Costa Rica Implements New Regulations to Ban E-Cigarettes in Public

According to a recent report by the Tico Times, health authorities in Costa Rica have implemented new regulations based on Law 10066, which prohibits the use of e-cigarettes in healthcare centers, workplaces, educational institutions, shopping centers, bars, restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, and sports facilities.

The new regulations also require clear signage to be installed in areas where e-cigarettes are prohibited.

According to a report from the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), the number of disease cases related to e-cigarettes has sharply increased from 13 in 2021 to 78 in 2022, and then to 1,456 in 2023. This shocking growth is not limited to teenagers, as adults are also being affected.

Health Minister Mary Munive emphasized the increasingly serious health issues associated with e-cigarettes, citing a report from the National Poison Center that found 14 cases of e-cigarette-related poisoning in 2023, including 9 minors, with 7 requiring hospitalization.

Dr. Gabriela Rojas of the Institute for Alcoholism and Drug Dependency (IAFA) revealed that students are selling e-cigarettes on campus. Despite their appeal, Rojas warns that these e-cigarettes are not harmless, as they contain harmful chemicals in their flavorings.

These e-cigarette devices come in various sizes, making them resemble school supplies. Rohas is calling for schools to implement stricter entry inspections.

On May 14th, the Costa Rican Ministry of Health issued a resolution prohibiting the importation, use, sale, and commercialization of products containing synthetic nicotine.

In mid-June, the Costa Rican Constitutional Court issued a final ultimatum to the Ministry of Health, demanding that it publish Law No. 10,066 within two months. This law regulates electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), non-nicotine similar systems (SSSN), and the use of heated tobacco and e-cigarettes.