The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided support to the National Customs Service (Servicio Nacional de Aduanas – SNA) of Costa Rica under the WCO Mercator Program, on 19 – 23 March 2018. The WCO team successfully conducted a scoping mission and recommended actions to effectively implement trade facilitation measures, taking into consideration local conditions and environment, as well as the WCO instruments and tools.

Prior to the in-field mission in Costa Rica, Customs authorities sent a series of documents, and information, which were fundamental for the development of the mission.  During the mission, the WCO team met with officials from the SNA, Customs Brokers and National Committee on Trade Facilitation (CONAFAC). The discussions were crucial to carry out an analysis of the current situation in relation to the implementation of the articles in Section I of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.

In addition, the WCO team also visited the cargo terminal in Aduana de Santamaria. The results obtained (roadmap and actions related to the implementation of the TFA) were presented to the Director-General and senior officials of the Costa Rica Customs.

The WCO will continue to support the Costa Rica SNA modernization program and the successful implementation of the TFA.