Export to Costa Rica

Export to Costa Rica: a 2026 guide for US manufacturers

5 min read · Updated 2026-09-26 · By the Fromerica team

Costa Rica joined CAFTA-DR in 2009. For many consumer and health products, the key step is registration with Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health before sale.

CAFTA-DR: duty-free access to Costa Rica

The Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) entered into force between the United States and Costa Rica on January 1, 2009. According to USTR, it eliminated tariffs on more than 80 percent of US exports of consumer and industrial products immediately, phasing out the rest over 10 years.

The preference only applies to originating goods. According to CBP, the producer, exporter or importer may support the claim with a certification, using a template or a free-form document. Give your buyer the origin information they need before the goods ship.

Registrations and permits

Pharmaceuticals, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices and some chemical products need import permits (valid for five years) and registration with the Ministry of Health.
Imported biomedical equipment and materials must be registered with the Ministry of Health; food products need registration when imported for the first time; dietary supplements and natural medicinal products must be registered before sale.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) requires sanitary and phytosanitary certificates from the exporting country’s authorities.
VAT on imports is 13%.

US-side steps for every shipment

Classify the product with its 10-digit Schedule B number (Census Bureau search tool); the first 6 digits are the Harmonized System code your buyer uses for their own tariff.
File Electronic Export Information (EEI) in AES, through ACE AESDirect or a direct connection, when the value under an individual Schedule B number is over $2,500 or an export license is required. The USPPI or its authorized agent files it.
Check your export classification. According to BIS, items subject to the EAR that are not listed on the Commerce Control List are EAR99 and, in most situations, need no license, unless they go to a restricted end user, end use or destination.
Screen your buyer, consignee and end user against the Consolidated Screening List, which combines export screening lists of the Departments of Commerce, State and the Treasury.

Screen a buyer →Guide: how to export from the USA →Look up HTS codes →

Frequently asked questions

Do US goods enter Costa Rica duty free?

Originating goods receive CAFTA-DR preferences; according to USTR, tariffs on US consumer and industrial goods were eliminated immediately for more than 80 percent of exports and the rest over 10 years.

Do cosmetics need registration in Costa Rica?

Yes. According to the International Trade Administration, cosmetics need import permits and registration with the Ministry of Health.

Official sources

This page is general information to help you get started. It is not legal, tax or customs advice, and regulations change. Confirm current requirements with the official sources above or with a licensed customs broker, freight forwarder or trade compliance professional.