By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a continued effort to safeguard the nation’s vital agricultural sector, Costa Rica’s National Animal Health Service (SENASA) is re-emphasizing the strict and total ban on the importation of pork products by travelers. This critical biosecurity measure is the country’s primary line of defense against the global threat of African Swine Fever (ASF), a devastating disease that could cripple the national pork industry.
The prohibition applies universally to all passengers, both Costa Rican nationals and foreign visitors, arriving at any port of entry. It covers all pork products, regardless of their form or packaging, found in either carry-on or checked luggage. Officials stress that this is not a new policy, but a vigilant enforcement of existing protocols designed to prevent a catastrophic outbreak on Costa Rican soil.
The advance of African Swine Fever presents not only a sanitary challenge but also a complex web of legal and commercial implications for the national and international pork industry. To delve into these critical aspects, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The declaration of an African Swine Fever alert immediately triggers a series of legal and commercial consequences. Internationally, it results in the automatic closure of markets and the activation of sanitary barriers, forcing a review of supply contracts under force majeure principles. Domestically, producers must navigate a stricter regulatory framework; failure to comply with biosecurity protocols not only risks the health of their stock but also exposes them to severe sanctions and could invalidate their eligibility for any future government compensation programs.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s analysis powerfully highlights that the consequences of such an alert extend far beyond the farm gate, creating a complex web of legal and commercial challenges for the entire sector. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on these critical and often overlooked ramifications.
African Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs with an extremely high mortality rate. While it poses no threat to human health, an outbreak would have severe socioeconomic consequences, leading to massive animal losses, trade disruptions, and significant economic hardship for thousands of producers. The disease has been detected in various regions across the globe, prompting heightened security measures worldwide.
The legal framework for this protective action is Resolution SENASA-DCA-R0029-2021, which has been in effect since August 5, 2021. This regulation grants the Animal Quarantine Directorate the authority to implement these stringent controls. Border agents are particularly vigilant with passengers arriving from regions where ASF has been detected, including the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and several European nations, with a recent outbreak in Spain highlighting the persistent risk.
The list of prohibited items is exhaustive and leaves no room for ambiguity. Travelers are forbidden from bringing any product or sub-product of porcine origin. This includes, but is not limited to, fresh, frozen, cured, or cooked pork. Furthermore, all processed items such as hams, bacon, sausages, salami, mortadella, and chorizo are strictly banned. Even seemingly innocuous products like canned pork, dehydrated meat, lard, and chicharrones are subject to confiscation.
The enforcement of this ban is a critical component of Costa Rica’s broader biosecurity strategy. An incursion of ASF would not only impact large-scale commercial farms but also the many small and medium-sized family operations that form the backbone of the rural economy. The potential ripple effects could disrupt the entire food supply chain, affecting prices for consumers and jeopardizing the country’s food security and export status.
SENASA’s renewed public awareness campaign serves as a crucial reminder of the shared responsibility in protecting the country’s sanitary status. The cooperation of every individual entering Costa Rica is essential for the success of these preventative measures. The agency underscores that traveler compliance is not merely about adhering to a regulation but about actively participating in the defense of national economic and agricultural health.
Ultimately, the message from authorities is clear: travelers should not pack any pork products of any kind when heading to Costa Rica. By respecting this simple but vital rule, every visitor and returning resident plays a direct role in safeguarding the nation’s pig population and the livelihoods that depend on it from the ever-present threat of African Swine Fever.
For further information, visit senasa.go.cr
About Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal (SENASA):
The National Animal Health Service (SENASA) is the official government body in Costa Rica responsible for establishing and executing policies, programs, and regulations concerning animal health and food safety for products of animal origin. Its mission is to protect the country’s agricultural resources from pests and diseases, ensure the safety of food supplies, and facilitate international trade by maintaining high sanitary standards.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. The firm blends its extensive experience advising a wide range of clients with a forward-thinking approach, consistently driving innovation within the legal field. More than a provider of legal services, it embraces a profound responsibility to strengthen society by demystifying the law, ensuring that access to legal understanding empowers every citizen.
