Shipping from Canada to Costa Rica in 2026 is supported by the Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement (CCRFTA), which offers duty-free access for many industrial and agricultural goods. Whether you are shipping to San José, Puerto Limón or Alajuela, choosing a carrier that balances speed and landed cost is essential. Wheat, scientific and medical instruments, fertilizers, machinery and frozen vegetables lead Canada's exports to the country.
From the Jet Worldwide desk
More shipments to Costa Rica will benefit from duty free import.
Estimated rates in CAD for standard shipments. Actual costs vary by chargeable weight and destination. For individuals shipping small personal packages up to about 5 kg, we recommend Canada Post.
| Service type | Weight | Estimated rate (CAD) | Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Post surface | 2 kg | 35 to 50 | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Canada Post Xpresspost (air) | 5 kg | 180 to 220 | About 2 weeks |
| Express courier (UPS or FedEx) | 10 kg | 290 to 360 | 4 to 7 days |
| Consolidated air freight | 100 kg and over | Request a quote | 5 to 9 days |
| Ocean freight to Puerto Limon (Moin) | Pallets and containers | Quoted per sailing |
Need a precise commercial quote? Get a spot rate now.
Ideal for individuals sending small personal parcels. Delivery is completed by Correos de Costa Rica. Options include Small Packet (surface or air) and Xpresspost.
The reliable choice for business-to-business (B2B) shipments and heavier parcels.
Best for 100 to about 200 kg, or many parcels combined into one shipment. One clearance and one air waybill instead of many.
For pallets, containers and bulk commercial orders through Moin, the container terminal at Puerto Limon on the Caribbean coast.
Shipping frozen food samples or biomedical goods to Costa Rica? Jet Worldwide provides dangerous goods support for temperature-sensitive shipments packed with dry ice. Dry ice is UN1845, Class 9: declare the net kilograms on the air waybill, use vented packaging, and plan for the full transit plus a customs-hold buffer, since San Jose shipments can take 4 to 7 days.
and now, CPTPP!
The Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement (CCRFTA), in force since 2002, allows many goods to enter duty-free. To qualify, the goods must be originating under the agreement's rules of origin and be accompanied by a certificate of origin completed by the exporter confirming Canadian origin.
CCRFTA duty-free checklist:
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Low-value limit | Shipments valued under about USD 50 (FOB) are generally exempt from duty and tax |
| Value-added tax (IVA) | 13 percent on most imports; some staple foods are exempt |
| Valuation basis | CIF: Cost plus Insurance plus Freight |
| Duty rates (non-preferential) | Mostly between 1 and 15 percent; 0 percent on qualifying CCRFTA goods |
| Excise taxes | Apply to goods such as wine, beer, vehicles and some appliances |
Costa Rica is negotiating to become the 13th member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the agreement that already links Canada with 10 other Pacific economies and the United Kingdom. Membership is expected in 2027 for Costa Rica.
| Topic | CCRFTA (today) | CPTPP (if Costa Rica joins) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | In force since 2002 | Negotiated, not signed or ratified |
| Proof of origin | Exporter-completed certificate of origin | Self-certification with no prescribed form, on the invoice or any document |
| Inputs that count toward origin | Canada and Costa Rica | All CPTPP members, for example Mexican, Japanese or Chilean components |
| Choice | The only agreement available | Exporters could choose whichever agreement gives the better result, as with the UK today |
Plan now, without waiting:
Commercial shipments to Costa Rica valued over CAD 2,000, or goods that are controlled or restricted, must be reported before export through the Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS). CARM is the CBSA system for importing into Canada and does not apply to your exports, but your Costa Rican buyer will need a correct commercial invoice and HS code.
Read our CERS export declaration guide.
Canada Post surface is the most affordable for small parcels under 2 kg. Consolidated air freight is best for heavier shipments of about 100 to 200 kg. Ocean freight is cheapest for large commercial orders and bulk shipments.
How long does shipping take from Toronto to San Jose?Express courier takes about 4 to 7 days and consolidated air freight about 5 to 9 days. Canada Post surface options can take 4 to 8 weeks.
Can I ship duty-free to Costa Rica?Yes. Under the Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement.
How much is the import tax in Costa Rica?Most imports pay Costa Rica's 13 percent value-added tax (IVA), calculated on the CIF value plus any duty.
Is there a low-value exemption for shipments to Costa Rica?Shipments valued under about USD 50 (FOB) are generally exempt from duty and tax. Above that, duty and 13 percent IVA apply.
Is Costa Rica a member of the CPTPP?Expected in 2027