Costa Rica Reach Regulation for Various Sectors

Mandatory since May 2018, the RTCR 478/2015 legislation aims to further introduce GHS standards and establish procedures for dangerous chemicals. According to this legislation, chemical products are divided into those that have CAS numbers and those that do not. Consequently, registration for dangerous chemicals without CAS number are required to provide SDS and labeling, while those addressed by CAS numbers are required only to provide a proper label. For health and environmental hazards, it is not required to obtain test data if it is not available. The substance classification criteria of a single component or mixture are used instead; therefore, it will be done only to the extent that the information available allows it. Further, a Sanitary Operating License is required for the substance to be imported and distributed nationwide. Substances registration can be done under the Health Ministry webpage.

In February 2017, the National Chemical Policy entered into force through declaration 40.148-S-MINAE-MAG-MTSS-RE-H in Costa Rica. The Policy establishes the Technical Secretariat of Coordination for the Management of Chemical Substances as a responsible agency to coordinate the necessary actions in facilitating the policy implementation. Its general objectives are to

(i) Reduce risks in the rational management of chemical substances, including articles and merchandise, throughout their life cycle;

(ii) Promote knowledge, information, and public awareness as an empowering element in decision-making;

(iii) Discuss governance as a critical aspect addressed through a multisectoral approach to achieve the sound management of chemicals;

(iv) strengthen institutional capacity building and technical assistance;

(v) Prevent and control international illicit traffic of chemical substances.

Consequently, an action plan has been under discussion since then, and in the process of consolidation for publication. The industrial chemical pragramme is part of the action plan and is also under development.

Adoption of GHS

In 2017, Costa Rica issued Technical Regulation (RTCR) 481/2015 responsible to provide labeling requirements for hazardous chemicals. The requirements are based on GHS 6^th revision, and foresees a 5-years adaptation time, entering into force on December 30, 2022. Meanwhile, chemicals may circulate with an old or new design.

Another legislation related to GHS is RTCR 478/2015, published in 2017 and mandatory since May, 2018. RTCR 478/2015’ objective is to further introduce GHS standards in the country, also based on the 6^th version. Additionally, it aims to establish requirements and procedures for the registration, importation, and control of dangerous chemicals. Therefore, those interested in doing business in Costa Rica should apply for the certificate “Certificado de Livre Venda de Produtos Químicos Perigosos”.

According to RTCR 478/2015, chemical products are divided into those that have CAS numbers and those that do not. Consequently, registration for dangerous chemicals without CAS numbers are required to provide SDS and labeling, while those addressed by CAS numbers are only required to provide a proper label.