Costa Rica Shelves Bill to Regulate Vaping

Costa Rica Vape Regulation

A legislative committee in Costa Rica has shelved Bill 24.624, which aimed to regulate the use of e-cigarettes (vapers) nationwide. The Commission of Social Affairs of the Legislative Assembly voted 5 against and 2 in favor of archiving the initiative, citing concerns with the bill’s current wording and approach, despite acknowledging the growing and complex reality of vaping.

Deputies Katia Rivera (National Liberation Party – PLN) and Ada Acuña (Social Democratic Progress Party) were among those voting against, arguing the bill’s drafting was unsatisfactory. Conversely, Andrea Álvarez (PLN), who voted in favor, supported its core aims like labeling requirements, strengthening Ministry of Health oversight, advertising limits, and taxation, noting it was based on input from health officials.

Dr. Nydia Amador, president of the National Anti-Tobacco Network (Renata), expressed strong disappointment with the decision, lamenting that Renata was not consulted to provide scientific evidence justifying the bill’s approval. She stated, “Only pro-vaping chambers and associations were called; they did not listen to other voices that defend public health.” Dr. Amador questioned the motives of deputies voting against the bill, asserting they were not siding with youth affected by vaping. Renata urged lawmakers to legislate in favor of public health, referencing Costa Rica’s annual expenditure of over 300 billion colones on tobacco-related illnesses and over 2,000 annual deaths, a situation they fear will worsen with unregulated vaping. They pointed to countries like Panama and Uruguay that have implemented stricter controls or bans.

Matthew Ma
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