Agricultural entrepreneurs say that to register a product state agencies ask for requirements and information which in many cases "can not even be substantiated".
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.
Approval has been given to the creation of a global system of digital certification to control pests and plant diseases which can spread during international trade.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
The Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM), the governing body of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), consisting of 181 countries, has approved the creation of a new global electronic certification system called E-Phyto, which will help stop the spread of pests and diseases via agricultural products transported in international trade, in a way that is safer and cheaper.
The deadline for food exporters to update their details with the Food and Drug Administration of USA is December 31, 2014.
From a statement issued by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica (PROCOMER):
Every company which manufactures, processes, packs or holds food for human or animal consumption and export to the United States must renew its registration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as part of the measures included in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The deadline for this adjustment will be from 1 October to 31 December.
The Industrial Property Registry has currently only three trademarks of origins in force: Costa Rican coffee, Costa Rican bananas and cheese from Turrialba.
In November 2012 a designation of origin was registered for Turrialba cheese after 6 years of paperwork but it has not been used for matters other than the control of Property Registry.
Nacion.com reports: "Despite having at hand the ability to protect its production with a denomination of origin (DO) or geographical indications (GIs) in order to prevent trade in imitations, things are moving slowly in Costa Rica ".