Smoking in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, smoking is legal and certain restrictions exist on tobacco. Cigarette sales are permitted. However, purchasing them, through online or from vending machines is not allowed. Importing cigarettes for trade is legal with a license. Health warnings on cigarette packaging are mandatory, and the minimum legal age for purchasing cigarettes is 18 years. There are also legal restrictions on smoking in public spaces, and a complete ban on cigarette advertising is in place. Cigarettes are taxed at a total rate of 55.14%, with a 25.47% specific excise rate. As of 2024, Costa Rica had approximately 323,000 current smokers, corresponding to an adult current smoking prevalence of 7.8%. Among adult males, the current smoking prevalence was 11.8%, and among females, it was 4%. For reference, the adult daily smoking prevalence in 2015 was 5.8%—8.7% among males and 2.9% among females. In terms of mortality, in 2021, an estimated 20 deaths were attributed to tobacco smoking, including 15 male and 5 female deaths. This shows that smoking accounted for approximately 12.17% of all deaths in the country—15.76% among males and 6.96% among females.
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June 10, 2026 by theadvocates.org
Costa Rica’s War on Nicotine
Costa Rica is considering banning oral nicotine products, leading to concerns about driving users to more harmful options like cigarettes or the black market, dominated by criminal organizations. Tobacco smoking accounts for health issues and deaths in the country, making oral nicotine products a safer alternative and aiding in quitting tobacco. The ban could limit choices for smokers and fuel illegal trade, as seen in Australia. Critics argue the ban may benefit criminal networks and hinder public health goals. Costa Rica's potential prohibition could set a precedent globally, impacting smokers and black market dynamics.
June 10, 2026 by theadvocates.org
Costa Rica’s War on Nicotine
Costa Rica is considering banning oral nicotine products, leading to concerns about driving users to more harmful options like cigarettes or the black market, dominated by criminal organizations. Tobacco smoking accounts for health issues and deaths in the country, making oral nicotine products a safer alternative and aiding in quitting tobacco. The ban could limit choices for smokers and fuel illegal trade, as seen in Australia. Critics argue the ban may benefit criminal networks and hinder public health goals. Costa Rica's potential prohibition could set a precedent globally, impacting smokers and black market dynamics.
December 03, 2025 by ticotimes.net
Costa Rica Eyes Complete Vape Ban to Combat Rising Teen Use and Risks
Costa Rica's ruling party member proposes a bill to ban vapes completely, citing health risks, especially for youth. The bill includes outlawing import, sale, and use, as well as related activities like advertising and distribution. Law 25.309 would also establish a prohibited substances list and repeal a current law with a 20% tax on vaping products. The lawmaker emphasizes minors' easy access to vapes, health issues like lung damage, and industry tactics targeting young users. The proposal mirrors bans in other Latin American countries and faces concerns about potential black markets. The bill is pending further legislative review.
October 08, 2021 by ticotimes.net
Costa Rica to ban vaping in public
Costa Rican lawmakers this week approved in a second debate a bill that will the use of ban vaping devices and electronic cigarettes in public spaces. The Health Ministry has endorsed this project, which was first introduced prior to the coronavirus pandemic.
“I think this project is extremely important for the country. It has the full support of the Ministry of Health,” Salas said. “It is completely in line with the health alert we already issued regarding the use of vaping devices, where we have even been very clear that there is no study that can show e-cigarettes are a smoking cessation therapy.
February 03, 2020 by ticotimes.net
Ministry of Health supporting initiative to ban the use of vaping devices in public spaces
The Minister of Health, Daniel Salas, on Tuesday endorsed an initiative to ban the use of vaping devices in Costa Rica’s public spaces. “I think this project is extremely important for the country. It has the full support of the Ministry of Health,” Salas said. “It is completely in line with the health alert we already issued regarding the use of vaping devices, where we have even been very clear that there is no study that can show e-cigarettes are a smoking cessation therapy.
“On the contrary, we have to disincentivize the use of cigarettes and the use of vaporizers.”