Law 8204 of 2001 defines drugs by reference to UN Convention definitions (1961 with 1972 Protocol, 1971, and 1988), and the country’s the Drug Surveillance Council (JVD) must maintain a comprehensive, updated list published on the Ministry of Health’s website (Reg. No. 37111-S).

The most recent list was released on 7 February 2017, reflecting the inclusion of ketamine, as announced in late 2015 by JVD Circular No. 002-2015.

In February 2014, a number of new substances were added to the list of narcotic and psychotropic substances under national control, including two synthetic cannabinoids (JWH-018 and JWH-073), two synthetic cathinones (mephedrone and MPDV) and four piperazines (BZP, DBZP, mCPP, and TFMPP).

Additionally, on 11 May 2016, the restrictions on fentanyl in ampoules, already scheduled, were tightened by Decree No. 39608-S.

The Costa Rican Institute about Drugs (ICD), which implements national policies related to illicit drug trafficking, also controls the authorization, tracking, and use of precursor chemicals, with the intention of preventing their use in the manufacture of drugs, especially New Psychoactive Substances.