Authorities from the Ministry of Health have removed nearly 3,000 nicotine and tobacco products from the market after conducting inspections at 10 commercial establishments in Tibás, Escazú, Alajuela, and Cartago. The operations took place between December 19 and December 23, 2025.
During these inspections, authorities identified several violations of current regulations. These included labeling errors and missing batch numbers that hinder product traceability. Serious offenses were also detected, such as the sale of products not authorized for sale in Costa Rica—among them nicotine pouches.
Municipal police from cantons with available resources participated in the operations alongside the Fiscal Control Police. Their goal was to verify the origin and traceability of products found at establishments with irregularities.
Despite seizing a significant quantity of vaporizers, nicotine oils, pouches, and tobacco products, no establishment committed infractions severe enough to warrant closure. Authorities instead imposed fines according to existing regulations.
One store with a high volume of confiscated items was targeted following a citizen complaint regarding promotion of these products on social media. The Ministry of Health stated: “The Ministry of Health reiterates its call to the population to remain vigilant and report this type of practice through official channels…to strengthen control actions and protect public health.”
Authorities also reminded business owners and managers that they must fully cooperate with inspection efforts by allowing authorized personnel access to all areas of their establishments, including storage rooms.
“The Ministry of Health will continue conducting operations nationwide to ensure compliance with regulations and public safety,” officials said.
Individuals aware of locations selling these products irregularly are encouraged to report them via email so that appropriate action can be taken.
