Latin America Advances Chemical Safety with REACH and GHS Regulations

Latin American countries are increasingly aligning their chemical safety regulations with international standards, notably the European Union's REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) and the UN's Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. This movement aims to enhance public health protection, environmental safety, and trade facilitation across the region.

Brazil: Implementation of Brazil REACH and GHS Revision 7

In November 2024, Brazil enacted Chemical Management Law No. 15.022, known as "Brazil REACH," establishing a National Inventory of Chemical Substances. This law requires companies to register chemicals produced or imported in quantities exceeding one ton annually, providing data on hazard classifications, production volumes, and uses. The law mandates annual updates and aligns with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for chemical classification and labelling. Implementation regulations are expected within 180 days, with a new registration platform to be developed within three years.

Additionally, Brazil updated its national GHS standard to ABNT NBR 14725:2023, aligning with GHS Revision 7. The updated standard, effective from July 4, 2025, consolidates previous standards and introduces revised requirements for Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), including the renaming of SDSs from "FISPQ" to "FDS" to align with international terminology.

Chile: Strengthening GHS Implementation

Chile has adopted GHS Revision 7 through Decree 57/2021 and Resolution 777/2021, regulating the classification, labeling, and notification of hazardous substances. These regulations facilitate the classification of approximately 4,500 substances and serve as a minimum reference for manufacturers and importers. Decree 60/2022 addresses the storage of hazardous substances and defines the creation of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). Importers and manufacturers must report hazardous substances used industrially by August 2025.

Colombia: Advancing Chemical Safety

Colombia has enacted Decree 1630/2021, establishing a national inventory for industrial chemicals. Companies manufacturing or importing hazardous substances in quantities exceeding 100 kg per year must register these substances by May 31, 2025. The registration includes CAS number, production/import quantity, GHS classification, and use cases. Resolution 0773/2021 provides the legal framework for labeling and SDS creation.

Peru: Initiating Chemical Management Framework

In May 2023, Peru issued Legislative Decree No. 1570, establishing the legal framework for comprehensive chemical substance management. The decree includes the creation of the National Registry of Chemical Substances (RENASQ) and the implementation of a risk evaluation process for priority substances. Additional regulations are expected within a year to fully implement the framework.

Regional Cooperation and Capacity Building

The Latin America Regulatory Cooperation Forum (LARCF), supported by the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA),

• Improve cooperation between associations, governments, and industry
• Share information on regulatory developments
• Provide capacity building, and
• Establish a clear roadmap for harmonization.