BLP´s Sanitary Registration of Products practice group compiles the FAQ for marketing products locally and the permits required.

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The following guide applies to Costa Rica.

What is the sanitary registration of a product?

It is the authorization to market a product granted by a competent government authority after an evaluation that determines whether a product of interest is safe and does not represent any risk for the final consumer.

What products require sanitary registration?

The following items must be registered: Any marketed product whose composition, use, or function can affect people’s health, such as dietary supplements, food, medicines, natural products, biomedical equipment and materials, tattoo inks, cosmetics, hygiene products, raw materials, hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers for domestic and industrial use, agrochemicals, and products for animals.

What products does the Ministry of Health process?

The following products are processed electronically through the Registry platform:

  • Diet supplements
  • Food
  • Medicines
  • Natural products
  • Equipment and biomedical material
  • Tatoo inks
  • Cosmetics
  • Hygiene products
  • Raw materials
  • Hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals
  • Pesticides and fertilizers for domestic and industrial use

What products does the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock process?

  • Agrochemicals are processed by the SFE (State Phytosanitary Service).
  • Animal products are processed by the SENASA (National Animal Health Service)

What happens if a product of sanitary interest does not have Sanitary Registration?

A product of sanitary interest that is not registered cannot be marketed in Costa Rican territory or exported for sale in the international market.