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Costa Rica and the United States Sign Customs Information-Sharing Memorandum to Strengthen Risk Analysis

By IDEAS

Costa Rica and the United States have signed a memorandum of cooperation to strengthen customs controls, improve cargo risk analysis, and prevent smuggling and other transnational customs offences through the exchange of cargo manifest information.

The memorandum was signed on September 22 by Costa Rican Finance Minister Rodrigo Chaves Robles and Casey O. Durst, Executive Assistant Commissioner of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It entered into force upon signature, according to an official statement issued by Costa Rica’s Ministry of Finance.

Implementation will be coordinated by Costa Rica’s General Directorate of Customs and CBP.

Cargo information and risk assessment

The agreement establishes a framework for exchanging information on cargo manifests and means of transport covering maritime, air, and land shipments. The information includes the consignor, consignee, description and weight of the goods, container details, and customs declaration numbers.

Under the arrangement, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will provide Costa Rica’s customs authorities with selected cargo manifest information. It will also notify Costa Rican authorities when information from Costa Rica matches lists identifying cargo or entities considered high-risk.

The United States will additionally provide technical assistance to strengthen Costa Rica’s capacity to analyse cargo manifests and identify potential risks.

In return, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Finance, through its General Directorate of Customs, will transmit national cargo manifest information to CBP, provide the necessary data transmission channels and implementation personnel, and ensure compliance with the confidentiality standards applicable to the exchanged information.

A focus on international supply chain security

The memorandum supports the bilateral implementation of the World Customs Organization’s SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade, which seeks to strengthen supply chain security while facilitating legitimate international commerce.

By enabling customs authorities to exchange shipment data and identify potential high-risk cargo, the agreement is intended to support more targeted risk assessment and help authorities allocate inspection resources more effectively.

The arrangement reflects the role of international cooperation and information exchange in addressing customs risks that can extend beyond national borders.

Implications for international trade

For companies involved in international trade, cargo transportation, logistics, and customs operations, the agreement highlights the importance of accurate shipment information and effective customs compliance procedures.

Consistent cargo descriptions, reliable identification of consignors and consignees, and accurate supporting documentation are important elements of the information used by customs authorities to assess risk.

The memorandum also underscores the importance of confidentiality safeguards when customs information is exchanged between jurisdictions.

Although the agreement establishes a framework for cooperation, the official announcement does not specify the volume of information to be exchanged, detailed implementation timelines beyond its entry into force, or operational results. Its practical impact will therefore depend on how the two customs administrations implement the arrangement.