Basic information
Outline of the system
Import licences are required for some medicines, with the aim of protecting human, animal or plant life or health.
Product coverage
Raw materials, basic elements for medicines and cosmetics; medicines and medical equipment
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The purpose of these licences is not to restrict the quantity or value of imports, but rather to strengthen controls on imports of certain agricultural products, with the aim of accomplishing the purposes indicated in the reply to question 1.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable. Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports are not concerned.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
It applies to all countries, irrespective of the origin of the products.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Permanent
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Licensing is statutorily required for the products listed in the relevant legislative text.
The laws and/or regulations governing the corresponding procedure are as follows:
Authorization for customs clearance of raw materials, basic elements for medicines and cosmetics, medicines and medical equipment.
• (Medicines) Executive Decree No.39294-S of 26 November 2015
• (Cosmetics) Executive Decree No.35031-COMEX-S-MEIC of 26 December 2008.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Licensing is statutorily required for the products listed in the relevant legislative texts that also define the product coverage without leaving any administrative discretion.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
All persons/importers have the right to apply for import licences, including natural and legal persons, and also foreign nationals with a passport.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Customer Service Department, Ministry of Health/Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER)
Address
Calle 16, Avenidas 6 y 8 - San José, Costa Rica/Plaza Tempo, piso 3, Escazú
Telephone
(+506) 2257-7821/2505-4815
Fax
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Customer Service Department, Ministry of Health/Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER)
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
All the documents required for a licence application are specified in the corresponding legislation, as indicated in the reply to question 5 above.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Applications for licences must be submitted before the product arrives for clearance. Information can be requested through the VUCE, while inspection must be requested at the point of entry.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which an application for a licence or importation may be made.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
The revalidation of a licence may be requested where transit lasts more 30 days, although it will be necessary to pay again for the certificate.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Where an importer has not made an application for a licence prior to importation, and the goods have already arrived at the port, the goods will remain in a bonded warehouse until the import requirements have been met. However, the product may not meet all the requirements, in which case it will not be allowed to enter the country.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Costa Rica has implemented the Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE), which is the system responsible for ensuring the centralization and simplification of import and export procedures. Importers can access this system to carry out most procedures online through the following link:
http://vuce20.procomer.go.cr/SIVUCEv2/Views/Login/loginOn.aspx
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
As indicated at the beginning of this document, the VUCE has been implemented, which ensures the centralization of most importer procedures. Each institution is responsible for verification and other matters.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
There are no other conditions attached to the issue of a licence.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
The administrative charges for each licence vary depending on the institution. This information is contained in each regulation as indicated in the reply to question 5 above.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
The relevant information is as follows:
• For the authorization for the customs clearance of raw materials, basic elements for medicines and cosmetics, medicines and medical equipment, it is necessary to pay the fee provided for in Article 112 of the General Health Law, which amounts to USD 500 or the equivalent in the national currency. (Executive Decree No. 39294 (Article 12.7.5) and Executive Decree No. 32467 (Article 1).)
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
For the issue of a licence, the full amount must be paid.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
In general, this amount is not refundable.
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
In principle, licence applications are not rejected for reasons other than failure to comply with the criteria established in each regulation. Furthermore, importers must remain up to date with the payment of social and other charges, in accordance with national legislation.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Each dispute in the case of a refusal to grant a licence is resolved on a case-by-case basis, depending on the institution in charge.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which an application for a licence or importation may be made.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
The documents required for importation can be consulted by tariff number at: https://www.hacienda.go.cr/tica/web/hdbaranc.aspx
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
The document contained in the link below (pages 15-17) indicates the requirements for importation:
https://www.procomer.com/wp-content/uploads/Materiales/guia_informativa_...
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
In general, licences are valid for 30 days. This period can be extended, as indicated in the reply to question 7(b) above.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
No penalty is imposed for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Licences are non-transferable between importers, as they are in fact bound to the importer.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
A licence is not required as a condition for obtaining foreign exchange from the banking authorities for payment of the goods to be imported.