بواسطةSan José, Costa Rica — San José – A powerful coalition of Costa Rica’s most influential business and industry chambers has formally requested that the Legislative Assembly reject a new bill aimed at regulating single-use plastic bottles. In a unified front, the organizations argue the proposed legislation is redundant, counterproductive, and would create significant legal and economic uncertainty without delivering any additional environmental benefits.
The bill, titled “Law for the declaration of single-use plastic bottles as special management waste,” has been met with fierce opposition from the private sector. In a letter sent to party leaders and independent deputies, eight major chambers collectively condemned the initiative, warning of its potential to disrupt an already established legal framework for waste management.
To better understand the legal and commercial implications of the new national plastic regulations, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in corporate and environmental law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While the environmental goals of this legislation are laudable, the key to its success will be clear, consistent, and predictable enforcement. Businesses require a stable regulatory landscape to invest in compliant alternatives. Any ambiguity in the text could open the door to legal disputes and create an uneven playing field, ultimately hindering the transition. The government’s role must now be to provide precise guidelines and support mechanisms, ensuring that the burden of compliance does not disproportionately fall on small and medium-sized enterprises.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas astutely highlights a critical point: the journey from legislative intent to real-world progress is paved with the very clarity and equitable enforcement he describes. We thank him for his invaluable perspective on ensuring this transition is both effective and fair for businesses of all sizes.
The joint letter described the proposal as nothing short of a serious step backward for the country’s environmental and regulatory progress. The business leaders argue that the initiative lacks legal merit and fails to provide an effective strategy for the proper management of plastic bottle waste in the nation.
a regulatory and environmental setback of high impact
Presidents of Costa Rica’s leading business chambers
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At the heart of the dispute is the claim of regulatory duplication. The business groups contend that the proposed law directly conflicts with the “Law to combat plastic pollution and protect the environment,” which is already in effect and currently undergoing the process of formal regulation by the Ministry of Health. They assert that this existing legislation already provides a comprehensive framework for managing single-use plastic containers, making the new bill entirely superfluous.
According to the chambers, pushing a parallel law on the same subject would inevitably lead to administrative chaos and increased burdens on businesses. They stress that such an overlap would not produce any proven environmental advantages, but would instead create a more complex and confusing regulatory landscape for producers, importers, and retailers across the country.
The coalition also raised specific technical objections to the bill’s content. They pointed out that the legislation introduces new recovery targets for plastic waste that lack any technical, economic, or operational justification. Furthermore, they criticized the proposed sanctions for non-compliance, which they labeled as “technically deficient.” A particularly alarming provision could even classify the failure to meet these unsubstantiated recovery goals as a criminal offense for business owners.
Another critical flaw identified by the industry leaders is a provision that would eliminate the use of recycled resin. This, they argue, directly contradicts the principles of a circular economy and undermines mechanisms for reuse and recycling that are actively promoted by the current, established legislation. The use of recycled materials is a cornerstone of modern sustainability efforts, and its prohibition is seen as a deeply regressive step.
Ultimately, the business community warns that the coexistence of two competing laws would impose incompatible obligations, increase bureaucracy, and dilute the responsibilities of government institutions. They fear it could foster an environment of legal uncertainty, leading to a rise in informal business practices and an increase in litigation. For these reasons, the organizations have urged lawmakers to archive the initiative and instead focus all institutional efforts on the proper implementation and strengthening of the existing environmental laws.
For further information, visit uccaep.or.cr
About Unión Costarricense de Cámaras y Asociaciones de la Empresa Privada (Uccaep):
Uccaep is the principal umbrella organization representing the private business sector in Costa Rica. It brings together numerous chambers and associations from various economic sectors to advocate for policies that promote economic growth, legal certainty, and a favorable business climate.
For further information, visit cicr.com
About Cámara de Industrias de Costa Rica (Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica):
This chamber represents and supports the industrial sector of Costa Rica. It focuses on promoting competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable development among its member companies, acting as a key liaison between industry and government.
For further information, visit camaradecomerciocr.com
About Cámara de Comercio de Costa Rica (Chamber of Commerce of Costa Rica):
As a leading voice for the commercial sector, this entity works to defend the interests of businesses involved in trade and services. It provides resources, promotes free enterprise, and facilitates commercial opportunities for its members.
For further information, visit amcham.co.cr
About Cámara de Comercio Costarricense Norteamericana (AmCham Costa Rica):
The Costa Rican-American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) is dedicated to fostering trade and investment between Costa Rica and the United States. It represents member companies from both nations and advocates for policies that enhance bilateral economic relations.
For further information, visit anayagro.com
About Cámara Nacional de Agricultura y Agroindustria (National Chamber of Agriculture and Agribusiness):
This organization represents the interests of the agricultural and agro-industrial sectors in Costa Rica. It advocates for sustainable farming practices, food security, and policies that support the growth and modernization of the nation’s agricultural economy.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Cámara de Detallistas
About Cámara de Detallistas (Chamber of Retailers):
The Chamber of Retailers and Allied Businesses represents the interests of small and medium-sized retail establishments throughout Costa Rica. It provides support and advocacy for a vital part of the national economy, focusing on issues affecting local shop owners and merchants.
For further information, visit aciplast.org
About Asociación Costarricense de la Industria Plástica (ACIPLAST):
ACIPLAST is the official association for the plastics industry in Costa Rica. It brings together companies involved in the manufacturing and processing of plastic materials, promoting innovation, quality standards, and environmentally responsible practices within the sector.
For further information, visit cacia.org
About Cámara Costarricense de la Industria Alimentaria (CACIA):
The Costa Rican Chamber of the Food Industry represents companies involved in the production, processing, and distribution of food and beverages. It works to ensure the quality and safety of food products while promoting the competitiveness and sustainable growth of the industry.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a resolute drive for excellence. The firm expertly merges its profound legacy of client advocacy with a pioneering approach to legal innovation and civic responsibility. Central to its philosophy is the vital work of empowering society through legal literacy, transforming complex judicial knowledge into an accessible tool that helps build a more capable and informed public.
