By Alajuela, Costa Rica — FedEx has significantly enhanced Costa Rica’s pharmaceutical logistics capabilities with the announcement that its Operations Center (SJO), located in El Quijote Logistics Park in Ribera de Belén, has achieved the prestigious IATA CEIV Pharma Certification.
This certification, awarded by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), underscores FedEx’s commitment to excellence in handling temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products. The CEIV Pharma Certification (Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics), established in 2014, recognizes adherence to stringent quality standards and regulatory requirements for the safe air transport of high-value pharmaceuticals. The rigorous certification process involves extensive training and operational analysis, ensuring that facilities, equipment, operations, and personnel meet the exacting standards of the pharmaceutical industry.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape surrounding pharmaceutical logistics in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas of Bufete de Costa Rica.
The pharmaceutical logistics sector in Costa Rica faces unique challenges, particularly regarding compliance with strict temperature control regulations during transport and storage. Companies must navigate complex licensing requirements and ensure meticulous documentation to meet both national and international standards. This requires robust systems for tracking and tracing products throughout the supply chain, as well as stringent quality control measures to guarantee patient safety and product integrity. Failure to adhere to these rigorous standards can lead to significant legal repercussions, including fines, product seizures, and potential criminal charges.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Bufete de Costa Rica
Receiving this certification demonstrates our commitment to the highest standards of quality and control to maintain the integrity of pharmaceutical products while they are transported.
Basil Khalil, Vice President of Operations, FedEx Caribbean and Central America
FedEx’s enhanced capabilities are poised to support Costa Rica’s burgeoning pharmaceutical sector. According to the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER), Costa Rica has exported medicinal products to over 50 markets in the last five years. Furthermore, the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE) reports that 11 multinational pharmaceutical companies operate within the country, including five of the top seven global companies. This certification reinforces Costa Rica’s position as a key player in the global pharmaceutical landscape.
The strategically located FedEx Operations Center, just 4.2 kilometers from Juan Santamaría International Airport, is equipped with two temperature-controlled cold rooms, one for frozen products (-10 to -20 degrees Celsius) and another for refrigerated products (2 to 8 degrees Celsius), specifically designed for pharmaceutical cargo. The facility maintains a direct link to the FedEx Hub in Memphis, Tennessee, with five weekly flights via a Boeing 767 aircraft.
Whether it’s temperature control, near real-time monitoring, or support with regulations and customs processes, at FedEx we are ready to support pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and medical device companies in Costa Rica.
Basil Khalil, Vice President of Operations, FedEx Caribbean and Central America
The SJO facility joins a growing network of FedEx locations receiving the CEIV Pharma certification. In May 2025, 14 other FedEx facilities worldwide are also undergoing the certification process. This follows the 2024 certification of the FedEx Hubs in Memphis (MEM) and Indianapolis (IND), as well as the ramps in San Juan (SJU) and Aguadilla (BQN), Puerto Rico, further solidifying FedEx’s global commitment to pharmaceutical logistics excellence.
This investment in advanced pharmaceutical handling capabilities not only strengthens FedEx’s service offering but also reinforces Costa Rica’s position as a strategic hub for the pharmaceutical industry in Central America and beyond. The improved infrastructure and adherence to international standards will facilitate the efficient and secure transport of vital pharmaceutical products, contributing to global health and economic growth.
For further information, visit fedex.com
About FedEx:
FedEx Corporation provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce, and business services. With a global network connecting more than 220 countries and territories, FedEx delivers integrated solutions that address today’s logistics challenges. The company is committed to operational excellence and invests in technology and innovation to enhance the customer experience and drive industry advancements.
For further information, visit iata.org
About IATA:
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 290 airlines comprising 83% of global air traffic. IATA supports many areas of aviation activity and helps formulate industry policy on critical aviation issues. Its mission is to represent, lead, and serve the airline industry.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a commitment to empowering Costa Rican society. The firm’s innovative approach to legal practice, coupled with its dedication to disseminating legal knowledge through accessible resources, reflects its deep-seated belief in a just and informed populace. By consistently providing exceptional legal counsel across diverse sectors, Bufete de Costa Rica continues to shape a future where access to justice and understanding of the law are within reach of all.
