Costa Rica Upholds Strict Vaping Regulations and Flavor Bans

The Constitutional Chamber of Costa Rica has officially dismissed an appeal (recurso de amparo) attempting to halt the country’s stringent new vaping regulations. The court ruled that the plaintiff—who claimed to use vapes for therapeutic purposes—failed to prove a concrete violation of constitutional rights. This decisive legal victory for the Ministry of Health clears the path for Technical Regulation RTCR 519-2025 to take full effect on August 6, 2026, establishing some of the strictest nicotine controls in Central America.

Technical Regulation RTCR 519-2025: The End of Flavors and Flashy Packaging

The core objective of the incoming regulation is to dismantle the appeal of e-cigarettes to minors. The legislation introduces a comprehensive ban on characterizing flavors and aromas, specifically targeting fruit, candy, and dessert profiles that health officials identify as key drivers of youth uptake.

Beyond flavors, the visual marketing of these products faces severe restrictions. Packaging can no longer feature characters, sports logos, or designs that mimic toys or everyday items. Furthermore, a total ban on the advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of vaping products has been enacted to prevent the “normalization” of nicotine use in Costa Rican society.

Chemical Limits and Enforcement Mechanisms

To directly address the risk of addiction and associated cardiovascular and neurological impacts, RTCR 519-2025 imposes strict chemical and volumetric limits. The maximum allowable nicotine concentration is now capped at 20 milligrams per milliliter (2%), mirroring the European Union’s TPD standards. Additionally, the volume of containers holding nicotine e-liquids cannot exceed 10 milliliters.

The Ministry of Health is not relying on voluntary compliance. The regulation strengthens oversight mechanisms, mandating random inspections and product sampling at retail points and warehouses to ensure strict adherence to the new chemical and packaging standards.

Regulatory Measure (RTCR 519-2025)	Specific Restriction
Nicotine Concentration Limit	Maximum 20 mg/ml (2%)
E-Liquid Volume Limit	Maximum 10 ml per container
Flavor Availability	Total ban on fruits, sweets, and desserts
Marketing & Packaging	No cartoons, toys, or sports logos; Total ad ban
Implementation Date	August 6, 2026

Public Health vs. Individual Liberty

The dismissal of the constitutional appeal sets a critical legal precedent in Costa Rica. It reinforces the State’s authority to prioritize public health and youth protection over arguments based on individual liberty or therapeutic use. By closing the loopholes that allowed youth-appealing products to flood the market, Costa Rica aligns its domestic policy with aggressive international trends aimed at curbing early-onset nicotine addiction among vulnerable populations.

Read more: Costa Rica Implements Stringent Vaping Regulations
News source: Sala IV rechaza recurso de amparo y respalda regulación de vapeadores

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.