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After more than three years of legislative effort, Costa Rica has legalized hemp production and commercialization as well as cannabis for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. The Government’s commitment to publish implementing regulations – including those related to import and export of value-added products – by May 8, appears unlikely to be reached.

U.S. dairy and seafood export volumes to Costa Rica hit new record highs in 2021, but access to this growing Central American market requires U.S. production facility as well as product registrations. The following guide provides insight into the registration process and tips to avoid lengthy delays.

Though relatively small, the Costa Rican food processing sector relies on U.S. exporters to maintain critical supply chains. Proximity, reliability, and familiarity help make the United States the preferred supplier for a wide range of food processing ingredients, including wheat, corn, and animal proteins.

A new export certificate for raw bovine parts has expanded U.S. exporters' access to the booming Costa Rican pet food market. U.S. pet food exports to Cost Rica have nearly doubled year-to-date, reaching $39 million through October 2021.

After overcoming COVID-related labor and supply chain disruptions, Costa Rica’s orange production is expected to rebound to 300,000 metric tons in 2022, pushing total orange juice exports slightly higher to 33,000 metric tons.

With a stable democracy, predictable business climate, and economic growth fueled by a resurgent tourism industry, Costa Rica presents excellent export opportunities for U.S. food and beverage exporters in 2022.

While commercial production remains relatively small, FAS/San José expects area planted to genetically engineered crops in Costa Rica to grow modestly in 2022. Neither livestock nor other animal producers in Costa Rica appear interested in animal...

Biosafety regulatory efforts in the Caribbean remain stalled, and it is yet to be seen whether countries can regain the will and secure the international financing required to fully implement their National Biosafety Frameworks in a harmonized manner.

Damage to port facilities in New Orleans during Hurricane Ida caused significant delays to shipments of U.S. feed grains to Costa Rica, where the poultry, pork, and dairy sectors rely almost exclusively on U.S. suppliers.

Eager to put the COVID-19 pandemic behind it, the Caribbean is doing all it can to attract visitors and kick-start its tourism sector in 2021.

Costa Rica’s hotel, restaurant, and institutional sector continued to struggle through significantly lower tourism activity and COVID-19 measures that restricted dining opportunities through the first nine months of 2021.

This report provides information on the export certification requirements of the Government of Costa Rica.