Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
In Costa Rica, fresh apples are primarily supplied through imports for domestic consumption. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) show Costa Rica imported fresh apples (HS 080810) valued at about USD 26.7 million in 2023, with major supply from Chile and the United States and additional volumes from European origins. The Servicio Fitosanitario del Estado (SFE, MAG) administers phytosanitary import requirements for fresh plant products, including issuance of an official phytosanitary requirements form prior to import and inspection at points of entry. Compliance with quarantine pest requirements and maximum residue limits is a central market-access consideration.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supplied mainly by imports
Market GrowthMixed (recent years)year-to-year import swings
SeasonalityYear-round market availability is supported by imports from multiple origins.
Specification
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin orchard & packhouse → refrigerated transport (often sea reefer for long-distance origins) → Costa Rica port entry → SFE documentary/physical inspection → importer cold storage → wholesale/retail distribution
Temperature- Cold-chain discipline is required during transport and storage to preserve firmness and reduce decay risk.
Atmosphere Control- Controlled-atmosphere handling may be used for some long-distance import programs depending on supplier specifications.
Shelf Life- Quality and shelf life are sensitive to delays, temperature breaks, and dehydration during distribution.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFailure to meet Costa Rica’s SFE import phytosanitary requirements (including required official forms/documents) or interception of quarantine pests can lead to rejection, mandated treatment, re-export, or destruction of the shipment.Obtain the official SFE phytosanitary requirements form before shipment where required, align the origin phytosanitary certificate to SFE requirements, and run pre-shipment checks to reduce pest/defect risk.
Logistics MediumRefrigerated transport disruptions, port delays, or temperature excursions can reduce quality and increase shrink and claims for imported apples.Use monitored reefer logistics (temperature logging), build lead-time buffers, and ensure importer cold-storage capacity and rotation planning.
Food Safety MediumMaximum residue limit (LMR) non-compliance for unprocessed plant products is a stated import requirement and can trigger enforcement actions or market withdrawal.Implement residue-management programs with suppliers and verify with accredited residue testing aligned to Costa Rica’s applicable limits.
Sustainability- Agrochemical residue (LMR) compliance for imported fresh plant products is a stated requirement in SFE import guidance.
- Cold-chain energy use and packaging waste are material sustainability considerations for long-distance imported fresh fruit.
FAQ
Is Costa Rica a producer/exporter or an importer market for fresh apples?Costa Rica is primarily an importer market for fresh apples. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) show imports of fresh apples (HS 080810) around USD 26.7 million in 2023, while only small export shipments are reported.
What are commonly required phytosanitary documents and steps to import fresh apples into Costa Rica?Costa Rica’s SFE (MAG) guidance indicates importers may need an official phytosanitary requirements form issued by SFE (as applicable) and an official phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin, along with standard shipping documents (e.g., bill of lading/airway bill and commercial invoice). Shipments are subject to inspection at points of entry.
What can happen if a fresh-apple shipment fails SFE inspection or has quarantine pest findings?SFE states that if a shipment does not meet requirements or quarantine pests are intercepted, it can be subject to measures such as re-export, phytosanitary treatment, or destruction under an administrative resolution.