Routes

Shipping from China to Costa Rica

We're a Chinese freight forwarder operating from the origin, where your goods are made and loaded. Costa Rica was one of the first countries in the region to sign a free-trade agreement with China, which makes much cargo cheaper. We handle your shipment end to end —transport, documentation and customs—, with the prices you only get by working from the origin itself.

Why work with a forwarder at origin

Better price, no middlemen

You work with the people at the port of departure in China, not a middleman in Costa Rica that subcontracts. Fewer links, better price.

We leverage the China-Costa Rica FTA

In force since 2011, the agreement reduces or removes the duty on much Chinese cargo with the right certificate of origin. We make sure your shipment carries it.

Two oceans

Costa Rica has ports on the Caribbean (Limón-Moín) and the Pacific (Caldera). We choose the one that connects best with your destination and the route from China.

We assist you in Spanish

We work in writing and assist you in Spanish, as well as English, the common standard in international shipping. Every detail stays clear and documented, no language barrier with the origin.

Entry ports in Costa Rica

The best point depends on where your final destination is and the route. Limón-Moín concentrates the big container traffic on the Caribbean; Caldera serves the Pacific. We pick what connects best.

Limón-Moín (APM Terminals)

The country's great container terminal, on the Caribbean, operated by APM Terminals. The main entry for international cargo and the connection with the Central Valley.

Caldera

The main Pacific port, useful depending on the route from China and for destinations in the west of the country.

Free zones

Costa Rica has a highly developed free-zone regime, useful for storage, light manufacturing and re-export with tax advantages.

Puerto Caldera (project cargo)

A Pacific alternative for special and project cargo depending on the goods type.

We also operate with other Costa Rican points: San José (airport SJO) · Limón-Moín · Caldera

Transit times and transport modes

Sea · 30–40 days

The most cost-effective option. FCL (full container) or LCL (groupage) depending on your volume, to Limón-Moín (Caribbean) or Caldera (Pacific).

Air · 6–10 days

For urgent or high-value cargo, via San José (SJO). Fast and tracked in real time.

Door to door (DDP)

We handle everything, including import duties and VAT, and deliver to your address. You just receive the goods.

Customs and taxes when importing into Costa Rica

We take care of clearance. Costa Rica has a Free Trade Agreement with China in force since 2011: with the certificate of origin, much Chinese cargo enters at reduced or zero duty. On imports you pay 13% VAT, calculated on the customs value plus duty, and some products carry selective taxes. Clearance is processed with the General Directorate of Customs. We make sure to leverage the FTA, classify the goods correctly and coordinate clearance at destination, so your cargo enters without surprises.

How it works, step by step

  1. We collect at the factory in China and review the paperwork, including the certificate of origin for the FTA.
  2. Export clearance at origin and loading via the best Chinese port.
  3. International transport (sea or air) with tracking.
  4. Import clearance in Costa Rica: duty (reduced with the FTA), VAT and formalities.
  5. Final delivery to your warehouse or address, anywhere in the country.

Importing from China to Costa Rica?

Tell us what you need to move and where in Costa Rica. We'll give you a clear quote, with every cost broken down and the FTA put to use. No commitment.