The World Trade Organization determined that Costa Rica did not present sufficient scientific justification to limit the importation of Mexican Hass-type avocado. In 2015, the government of Luis Guillermo Solís stopped the importation of Hass avocado due to the risk that Sun Blotch would affect the country’s agriculture, a decision that was denounced before the WTO by Mexico, Guatemala, the United States, and South Africa.
In March 2017, Mexico filed a formal complaint with the WTO, against Costa Rica for the prohibition on entry of the product to the country. The administration of Carlos Alvarado maintained the limitations.
The WTO panel considered it a legitimate objective to protect the country, in order to achieve an adequate level of phytosanitary protection. But they recommended that Costa Rica modify the measures established for aspects related to pest risk analysis and pest surveillance and verification processes, concluding that the scientific basis of the measures is insufficient.
The former ambassador of Costa Rica to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Manuel Tovar, said that the conclusion of the panel is forceful so that Mexico could impose sanctions in products that Costa Rica exports to it.
Source: qcostarica.com
