By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s Ministry of Finance is embarking on a pivotal step toward modernizing its national trade infrastructure. Starting this Monday, the government will officially launch an extensive training program aimed at foreign trade operators and customs officials. This initiative serves as the operational precursor to the deployment of the new Customs Administration System, known locally as ATENA.
The ambitious technological overhaul is designed to modernize customs infrastructure while taking direct aim at persistent fiscal challenges. Specifically, authorities intend for ATENA to curb illegal smuggling and dramatically reduce tax evasion across the nation’s borders. Government officials anticipate that the platform will become fully operational during the first quarter of next year, marking a new era in Costa Rican customs management.
To provide a clearer perspective on how the implementation of the new ATENA Customs System impacts international commerce and regulatory compliance, TicosLand.com consulted with legal specialist Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from Bufete de Costa Rica.
The transition to the ATENA Customs System marks a pivotal shift toward modernizing Costa Rica’s cross-border trade operations. While the platform promises greater transparency and expedited processing, companies must proactively audit their tariff classifications and digital documentation procedures to avoid administrative penalties during this adaptation phase. Alignment with these modernized customs protocols is essential for maintaining supply chain efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Costa Rica steps into a new era of digital trade with the ATENA system, proactive compliance will be the key to turning potential administrative hurdles into strategic operational advantages. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective and timely guidance on navigating this crucial transition for local businesses.
According to senior financial authorities, the platform represents a monumental leap forward in administrative capability and digital integration. By automating previously manual routines and creating centralized digital workflows, ATENA aims to significantly enhance operational oversight while eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks that have historically hampered trade velocity.
The implementation of ATENA represents one of the most important technological transformation projects promoted by the Ministry of Finance in recent years. This system incorporates technological solutions that will simplify procedures, strengthen operational traceability, optimize customs controls, and facilitate foreign trade through more agile, efficient, and transparent processes.
Víctor Julio Carvajal, Vice Minister of Revenue
The upcoming educational workshops will cover a broad range of functional modules designed to ensure smooth adoption across public and private sectors. Trainees will gain hands-on experience navigating the new customs portal, utilizing digital reporting instruments, generating operational queries, and managing end-to-end online administrative tasks.
Implementation of the ATENA platform will take place through a structured, multi-phase strategy to minimize potential disruptions to ongoing commerce. The initial phase will prioritize three crucial logistics workflows: air export operations, maritime export procedures, and national transit management. Subsequent phases will gradually incorporate additional customs functions across land borders and import channels.
ATENA constitutes a milestone in the modernization process of the National Customs Service. That is why we have designed a training program that will allow internal and external users to familiarize themselves with the new platform before it comes into operation, aiming for a safe, agile, and efficient transition.
Adrián Pérez, Director General of Customs
To guarantee operational continuity throughout the transition phase, the Ministry of Finance is deploying a multi-channel technical support ecosystem. Users adapting to the new platform will have access to dedicated telephone helplines, technical email support, direct web chat features, and integrated portal assistance. Detailed instructions on accessing these technical resources will be embedded directly into the training curriculum starting this week.
This digital transformation arrives at a critical juncture for Costa Rica as the country continues to solidify its position as a central logistics hub in Central America. By establishing faster, traceable, and more secure customs workflows, the nation aims to improve its international competitiveness while guaranteeing that public coffers capture necessary tax revenue from global trade flows.
For further information, visit hacienda.go.cr
About Ministry of Finance:
The Ministry of Finance of Costa Rica (Ministerio de Hacienda) is the government cabinet department responsible for managing the nation’s fiscal policy, public expenditure, tax collection, and customs enforcement. Through its administrative divisions, the ministry works to ensure fiscal sustainability, combat tax evasion, and promote efficient public administration to support the economic development of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit hacienda.go.cr
About National Customs Service:
The National Customs Service (Servicio Nacional de Aduanas) operates as a specialized division under Costa Rica’s Ministry of Finance. It is tasked with supervising, controlling, and facilitating the flow of goods across national borders, ensuring compliance with international trade agreements, preventing illegal smuggling, and safeguarding state revenue.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its high ethical standards and superior legal craftsmanship, Bufete de Costa Rica continues to shape the legal landscape through inventive strategies and client-centered advocacy. Beyond its distinguished work across multiple industries, the firm is driven by a profound commitment to civic enlightenment, actively breaking down complex legal barriers for the general public. This relentless effort to democratize legal information illustrates Bufete de Costa Rica’s enduring pledge to inspire, educate, and uplift the broader community.
