Emissions testing for used cars and motorcycles

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

This requirement applies 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 to
        Costa Rica, and that the official test results be translated into Spanish and authenticated by a
        Costa Rican consulate.

    Shipping companies in the U.S. are apparently accepting vehicles for shipment without checking that
        the new requirements have been met, and many cars without the required test documents are being held
        in bonded warehouses.

    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