Container shipping to Costa Rica

A 20-ft container typically costs between $1,500 and $2,500 and a 40-ft between $2,500 and $3,500. The final price depends on the origin port, the type of cargo and whether you ship a full or a shared container; when you request a quote we confirm it within one business day with the full breakdown. Imports pay 13% VAT (IVA) and clear on the TICA system through a certified customs broker. A 20-ft holds about 33 m³ and up to 25,000 kg.

From Miami: 3-6 days. From New York: 12-16 days. From Europe: 18-40 days. From Asia: 25-35 days. These are estimated ocean transit times; when you request a quote we confirm the next weekly sailing and the estimated arrival date. On arrival, the customs broker transmits the declaration on TICA, and the traffic light system assigns green, yellow or red review.

You need a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading or air waybill, plus origin certification to claim CAFTA-DR or EU preferences (no specific format is mandated) and a Ministry of Health permit for regulated goods. A certified customs broker (agente aduanero) transmits the declaration on TICA, and its traffic-light review compares your invoice and packing list against it, so both must match. We prepare them for you and handle customs clearance at destination, so no missing paper holds your cargo.

Ocean beats air for almost all Costa Rica cargo. Use LCL into Moín (CRMOB) for 2 to 15 CBM, and a 20ft FCL from 15 CBM, where it beats LCL per unit from 15 to 18 CBM and removes deconsolidation handling. Pick a 40ft for light, voluminous goods and a 20ft for dense cargo such as tiles or steel. Air into SJO suits shipments under 1 to 2 CBM. Not sure? Tell us what you are shipping and we recommend the format with the best total cost.

Yes. A certified customs broker files the declaration on TICA, which the Ministry of Finance is replacing with ATENA, so confirm which platform applies to your entry. Each declaration gets a traffic-light selection: green, yellow documentary review or red physical inspection. Duties run 1% to 15% by HS code, plus 13% VAT. Ask your broker whether personal effects qualify for relief. We move personal items, household goods and full relocations, with customs and documentation handled door to door.

We serve Puerto Limón, Puerto Moín, Caldera, with customs clearance handled at each one and inland delivery coordinated to the final destination if you need it. Moín Container Terminal (CRMOB), operated by APM Terminals, is the main container gateway on the Caribbean coast, Puerto Limón (CRLIO) is the historic port beside it, and Caldera serves the Pacific.