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Vessel Entry & Clearance
Complete customs clearance for vessel arrival and departure at all Costa Rican ports. We prepare and submit all required documentation to the Dirección General de Aduanas, port authority, and immigration on your behalf.
- Pre-arrival customs notification
- Vessel manifest preparation and submission
- Customs entry documentation
- Port authority clearance coordination
- Departure clearance and zarpe
Cargo Customs Clearance
Full import and export customs clearance for all cargo types including general cargo, containers, bulk, and project cargo. We handle all DGA declarations and coordinate with terminal operators.
- Import and export declarations (DUA)
- Tariff classification and duty calculation
- Customs inspection coordination
- Release and delivery coordination
- Post-clearance audit support
Temporary Importation
Processing of temporary importation permits for foreign-flagged vessels, yachts, and equipment entering Costa Rican waters. We manage the full TI process including extensions and cancellations.
- Temporary importation permit applications
- Permit extensions and renewals
- Yacht and vessel TI processing
- Equipment and spare parts TI
- TI cancellation on departure
Bonded Warehouse & Stores
Coordination of bonded warehouse operations for vessel stores, spare parts, and equipment. We manage the full bonded regime including receipt, storage, and delivery to vessels.
- Bonded warehouse coordination
- Duty-free stores delivery to vessels
- Spare parts under bonded regime
- Bonded cargo transfers between vessels
- Regime cancellation documentation
Spare Parts & Equipment
Urgent and routine customs clearance for vessel spare parts and equipment arriving by air or sea. We prioritize urgent shipments to minimize vessel off-hire time.
- Air freight spare parts clearance
- Sea freight equipment clearance
- Urgent / AOG clearance procedures
- Dangerous goods customs coordination
- Courier and express shipment clearance
Crew & Passenger Immigration
Full immigration processing for crew sign-on and sign-off, passenger arrivals and departures, and crew visa assistance. We liaise directly with Dirección General de Migración.
- Crew list submission and processing
- Crew sign-on and sign-off immigration
- Passenger manifest processing
- Visa assistance and coordination
- Seafarer document verification
MARPOL & Environmental Compliance
Coordination of all MARPOL waste reception documentation and environmental compliance certificates required by Costa Rican port authorities and the Dirección General de Aduanas.
- MARPOL waste reception certificates
- Environmental compliance documentation
- Waste manifest preparation
- Port state control preparation
- Environmental authority liaison
Dangerous Goods & IMDG
Specialized customs handling for IMDG-classified dangerous goods and hazardous materials. We ensure full compliance with Costa Rican regulations for DG cargo import, export, and transit.
- IMDG cargo customs declarations
- Dangerous goods import permits
- Hazmat documentation review
- Coordination with MINAE and SETENA
- DG cargo inspection coordination
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Pre-Arrival Notification
We receive your vessel details and cargo documentation in advance and begin pre-clearance procedures with the Dirección General de Aduanas.
Document Preparation
Our licensed customs brokers prepare all required declarations, manifests, and supporting documents in compliance with Costa Rican customs law.
Submission & Coordination
We submit all documentation electronically through the TICA system and coordinate directly with port authorities, DGA inspectors, and terminal operators.
Clearance & Release
Upon customs approval, we coordinate the physical release of your vessel or cargo and provide all clearance certificates and documentation.
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IM Agency maintains active working relationships with every Costa Rican authority involved in maritime customs and port operations.
Costa Rica's customs authority — all vessel and cargo declarations are processed through the TICA electronic system.
Immigration authority responsible for crew and passenger entry and exit processing at all ports.
Animal and plant health authority — required for vessels carrying agricultural products or provisions.
Ministry of Environment — oversight of MARPOL compliance and environmental permits at Costa Rican ports.
Port authorities governing Caribbean (JAPDEVA) and Pacific (INCOP) ports — coordinate vessel movements and terminal access.
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