Alternative tobacco and nicotine products in Central America

Americas: The Pan American Health Organization, the regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO), has published a paper on “Taxation of novel and emerging nicotine and tobacco products (HTPs, ENDS, and ENNDS) globally and in Latin America”, analysing “the evolution and market structure” of heated tobacco and e-cigarettes, with and without nicotine, and proposes “possible elements of a good tax policy approach for countries to consider”. The paper makes extensive use of TobaccoIntelligence data.

Costa Rica: A bill imposing neutral packaging for tobacco products, including heated tobacco, has received the approval of the Legislative Assembly Social Affairs Committee, press reports. The bill, which would also ban advertising and increase the size of health warnings from 50% to 80% of the package area, will now go to the full Assembly to be voted on in two debates.

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 heated tobacco products 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 heated tobacco devices and accessories. Taxpayers who fail to comply are subject to a penalty of CRC231,100 ($361) plus daily interest.