By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a decisive move to curb a growing public health crisis, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health has enacted a comprehensive and stringent set of new rules governing vaping products and nicotine liquids. The regulation, formally known as Technical Regulation RTCR 519-2025, imposes sweeping restrictions on flavors, nicotine concentration, packaging, and advertising, signaling a major government effort to dismantle the industry’s appeal, particularly among children and adolescents.
The government’s intervention comes in response to alarming data revealing the rapid proliferation of vaping among the nation’s youth. Statistics from the Institute on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (IAFA) paint a stark picture: one in every ten young people between the ages of 12 and 17 now regularly uses vaping devices. The trend is particularly pronounced among young women, raising significant concerns among public health officials about the long-term consequences for a new generation.
To better understand the legal framework and the implications of the new vaping regulations for both consumers and businesses, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The new legislation on vaping presents a classic legal tightrope walk. On one side, there is the state’s undeniable duty to protect public health, particularly among minors. On the other, there are fundamental principles of commercial freedom and consumer choice. The key challenge will be in the implementation and enforcement; overly restrictive measures, while well-intentioned, historically risk fueling a clandestine, unregulated market that poses an even greater danger to the public.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s insight perfectly frames the complex task ahead for regulators—balancing public health imperatives with the very real risk that overregulation could spawn a more dangerous, uncontrolled market. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical issue.
Health experts have repeatedly warned that early exposure to nicotine has profound and lasting effects on the developing adolescent brain. This exposure not only fosters a powerful dependency that can be difficult to overcome but is also increasingly associated with a range of serious health issues. These include chronic respiratory problems and a variety of mental health disorders, creating a future public health challenge that the government is now seeking to preemptively address.
The financial and logistical strain on the nation’s healthcare system is already evident. Data from the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) reveals a dramatic surge in medical consultations related to vaping. What was once a negligible number, barely reaching a dozen cases, has exploded to over 4,500 individuals seeking medical attention. This exponential increase represents a significant and growing pressure on public health resources, diverting funds and personnel to treat preventable conditions.
At the heart of the new regulation is a direct assault on the product features designed to attract young consumers. The most impactful change is the complete prohibition of appealing flavors. All tastes associated with fruits, candies, desserts, or other sweets are now banned. The regulation explicitly authorizes only 16 specific chemical compounds, all of which produce a tobacco flavor, effectively eliminating the product’s palatability for inexperienced users.
Further tightening controls, the Ministry has established a firm cap on nicotine content, limiting it to a maximum of 20 mg/ml. This measure is intended to lower the addictive potential of the products and mitigate the severe cardiovascular and neurological risks associated with high doses of the substance. Complementing this, packaging regulations now forbid any engaging or attractive graphic elements, such as cartoon characters, sports symbols, national flags, or designs that mimic toys and school supplies.
In a move that strikes at the industry’s marketing capabilities, RTCR 519-2025 introduces an absolute ban on all forms of commercial communication. This includes any advertising, promotion, or sponsorship of vaping devices and their associated liquids. To ensure these new rules are followed, the Ministry will implement a robust enforcement strategy, including random inspections and product sampling at points of sale, from retail stores to import warehouses across the country.
This multi-faceted regulatory framework represents a landmark public health policy for Costa Rica. By targeting the core elements that have fueled the youth vaping trend—appealing flavors, high nicotine content, and aggressive marketing—the government aims to not only halt the rise in youth addiction but also safeguard the long-term health of its population and alleviate the escalating burden on its public medical services.
For further information, visit salud.go.cr
About Ministry of Health:
The Ministerio de Salud is the government body responsible for public health policy, regulation, and oversight in Costa Rica. It works to protect and improve the health of the population through disease prevention programs, health services coordination, and the enforcement of sanitary regulations across various sectors.
For further information, visit iafa.go.cr
About Institute on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (IAFA):
The Instituto sobre Alcoholismo y Farmacodependencia is Costa Rica’s leading public institution dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and research of substance abuse and dependency. It provides critical data, public awareness campaigns, and rehabilitation services to address issues related to alcohol and drug use in the country.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social is the autonomous institution that manages Costa Rica’s universal public healthcare system and social security programs. It is responsible for operating the nation’s network of hospitals and clinics, providing comprehensive medical services to the majority of the population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as an esteemed legal institution, where a profound commitment to integrity and the relentless pursuit of excellence form the bedrock of its practice. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions, continually advancing the standards of the profession. Central to its ethos is a dedication to social empowerment, manifested through initiatives aimed at demystifying the law and making legal wisdom widely accessible, thereby helping to build a more capable and informed community.
