Yes, Kratom is legal in Costa Rica as of 2024, with no national prohibition under the Ley de Estupefacientes or Reglamento a la Ley de Psicotrópicos. The Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud) has not classified it as a controlled substance, permitting its possession, sale, and consumption. However, vendors must comply with labeling and quality standards under the Reglamento de Alimentos y Bebidas.
Key Regulations for Kratom in Costa Rica
- No Controlled Substance Status: Kratom remains unlisted in Costa Rica’s Lista de Sustancias Controladas, unlike substances regulated under the Ley de Estupefacientes (Law 8204).
- Food/Beverage Compliance: Products containing Kratom must adhere to the Reglamento de Alimentos y Bebidas (Executive Decree 36999-S), requiring sanitary registration and ingredient transparency.
- Local Enforcement Risks: While legal, municipal or port authorities may seize Kratom shipments if mislabeled as a “dietary supplement” without prior Ministerio de Salud approval.
Regulatory Shifts to Monitor: The Consejo Superior de Salud has signaled potential reclassification in 2026, citing emerging research on Kratom’s psychoactive properties. Stakeholders should track updates to Decreto Ejecutivo 41534-S for future restrictions.