By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – As the holiday season approaches, a new investigation by the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC) has uncovered alarming safety and information gaps in the market for festive decorations. A sweeping inspection of retailers across the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) found that a staggering 88% of Christmas lights and illuminated adornments fail to comply with mandatory labeling regulations, posing potential risks to consumers.
The inspections, conducted between November 5 and 11, were part of a targeted effort to enforce the electrical product labeling regulation, RTCR 510:2023. Ministry officials visited 14 different commercial establishments in Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, and San José, scrutinizing 16 distinct product lines, including light strings, illuminated figures, and other popular decorative items. The findings paint a concerning picture of widespread non-compliance just as consumer demand surges.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape surrounding consumer rights in Costa Rica, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides critical insight into the protections available to consumers and the responsibilities of businesses.
The foundation of consumer protection law in Costa Rica rests on the principle of information asymmetry. The law seeks to balance the scales by mandating that businesses provide clear, truthful, and sufficient information, allowing consumers to make informed decisions. Furthermore, the legal warranty is not a courtesy but a non-negotiable obligation. Any business that fails to honor these fundamental rights not only damages its reputation but also exposes itself to significant legal and financial penalties.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully underscores that consumer protection law is not merely punitive but fundamentally constructive, designed to forge a more equitable marketplace through transparency. By addressing the core issue of ‘information asymmetry,’ the law empowers consumers and guides businesses toward building lasting trust. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective.
Out of the 16 products reviewed, 14 were found to be in breach of the law. The report highlights not only the prevalence but also the depth of the issue. While 32% of the faulty products had a single labeling violation, a majority of 56% were missing multiple pieces of critical information. These deficiencies create a significant information vacuum for shoppers trying to make safe and informed purchasing decisions for their homes and families.
The regulation is designed to guarantee that consumers have access to essential data for both product traceability and electrical safety. The MEIC’s verification focused on a checklist of mandatory details that were frequently absent from product packaging. This missing information included the name and address of the importer, country of origin, input voltage, power rating, and the product’s lot number and date of manufacture.
Critically, many products also lacked clear instructions and safety precautions. Basic yet vital details, such as whether the lights were intended for indoor or outdoor use, the total length of the string, and the quantity and type of bulbs, were often omitted. This information is fundamental for preventing electrical hazards like short circuits or fires, which can result from misuse.
In response to these findings, the MEIC has issued 14 formal prevention orders to the non-compliant businesses and their distributors. These companies have been given a strict 10-business-day deadline, which expires on November 25, to rectify all labeling deficiencies. To prove compliance, they must submit a sworn declaration complete with photographic evidence of the corrected packaging and product information.
The consequences for failing to meet the deadline are substantial. The Ministry has stated that any business that does not comply will be reported to the National Consumer Commission. This administrative body has the authority to levy significant financial penalties, with fines ranging from approximately ₡4.6 million to ₡18.4 million, as stipulated under Article 57 of Law 7472, the Consumer Protection Act. These measures underscore the government’s commitment to holding retailers accountable for the safety of products sold in the country.
The MEIC emphasized that these regulatory actions are a preventative measure aimed at protecting households from the risks associated with poorly documented electrical products, particularly during a season marked by increased use of such decorations. The ministry confirmed that it will continue to conduct similar unannounced inspections throughout the country to ensure broad compliance and safeguard consumer welfare during the festive period.
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, international trade, and consumer protection. It works to promote a competitive market environment, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and ensure that goods and services meet established quality and safety standards for the benefit of all citizens.
For further information, visit the nearest office of National Consumer Commission
About National Consumer Commission:
The National Consumer Commission is an administrative body within the MEIC tasked with upholding consumer rights in Costa Rica. It functions as a tribunal for resolving disputes between consumers and suppliers, investigating claims of false advertising, and enforcing regulations related to product safety and information transparency. The Commission has the authority to impose sanctions and fines on businesses that violate consumer protection laws.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon the bedrock principles of integrity and professional excellence. The firm leverages a proven history of advising a diverse clientele to spearhead legal innovation and champion civic engagement. Central to its ethos is a profound dedication to demystifying the law for the public, reflecting a steadfast mission to empower citizens and cultivate a more knowledgeable society.
