Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health has delayed the implementation of Technical Regulation RTCR 519-2025, pushing the enforcement date of strict vape liquid controls back to August 6, 2027. Signed on June 26, the decree grants authorities an extra year to build technical, administrative, and laboratory oversight capacities.
The regulation was originally scheduled to take effect on August 6, 2026, six months after its publication on February 6. The newly signed decree delays this timeline by 12 months, affecting manufacturers, repackagers, distributors, importers, and retailers across the country.
Acquiring Advanced Technology for Market Oversight
Health officials stated the extension is administrative and keeps all original safety rules intact. To prepare for enforcement, the Ministry is acquiring an inductively coupled plasma spectrometer. This specialized laboratory equipment will enable technicians to analyze chemical components, identify hazardous substances, and verify compliance with safety standards.
The RTCR 519-2025 framework applies to all nicotine and nicotine-free vape liquids, whether imported or locally manufactured. Once active in 2027, the rules will introduce:
- Flavor Restrictions: Prohibiting all liquid flavorings except for a permitted list of 16 approved compounds.
- Aroma Bans: Restricting devices and cartridges that emit sweet, fruit, or dessert aromas.
- Packaging Controls: Banning images of food, toys, cartoon characters, and public influencers on vape packaging.
During this transition year, the Ministry plans to run educational campaigns in schools and communities to discourage youth vaping.
"Protecting the population’s health remains our priority," stated Vice Minister of Health Juan Carlos Esquivel. He noted that the extension allows the state to implement the rules with better scientific and operational tools, rather than representing a step backward.
Anti-Tobacco Advocates Criticize Bureaucratic Delay
The decision to postpone enforcement has drawn sharp criticism from public health advocates. Nydia Amador, President of the National Anti-Tobacco Network (Renata), questioned why the Ministry waited until the last minute to halt the rollout.
Renata warned that the twelve-month delay leaves minors exposed to aggressive marketing and directly serves the interests of the nicotine industry. "In the end, with this inefficiency and bureaucracy, the only beneficiary is the tobacco and nicotine industry, while the health of our children is put on hold," Amador said.
Digital Content Creator & Vape Industry Analyst
Jake Miller is a prominent voice in the American vaping community, known for his transparent, tech-focused approach to harm reduction and hardware innovation. With over six years of experience in the industry, Tyler transitioned from a hobbyist to a full-time content creator, building a loyal following through his unfiltered reviews and deep-dive technical tutorials.