Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormNatural honey (liquid/creamed; retail and bulk formats)
Industry PositionConsumer Food Product
Market
Natural honey in Costa Rica is a regulated food product with both domestic production and substantial import dependence. UN Comtrade-based trade data (via WITS) indicates Costa Rica was a net importer in 2023, importing about USD 2.04 million of HS 040900 versus exporting about USD 0.28 million. Imports in 2023 were mainly sourced from neighboring Central American suppliers (notably El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala), while exports were small and concentrated (primarily France, with a minor volume to the United States). National authorities differentiate oversight between pure honey and honey-like syrups: SENASA states it supervises pure honey production/extraction/packaging controls, while the Ministry of Health oversees registration and control of other processed products such as syrups marketed as honey.
Market RoleNet importer with domestic production and limited niche exports
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supplied by imports plus local beekeeping and packing establishments
Risks
Bee Health HighCosta Rica’s national apiculture good-practice guidance documents the detection of the Small Hive Beetle (Pequeño Escarabajo de la Colmena, PEC) in 2015, noting it is geographically circumscribed (Región Chorotega) with ongoing active surveillance to prevent spread; expansion could materially disrupt colony health, yields, and the movement of hives and related supply flows.Apply SENASA-aligned biosecurity and monitoring, restrict and document hive movements from risk areas, and implement rapid detection/response practices to avoid spread beyond the Región Chorotega.
Food Fraud MediumSENASA reports market complaints about products labeled as “pure honey” that are allegedly syrups with other components (e.g., glucose), creating reputational risk, potential enforcement actions, and buyer distrust that can disrupt legitimate honey commercialization.Strengthen authenticity controls (supplier qualification, batch traceability, routine lab verification) and ensure labeling/claims are compliant and verifiable.
Regulatory Compliance MediumNon-compliance with Costa Rica food registration and labeling requirements (e.g., Registro Sanitario, Permiso Sanitario de Funcionamiento, and label requirements referenced by Decreto N° 37280) can delay or block market entry for imported or locally marketed packaged honey products.Validate the full document checklist with the Ministry of Health before shipment/launch and pre-audit labels against Decreto N° 37280 requirements.
Supply Concentration MediumCosta Rica’s honey supply is import-dependent, with 2023 import sourcing concentrated in neighboring Central American countries; shocks affecting regional suppliers can tighten availability and raise procurement risk for packers and retailers.Diversify approved origins and maintain contingency sourcing and safety stock policies for high-turn retail SKUs.
Sustainability- Agrochemical exposure and disease-control substances are highlighted as research and management concerns due to potential impacts on bee health and the safety/quality of hive-derived products.
- Biodiversity and forage/floral resource management are relevant for productivity and differentiation (e.g., forest/coffee-farm positioned honeys in specialty channels).
FAQ
Is Costa Rica a net importer or exporter of natural honey?Costa Rica is a net importer. UN Comtrade-based figures published via the World Bank’s WITS show that in 2023 Costa Rica imported about USD 2.04 million of natural honey (HS 040900) while exporting about USD 0.28 million.
Which authorities oversee honey safety and market control in Costa Rica?SENASA states it supervises the production, extraction, packaging, storage, transport, and commercialization of pure honey in Costa Rica as part of its food-safety mandate. The Ministry of Health is the authority for food registration (Registro Sanitario) and also oversees registration/control of other processed products such as syrups, according to SENASA’s clarification and the Ministry of Health’s registration guidance.
What are common requirements to register imported packaged honey for sale in Costa Rica?The Ministry of Health’s food registration guidance lists requirements for imported foods including a Certificate of Free Sale (apostilled or consularized), the original label (with translations if needed), complementary labeling per Decreto N° 37280 (Anexo A), and a valid Permiso Sanitario de Funcionamiento for the relevant activity (e.g., storage/warehouse/wholesale).