas
· Jacksonville, Florida
· Montreal, Quebec
· Miami, Florida
· Newark, New Jersey
· Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
· Savannah, Georgia
· Tampa, Florida
· Toronto, Canada
Destinations: Puerto Limon, Limón, Moin, Puerto Caldera
sales@cargomaxintl.com
Contact information in the
Costa Rica
CARGOMAX INTERNATIONAL INC,
Costa Rica Customer Service Center
Pricing Email: sales@cargomaxintl.com
Customs formalities information:
Email : info@cargomaxintl.com
Customer services information:
Email : info@cargomaxintl.com
Phone : (506) 4101-2142
Pricing department :
Pricing@cargomaxintl.com
Sales Department +1(514) 809-6007DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPORT SHIPMENTS
COMMERCIAL CARGO
DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED
• For Organizations: RNC Number (Registro Nacional de Contribuyentes)
• For Citizens: Cedula Number (Cedula de Identificacion Nacional)
• Original bill of lading freighted.
• Commercial invoice/Bill of sale
• Original vehicle titles registrations (for vehicles only)
• Packing list
• Weight of merchandise (gross weight, net weight per package)
• Certificate of origin
• Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificates: Perishable and food products require an agriculture document stamped by a food inspection agency control from the country of origin.
Customs Authority in Costa Rica
WEBSITE: http://www.registronacional.go.cri/bienes_muebles/muebles_consultavehiculos.htm
DONATION CARGO
DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED
• For Organizations: RNC Number (Registro Nacional de Contribuyentes)
• For Citizens: The Cedula Number (Cedula de Identificacion Nacional)
• Original bill of lading freighted.
• List of donated cargo with its value
• Weight of merchandise
Customs Authority in Costa Rica
WEBSITE: http://www.registronacional.go.cri/bienes_muebles/muebles_consultavehiculos.htm
PERSONAL EFFECTS AND HOUSEHOLD GOODS
DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED
• For Citizens: The Cedula Number (Cedula de Identificacion Nacional)
• Original bill of lading freighted.
• List of household goods and personal effects with the value of each item.
• Weight of merchandise (gross weight, net weight per package)
• Contract signed with the logistic company.
You must make sure to comply with all authorized quantities limitations and items to be imported under personal effect and household goods.
Customs Authority in Costa Rica
WEBSITE: http://www.registronacional.go.cri/bienes_muebles/muebles_consultavehiculos.htm
Container and Ro/Ro routes services
UNITED STATES TO COSTA RICA
Some of these routes may include (Road, Rail and Ocean combined transportation)
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Jacksonville, Florida to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Baltimore, MD to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Newark, New Jersey to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Port Everglades, Florida to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Port Miami, Florida to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Orlando, Florida to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Port Tampa, Florida to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Houston, Texas to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
CANADA TO COSTA RICA
Some of these routes may include (road, rail and ocean combined transportation)
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Canada to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Montreal, Quebec, Canada to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Mont-St-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Toronto, Ontario, Canada to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Bolton, Ontario, Canada to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Calgary, Alberta, Canada to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Saskatoon, Saskatchewon, Ontario, Canada to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
ASIA TO COSTA RICA
Some of these routes may include (road, rail and ocean combined transportation)
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
from Asia to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Shanghai China to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Busan Korea to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Kaohsiung, Keelung, Taiwan to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
EUROPE TO COSTA RICA
Some of these routes may include (road, rail and ocean combined transportation)
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Europe to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Ste-Petersburg, Russia to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Hamburg, Germany to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Antwerp, Belgium to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
Ro-Ro and Container Shipping Service:
From Le Havre, France to Puerto Limon, Limón, Caldera, Moín
List of Containers and Details
20’STD (standard dry container)
dry cargo, truck parts, machinery parts, trailer parts, construction material, automotive parts and accessories, hospital equipment, dry food products, steel metal, paint, automobiles, vehicles, personal effects, pharmaceutical equipment, laboratory equipment, medical equipment, aircraft parts, engine parts and turbines.
40’STD (standard dry container)
Dry cargo, truck parts, machinery parts, trailer parts, construction material, automotive parts and accessories, hospital equipment, dry food products, steel metal, paint, automobiles, vehicles, personal effects, pharmaceutical equipment, laboratory equipment, medical equipment, aircraft parts, engine parts and turbines.
40’HC (High Cube dry container)
dry cargo, truck parts, machinery parts, trailer parts, construction material, automotive parts and accessories, hospital equipment, dry food products, steel metal, paint, automobiles, vehicles, personal effects, pharmaceutical equipment, laboratory equipment, medical equipment, aircraft parts, engine parts and turbines.
45’HC (High Cube dry container)
dry cargo, truck parts, machinery parts, trailer parts, construction material, automotive parts and accessories, hospital equipment, dry food products, steel metal, paint, automobiles, vehicles, personal effects, pharmaceutical equipment, laboratory equipment, medical equipment, aircraft parts, engine parts and turbines.
40’OT (Open Top dry container)
dry cargo, truck parts, machinery parts, trailer parts, construction material, automotive parts and accessories, hospital equipment, dry food products, steel metal, paint, automobiles, vehicles, personal effects, pharmaceutical equipment, laboratory equipment, medical equipment, aircraft parts, engine parts and turbines.
20’FR (Flat Rack dry container)
dry cargo, truck parts, machinery parts, trailer parts, construction material, automotive parts and accessories, hospital equipment, dry food products, steel metal, paint, automobiles, vehicles, personal effects, pharmaceutical equipment, laboratory equipment, medical equipment, aircraft parts, engine parts and turbines.
40’FR (Flat Rack dry container)
dry cargo, truck parts, machinery parts, trailer parts, construction material, automotive parts and accessories, hospital equipment, dry food products, steel metal, paint, automobiles, vehicles, personal effects, pharmaceutical equipment, laboratory equipment, medical equipment, aircraft parts, engine parts and turbines.
20’RF (Reefer container/temperature control)
dry cargo, truck parts, machinery parts, trailer parts, construction material, automotive parts and accessories, hospital equipment, dry food products, steel metal, paint, automobiles, vehicles, personal effects, pharmaceutical equipment, laboratory equipment, medical equipment, aircraft parts, engine parts and turbines.
40’RF (Reefer container/temperature control)
dry cargo, truck parts, machinery parts, trailer parts, construction material, automotive parts and accessories, hospital equipment, dry food products, steel metal, paint, automobiles, vehicles, personal effects, pharmaceutical equipment, laboratory equipment, medical equipment, aircraft parts, engine parts and turbines.
INTERNATIONAL SEAPORTS IN COSTA RICA
International Seaports in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has 6 ports located on both coasts. Puerto Limon and Puerto Moin are located on the Caribbean coast of the Atlantic Ocean, while on the Pacific Ocean coast you’ll find the ports of Puerto de Puntarenas, Puerto Caldera, Golfito and Punta Morales.
The main cargo ports are Puerto Limon, Puerto Moin and Puerto Calderas. The other three smaller ports are used for recreational and fishing activities.
Puerto Limon
Located on the Atlantic side of Costa Rica, Puerto Limon is the largest international seaport in the country, with almost 80% of shipping services coming through here. It is linked to San Jose and the Canal by railroad and road and is in close proximity to a major airport.
Though important, the port itself used to be small and somewhat outdated, but in 2016, the government partnered with APM, a major international terminal operator, to significantly expand the port size and depth. When the project is completed, Puerto Limon will be the largest
shipping port in all Central America, specializing in the stevedoring and handling for containers, liquids, solid bulk and Ro/Ro cargo.
Terminal Limón
This port is located 160 kms east of the capital city of San Jose and is the designated port for handling vessels containing cargo such as bananas, fertilizers, petroleum, reefer containers and handling of roll on roll off (Ro/Ro) cargo.
The steamship lines calling at this terminal are:
NYK (RORO VESSEL)
COSTAMAR (Ocean carrier specializing in reefer containers with reefer warehouses)
Terminal Moin APM Terminals
This terminal was built on an artificial island off the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. It has been operational since February 2019 and is recognized as one of the most efficient ports of Latin America. The port is equipped with 29 electric container cranes and 6 Super-Post Panamax cranes. This terminal can handle container carriers of 8500 TEUS 24/7. The port has been a major foreign investment.
The steamship lines calling this terminal are:
MAERSK LINE
SEALAND
HAPAG LLOYD
HAMBURG SUD
SEABORD MARINE
DOLE
CHIQUITA
KING OCEAN
ONE
Puerto Caldera
Located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Puerto Caldera is the second largest international seaport in the country. In addition to being the main entry of imported goods on the Pacific coast, it is also a very busy cruise ship dock. The port is linked by railroad and road to the interior. The majority of the goods that come through here are containers, solid bulk, iron, fruit, tuna, vehicles, and general merchandise from the Pacific side of the globe, imported from countries such as the United States, China, India, Taiwan, Mexico.
This port is located close to the provinces of Cartago, Heredia, Alajuela, San Jose and is connected by main routes to the most important industrial and agricultural commerce centers.
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS IN COSTA RICA
Juan Santamaria International Airport
Juan Santamaria is the main airport of Costa Rica, located 2 kms south of Alajuela and 17 kms east of San Jose. It has the capacity to handle over 37 destinations, served by 28 international and 4 domestic airlines.
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport
This is the second main airport of the country and known as the International airport of Liberia. Located in the city of Liberia, in the province of Guanacaste, it has international flights mainly to destinations in Canada and the United States of America.
Limon International Airport
While most flights to this airport are domestic, it is the closest airport to the port of Puerto Limon and there are plans to add future international flights.
Tobias Bolanos Airport
This airport is located in the capital of San Jose and it is primarily used for commercial cargo to Bocas del Toro, Panama, Nicaragua and other closer destinations.
COUNTRIES THAT HAVE TRADE AGREEMENTS WITH COSTA RICA
For more than 20 years, Costa Rica has been developing commercial agreements with other countries around the world. Costa Rica currently has 13 free trade agreements and 14 agreements of foreign investment.
FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS
Colombia
Central America
TLC Canada
TLC CARICOM (Caribbean)
TLC Chile
TLC China
TLC Dominican Republic-Central America-United States (CAFTA-DR)
TLC Mexico
TLC Panama
TLC Dominican Republic
TLC Peru
TLC Singapore
Agreement between Central America and European Union (AACUE)
TLC European Union for Free Trade Agreement
AGREEMENTS FOR FOREIGN INVESTMENTS:
Germany
Argentina
Canada
Chile
Taiwan
Korea
Spain
France
Holland
Paraguay
Chzech Republic
Switzerland
Venezuela
Qatar
PROJECT CARGO
ROAD TRANSPORTATION
AIR TRANSPORTATION
CARGO INSURANCE COORDINATION
