Argentina does not currently have a comprehensive National Chemical Inventory, however it maintain a National Chemical List of Prohibited and Restricted Chemicals (LNSPQ), which was established by Resolution 192/2019 and updated by Resolution 504/2022.
A significant development in Argentina's chemicals regulatory framework is the draft National Law for Risk Management of Chemical Substances (Bill 4339-D-2019), which aims to establish a National Inventory of Chemical Substances (INSQ). This bill, which is currently awaiting approval in Congress, aims to harmonise the regulation of chemical substances at the national level by creating a comprehensive inventory and defining mechanisms for risk assessment and management. The bill includes specific exemptions, including radioactive substances, non-isolated intermediates and substances used in food and medicine. Currently, Decree 593/19, which established the National Registry of Chemical Precursors (Registro Nacional de Precursores Químicos), has been enacted and updated with Decree 606/23, including List I of controlled chemical substances. However, these decrees lack the same extent and lasting impact as the national legislation would.
Argentina’s regulatory framework is also shaped by its obligations under international agreements such as the Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm and Minamata Conventions. Despite its leadership in these areas, chemicals and waste management has often been fragmented across different agencies, which leading to the 2017 UNEP Special Programme on Institutional Strengthening for Chemicals and Waste Management. The proposed National Law for Risk Management of Chemical Substances aims to address these issues by providing a unified approach to chemicals regulation in Argentina.
Sep-26-2025
Argentina has introduced sweeping changes to the way pesticides and other plant protection products are approved, imported and labelled. The National Service of Agri-Food Health and Quality (SENASA) issued Resolution 458/2025, replacing more than a decade of previous rules. The new regulation creates a single national registry for agrochemicals, strengthens oversight of imports, and makes compliance with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for chemical classification mandatory.
National Registry
Under the reform, a National Registry of Plant Protection Products has been established, consolidating existing pesticide registrations into a single system. Companies seeking to register products will now rely primarily on sworn declarations (declaraciones juradas) for approval, subject to subsequent audits by SENASA. Trials, field tests, and experimental use, however, will still require prior authorisation. The government says the shift is designed to reduce bureaucratic delays while maintaining strict controls to protect public health and the environment.
Import Controls and “Convergence” Countries
The resolution introduces a two-tiered approach to pesticide imports, distinguishing between countries with “regulatory convergence” and those without.
Imports from nations such as the European Union, United States, Brazil and Japan will benefit from a simplified, fast-track registration system. In some cases, provisional registrations lasting up to two years will be permitted.
Imports from non-convergent countries must undergo full evaluation, including new efficacy trials and toxicological assessments.
Mandatory Global Harmonised System (GHS) Labels
One of the most significant changes is the mandatory adoption of the UN’s GHS system for chemical labelling and classification.
All pesticide products must comply with the 9th edition of the GHS “Purple Book”, covering hazard categories, pictograms and safety information.
Companies have three years to bring existing products into compliance
This brings Argentina closer to global chemical safety standards already adopted in much of Latin America, the EU and the US.
Reevaluation Powers and Environmental Safeguards
The resolution also grants SENASA expanded powers to re-evaluate pesticide approvals if new scientific data emerges or if products show unexpected environmental risks, resistance problems or residue concerns. Such reviews may result in tighter restrictions, lower maximum residue limits (MRLs), modifications of approved uses, or even outright cancellations.
Broader Context
Argentina is one of the world’s largest exporters of soybeans, maize and wheat, and among the top consumers of pesticides in Latin America. The regulatory overhaul comes as neighbouring countries, including Brazil and Chile, update their own pesticide frameworks. SENASA is seeking to modernise and unify the country’s pesticide laws under a single, internationally aligned framework.
Timeline
25 September 2025 — Resolution enters into force, 90 days after publication.
September 2028 — Final deadline for all products to comply with GHS classification and labelling.
For more information, you can find the Resolution here (in Spanish).
Aug-13-2025
Argentina has unveiled a comprehensive regulatory framework for managing the import, export, and transit of recycled non-hazardous waste. The new measures, outlined in Resolution 393/2025, are aimed at protecting the environment, ensuring compliance with international waste management treaties, and advancing the country’s circular economy.
The resolution is built on the foundation of Decree 1/2025, which establishes guidelines for the handling of non-hazardous waste, specifically materials that have undergone a recovery process to be used as inputs for industrial processes or as direct-use products. These materials must meet strict environmental standards, and the resolution creates clear procedures to regulate their movement across Argentina’s borders.
The four annexes of the resolution are closely interconnected, establishing a unified system for the import, export, and transit of non-hazardous recycled materials. Annex IV lays out the types of materials eligible for trade, while Annexes I–III set the procedural framework for how these materials can be imported, exported, or transited through the country. All applications for permits must be processed through the Trámites a Distancia (TAD) platform, where they will undergo technical evaluations, customs validation, and compliance checks.
The Basel Convention plays a central role in this framework, ensuring that materials moving across borders meet international environmental standards. In addition, all documents will be validated through Argentina's Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCEA) and Malvina system to streamline processing and ensure robust oversight.
Annex I - Import Procedures (365 Day Authorisation)
To import non-hazardous waste, businesses must submit a sworn declaration through the TAD platform, detailing the material’s origin, composition, recovery process, intended use, and confirmation of its non-hazardous status. The Dirección Nacional de Residuos (National Waste Directorate) will assess whether the waste matches the list in Annex IV and complies with both national and international regulations. If approved, the Subsecretary of Environment will issue an authorisation valid for 365 days.
Annex II - Transit Procedures (90-Day Authorisation per Shipment)
For materials transiting Argentina en route to a third country, exporters must file a similar declaration outlining the shipment's route, estimated quantities, transport companies, and insurance details. Proof that the destination country permits the importation is also required. Transit permits are valid for 90 days, and each shipment must be treated individually.
Annex III - Export Procedures (365-Day Authorization)
Exporters must provide detailed documentation on the waste's origin, recovery process, and destination. They must also demonstrate that the material is not classified as hazardous under the Basel Convention or is recognised as raw material by the importing country. If no objections are raised within 10 working days, the export is automatically authorised, and the permit remains valid for 365 days.
Annex IV - List of Non-Hazardous Wastes
This annex defines what types of materials are considered non-hazardous. These include:
Scrap metals (iron, steel, etc.)
Certain glass waste (excluding hazardous or radioactive glass)
Paper and cardboard waste
Animal and vegetable oils
Uncontaminated metal or non-plastic containers
Selected textiles and untreated wood
Plant residues and agro-food industry waste
Human hair and clean refractory brick
Processed non-halogenated plastics (PE, PP, PET, etc.)
The annex excludes materials such as fluorinated plastics, e-waste, and any contaminated materials or waste treated with hazardous chemicals. It also provides flexibility for updating the list based on new scientific evidence or regulations.
The Subsecretary of Environment has been tasked with overseeing the compliance process. Should discrepancies arise—such as a mismatch between declared and actual materials—the goods must be returned to their country of origin within 30 days at the importer's expense. In case of repeated violations, businesses may face bans on applying for new permits for up to one year.
The TAD platform and VUCEA system ensure that all trade movements are tracked electronically, improving the efficiency of processing and reducing administrative delays. The new regulations aim to streamline operations while ensuring that waste management practices meet both Argentina's environmental standards and international obligations.
The resolution also enhances international collaboration in the management of cross-border waste. Argentina has committed to upholding its responsibilities under the Basel Convention and other international agreements, ensuring that non-hazardous waste is handled according to environmentally sound practices.
The government has stated that the new rules will foster Argentina’s circular economy, enabling the country to better manage recovered materials while minimizing environmental impact. For further details, you can consult the Resolution 393 (in Spanish) here.
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