Costa Rica Delays Enforcement of RTCR 519-2025 Vaping Regulation Until August 2027
SAN JOSÉ – The Costa Rican Ministry of Health has officially postponed the enforcement of Technical Regulation RTCR 519-2025, the country's regulatory framework governing vaping products, until 6 August 2027. The measure was originally scheduled to enter into force on 6 August 2026, six months after its publication on 6 February 2026.
The postponement was introduced through a decree signed on 26 June 2026. According to the Ministry of Health, the extension affects only the implementation date and does not modify any of the regulation's technical requirements.
Development of the Regulation
RTCR 519-2025 was developed as a national technical regulation for vaping products and was issued as Executive Decree No. 45479-S. The framework applies to both nicotine-containing and nicotine-free vaping liquids manufactured domestically or imported into Costa Rica. It also covers manufacturers, importers, distributors, repackagers, warehouses and retailers operating within the supply chain.
After publication in February 2026, businesses were given a six-month transition period before the regulation's planned entry into force in August 2026.
Main Provisions of RTCR 519-2025
The regulation establishes technical requirements for product composition, registration, packaging, labelling, marketing and market surveillance.
Under the framework:
Nicotine concentrations are limited to 20 mg/ml.
Refill containers are limited to 10 ml for nicotine products and 20 ml for nicotine-free products.
Child-resistant packaging is required, and product information must be provided in Spanish.
Products must be notified to the Ministry of Health before they are placed on the market.
Authorities are permitted to conduct product sampling and compliance inspections in stores and warehouses.
The regulation also establishes ingredient restrictions. It prohibits substances such as caffeine, taurine, several stimulants and most cannabinoids, including CBD and THC unless otherwise authorised.
In addition, the regulation restricts flavouring substances to a limited approved list and prohibits flavour profiles and aromas associated with fruits, desserts, spices and other non-tobacco characterising scents.
Packaging, Advertising and Sales Controls
RTCR 519-2025 also introduces rules governing packaging and promotion. Packaging may not include imagery or references associated with food products, fruits, desserts, toys, fictional characters, athletes, artists, influencers or other figures.
The regulation further includes restrictions on advertising, promotion and sponsorship activities across retail outlets, websites, social media platforms and influencer marketing channels. Remote sales are also subject to age-verification requirements.
Reason for the Extension
The Ministry of Health stated that additional time is required to strengthen the technical, operational and administrative capacity needed to enforce the regulation. Officials said the government is in the process of acquiring specialised laboratory equipment, including an inductively coupled plasma spectrometer, to support product testing and chemical analysis.
According to the ministry, the additional year will be used to develop the scientific and regulatory infrastructure required to monitor compliance with the regulation once it becomes fully effective on 6 August 2027.