16 December 2019

Costa Rica requests comments on proposed Authorized Economic Operator Regulation

On 6 December 2019, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Finance and the Customs General Directorate requested comments on a newly released draft of the Authorized Economic Operator Regulation. Commenters have 10 business days (i.e., until 19 December 2019) to submit comments or recommendations about the draft.

The new regulation proposes new benefits for companies that are already certified as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), and those seeking certification.

According to Article 12 of the regulation, AEOs may claim the following benefits:

  1. Decrease in the percentage of physical and documentary inspections imposed on goods imported into Costa Rica
  2. Priority for physical and/or documentary inspections
  3. Priority when requesting customs procedures in the Customs National Service
  4. Coordination with the customs authorities for customs offices to extend hours to allow for border crossings, among other things
  5. Priority at border crossings
  6. Permission to use the “AEO Costa Rica” brand in company documentation and advertising
  7. Eligibility for pilot projects developed by the Customs National Service
  8. Priority during incidents or threats that close ports or borders
  9. Disclosure of the company's AEO certification in the Ministry of Finance’s digital media and at national and international events, with the company’s prior authorization
  10. Training in customs procedures and technical matters
  11. The ability to physically inspect goods in the importer’s facilities, instead of a specially designated port or bonded warehouse
  12. International recognition of the AEO through Mutual Recognition Agreements, indicating that the AEO operates a secure supply chain

Companies interested in making recommendations or comments on this new regulation, should email aguirrega@hacienda.go.cr and alvarezcs@hacienda.go.cr.

For additional information with respect to this Alert, please contact the following:

Ernst & Young, S.A., San José, Costa Rica
Ernst & Young LLP (United States), Latin American Business Center, New York
Ernst & Young LLP (United Kingdom), Latin American Business Center, London
Ernst & Young Tax Co., Latin American Business Center, Japan & Asia Pacific

ATTACHMENT

Document ID: 2019-6588