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Alcoholic Beverages

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Last Updated on Wednesday, 23 May 2007 14:15

People who are at least 18 years old may bring in free of duty up to five (5) liters (1.3 gal.) of alcoholic beverages - beer, wine, liquor - for personal use.

Quantities above the five-liter (1.3 gal.) limitation are considered commercial imports and are subject to Customs duty that ranges between 103% and 135% of market value of the liquor and an alcoholic beverage import permit issued by the Ministry of Health in Costa Rica. If you do not have the permits, your merchandise will be stored at a Customs warehouse until you obtain the permits.

Alcoholic Beverage Import Permit

People who bring more than five liters (1.3 gal.) of alcoholic beverages must obtain an alcoholic beverage import permit issued by the Ministry of Health in Costa Rica.

To apply for this permit you or a customs broker on your behalf must register as an alcoholic beverage importer stating the type of products that you intend to import to Costa Rica at the Office of Registry and Control of the Ministry of Health ("Departamento de Registros y Controles del Ministerio de Salud") in Costa Rica.

The average time to get the import permit is one week.

For further information regarding this permit, please contact Mr. Gustabo Arce at (506) 256-7111 Extension 209 at the Ministry of Health in Costa Rica.