The General Secretariat of the Andean Community has issued Resolution No. 2458, postponing the enforcement date of Resolution No. 2310, which establishes the Andean Technical Regulation on the Labeling of Cosmetic Products. The new compliance deadline is now set for December 17, 2025.

Background on Resolution 2310

Resolution 2310, originally published on December 16, 2022, set out harmonized labeling requirements for cosmetic products in the Andean Community (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru). The regulation aims to prevent misleading claims and protect consumer health and safety, ensuring that product labels contain clear and accurate information.

Key labeling requirements include:

• Product name and function
• Manufacturer or importer details
• Country of origin
• List of ingredients using the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI)
• Expiry date or shelf life
• Warnings and usage instructions (where applicable)

Additionally, the regulation prohibits misleading statements regarding therapeutic properties and ensures that compliance does not create unnecessary technical barriers to trade.

Decision to Extend the Deadline

The regulation was initially set to take effect 24 months after publication, making it enforceable from December 16, 2024. However, industry stakeholders expressed concerns over the time required for compliance, particularly regarding labeling modifications and process adjustments.

In response, the Andean Committee on Quality and the Group of Government Experts on Health Legislation Harmonization reviewed the issue in meetings held on November 29 and December 3, 2024. Both bodies endorsed the one-year extension, acknowledging the industry's need for additional time to adapt to the new standards.

Implications for the Cosmetic Industry

This extension provides cosmetic manufacturers and distributors additional time to ensure compliance with the regulation. It aims to prevent potential supply chain disruptions and facilitate a smoother transition to the updated labeling requirements. Gonzalo Gutiérrez Reinel, Secretary General of the Andean Community, signed the resolution, confirming its immediate entry into force upon publication in the Official Gazette of the Cartagena Agreement, for further details you can find the Resolution here (in Spanish). 

In recent years, Peru has intensified its efforts around the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and its management of chemicals. On July 26, 2024, the Peruvian Ministry of the Environment announced the publication of the draft Supreme Decree to approve Legislative Decree 1570, which establishes the Comprehensive Chemical Management Law and sets the framework for the implementation of the GHS. This is a significant development in the country’s chemical safety regulation.

Initially, a 10-day public consultation period was provided for stakeholders to submit their opinions and suggestions, which was subsequently extended until October 24, 2024. The Ministry is currently reviewing the feedback, and the final version is expected to be published in early 2025. 

A core element of the Decree is the creation of the National Registry of Chemical Substances (RENASQ), which will integrate and systematize information on hazardous chemicals manufactured or imported into the country. The Decree also aligns with the sixth revised edition of the Globally Harmonized System, ensuring a standardized approach to the classification, labeling and communication of hazardous chemical substances.

Key News 2024

• Peru Proposes New Standards for Recyclable Plastic Tableware
  Peru's draft regulation on recyclable plastic tableware aims to reduce environmental impact by promoting sustainable production and distribution practices. Key measures include the use of mono-materials to improve recyclability, bans on oxo-degradable plastics and hazardous substances, and mandatory recycled content with traceability. Manufacturers must comply with labeling and certification requirements. Read more here.

• Peru Improves Worker Safety with Updated Chemical Exposure Limits
  In Peru, the Ministry of Health (MINSA) issued Ministerial Resolution No. 733-2024/MINSA on October 25, 2024, revising permissible exposure limits for chemicals in the workplace. These updates reflect advances in health and safety research and aim to improve worker protection from hazardous and carcinogenic substances. Employers will be required to implement stricter controls, provide personal protective equipment (PPE), and ensure continuous monitoring of chemical exposures in the workplace. Read more here.

• Peru Enforces New Hazardous Substances Regulation from June 2024
  Peru’s Supreme Decree No. 031-2023-SA, entered into force on June 1, 2024, six months after its publication in the Official Gazette.  The regulation requires the authorization for disinfectants, pesticides, and industrial chemicals, ensuring safer handling and use. It also introduces the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure to regulate the import and export of certain hazardous substances, thereby strengthening public safety and environmental protection. Companies and stakeholders are advised to familiarize themselves with the new requirements and prepare for compliance. Read more here.