Yes, beekeeping is legal in Costa Rica, but compliance with environmental and agricultural regulations is mandatory. The Ley de Protección Fitosanitaria (Law 7664) and Reglamento de Sanidad Apícola (Decree 36923-MAG) govern hive registration, disease control, and apiary location. Municipal ordinances and the Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación (SINAC) may impose additional restrictions near protected zones.
Key Regulations for Keeping Bees in Costa Rica
- Apiary Registration: All beekeepers must register hives with the Servicio Fitosanitario del Estado (SFE) under the Ministry of Agriculture (MAG), including GPS coordinates for apiary sites. Failure to register risks fines up to ₡5 million (~$9,000 USD) under Ley de Sanidad Vegetal.
- Disease Surveillance: Hives must undergo annual inspections for Varroa destructor and Aethina tumida (small hive beetle). The SFE enforces mandatory treatments, with eradication protocols for detected outbreaks. Non-compliance triggers quarantine measures per Decreto Ejecutivo 36923-MAG.
- Protected Areas & Zoning: Apiaries are prohibited within 500 meters of national parks, biological reserves, or indigenous territories per Ley Forestal 7575 and SINAC guidelines. Urban beekeeping requires municipal permits, with density limits (max 5 hives per 100m²) enforced by local ordinances.
Recent 2026 amendments to Reglamento de Sanidad Apícola introduce stricter pesticide residue testing for honey exports, aligning with EU and U.S. standards. Non-resident beekeepers must appoint a local SFE-certified agent for inspections. Violations of apiary siting or chemical use may result in hive destruction and legal action under Código Penal Ambiental.