BACKGROUND: In Costa Rica, tobacco consumption has remained stable in recent years. The tobacco industry often argues that tobacco taxes—the most cost-effective measure to reduce consumption—increase illicit trade, exaggerating its magnitude to hinder fiscal policy discussions. This study independently estimates the penetration of illicit cigarette trade in the San José Great Metropolitan Area and analyzes the characteristics of these products.
METHODS: A stratified survey by province, sex, and age was conducted with 614 smokers over 18 years old in the Greater Metropolitan Area, covering the provinces of San José, Alajuela, Cartago, and Heredia. The survey identified the type of purchase (single cigarettes or packs) and captured information and photographs of the products, allowing their classification as legal or illegal.
RESULTS: Illicit trade accounted for 31% of cigarette consumption in the Great Metropolitan Area, with a higher incidence in Cartago (48%) compared to other provinces (18%). Most of the illicit cigarette packs came from United States (60%) and South Korea (17%). Some illicit cigarettes sold included brands registered with the Ministry of Health sold legally. Retail stores (pulperías) operating licitly accounted for 52% of illicit cigarette sales.
CONCLUSIONS: The penetration of illicit cigarette trade is significantly lower than reported by less transparent studies. Retail stores are the primary points of sale for illicit cigarettes, highlighting the need to strengthen controls in these locations. Costa Rica ratified the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products in 2016. Still, key measures such as licensing actors involved in these products' production, distribution, and marketing have yet to be implemented.