Costa Rica Regulation on Biofuels 2009

The Regulation on Biofuels aims to foster the development of the biofuel industry in Costa Rica. It regulates the production, transportation, storage and trade of biofuels.

It designates the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications (MINAET) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) as the institutions in charge of promoting, implementing and managing the development of the National Biofuels Programme.

According to the decree, prices of raw materials used in the production of biofuels as well as the sale prices of biofuels to consumers and to the national oil refinery (RECOPE) are to be determined by the market. However, the prices of fossil fuels mixed with biofuels are regulated by the competent national authority.

The Decree sets up the National Research and Development Bioenergy Policy to enhance the environmental sustainability of biofuel production, increase production, and support research in new sources of biomass.

Furthermore, it establishes a blending mandate, with proportions and timeline to be determined by the government, between 0-8% for bioethanol and 0-5% for biodiesel.

Finally, it includes biofuels in the carbon markets and establishes the priority of food production over biofuels.

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