E-cigarettes in Central America

Americas: The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), which serves as regional office for the World Health Organization (WHO), has published a 148-page Report on Tobacco Control for the Region of the Americas 2022. The report considers the increasing availability of e-cigarettes as a challenge that impedes the progress of tobacco control. It says: “Terms such as reduced harm or reduced risk tend to confuse people and provide a false sense of security in circumstances where there is no scientific evidence to demonstrate that the consumption of so-called reduced-harm products is safe for health.” And it adds: “The main objective of the marketing strategies for these products is ultimately to attract new users while being able to satiate current tobacco users who wish to quit.”

Costa Rica: Yesterday was the deadline for payment of the tax on e-cigarettes, which applies to the device, accessories and e-liquids. Taxpayers who fail to comply are subject to a penalty of CRC231,100 ($361) plus daily interest.