Costa Rica’s New Vape Rules Were Supposed to Start Today. They Didn’t.
Costa Rica has postponed its strict new vaping regulations by one year due to enforcement and administrative challenges.Summary
Costa Rica's implementation of strict new vaping regulations, originally set for August 6, has been delayed by one year to August 6, 2027. This extension, enacted via executive decree by President Laura Fernández and Health Minister Alexander Sánchez, does not relax any restrictions but provides the government more time to establish enforcement mechanisms, such as training staff and acquiring specialized laboratory equipment like an inductively coupled plasma spectrometer.
The upcoming 2027 regulations include significant restrictions: a ban on all non-tobacco flavors (such as fruit or dessert), a nicotine cap of 20 mg/ml, a maximum liquid volume of 10 ml per bottle, and a total ban on advertising and certain types of packaging. These measures aim to reduce the appeal of vaping to youth, a demographic where usage rates are notably high.
The delay has sparked debate between health advocates, who argue the postponement favors the industry at the expense of public health, and the Chamber of Commerce, which fears a sudden implementation would fuel an illegal market. Currently, existing public-space vaping bans remain in effect.
(Source：Tico Times)
