US Import Tariffs from Costa Rica
Applicable Tariff Rates for Costa Rica-Origin Goods
The following rates apply to goods with Costa Rica country of origin imported into the United States. All rates are ad valorem (percentage of customs value) unless noted.
| Tariff Type | Rate | Applies To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFN / General Rate | Varies by HTS code | All goods (baseline) | In Effect |
| CAFTA-DR Preferential Rate | 0% (qualifying goods) | Goods meeting rules of origin | In Effect |
Costa Rica is a CAFTA-DR partner. Qualifying goods can enter the US at 0% duty — but you must provide a valid Certificate of Origin and meet rules of origin requirements. Verify classification and ROO before claiming preferential treatment.
Top US Imports from Costa Rica
These product categories represent the highest-volume imports from Costa Rica into the United States. Each category has specific HTS codes, duty rates, and compliance requirements.
Get the Exact HTS Code + Duty Rate
Enter your product description. Our AI classifier returns the correct HTS code, applicable duty rates, and Costa Rica Section 301/FTA status.
CBP Compliance for Costa Rica-Origin Goods
CAFTA-DR provides broad duty-free access. Medical devices (major Costa Rican export) subject to FDA 510(k) or 510(k) exemption.
Country of Origin Requirements
All goods imported from Costa Rica must be marked with their country of origin per CBP regulations (19 CFR 134). Goods must be "substantially transformed" in Costa Rica to claim Costa Rica origin — assembly alone is typically insufficient.
Medical device FDA clearance requirements. CAFTA rules of origin documentation.
Landed Cost from Costa Rica
Get a complete cost breakdown including duty, MPF, HMF, freight, and insurance for Costa Rica-origin shipments.
Common Questions About Importing from Costa Rica
The blended average US tariff rate for imports from Costa Rica is approximately 0% (CAFTA qualifying). This rate reflects a weighted average across the country's top exported product categories to the US. Costa Rica benefits from the CAFTA-DR, which may reduce or eliminate duties for qualifying goods. Actual rates depend on the specific 10-digit HTS code of the imported product.
Yes. Costa Rica has a trade agreement with the US: CAFTA-DR (CAFTA-DR (0% qualifying)). Qualifying goods may enter at preferential (often 0%) duty rates, but must meet the agreement's rules of origin requirements. Importers must file the appropriate certificate of origin documentation with CBP to claim preferential rates.
Costa Rica is NOT subject to Section 301 tariffs. Only China-origin goods face Section 301 additional duties. Section 232 tariffs (25% on steel, 10% on aluminum) apply to Costa Rica with potential quota or exemption arrangements under CAFTA-DR for steel and aluminum products.
Importing from Costa Rica — Complete 2026 Analysis
US–Costa Rica Trade Relationship
Costa Rica benefits from CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic-Central America FTA, effective 2009), providing duty-free treatment for most goods. Key exports include medical devices, electronic components, tropical fruits (pineapples, bananas), and coffee. Intel and Edwards Lifesciences operate major facilities in Costa Rica.
Practical Import Guidance for Costa Rica-Origin Goods
CAFTA-DR provides 0% on most industrial and agricultural goods. Certificate of origin required. Medical devices from Costa Rica qualify for 0% duty under CAFTA-DR — Costa Rica is the 4th largest medical device exporter to the US. Electronic components and assemblies qualify under both CAFTA-DR and ITA. Tropical fruit imports require USDA/APHIS phytosanitary inspection. Coffee enters at 0% (also 0% MFN).
Key Risks and Compliance Considerations
CAFTA-DR ROO documentation. Agricultural phytosanitary compliance. Medical device FDA 510(k) requirements. Minimal tariff risk under CAFTA-DR.
Total Tariff Stack for Costa Rica-Origin Imports
Understanding the cumulative tariff layers for Costa Rica is essential for accurate landed cost calculation:
- Base MFN Rate: 0% (CAFTA qualifying) (varies by HTS code)
- CAFTA-DR Preferential Rate: 0% for qualifying goods with proper documentation
- Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% of entered value (min $31.67, max $614.35 per entry)
- Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): 0.125% of cargo value (ocean shipments only)
For a complete breakdown of your specific product's tariff exposure from Costa Rica, order a $19 Tariff Exposure Report.
Tools for Costa Rica Importers
Other US Trading Partner Tariff Profiles
Tariff rates are sourced from USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and Federal Register notices as of 2026-05-16. Section 301 rates reflect current USTR actions. Always verify with official sources before importing. AI-assisted analysis provided for informational purposes only — not legal or customs advice.