Do I need a licence to import into Costa Rica?

It depends on the product. General goods clear Costa Rica customs without a sector licence, but regulated sectors (pharmaceuticals) require a specific permit, registration or licence from the regulator named on this page.

How do I check an importer in Costa Rica is allowed to bring in my product?

Ask the buyer for the import permit or product-registration number for the sector, then confirm it with the named regulator. A genuine importer of regulated goods already holds one; a buyer who cannot produce it may not clear customs.

Is importing a specific product into Costa Rica ever banned?

Most sectors are permitted with the right licence or registration. Always confirm the current rule with the named regulator before shipping.

🇨🇷How to import into Costa Rica

To import into Costa Rica, most goods clear customs freely, but specific sectors need a permit, product registration or import licence from a named regulator before the shipment lands. A legitimate importer of those goods holds the current document, ask for it and check it at the source.

Sector import rules

These sectors carry their own import requirement in Costa Rica. For each, a legitimate importer holds the document named below, issued by the named regulator. Ask for it, then verify it at the source.

pharmaceuticalsRegistration required
product registration from the Ministerio de Salud de Costa Rica.
Importer must register the product in the Registrelo platform managed by the Ministry of Health.
Official source

This is a factual pointer to public rules, not legal advice, and the list is not exhaustive.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence to import into Costa Rica?: It depends on the product. General goods clear Costa Rica customs without a sector licence, but regulated sectors (pharmaceuticals) require a specific permit, registration or licence from the regulator named on this page.
How do I check an importer in Costa Rica is allowed to bring in my product?: Ask the buyer for the import permit or product-registration number for the sector, then confirm it with the named regulator. A genuine importer of regulated goods already holds one; a buyer who cannot produce it may not clear customs.
Is importing a specific product into Costa Rica ever banned?: Most sectors are permitted with the right licence or registration. Always confirm the current rule with the named regulator before shipping.

Find verified suppliers to import from.

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Costa Rica suppliers by sector

Manufacturers and wholesalers based in Costa Rica, with the open-record facts we hold on each and a link to the free public source behind them.

Beverages in Costa Rica Medical & Healthcare Supplies in Costa Rica Pantry & Dry Goods in Costa Rica Specialty & Gourmet Food in Costa Rica All suppliers & distributors in Costa Rica

Importing for the first time? Read the first-time importer sequence (country choice, maker checks, landed cost, a survivable first order). Sourcing from a specific country? Get the lane answer, sanctions, tariffs and VAT in one place: can Costa Rica buy from that country?