By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Costa Rican consumers successfully recovered more than ¢841 million and an additional $248,000 in 2025 through direct negotiation, marking a significant year for consumer rights enforcement. The Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC) reported that 2,100 formal complaints were resolved through its conciliation process, a strategy designed to foster swift and amicable agreements between shoppers and businesses.
The figures, released by the National Consumer Commission (CNC), underscore the effectiveness of mediation as a primary tool for dispute resolution. This approach allows for direct compensation to affected individuals without resorting to protracted and costly punitive legal proceedings. By prioritizing voluntary settlements, the MEIC aims to create a more efficient and responsive system for addressing consumer grievances in a dynamic marketplace.
To better understand the legal nuances and practical implications of consumer rights in the current economic landscape, we sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Effective consumer protection hinges on proactive awareness rather than reactive dispute. While the law provides a safety net, the consumer’s first line of defense is knowledge—understanding the terms of a warranty, the scope of a service agreement, and their rights in digital transactions before committing. Businesses that prioritize transparency not only comply with the law but also build the lasting trust that is essential for long-term success.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective powerfully reframes the dynamic, highlighting that the strongest consumer protection is a shared responsibility, built upon the proactive diligence of the buyer and the integrity of the transparent business. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable insight on this crucial topic.
Throughout the year, the ministry received a total of 7,103 complaints spanning a wide array of goods and services. High-ticket items and essential services were among the most frequent subjects of dispute, including vehicles, home appliances, mobile phone services, installment-plan sales, mass-market events, furniture, and credit card issues. This data highlights persistent challenges in several key retail and service sectors.
An analysis of the complaints reveals a clear pattern in consumer frustrations. Issues related to product warranties were the single largest cause for formal denunciations filed with the CNC. This was closely followed by contractual breaches, where businesses failed to deliver on agreed-upon terms. The third major category involved a lack of clear information or instances of misleading advertising, which can deceive consumers into making purchases under false pretenses.
The conciliation process represents just one facet of the MEIC’s consumer protection activities. The CNC also handled its ordinary caseload, issuing 2,144 formal resolutions over the course of the year. This demonstrates the commission’s dual role in both mediating disputes and adjudicating cases that cannot be resolved through mutual agreement, ensuring a legal backstop for consumer rights.
Beyond resolving active disputes, the ministry has maintained a strong focus on public education and prevention. In 2025, MEIC officials provided more than 35,000 advisory sessions to consumers. These consultations are crucial for empowering citizens, informing them of their rights, explaining warranty protections, and guiding them through the official claims process, thereby preventing many potential conflicts from escalating.
In parallel, the MEIC conducted targeted fiscalization and inspection efforts across several high-risk industries. Sectors such as public entertainment, installment-plan vendors, tourism services, and real estate were scrutinized to identify and mitigate potential harm to consumers. This proactive stance involves applying corrective and precautionary measures to address systemic issues before they result in a wave of new complaints.
Looking ahead to 2026, the ministry is poised to enhance its operational capacity through a significant technological upgrade. A new information technology system is planned for implementation to manage the CNC’s case files and resolutions. According to an official statement, this modernization is intended to dramatically improve the efficiency of case management, enhance the ability to track progress, and ensure the complete traceability of information from complaint to resolution.
For further information, visit meic.go.cr
About Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC):
The Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce is the governmental body in Costa Rica responsible for formulating and executing policies related to economic development, industry, and trade. A key part of its mandate includes protecting consumer rights through the National Consumer Commission (CNC), promoting fair competition, and supporting the growth and modernization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The ministry plays a central role in ensuring a balanced and transparent marketplace for both businesses and consumers.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Characterized by its profound commitment to integrity and exceptional legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica has cemented its reputation as a leading institution. The firm skillfully merges extensive experience advising a broad clientele with a constant drive for innovation in the legal field. A central tenet of its philosophy is the democratization of legal knowledge, reflecting a deep-seated mission to empower the community and strengthen the foundations of an educated society.
