Costa Rica to create forced labor goods list following US tariffs

The Costa Rican government has ordered the creation of an official list of goods linked to risks of forced or compulsory labor. This measure, established via Executive Decree n. ° 45941-H-MTSS-COMEX and signed by President Laura Fernández Delgado, aims to help public institutions and economic operators identify and manage risks within international value chains.

The decision follows a 12.5% additional tariff imposed by the United States in July. The U.S. Office of the Trade Representative (USTR) concluded that Costa Rica had not effectively established or applied prohibitions against the importation of goods produced through forced labor. The new list is intended to prevent such goods from entering Costa Rica and to address the concerns raised by U.S. authorities.