Costa Rica: Bureaucracy Slows Registration of Agrochemicals

Agricultural entrepreneurs say that to register a product state agencies ask for requirements and information which in many cases "can not even be substantiated".

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

In the last ten years only 6 active ingredients have been registered, as the competent authorities on the subject "... are using technology from the 80's and 90's." This situation reduces the competitiveness of Costa Rica, as in most countries in the region products registered after having completed the approval process in the United States.

The executive director of the Chamber of Agricultural Inputs, Roberto Obando, told Prensalibre.cr that "... There is a document which came out in public consultation and features contributions from the agricultural sector, we expect state support so that the authorization can take effect. Since May the issue has been in the hands of the Government to take the decision and the proposal includes expediting the process, maintaining high standards of protection for humans and the environment. We believe that, with this initiative, registration processes will come down to between 6 and 8 months."

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