Does Your Business Sell Online? Costa Rica’s New E-Commerce Law Probably Applies to You.

Does Your Business Sell Online?

Costa Rica’s New E-Commerce Law Probably Applies to You.

E-commerce in Costa Rica has grown rapidly over the last several years. Today, businesses of all sizes sell products and services through websites, online stores, social media platforms, marketplaces, and even WhatsApp.

However, many of these businesses have been operating under legal frameworks that no longer reflect the realities of today's digital economy.

With the publication of Law No. 10,946 – The Digital Services Governance and Electronic Commerce Act, Costa Rica has introduced its first comprehensive legal framework governing digital services and e-commerce.

Although the law will become effective in 12 months, this transition period should not be viewed as a reason to delay compliance. Instead, it is an opportunity for businesses to review their operations, strengthen their legal documentation, and prepare for the new regulatory requirements.

Who Will Be Affected?

A common misconception is that this law only applies to large technology companies or international digital platforms.

In reality, its scope is much broader.

In general, the law applies to any individual or business offering goods or services to consumers in Costa Rica through digital channels, including:

Online stores
Company websites
Businesses selling through Instagram
Businesses receiving orders through Facebook
Companies using WhatsApp as a sales channel
Digital marketplaces
Online platforms
Foreign businesses selling to consumers located in Costa Rica
If your company generates sales online, there is a strong possibility that this legislation applies to your business.

 
Five Areas Every Business Should Review Today

1. Is Your Business Clearly Identified?

One of the main objectives of the new legislation is to increase transparency.

Consumers should be able to easily identify who they are purchasing from before completing a transaction.

Businesses should review whether their digital channels clearly display information such as:

Company name
Contact information
Customer service channels
Information allowing consumers to exercise their legal rights
General terms of service
Transparency is no longer simply a best practice—it is becoming a legal expectation.

 
2. Does Your Customer See the Final Price Before Purchasing?

Another significant change introduced by the law is the obligation to clearly disclose the total purchase price before the consumer confirms the transaction.

Businesses should verify that customers can easily identify:

Taxes
Shipping costs
Service fees
Additional charges
Any other costs associated with the purchase
Providing complete pricing information not only supports legal compliance but also improves customer trust and reduces disputes.

 
3. Is Your Purchase Process Built Around Clear Consent?

The new law requires consumers to provide clear and explicit consent before becoming legally bound by an online purchase.

Businesses should review elements such as:

Purchase buttons
Checkout process
Acceptance of Terms and Conditions
Final order confirmation
Purchase confirmation emails
Even small adjustments to the purchasing flow may significantly reduce future legal risks.

 
4. Are Your Legal Documents Up to Date?

Many companies continue using Terms and Conditions or Privacy Policies that were drafted years ago—or copied from generic online templates.

This new legislation presents an excellent opportunity to review and update documents such as:

Terms and Conditions
Privacy Policy
Return Policies
Warranty Policies
Delivery Terms
Legal Notices
These documents are more than legal formalities—they define the relationship between your business and your customers.

 
5. Does Your Website Use "Dark Patterns"?

One of the most innovative aspects of the new legislation is the explicit regulation of dark patterns—interface designs that manipulate or pressure consumers into making decisions they might not otherwise make.

Examples include:

Pre-selected checkboxes
Difficult cancellation processes
Artificial urgency messages
Hidden or misleading options
User interfaces designed to influence purchasing decisions unfairly
Many businesses use these practices without realizing the legal risks they may create.

 
More Than Compliance—An Opportunity to Strengthen Your Business

The 12-month transition period gives businesses time to prepare thoughtfully rather than react under pressure.

Organizations that begin reviewing their digital operations now will be better positioned to comply with the law while improving customer experience, increasing transparency, and strengthening consumer confidence.

Compliance should not be viewed merely as a legal obligation—it is also an opportunity to improve the quality and credibility of your business.

 
How Can WeSolvo Help?

At WeSolvo, we help businesses prepare for the implementation of Costa Rica's new Digital Services Governance and Electronic Commerce Act.

Is your business ready for the new digital commerce framework?

Our team is ready to help you assess your current compliance and develop a practical roadmap for implementation.