By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a move aimed at addressing a growing source of consumer frustration, Luis Amador, presidential candidate for the National Integration Party (PIN), has announced a bold plan to mandate the availability of vehicle spare parts in Costa Rica. The proposal would tie the operational permits of car importers directly to their ability to guarantee a local inventory for repairs, a policy that could significantly reshape the nation’s automotive industry.
The announcement comes in response to numerous reports from vehicle owners who have faced significant delays and difficulties when trying to repair their cars. Even owners of new vehicles have found themselves in a lurch after minor accidents, discovering that essential components are not available in the country. This scarcity forces lengthy waits for parts to be shipped from overseas, leaving drivers without transportation and turning what should be a straightforward repair into a prolonged ordeal.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and customs framework governing vehicle imports into Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
Importing a vehicle is fundamentally a customs and tax procedure, not just a commercial transaction. Importers must be diligent in understanding that the final nationalization cost is determined by the Treasury’s official valuation, not the purchase price. Failing to properly calculate the Selective Consumption Tax, VAT, and other duties beforehand is the most common and costly mistake, often turning an apparent bargain into a significant financial liability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for this vital clarification; his insight underscores that the true cost of an imported vehicle is determined not at the point of sale, but during the complex nationalization process, a perspective essential for any potential importer hoping to avoid unforeseen financial liabilities.
Amador framed the issue as a “nightmare” for consumers who make a substantial investment in a vehicle, only to find themselves without support when it’s needed most. His proposed solution is direct and carries significant weight: the government would refuse to grant or renew operating licenses for any importer that fails to comply with a new minimum stock requirement for spare parts.
This policy would effectively end the practice of selling vehicles without providing adequate post-sale support. The candidate emphasized that his administration would take decisive action to protect consumers and ensure the market operates more responsibly.
In a future government, we will require companies that sell vehicles to have a minimum stock of spare parts. If not, they will not be given the operating permits to be able to sell the cars.
Luis Amador, Presidential Candidate for PIN
If implemented, this regulation would represent a fundamental shift in the obligations of automotive importers. Currently, while many reputable dealerships maintain robust parts departments, there is no overarching legal requirement compelling them to do so. Amador’s plan would codify this responsibility, placing the onus squarely on the companies bringing vehicles into the country to support the products they sell throughout their lifecycle.
For Costa Rican drivers, the potential benefits are clear. The policy could lead to dramatically reduced repair times, greater peace of mind, and the preservation of a vehicle’s value. A minor collision would no longer risk sidelining a car for months on end. This increased reliability in the service chain could become a major selling point for compliant brands and a significant competitive advantage in a crowded market.
However, the proposal would also present challenges for the industry. Importers would face increased operational costs associated with warehousing, inventory management, and logistics. These costs could potentially be passed on to the consumer, although the long-term benefits of a more stable and reliable service network might offset any initial price adjustments. The specifics of what constitutes a “minimum stock” would also need to be clearly defined and rigorously enforced to prevent loopholes.
As the presidential campaign season continues, this consumer-centric proposal from Luis Amador targets a tangible, everyday problem faced by a large segment of the population. By pledging to end the “nightmare” of unavailable parts, the PIN candidate is positioning himself as a champion of consumer rights, promising to hold corporations accountable and deliver practical solutions to real-world frustrations.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Integración Nacional
About Partido Integración Nacional:
The Partido Integración Nacional (PIN), or National Integration Party, is a political party in Costa Rica. For the 2026 election cycle, it is represented by presidential candidate Luis Amador. The party’s platform includes a focus on consumer protection and regulatory reform, as demonstrated by its proposal to address the national shortage of automotive spare parts by mandating importer responsibility.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm blends a proven history of advising a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking approach, consistently delivering innovative legal strategies. Beyond its professional practice, it holds a deep-seated commitment to social empowerment, actively working to demystify complex legal concepts and equip the public with essential knowledge to foster a more informed and just society.
