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

Aug.12.2024
Costa Rica Implements New Regulations to Ban E-Cigarettes in Public
Costa Rica health authorities have implemented new regulations banning e-cigarette use in various public places due to health risks.

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.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Before the Boom:  Why Manufacturing Is Becoming the Deciding Factor in U.S. Nicotine Pouches — An Interview with Rena World
Before the Boom: Why Manufacturing Is Becoming the Deciding Factor in U.S. Nicotine Pouches — An Interview with Rena World
As the U.S. nicotine pouch market moves toward regulatory clarity and rapid growth, attention is shifting from demand to execution. In an interview with 2Firsts, U.S.-based manufacturer Rena explains why manufacturing capacity, quality systems, and compliance readiness are becoming decisive factors before the market fully takes off.
Jan.19
Fourth Circuit weighs federal preemption challenge to North Carolina’s vape sales restrictions
Fourth Circuit weighs federal preemption challenge to North Carolina’s vape sales restrictions
Vape manufacturers and sellers urged the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit to find that the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) preempts North Carolina’s new law restricting the sale of certain e-cigarette/ENDS products.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Daegu Jung-gu: liquid e-cigarettes with synthetic nicotine to be fined in nonsmoking areas under revised Tobacco Business Act
Daegu Jung-gu: liquid e-cigarettes with synthetic nicotine to be fined in nonsmoking areas under revised Tobacco Business Act
Daegu’s Jung-gu District announced on Feb. 10 that, following amendments to the Tobacco Business Act that explicitly classify liquid e-cigarettes containing synthetic nicotine as “tobacco” (effective April 24, 2026), the district will expand regulations to include fines for vaping such products in designated nonsmoking areas. The district health office said smokers/vapers could face an administrative fine of up to 100,000 won for using synthetic-nicotine liquid e-cigarettes in smoke-free zones
Feb.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China Tobacco Annual Meeting Flags “New Growth Drivers” for 2026: Cigarette Innovation, Domestic Cigars, Overseas Business and Multi-Purpose Use
China Tobacco Annual Meeting Flags “New Growth Drivers” for 2026: Cigarette Innovation, Domestic Cigars, Overseas Business and Multi-Purpose Use
China’s tobacco authorities used their annual industry meeting in Beijing to outline new growth drivers for 2026, highlighting cigarette innovation, domestic cigars, overseas business expansion and multi-purpose tobacco applications.
Special Report
Jan.20
South Korea to Classify Synthetic Nicotine E-Cigarettes as Tobacco from April 2026
South Korea to Classify Synthetic Nicotine E-Cigarettes as Tobacco from April 2026
South Korea will implement amendments to its Tobacco Business Act on April 24, 2026, officially classifying synthetic nicotine liquid e-cigarettes as tobacco. This marks the first revision of the legal definition of tobacco since 1988. Once in effect, synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes will be subject to existing tobacco regulations, including health warnings, advertising restrictions, smoke-free area enforcement, and youth protection measures.
Dec.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Guernsey's QuitVape program for youth e-cigarette cessation to end at the end of the month
UK Guernsey's QuitVape program for youth e-cigarette cessation to end at the end of the month
QuitVape e-cigarette quitting service for teens in Guernsey to end this month, after six-month trial period.
Dec.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai