The Government of Costa Rica introduced stringent requirements on emissions testing in June 2000 for used cars and motorcycles imported into Costa Rica.

·         The requirements apply to all used vehicles, regardless of whether they are driven or shipped into the country, and regardless of whether they are being imported permanently or for temporary (e.g., touristic) use by their owners.

·         The new law requires that emissions testing take place in the two months prior to shipping or entry into Costa Rica, and that the official test results be translated into Spanish and authenticated by a Costa Rican consulate.

·         If these requirements are not met, cars may be held in bonded warehouses upon arrival in Costa Rica.

·         U.S. citizens wishing to drive or ship a car or motorcycle into Costa Rica, even for temporary use, are strongly encouraged to contact the nearest Costa Rican consulate for more information, and to delay shipping or driving a vehicle to Costa Rica until they are certain they have complied with the new requirements.

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