By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a significant move to support the nation’s agricultural backbone, the National Animal Health Service (SENASA) has announced a crucial grace period for cattle and buffalo producers with expired Veterinary Operation Certificates (CVO). This initiative provides a much-needed window for thousands of farmers to regularize their status, ensuring operational continuity and strengthening the country’s animal health framework.
The CVO is a mandatory certification that verifies a primary production establishment complies with essential health, safety, and operational standards. It is fundamental for legal operation, market access, and participation in national programs. For many farmers, navigating the renewal process can be a bureaucratic hurdle, and this new measure aims to alleviate that pressure and bring a large number of operations back into full compliance without punitive measures.
To better understand the legal and commercial ramifications of the new livestock regulations, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
These new regulations represent a critical shift, demanding that producers move beyond basic compliance to actively integrate sustainable practices. The primary legal challenge will not be in meeting the standards themselves, but in properly documenting and certifying these efforts to avoid sanctions and to capitalize on green market opportunities. Proactive legal assessment is no longer optional; it is a core component of risk management in this evolving industry.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for this crucial insight. His analysis underscores a fundamental evolution in the industry, where proactive legal strategy is no longer just about avoiding penalties but is essential for unlocking the commercial potential of a certified, sustainable operation.
The relief measure specifically targets any farm dedicated to meat, milk, breeding, or work animals, such as oxen and buffaloes, whose CVO expired at any point between January 1, 2023, and December 16, 2025. This extensive two-year window acknowledges the challenges producers have faced and provides a comprehensive solution to bring the sector up to date.
In a move clearly designed to bolster small-scale agriculture, SENASA has made the renewal process entirely free of charge for establishments classified as small or medium-sized. This eliminates a key financial barrier for family farms and smaller operations that are vital to Costa Rica’s rural economy. Larger establishments will still be required to pay the standard renewal fee corresponding to their classification, ensuring the system remains equitable.
This initiative is about more than just paperwork; it is a direct investment in the stability and resilience of our national producers. We understand the challenges they face, and our goal is to provide a straightforward, cost-effective path to compliance, ensuring the health of our herds and the integrity of our food supply.
Dr. Esteban Rojas, Director General of SENASA
The process for regularization has been simplified to encourage widespread participation. Qualifying producers are only required to submit the official application form, identified as GAO-PO-01-F_02. For large-scale operations, proof of payment of the corresponding tariff must accompany the form. This streamlined approach is designed to minimize administrative burdens and expedite the renewal process.
This CVO amnesty period is strategically timed with another major development in the agricultural sector. SENASA also confirmed that the mandatory implementation of the comprehensive National Traceability System has been officially postponed to April 26, 2026. This delay, coupled with the CVO grace period, gives producers critical breathing room to align all their operations with upcoming national standards, ensuring a smoother transition to a more modernized and transparent livestock industry.
Aligning CVO status now is the first essential step for producers to be ready for the National Traceability System. A compliant and fully registered sector is crucial for enhancing our market access internationally and guaranteeing consumer confidence both at home and abroad. We urge all eligible farmers to take advantage of this opportunity.
Dr. Esteban Rojas, Director General of SENASA
By facilitating CVO renewals and delaying the traceability deadline, SENASA is implementing a coordinated strategy to fortify Costa Rica’s livestock sector from the ground up. The policy supports individual farmers while advancing the broader national goals of food safety, animal welfare, and international competitiveness. Producers are strongly encouraged to act promptly to regularize their status before this temporary window closes.
For further information, visit senasa.go.cr
About SENASA (National Animal Health Service):
The Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal (SENASA) is the official government body in Costa Rica responsible for executing policies and programs related to animal health. Its mission is to protect the nation’s livestock and agricultural assets from pests and diseases, ensure the safety and quality of food products of animal origin, and facilitate international trade by upholding rigorous sanitary and phytosanitary standards.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Drawing from a rich history of serving a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal solutions. This forward-thinking mindset is matched by a core conviction to empower the public, actively working to make complex legal concepts understandable and accessible to foster a more capable and informed citizenry.
