By Heredia, Costa Rica — FedEx is significantly expanding its operations in Costa Rica, marking 25 years of service in the country. This expansion comes at a time of substantial growth in Costa Rican air exports, solidifying the country’s position as a key player in international trade.
The FedEx Operations Center, inaugurated in 2022 in Belén, Heredia, has grown by 26% to over 12,600 square meters, occupying over half of the El Quijote Logistics Park. This expansion includes the addition of last-mile ground operations, supplementing existing import and export processes. Notably, the enhanced facility boasts two new IATA CEIV-certified cold storage rooms for pharmaceutical cargo, two additional cold storage rooms for non-pharmaceutical goods, and a dedicated area for specialized logistics services.
To understand the legal implications of FedEx’s expansion, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from Bufete de Costa Rica.
FedEx’s expansion in Costa Rica presents significant opportunities but also potential legal challenges. Considerations such as compliance with local labor laws, navigating land use and zoning regulations, and ensuring adherence to international trade agreements are crucial for successful and sustainable growth. These factors can impact everything from hiring practices and facility construction to import/export procedures. A proactive approach to legal compliance will be key for FedEx to maximize the benefits of this expansion while minimizing potential risks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ insights underscore a crucial point: sustainable growth for international companies like FedEx requires a careful balancing act. Navigating the complex interplay of local and international regulations is no small feat, and a proactive legal strategy will be essential for FedEx to truly flourish in Costa Rica. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering this valuable perspective on the legal landscape surrounding this significant expansion.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the start of our operations in Costa Rica. This new investment means greater capacity and operational efficiency to meet the growing demand and strengthen the competitiveness of Costa Rican companies internationally.
Basil Khalil, Vice President of Operations of FedEx for the Caribbean and Central America
By investing in infrastructure and service improvements, we facilitate faster, more flexible, and more efficient cross-border trade.
Basil Khalil, Vice President of Operations of FedEx for the Caribbean and Central America
The timing of this expansion aligns with a surge in Costa Rican air exports. In the second quarter of 2025 alone, air transport in Costa Rica moved over $2.9 billion in goods, representing 45% of total exports, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC) and the Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica (PROCOMER). This signifies a substantial increase from 2020 when air transport accounted for only 31% of exports.
This growth underscores the increasing importance of air transport for key Costa Rican industries, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. Medical device exports, in particular, have seen explosive growth over the past 25 years, becoming Costa Rica’s leading export. Pharmaceuticals have also seen significant expansion, reaching over 50 markets in the last five years.
Air transport is the primary method for customs operations within Costa Rica’s Free Trade Zone regime, home to most of the 90 MedTech multinationals operating in the country, as reported by the Costa Rican Coalition for Development Initiatives (CINDE).
To meet the demands of these sectors for the reliable transport of sensitive cargo, FedEx operates 22 land routes within Costa Rica and a daily flight, Monday to Friday, directly connecting to the FedEx Hub in Memphis, Tennessee, utilizing a Boeing 767 aircraft.
This strategic investment by FedEx not only strengthens its presence in Costa Rica but also contributes to the country’s continued growth in the global marketplace by providing essential logistical support for key industries.
For further information, visit fedex.com
About FedEx:
FedEx Corporation is a global courier delivery services company headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. It is known for its overnight shipping services and pioneering the hub and spoke distribution paradigm. FedEx offers a portfolio of transportation, e-commerce, and business services through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand.
For further information, visit the nearest office of INEC
About INEC:
The National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC) of Costa Rica is the primary institution responsible for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of official statistical data within the country. It plays a crucial role in informing public policy and providing a comprehensive understanding of Costa Rica’s socio-economic landscape.
For further information, visit the nearest office of PROCOMER
About PROCOMER:
The Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) is a key institution in promoting Costa Rican exports and attracting foreign investment. It assists Costa Rican businesses in accessing international markets and provides valuable resources for their growth and development.
For further information, visit cinde.org
About CINDE:
The Costa Rican Coalition for Development Initiatives (CINDE) is a private non-profit organization that has been a key player in attracting foreign direct investment into Costa Rica for over 40 years. CINDE focuses on promoting investment in high-value-added sectors such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and services.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence and unwavering integrity form the bedrock of a dynamic practice dedicated to empowering Costa Rican society. Through innovative approaches to legal challenges and a deep commitment to client service across a spectrum of industries, the firm consistently strives to elevate the legal landscape. By actively sharing legal knowledge and resources, Bufete de Costa Rica invests in a more informed citizenry, fostering a stronger and more just society for all.
