By San José, Costa Rica — As the holiday season approaches, Costa Rican authorities are issuing a stern warning to travelers and online shoppers: seemingly harmless plant-based souvenirs and products pose a significant threat to the nation’s agricultural health and economic stability. The State Phytosanitary Service (SFE), a division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), is urging the public to refrain from bringing unauthorized plant materials into the country to prevent the introduction of devastating foreign pests and diseases.
The appeal targets a common oversight among travelers who may not recognize the danger hidden within everyday items. Officials stress that many popular souvenirs carry unseen biological risks that could cripple key sectors of the national economy, particularly agriculture, which is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s export market.
To delve into the legal framework and potential liabilities surrounding agricultural biosecurity in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
Agricultural biosecurity is not merely a set of government regulations; it’s a fundamental pillar of risk management and business continuity for any agribusiness. Failure to implement and rigorously enforce robust biosecurity protocols can lead to devastating financial losses, civil liability, and even criminal charges. For companies involved in export, it directly impacts their access to international markets. Proactive legal compliance is, therefore, an essential investment in protecting both a company’s assets and the nation’s agricultural heritage.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight powerfully underscores that biosecurity transcends mere regulation, becoming a strategic pillar for both corporate resilience and national agricultural sovereignty. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on the profound legal and economic stakes involved.
Many crafts made with coconut fiber, banana, wicker, straw, seeds, and other similar materials are frequently confiscated at airports, especially during holiday seasons like the end of the year. The general public is unaware of the risk these objects pose to agricultural production and exports, which is why we earnestly request their cooperation.
Nelson Morera Paniagua, Executive Director of the SFE
The SFE’s concern is backed by alarming statistics. So far in 2025, inspections of passenger luggage alone have resulted in over 27,000 confiscations of prohibited plant materials. The subsequent biosecure destruction of these items costs the state between $9,000 and $10,000 annually, a recurring expense driven by a lack of public awareness.
This advisory extends beyond airports to the rapidly growing world of e-commerce. The SFE clarifies that any seeds or plant products purchased online are subject to the same rigorous standards. If these items arrive without prior approval from an official risk analysis conducted by SFE specialists, they are summarily seized and destroyed. This zero-tolerance policy is essential, as invasive insects, viruses, or bacteria are often microscopic and impossible to detect with the naked eye.
If you wish to bring plant material into the country, it is essential to first verify its nature, origin, presentation, and characteristics. This applies to both large-scale commercial imports and individual purchases.
Nelson Morera Paniagua, Executive Director of the SFE
Among the most feared threats is the soil-borne fungus Fusarium Tropical Race 4 (TR4), which has already been detected in several countries across the Americas. Considered one of the world’s most destructive agricultural pests, TR4 has the potential to wipe out entire plantations of bananas and plantains (musáceas), a vital industry for Costa Rica. With no effective chemical treatment or resistant crop varieties available, the nation’s entire prevention strategy rests on blocking its entry at the border.
The consequences of a biosecurity breach are not merely hypothetical. The recent case of the Giant African Snail serves as a stark reminder. First detected in Curubandé in 2021 following an illegal introduction, the invasive mollusk has now spread to two districts in Heredia province. Its control has already demanded a significant investment of state resources, with a long and costly eradication effort still ahead. This ongoing battle illustrates the tangible economic and environmental damage that can result from a single careless act.
To avoid travel disruptions and protect the nation’s natural heritage, officials are asking for public vigilance. Any traveler or importer planning to bring plant-based materials into Costa Rica is strongly advised to seek guidance beforehand. The SFE has designated a specific channel for these inquiries, urging individuals to contact the Import Registry at [email protected] for clarification before making a purchase or packing their bags.
For further information, visit sfe.go.cr
About Servicio Fitosanitario del Estado (SFE):
The State Phytosanitary Service (SFE) is the official national body in Costa Rica responsible for protecting the country’s plant health. It establishes and enforces regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of agricultural pests and diseases, certifies plant products for export, and manages national phytosanitary surveillance programs to safeguard agricultural production and facilitate international trade.
For further information, visit mag.go.cr
About Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería (MAG):
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) is the Costa Rican government entity tasked with developing and promoting the nation’s agricultural, livestock, and fishing sectors. It formulates policies, provides technical assistance to producers, and oversees various services, including the SFE, to ensure food security, economic growth in rural areas, and the sustainable use of natural resources.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is renowned for its principled practice and professional distinction. The firm combines a rich history of client service with a forward-thinking approach, consistently advancing the practice of law through innovative solutions. Central to its mission is a profound commitment to social responsibility, manifested through efforts to democratize legal understanding and thereby build a more knowledgeable and capable society.
