Costa Rica
BannedOnline Sales
Prohibited
Offline Sales
Prohibited
Legal Age
18+
Ban Scope
National
Complete Policy Details
Sales Bans
According to RTCR 519-2025 and regulations prohibiting oral nicotine products, the registration, import, export, manufacturing, storage, distribution, and sale of electronic cigarettes and related products are prohibited.
Latest Developments
The core goal of regulation RTCR 519-2025 is to eliminate the appeal of electronic cigarettes to minors, introduce a comprehensive flavor ban, and prohibit fruit, candy, and dessert flavors.
On March 6, 2026, Costa Rican health authorities implemented a ban under new regulations, prohibiting the use of electronic cigarettes in entertainment venues and sports facilities such as health centers, workplaces, educational institutions, shopping centers, bars, restaurants, hotels, etc.
Policy Trends
1. Total ban on flavors: RTCR 519-2025 prohibits all characteristic flavors and aromas, especially for fruit, candy, and dessert flavors.
2. Strict packaging design restrictions: Packaging must not contain cartoon characters, sports logos, or designs that imitate toys and everyday items.
Taxation
Value added tax: 13% (standard tax rate)
Special Consumption Tax: Nicotine containing e-liquid ₡ 500/mL (≈ 0.8 USD)
Equipment: 25% of CIF price
Environmental surcharge: 300 yuan/piece for disposable equipment
Import tariff: 15% (Eastern Caribbean Dollar EC $)
Sales Channel Restrictions
Comprehensive ban on sales: According to RTCR 519-2025 and regulations prohibiting oral nicotine products, the registration, import, export, manufacturing, storage, distribution, and sale of electronic cigarettes and related products are prohibited.
Prohibition on the use of electronic cigarettes in public places: It is prohibited to use electronic cigarettes in entertainment venues and sports facilities such as health centers, workplaces, educational institutions, shopping centers, bars, restaurants, hotels, etc.
Age Restrictions
18+
Product Specifications
Containers must pass child safety testing - battery safety: must pass Costa Rican electrical safety certification
Hardware Requirements
Comprehensive ban on sales: According to RTCR 519-2025 and regulations prohibiting oral nicotine products, the registration, import, export, manufacturing, storage, distribution, and sale of electronic cigarettes and related products are prohibited.
Prohibition on the use of electronic cigarettes in public places: It is prohibited to use electronic cigarettes in entertainment venues and sports facilities such as health centers, workplaces, educational institutions, shopping centers, bars, restaurants, hotels, etc.
Advertising Restrictions
Completely prohibit advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.
A comprehensive ban on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of nebulized products has been implemented to prevent the "normalization" of nicotine use in Costa Rican society.
Notification Requirements
Regulatory agencies: Costa Rican Ministry of Health (product approval, health risk assessment), Costa Rican Standards Agency (quality certification)
Must submit: Composition analysis report (including all excipient details), toxicology test data, safety assessment report, Spanish label sample
Electronic cigarette products need to be registered with the Ministry of Health
Policy Documents
RTCR 519-2025: Technical Regulations for Nicotine Product Administration (effective from August 6, 2026)
Regulation No. 10066 (Smoking Ban in Public Places)
Administrative Regulation No. 42342-S (effective from January 2024)
Resolution of the Ministry of Health to Ban the Import, Use, Sale, and Operation of Synthetic Nicotine Products in 2024
Competent Authorities
The Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud) is responsible for formulating policies, implementing regulations RTCR 519-2025, and conducting health risk assessments
Costa Rican Standards Agency: Product Quality Certification
Costa Rica Customs: Import Control, Tax Collection
Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS): Surveillance of Electronic Cigarette Related Diseases
Policy Details
The core goal of regulation RTCR 519-2025 is to eliminate the appeal of electronic cigarettes to minors, introduce a comprehensive flavor ban, and prohibit fruit, candy, and dessert flavors.
On March 6, 2026, Costa Rican health authorities implemented a ban under new regulations, prohibiting the use of electronic cigarettes in entertainment venues and sports facilities such as health centers, workplaces, educational institutions, shopping centers, bars, restaurants, hotels, etc.
1. Total ban on flavors: RTCR 519-2025 prohibits all characteristic flavors and aromas, especially for fruit, candy, and dessert flavors.
2. Strict packaging design restrictions: Packaging must not contain cartoon characters, sports logos, or designs that imitate toys and everyday items.
Last Updated: 2026-10