As the first Central American country to establish diplomatic relations with China in the 21st century, Costa Rica plays a key role in the “Belt and Road” initiative. China has been Costa Rica’s second-largest trading partner for several years, and trade relations between the two countries are growing increasingly close.

China-Costa Rica FTA

Customs duties in Costa Rica range from 1% to 15% ad valorem. Recent tariff reductions have significantly boosted imports of consumer goods from China.

In April 2010, China and Costa Rica signed a Free Trade Agreement, effective from August 2011. The Certificate of Origin under this agreement allows Costa Rica to eliminate tariffs on nearly all products from China.

If your Chinese supplier cannot provide a Certificate of Origin, contact TCF to issue one and benefit from the FTA.

Remember, all imports are also subject to a 13% Value Added Tax (VAT). Understanding Costa Rica’s customs duties is essential for compliance and a smooth trading process.

Sea Freight from China to Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s strategic location between North and South America, bordered by both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, makes it an ideal transit point. Finding a reliable logistics partner is crucial for seamless transportation.

Top Container Ports in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has five major international ports on the Pacific coast and two on the Atlantic coast:

• Caldera Port: Located in the Gulf of Nicoya, it handles over half of the country’s maritime trade and is just two hours from the capital, San José.
• Puerto Limón: On the Atlantic coast, near the Panama Canal, it is the largest port in Costa Rica and known for its strategic location.

Sea Freight Cost from China to Costa Rica

Shipping a 40ft container from Shanghai to Caldera costs approximately $7,000. For an accurate quote, consult a freight forwarder or carrier.

Costs vary based on the departure location, service type, container size, and current fuel prices. For less-than-container-load (LCL) shipping, pricing depends on the amount of space your cargo occupies.

Sea Freight Transit Time from China to Costa Rica

Ocean freight from Shanghai to Caldera typically takes around 5 weeks.

Air Freight from China to Costa Rica

Air freight is the fastest shipping method to Costa Rica. At TCF, we provide top-notch air freight services, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.

Top International Airports in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has two main international airports:

• Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (Liberia): Served by major airlines such as American, Delta, and United.
• Juan Santamaria International Airport (San José): The largest and busiest airport in Costa Rica, capable of handling all types of cargo, including dangerous goods, with 24-hour customs clearance.

Air Freight Cost from China to Costa Rica

Our air freight services offer competitive rates. Shipping to Costa Rica is simplified with personalized quotes tailored to your needs. The express rate from China to Costa Rica is approximately $10 per kilogram.

We provide transparent pricing and excellent customer service to ensure cost-effective and timely delivery.

Air Freight Transit Time from China to Costa Rica

Direct air freight takes about 24 hours, while the economic route takes approximately 7-10 days. Express door-to-door service typically takes 3-5 days.

Working with TCF

Managing shipping and logistics independently can be challenging and costly. As a local forwarding broker, TCF offers reliable, cost-effective solutions for shipments from China to Costa Rica, including competitive rates, detailed booking information, and precise documentation.