The Ministry of Health announced on March 19 that the Constitutional Court has rejected an appeal against Technical Regulation RTCR 519-2025, which strengthens controls over vaping products. The court’s decision means the appeal was dismissed immediately, as it could not be demonstrated that the regulation infringes constitutional rights.
This development is significant because it upholds new requirements for vaping liquids sold in Costa Rica, whether imported or locally produced. The regulation introduces stricter measures for control, labeling, advertising, waste disposal, and health surveillance of these products.
Under the new rules, only 16 chemicals with tobacco flavor are permitted in vape liquids. All other flavors that might appeal to children and adolescents are banned. This measure aims to reduce exposure to substances harmful to lung health among young people.
The Ministry said the regulation will help protect the population by eliminating attractive flavors, setting nicotine limits, and requiring safer packaging. “Thanks to this regulation, we continue protecting the population: without attractive flavors, with nicotine limits and safe packaging. Health wins!” said the Ministry of Health.
With this ruling and regulatory framework in place, authorities expect a positive impact on public health by limiting access to potentially harmful vaping products.
