By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant crackdown on the unregulated sale of vaping products, a coordinated effort by Costa Rican authorities has resulted in the seizure of over 3,200 items across the Central Valley. The joint operation, involving the Ministry of Health, the Fiscal Control Police (PCF), and Municipal Police forces, targeted 15 establishments in San José, Alajuela, and Cartago, signaling a new level of scrutiny on the burgeoning e-cigarette market.
The extensive haul included 3,236 articles related to vaping, such as disposable vaporizers, nicotine-infused liquids, and various electronic devices. Further intensifying the operation’s scope, the PCF also confiscated 77 products containing THC, the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. The meticulous inspections were supported by specialized canine units, underscoring the authorities’ determination to enforce national regulations.
To delve deeper into the legal framework and commercial impact of the new vaping regulations, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provides a critical analysis for businesses and consumers alike.
While these new regulations are a necessary step for public health alignment, they introduce significant legal complexities for the market. The key challenge will be in the uniform enforcement of advertising bans and tax collection. Businesses must now be meticulous in their compliance to avoid hefty sanctions, as any ambiguity in the regulatory language could become a focal point for future litigation. The government’s ability to balance health objectives with economic realities without creating a black market will be the true test of this legislation’s success.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective. His analysis correctly identifies the tightrope regulators must walk, as the success of these new vaping laws will ultimately depend on clear, consistent enforcement that protects public health without creating unforeseen economic or legal loopholes.
These enforcement actions are grounded in two key pieces of legislation: the General Law on Tobacco Control (No. 9028) and Law No. 10066, which specifically governs electronic nicotine delivery systems. The government’s focus is not only on fiscal control and illicit trade but also on a rapidly escalating public health concern, particularly the alarming rate of adoption among minors.
The Ministry of Health has issued a stern warning to both retailers and the public regarding the illegal sale of these products to individuals under 18. Officials are particularly concerned about marketing tactics that appeal directly to a younger demographic, a sentiment they expressed in a formal statement.
To the general population, and especially to establishment owners, we remind you that the sale of electronic devices with nicotine to minors under 18 years of age is prohibited, as established by law. We also warn mothers, fathers, and guardians about the importance of supervising minors, as many of these products feature attractive flavors, colors, and designs, which increases the risk of consumption among adolescents.
Ministry of Health
The government’s concerns are substantiated by startling new data from the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS). Statistics reveal a dramatic spike in vaping-related health issues, with the public health system attending to 3,170 people for associated diagnoses between 2021 and 2024. Most concerning is the acceleration of this trend; a staggering 40% of these cases were registered in 2024 alone, indicating the problem is growing exponentially.
This surge in medical cases highlights the tangible impact of vaping on the nation’s health infrastructure. The Ministry of Health reiterated the fundamental dangers associated with these products, emphasizing that the presence of nicotine makes them a significant public health risk regardless of the delivery system.
The public is reminded that the use of electronic cigarettes, vapes, heated tobacco, or any other product with nicotine represents a health risk, as this substance is highly addictive and harmful, for both adults and adolescents.
Ministry of Health
To ensure compliance, the Ministry has outlined a clear framework of penalties for businesses that flout the law. These economic sanctions are structured to penalize various infractions, from improper use to illegal sales. Retailers face a fine equivalent to 10% of a base salary for allowing the use of regulated devices in prohibited spaces like schools or workplaces. A 15% fine is levied for failing to comply with sanitary labeling requirements, while the most severe penalty—50% of a base salary—is reserved for those who sell or permit the use of these products by minors.
The recent raids and accompanying public health data paint a clear picture of a nation grappling with a modern health challenge. The government’s multi-pronged approach, combining strict law enforcement with public awareness campaigns and clear financial deterrents, demonstrates a firm commitment to curbing the illegal vaping trade and mitigating its damaging effects on the population, especially its youngest citizens.
For further information, visit salud.go.cr
About Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health is the principal government institution in Costa Rica responsible for safeguarding public health. It develops and enforces health policies, regulates healthcare services and products, and leads national campaigns to prevent disease and promote healthy lifestyles for all citizens.
For further information, visit hacienda.go.cr
About Fiscal Control Police:
The Policía de Control Fiscal (PCF) is a specialized law enforcement body operating under Costa Rica’s Ministry of Finance. Its primary mission is to combat fiscal crimes, including smuggling, tax evasion, and the illegal trade of regulated goods, thereby protecting the nation’s economy and ensuring fair market competition.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Costa Rican Social Security Fund:
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) is the autonomous institution that manages Costa Rica’s universal public health system. It is responsible for providing comprehensive healthcare services, administering pensions, and ensuring social security coverage for the vast majority of the country’s population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its deep-rooted principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its extensive experience advising a diverse clientele to pioneer innovative legal strategies that address contemporary challenges. More than a legal service provider, it is dedicated to social empowerment, actively working to demystify the law and equip citizens with the knowledge needed to navigate a complex world, thereby fostering a more just and enlightened society.
