Costa Rica Ratifies FAL Convention

Costa Rica is the latest country to ratify the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention).

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) treaty enhances communication between ships and ports to help shipments move more quickly, more easily and more efficiently.

Rafael Ortiz Fábrega, Ambassador of Costa Rica, met IMO Secretary-General at IMO Headquarters, London (12 February) to deposit the instrument of accession.

FAL matters because, if it goes smoothly, shipments move more quickly, more easily and more efficiently. But if it goes badly, delays, inefficiencies and extra costs are inevitable, IMO said.

Statistics show that countries with more efficient FAL infrastructure have better import and export figures. There’s a clear link between reducing red tape and competitiveness.

Efficient trade facilitation can help reduce transport costs and thereby contribute to sustainable development.