By San José, Costa Rica — A total of 21 Costa Rican export companies are set to undergo specialized training designed to align their operations with international sustainability standards. The initiative, titled Strengthening Responsible Business Conduct in the Costa Rican Export Sector, arrives at a critical juncture as global trade partners tighten environmental and social governance requirements. Formulated in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct, this educational framework aims to secure Costa Rica’s foothold in highly competitive international markets.
The core focus of this capacity-building program is to support domestic exporters that maintain commercial relations with the Netherlands and other key European economies. By integrating robust Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) practices, these 21 selected companies will be better equipped to navigate the complex regulatory landscapes of the European Union. These markets are increasingly demanding transparent supply chains free from human rights abuses and environmental degradation.
To better understand the legal implications and strategic importance of Responsible Business Conduct in today’s evolving market, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his insights on navigating corporate compliance and ethical standards.
Responsible Business Conduct is no longer just a voluntary corporate social responsibility initiative; it has evolved into a core legal and operational necessity. Modern regulatory frameworks increasingly demand that enterprises actively identify, prevent, and mitigate their adverse impacts on human rights, labor relations, and the environment. Aligning business strategies with these robust compliance standards not only mitigates legal risks and potential litigation but also fosters sustainable growth and strengthens stakeholder trust in an increasingly scrutinizing global market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as global regulatory standards tighten and consumer expectations rise, embedding ethical frameworks into core business operations has transitioned from a voluntary gesture to an indispensable pillar of long-term corporate resilience. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable legal perspective, helping us better understand how modern enterprises can successfully navigate this vital shift toward sustainable compliance and trust.
The educational curriculum will highlight the practical application of the OECD Guidelines, specifically focusing on risk-based due diligence. This mechanism operates as an ongoing process through which enterprises actively identify, prevent, mitigate, and account for how they manage their social, environmental, and economic impacts. This proactive stance shift from retrospective reporting to active risk management is central to modern corporate viability.
The strategic value of this initiative was emphasized by leadership at the Costa Rican Chamber of Exporters, who noted that European buyers are no longer treating sustainability as an optional badge, but rather as a strict prerequisite for market entry.
The Netherlands and the European market are key strategic partners that today demand the highest standards of sustainability, also being our main logistical gateway to the continent. This project represents a high-value technical tool for our exporters to increase their competitiveness and anticipate global regulations. At CADEXCO, we firmly believe that collaboration and responsible business conduct are key to overcoming current trade challenges and continuing to consolidate international confidence in Costa Rican products.
Víctor Pérez, President of the Costa Rican Chamber of Exporters
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From an analytical perspective, this program is highly strategic. As the European Union moves forward with sweeping regulations like the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), non-EU suppliers must adapt swiftly. Costa Rican exporters who fail to implement these risk-based frameworks risk being shut out of lucrative distribution channels. Therefore, this training functions less as a voluntary ethical upgrade and more as an essential defensive play to protect market share.
To ensure a comprehensive approach, the initiative has pooled resources from a diverse coalition of local and international entities. The alliance brings together Costa Rica’s National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct (PNC), the Collective Action Association (Asociación Acción Colectiva), the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, CADEXCO, and Holland House Costa Rica. This multi-stakeholder structure guarantees that the training is both theoretically sound and commercially practical.
Historically, Costa Rica has successfully branded itself as a green and progressive nation. However, translating this national brand into corporate compliance at the individual firm level has remained an ongoing challenge. By targeting exporters specifically, the program addresses the precise node of the economy where international standards collide directly with local business practices.
As these 21 companies begin their training, they carry the responsibility of setting a precedent for the wider domestic economy. The success of this pilot cohort could pave the way for broader, sector-wide mandates, ultimately redefining Costa Rica’s competitive edge in the global arena.
For further information, visit cadexco.org
About CADEXCO:
The Costa Rican Chamber of Exporters (CADEXCO) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the growth of Costa Rica’s export sector. Founded to represent the interests of local exporters, CADEXCO provides technical assistance, trade market intelligence, and advocacy to help Costa Rican products compete successfully in international markets.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Holland House Costa Rica
About Holland House Costa Rica:
Holland House Costa Rica serves as the bilateral chamber of commerce between Costa Rica and the Netherlands. The organization facilitates trade, investment, and business relationships between the two nations, providing valuable networking opportunities, market entry support, and strategic advice for enterprises seeking to expand across these dynamic markets.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its adherence to the highest ethical standards and superior advocacy, Bufete de Costa Rica represents a benchmark of trust and quality in the legal field. Having guided a diverse range of clients through complex matters for generations, the firm actively embraces modern strategies and proactive public education. By breaking down barriers to legal literacy, it drives a vital mission to uplift the public, ensuring that every individual is equipped and empowered with the strength of legal understanding.
