Market
Dried kidney beans (HS 071333) in Costa Rica are an import-dependent staple commodity with domestic production that is often insufficient to fully cover national demand. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) for 2023 shows large gross imports of HS 071333 into Costa Rica, with Nicaragua and the United States as the leading suppliers by value and volume. Costa Rica also reports some exports of HS 071333, but at a much smaller scale than imports. Domestic supply development includes locally bred red-bean cultivars and seed system oversight involving national institutions, alongside a policy mechanism that enables preferential-tariff imports of beans in declared shortage situations under Law 8763.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent) with domestic production
Domestic RoleDiet-essential legume commodity with domestic production supported by national breeding and seed certification institutions
Risks
Phytosanitary HighNon-compliance with Costa Rica’s SFE plant-quarantine import requirements (e.g., missing/incorrect phytosanitary certification or failure at point-of-entry inspection) can lead to shipment delay, treatment, or rejection, disrupting supply into an import-dependent market for HS 071333.Verify the exact SFE import requirement profile for the product/origin/presentation pre-shipment; align certificate wording, treatments (if any), and lot identification with the SFE checklist and importer registration requirements.
Supply Concentration MediumCosta Rica’s HS 071333 import supply is concentrated in a small number of origins (notably Nicaragua and the United States in 2023 UN Comtrade/WITS data), increasing exposure to origin-side crop shocks, policy changes, or cross-border disruptions.Qualify secondary origins and maintain flexible procurement contracts aligned to SFE requirements to reduce single-origin dependency.
Policy And Allocation MediumPreferential-tariff import access for beans in shortage situations is governed by a specific legal framework (Law 8763) with performance/eligibility conditions and administrative processes; misunderstanding eligibility or timing can affect landed-cost assumptions and availability.Track official shortage determinations and allocation procedures under Law 8763 and associated regulations; separate commercial planning for preferential versus standard import regimes.
Food Safety MediumQuality degradation during storage and transit (moisture ingress, mold, and insect damage) can create food-safety and quality non-conformities, especially in humid conditions along the supply chain.Use moisture-controlled storage, specify maximum moisture/defect tolerances in contracts, and implement pre-shipment and arrival inspection/testing protocols.
Logistics LowMultimodal routing (regional land plus sea and inland legs) can create variability in lead times; delays can tighten availability when domestic production is seasonally or structurally insufficient.Hold safety stock and diversify routing options; align purchase schedules to border and port clearance capacity.
FAQ
Which countries supply most of Costa Rica’s dried kidney bean (HS 071333) imports?In 2023 UN Comtrade data (via WITS), Nicaragua and the United States were the two largest suppliers of Costa Rica’s HS 071333 imports by both value and volume.
What is a key phytosanitary requirement for importing plant products like dried beans into Costa Rica?Costa Rica’s plant quarantine authority (MAG’s Servicio Fitosanitario del Estado, SFE) manages phytosanitary import requirements through its official portal, which includes phytosanitary certification and point-of-entry inspection as core controls (requirements vary by product, origin, and presentation).
Is there a mechanism for preferential-tariff bean imports when Costa Rica faces a supply shortfall?Yes. Law N° 8763 establishes a framework for importing beans (frijol) and white maize with preferential tariffs in shortage situations, subject to performance requirements and administrative procedures described in the law.