In February 2017, the National Chemical Policy entered into force through declaration 40.148-S-MINAE-MAG-MTSS-RE-H in Costa Rica. The Policy establishes the Technical Secretariat of Coordination for the Management of Chemical Substances as a responsible agency to coordinate the necessary actions in facilitating the policy implementation. Its general objectives are:

• Reduce risks in the rational management of chemical substances, including articles and merchandise, throughout their life cycle;
• Promote knowledge, information, and public awareness as an empowering element in decision-making;
• Discuss governance as a critical aspect addressed through a multisectoral approach to achieve the sound management of chemicals;
• Strengthen institutional capacity building and technical assistance;
• Prevent and control international illicit traffic of chemical substances.