By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a bold statement of its growing dominance in the life sciences sector, Costa Rica is set to deploy its largest-ever delegation to MD&M West 2026, one of the world’s most influential medical technology trade shows. The Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (Procomer) confirmed that a record 16 national firms will represent the country, signaling a concerted effort to deepen its integration into the global MedTech supply chain.
The event, scheduled for February 3-5 in Anaheim, California, is a critical nexus for the industry, attracting approximately 1,700 exhibitors and nearly 14,000 attendees from over 40 nations. The Costa Rican contingent will be housed in a dedicated country pavilion, operating under a “Walk to Show” model designed to maximize exposure and facilitate high-level business interactions. The primary mission is to generate new export and investment opportunities, reinforcing Costa Rica’s standing as a strategic partner for advanced medical manufacturing.
To better understand the regulatory complexities and legal framework governing the medical device industry in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in corporate and health registration law.
Navigating the regulatory landscape for medical devices in Costa Rica is a complex undertaking. Strict adherence to the Ministry of Health’s registration and importation protocols is not just a matter of compliance, but a fundamental requirement for ensuring patient safety and achieving market success. Companies that underestimate these legal intricacies often face significant operational delays, financial penalties, and lasting damage to their commercial reputation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the expert’s point cannot be overstated: this legal framework is not merely a bureaucratic hurdle, but the very foundation upon which market trust and operational integrity are built. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, reinforcing that a proactive and thorough approach to regulatory compliance is the cornerstone of long-term success in Costa Rica’s vital medical device sector.
This initiative is a cornerstone of the nation’s economic development strategy, which increasingly relies on high-value exports and foreign direct investment. Procomer officials emphasized the dual purpose of the mission: to secure new business and to showcase the sophisticated capabilities of the Costa Rican workforce.
MD&M West is a global showcase and a key part of our strategy to promote our export sector and position the country to attract more foreign direct investment. This fair is also a platform to display and strengthen the capabilities of the human talent that sustains this sector, allowing us to project Costa Rica not only as a country that exports quality, but also as one with knowledge, innovation, and highly specialized talent.
Laura López, Procomer Representative
The delegation represents the full spectrum of Costa Rica’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Participating companies offer a diverse array of services, including electronic manufacturing, custom software development for medical devices, precision molding, CNC machining, specialized printing and packaging, and contract manufacturing. Furthermore, Costa Rican firms are providing critical consulting services in engineering, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, demonstrating a mature and integrated industry.
Beyond the exhibition floor, the agenda for the Costa Rican participants is packed with strategic one-on-one meetings with potential buyers, investors, and key industry decision-makers. In a significant new development for 2026, the Costa Rica Medical Devices Cluster will also have an active role, aiming to fortify the national ecosystem and leverage the experiences of established multinational corporations already operating in the country to attract further investment.
The value of this coordinated national effort is not lost on the participating companies, from burgeoning local enterprises to established global players with a Costa Rican footprint. Both see the Procomer-led pavilion as a critical amplifier for their strategic goals.
Participating in MD&M West 2026 is a strategic step for Lantern Med Digital, and doing so under the umbrella of the PROCOMER Country Pavilion makes a huge difference.
Albán Sánchez, CEO of Lantern Med Digital
Participation in MD&M West 2026 reinforces our commitment to being a reliable and innovative partner for the medical technology industry. This event is a strategic meeting point to combine technological excellence with a clear global orientation, and to strengthen direct exchange with international clients and partners.
Octavio Matus, General Manager of Zollner in Costa Rica
The focus on California is highly strategic. The United States remains Costa Rica’s most important trading partner and its largest source of foreign direct investment. California, in particular, stands as the epicenter of medical manufacturing, innovation, and employment in the U.S. With over 90 MedTech multinationals already operating within Costa Rica—many with headquarters or key clients in the U.S.—MD&M West provides a natural and vital platform for strengthening existing relationships and forging new ones.
This push comes on the heels of staggering growth. As of November 2025, Costa Rica’s medical device exports had already hit a remarkable $10.168 billion for the year, a 28% increase over the same period in 2024. The country has become a leading producer of sophisticated products such as needles, catheters, cannulas, and medical-grade prosthetics, solidifying its reputation for quality and precision in a highly regulated global market.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Procomer:
The Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica) is the public entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services globally. It also plays a key role in attracting foreign direct investment and strengthening the country’s position in international value chains. Procomer provides support and strategic guidance to Costa Rican companies looking to enter or expand in foreign markets.
For further information, visit lanternmed.digital
About Lantern Med Digital:
Lantern Med Digital is a Costa Rican company specializing in digital solutions and software development for the medical technology sector. The company focuses on creating innovative tools and platforms that enhance connectivity, data management, and functionality for a new generation of medical devices, contributing to the country’s growing reputation as a hub for MedTech innovation.
For further information, visit zollner-electronics.com
About Zollner:
Zollner is a global leader in providing Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS), with a significant operational presence in Costa Rica. The company offers complex mechatronic solutions for a variety of high-tech industries, including medical technology, automotive, and aerospace. Its Costa Rican facility is a key part of its international network, known for its high-quality production and engineering capabilities.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Costa Rica Medical Devices Cluster
About Costa Rica Medical Devices Cluster:
The Costa Rica Medical Devices Cluster is a collaborative initiative that brings together multinational corporations, local suppliers, academia, and government entities. Its mission is to strengthen the competitiveness and sophistication of the country’s life sciences ecosystem by fostering innovation, developing local talent, and promoting synergies among its members to solidify Costa Rica’s position as a global MedTech hub.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a renowned legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to principled practice and exceptional client service. The firm consistently pushes the boundaries of legal innovation while upholding a deep-seated commitment to making the law understandable for everyone. This core philosophy of sharing knowledge is aimed at empowering individuals and strengthening the community, fostering a society that is both legally aware and confident.
