The Imprenta Nacional was recognized as a cash-free entity on March 13 after receiving certification and a flag from the Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR), with advisory support from Banco de Costa Rica (BCR).
This recognition, which took place at BCR’s central offices, marks that the Imprenta Nacional no longer conducts any transactions using physical money. The BCR presented the flag to be displayed at the Imprenta’s facilities, while the BCCR provided official documentation confirming this distinction.
Jorge Castro Fonseca, director general of the Imprenta Nacional, said, “this recognition as a Cash-Free Entity reaffirms our commitment to modernization and transparency in all our processes. The Imprenta Nacional advances with determination towards a safer, more efficient management model aligned with the country’s best practices. We thank Banco de Costa Rica for their support and Banco Central for their backing in this process. This certification confirms the constant work we have been doing for several years to strengthen our payment systems, reduce operational risks, and offer increasingly agile services to citizens.”
The process to obtain this certification lasted about three months and involved analyzing ten different criteria before confirming that no physical cash is handled by the institution. Fabio Montero, Commercial Deputy Manager of BCR, said, “At BCR we are very proud to have supported Imprenta Nacional in achieving this certification; we are proud to be their strategic allies in meeting their goals. Through our Impulso Sostenible business model we will continue generating actions to foster a banked society that prioritizes alternative means over cash as a way to promote security and efficiency in processes.”
The transition began years ago when Imprenta Nacional started working with BCR to implement financial products and tools such as SINPE Móvil Jurídico, BCR Compras cards for fuel payments, electronic transfers for services, and most recently advanced POS technology.
Francisco Carvajal Chavarría, Director of Payment Systems Department at BCCR said: “La Imprenta Nacional is an emblematic institution at national level; granting it this Cash-Free Entity certification fills us with satisfaction. Congratulations on your work and excellence as you join this national initiative that benefits us all; from Banco Central de Costa Rica our sincere recognition.”
The Cash-Free Entity Certification or Programa L is a national initiative led by Banco Central aimed at reducing cash use and increasing electronic transactions among public and private entities. It seeks broader financial inclusion while helping institutions lower operational risk and improve internal controls.
