In February 2021, Chile became the first country in Latin America to adopt a comprehensive national chemicals regulation, Decree 57 and its implementing Resolution 777/2021. This regulation establishe...

In February 2021, Chile became the first country in Latin America to adopt a comprehensive national chemicals regulation, Decree 57 and its implementing Resolution 777/2021. This regulation establishes a structured system for the notification and prioritization of substances, allowing for the risk assessment of selected chemicals, whether manufactured or imported. Decree 57, formally issued on February 9, 2021, aims to protect human health and the environment by mandating the implementation of Globally Harmonized System (GHS) labeling for chemical products. 

The legislation addresses both chemical substances and hazardous mixtures and mandates notification protocols under the Ministry of Health (MINSAL) and the Ministry of Environment (MMA). Notifications are required every two years, with the deadline of August 30 each year. The first notification deadline for industrial use substances was scheduled for August 30, 2024, but a revised deadline will be set, after which authorities will publish a Chemical Inventory. Non-compliance with the notification requirements will result in penalties, with specific enforcement details to be defined in future regulations.

Key News for 2024

• Chile Introduces Decree on Lubricant Oil Recycling
  On November 11, 2024, Chile issued a Supreme Decree to improve the collection, recycling, and disposal of lubricant oils in support of its sustainability goals. The Decree establishes recycling targets, producer accountability, consumer participation, and labeling requirements, with a 24-month transition period for compliance. Read more here.

• Chile Strengthens Pesticide Rules to Protect Bees
  On October 18, 2024, Chile's Ministry of Agriculture introduced Exempt Resolution No. 7,068 to improve ecotoxicological standards for pesticides, with an emphasis on bee protection. The regulation mandates clear toxicity classifications, bee hazard pictograms, and notification requirements for beekeepers prior to pesticide application. Read more here.

• Chile Opens Public Consultation on Fertilizer and Biostimulant Regulation
  Chile’s Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) has opened a public consultation to update the fertilizer and biostimulant regulation under Law No. 21.349. The proposed updates include revised labelling standards, improved traceability measures, and phased compliance schedules. Stakeholders are invited to review the draft regulation and provide feedback by December 16, 2024, with SAG publishing responses to comments by January 29, 2025. Read more here.

The Chilean Ministry of the Environment has issued Resolution No. 7595, of December 17, 2024, which officially approves the list of hazardous substances for industrial use notified in 2024. This resol...

The Chilean Ministry of the Environment has issued Resolution No. 7595, of December 17, 2024, which officially approves the list of hazardous substances for industrial use notified in 2024. This resolution, which is in line with Supreme Decree No. 57 of 2019, ensures compliance with regulations on the classification, labeling, and notification of hazardous substances and mixtures.

Key Highlights of Resolution No. 7595

• Promulgation Date: December 17, 2024

• Publication Date: December 30, 2024

• Public Access: The full list of notified hazardous substances is available on the Ministry of the Environment’s official platform: https://plataformasqi.mma.gob.cl.

Background to Supreme Decree No. 57

Supreme Decree No. 57, published on February 9, 2021,  establishes the regulatory framework for the classification, labeling, and notification of hazardous substances and mixtures. According to the decree:

• Manufacturers or importers of hazardous substances, or substances in mixtures exceeding 1 tonne per year, are required to notify the Ministry of the Environment.

• The notification must include relevant safety and classification information in accordance with Title III of the Regulation.

Notification Challenges and Timeline Adjustments

The initial notification deadline for industrial hazardous substances was August 30, 2024. However, due to challenges with the electronic system, Resolution No. 4141 extended the deadline to September 30, 2024 and provided temporary procedures for manufacturers and importers to fulfil their obligations.

Publication of the 2024 Hazardous Substances List

As stipulated by the regulation, the Ministry of the Environment must issue a resolution listing all notified substances by December 31, 2024. Resolution No. 7595 fulfils this requirement by publishing the approved list, ensuring transparency and public access to this important information.

Importance of Compliance

This resolution reinforces Chile’s commitment to chemical safety and ensures the responsible use of hazardous substances in industrial applications. 

The Chilean Government, through the Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG), has issued Resolution 7525 EXENTA, which establishes an updated list of additives authorized for the manufacture of complete fe...

The Chilean Government, through the Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG), has issued Resolution 7525 EXENTA, which establishes an updated list of additives authorized for the manufacture of complete feeds, supplements, ingredients, and formulated additives for animals. This new Resolution also repeals Resolution 1.992 EXENTA of 2006. The Resolution, promulgated on November 6, 2024, and published on November 21, 2024, will come into effect on December 22, 2024.

The updated Resolution introduces a revised and comprehensive list of additives authorized for use in animal feed production. This includes supplements, formulated additives, and complete feeds for both productive animals (e.g. those raised for human consumption) and non-productive animals (e.g. domestic pets). The new list reflects the latest scientific advances and international standards. 

Key Features of Resolution 7525 Include

• Focus on Safety and Traceability: The resolution emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety and traceability of all animal feed products. 

• Alignment with International Standards: The update aligns Chile's regulations with globally recognized frameworks, including Codex Alimentarius and standards set by the European Union, the United States, Mercosur and organizations such as the FAO and FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation).

Regulatory Requirements for Compliance

• Approval Process: Importers and manufacturers must obtain SAG approval through a Monograph of Production Process for formulated additives.

• Labeling Requirements: All additives must be sold in sealed and labeled packaging in accordance with SAG’s standards.

• Prohibition of Non-Food Grade Additives: The use of technical grade additives or chemicals that do not meet food-grade certification is prohibited.

• Coccidiostats Authorization: Specific additives for preventing coccidiosis in animals are permitted, with additional labeling requirements regarding withdrawal periods.

Exemptions and Nutritional Standards

• Special Diets for Pets: Formulated feeds for dogs and cats with special nutritional needs are exempt from certain additive limits.

• Natural Nutrients: The Resolution takes into account the natural nutrient content of ingredients and ensures that total additive levels comply with safety limits.

Enforcement and Impact on Industry

The resolution outlines strict penalties for non-compliance, including fines and sanctions. The updated list of additives is a significant step toward improving animal feed production standards in Chile.  By integrating scientific advances and global best practices, the new regulation benefits stakeholders across the agricultural and pet food industries, ensuring higher quality and safer products.

For more details, the full text of Resolution 7525 EXENTA is available here (in Spanish).

In a significant step towards environmental sustainability, the Chilean government issued a Supreme Decree on 11 November 2024, focused on improving the collection, recycling and proper disposal of l...

In a significant step towards environmental sustainability, the Chilean government issued a Supreme Decree on 11 November 2024, focused on improving the collection, recycling and proper disposal of lubricant oils. The regulation, officially published in the Diario Oficial, sets ambitious recycling and valorization targets, in line with Chile’s broader commitment to combat climate change and advancing a circular economy.

Key Provisions of the Decree

The Decree establishes mandatory collection and valorization targets for lubricant oils and requires producers to organize systems that handle used oils responsibly. Producers who introduce more than 66 litres of lubricant oils annually are now subject to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework (Responsabilidad Extendida del Productor (REP) in Spanish).  This initiative ensures that producers finance the collection, transportation, and processing of used oils to minimize environmental damage.

Key elements:

1. Recycling Targets: The decree mandates progressive recycling goals for recoverable oils. It recognizes the environmental hazards posed by improper disposal and aims to ensure that used oils are either effectively recycled or reused.

2. Producer Accountability: The EPR system requires producers to fund and manage the collection and recycling of their products, promoting a closed-loop system that discourages waste.

3. Consumer Obligations: Consumers, including industrial users, must return their used oils to registered management systems or authorized recyclers. Penalties are in place for non-compliance.

4. Labeling Requirements: Within three years, lubricant oil packaging must include clear messages about proper disposal and the environmental risks associated with mishandling used oils.

5. Transparency: Producers and recycling systems must provide detailed information about their operations and ensure public access to data on collection points, recycling rates, and system performance.

Encouraging Innovation and Collaboration

The Ministry of the Environment emphasized that used lubricant oils are classified as hazardous waste, underscoring the urgency of the regulation. The decree also provides guidelines for the development of new technologies to trace and process waste oils, thereby enhancing accountability throughout the supply chain. The regulation allows exceptions for small-scale producers while encouraging industrial-scale operators to adopt efficient waste management practices. Additionally, it provides incentives for collaborative and collective recycling systems, provided they meet the set compliance standards.

Timeline and Implementation

The decree provides a 24-month preparation period for industry to adapt before its provisions take full effect. During this time, stakeholders must finalize recycling plans, establish infrastructure, and ensure compliance with the new requirements.

This regulation represents a significant stride in Chile’s environmental policy and signals the government’s dedication to sustainable waste management and the fight against climate change. For additional information, the resolution (in Spanish) can be accessed here.

In Chile the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), under the Division of Agricultural-Forestry and Seed Protection, has opened a public consultation on the updated regulation for fertilizers and b...

In Chile the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), under the Division of Agricultural-Forestry and Seed Protection, has opened a public consultation on the updated regulation for fertilizers and biostimulants which establishes, and updates provisions and requirements derived from Law No. 21.349. This consultation invites stakeholders to review and provide feedback and aims to gather input on the updated resolution. 

Key Updates in the Draft Regulation

Key updates include:

• Updated labeling standards

• Revised requirements for product composition, contaminants and physical-chemical parameters.

• A phased timeline for businesses to align their practices with the new regulation

• Strengthened traceability measures to ensure product authenticity and safety throughout the supply chain. 

How to Participate

Participants can review the draft resolution here and submit comments or suggestions here. The deadline for submissions is December 16, 2024, at 23:59

Next Steps

After the consultation period closes, the SAG will review all comments and publish responses to stakeholder comments by January 29, 2025.

This process will ensure that the updated resolution reflects input from all stakeholders. 

On October 18, 2024, Chile's Ministry of Agriculture issued Exempt Resolution No. 7,068 to reinforce ecotoxicological standards for agricultural pesticides with the aim to protect bees from harmf...

On October 18, 2024, Chile's Ministry of Agriculture issued Exempt Resolution No. 7,068 to reinforce ecotoxicological standards for agricultural pesticides with the aim to protect bees from harmful effects. This regulation, rooted in Law No. 21,489 on Apiculture, recognizes beekeeping’s critical role in biodiversity and maintenance of the ecosystem balance. It mandates strict classification, labeling, and notification procedures for pesticides, emphasizing environmental safety.

Key Features of the Regulation

Ecotoxicological Classification of Pesticides and Labeling Requirements: Pesticides are categorized based on toxicity levels to bees, with classifications ranging from “Highly Toxic” to “Neurotoxic”. Labels must clearly display these classifications alongside a bee hazard pictogram for pesticide that are categorized as "Highly Toxic" and "Moderately Toxic".

Influence Zones and Notification Requirements: The regulation defines “zones of influence” around pesticide-treated areas and requires farmers to inform registered beekeepers at least 48 hours before pesticide application. Products classified as toxic to bees must follow stringent guidelines, including applying treatments during times when bees are less active (early morning or evening). This notification must include application details and be sent through verified communication channels, ensuring beekeepers can safeguard hives from potential pesticide drift.

Enforcement and Penalties: Violations of this resolution may result in sanctions under Chile’s Agricultural Protection Law, Law No. 18,755, and the Apiculture Promotion Law, Law No. 21.489. Additionally, pesticides with pending evaluations or label updates must comply with these new standards immediately.

The resolution aims to protect Chile’s bee populations, which are essential to pollination and ecosystem health. For more details, please see the Resolution (in Spanish) here.

On 27 May 2024, the Chilean Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG) published a draft regulation that establishes the conditions and requirements for authorising the importation and use of pesticide s...

On 27 May 2024, the Chilean Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG) published a draft regulation that establishes the conditions and requirements for authorising the importation and use of pesticide samples. This draft, which aims to improve processes for research and development in the agricultural sector, reflects the SAG's commitment to improving the efficiency and safety of pesticide evaluation. If adopted the resolution will repeal Resolution No. 92 of 2002. It is open for comments until 24 July 2024.

Streamlined Process for Innovation

The new regulations propose a structured framework for the management of pesticide samples, which is crucial for innovation in pest control solutions. By providing clear guidelines, the SAG aims to facilitate scientific research and product development, while ensuring that safety and environmental standards are maintained. The regulations specify the documentation required for importing samples, including detailed information on chemical composition, intended use and safety data sheets. This transparency is expected to streamline the approval process and reduce the administrative burdens for researchers and companies.

Ensuring Safety and Compliance

Safety is the core of the proposed regulation. The draft requires strict safety measures to be followed during the handling, storage, and application of pesticide samples. These measures include proper labelling, safe storage conditions and protocols for emergency situations. Additionally, the regulations emphasise the importance of complying with international safety standards, bringing Chile's practices in line with global best practice.

To ensure thorough oversight, the SAG will require detailed reporting from companies that import and use pesticide samples. These reports must include data on the use, efficacy and any observed environmental or health impacts. This information will be essential for ongoing monitoring and assessment to ensure that the use of these samples does not pose undue risks.

Facilitating Research and Development

One of the main objectives of the new regulations is to support research and development in the agricultural sector. By simplifying the process of obtaining and using pesticide samples, the SAG hopes to encourage innovation and the development of more effective and safer pest control solutions. The regulations will make it easier for researchers to conduct field trials and laboratory experiments  accelerating the discovery of new products and practises that can improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.

The draft regulations also include provisions for the import of pesticide samples for educational purposes. Universities and research institutions will have easier access to these samples, supporting academic research and the training of future scientists. This educational component is seen as an important part of fostering a culture of innovation and scientific inquiry within Chile's agricultural sector.

Public Consultation and Feedback

The SAG has opened the draft regulations for public consultation, inviting feedback from stakeholders including farmers, researchers, industry representatives and environmental groups. This inclusive approach aims to gather diverse perspectives and ensure that the final regulations are robust, practical and widely accepted.

Stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft and provide input on various aspects such as documentation requirements, security measures and reporting protocols. The SAG will carefully consider this feedback before finalizing the regulations, with the aim of creating a regulatory framework that supports innovation while protecting public health and the environment.

The consultation is open for comments until 24 July 2024.

Conclusion

The proposed regulations for the import and use of pesticide samples represent a significant step forward for Chile's agricultural sector. By establishing clear guidelines and robust safety measures, the SAG aims to facilitate research and development, support innovation, and ensure the safe and effective use of pesticides. The public consultation process underscores the importance of stakeholder engagement in shaping policies that will impact the future of agriculture in Chile.

For more details, please see the draft resolution (in Spanish) here.