Colombia Regulatory News

Colombia has made significant progress in modernizing its national chemicals regulations, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable and safe chemicals management. In 2017, the country introduced a dra...

Colombia has made significant progress in modernizing its national chemicals regulations, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable and safe chemicals management. In 2017, the country introduced a draft framework for the Comprehensive Management of Industrial Chemicals, and by December 2020, it notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its latest draft law. These efforts led to the official publication of Decree 1630 on November 30, 2021. This Decree, entitled Gestión Integral de las Sustancias Químicas de Uso Industrial (Comprehensive Management of Industrial Chemicals), provides the legal basis for the establishment of the Colombian National Inventory and Registry of Chemical Substances (INSQUI). The decree aims to streamline the integrated management and risk assessment of industrial chemicals classified under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) hazard categories. Manufacturers and importers who handle more than 100 kg per year are required to notify by May 30, 2025, while those who handle smaller quantities can notify voluntarily. After this deadline, the National Inventory will be finalized.

Colombian companies handling polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are racing against the clock to meet the 30 November deadline set by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development. The regulato...

Colombian companies handling polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are racing against the clock to meet the 30 November deadline set by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development. The regulatory mandate requires these companies, already listed in the national inventory, to submit comprehensive reports detailing their PCB usage throughout the 2022 calendar year.

The looming deadline stems from Resolution 222/2011, enacted in 2011, which mandates annual registration and updates of PCB inventories for companies within its purview. The resolution not only emphasizes meticulous record-keeping but also outlines specific responsibilities for the identification, analysis, and a gradual phase-out of equipment and waste containing PCBs by the year 2028.

The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development has been vigilant in monitoring and enforcing compliance with these regulations to mitigate the environmental impact of PCBs, which are known for their harmful effects on ecosystems and human health.

Companies subject to the resolution are urged to expedite the submission of their 2022 reports, ensuring accurate and transparent documentation of their PCB-related activities. The ministry emphasizes that timely reporting is essential to assess the progress made in the gradual elimination of PCB-containing equipment and waste.

Failure to meet the 30 November deadline may result in penalties and legal consequences for non-compliant companies, as the government underscores its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. As the clock ticks down, Colombian businesses are working diligently to fulfill their reporting obligations and contribute to the country's collective efforts in creating a cleaner and healthier environment.

ICONTEC, the Colombian standards organization is putting forth a proposal encompassing three technical standards pertaining to the realm of cosmetics. While these ICONTEC standards begin as voluntary...

ICONTEC, the Colombian standards organization is putting forth a proposal encompassing three technical standards pertaining to the realm of cosmetics. While these ICONTEC standards begin as voluntary guidelines, they could potentially become obligatory if they are incorporated by reference into a Colombian law or regulation. These three standards are presently open for public feedback on the ICONTEC platform until November 6, 2023. It is worth noting that these standards draw their foundation from pre-existing ISO counterparts:

NTC-ISO 11930:2018 - Assessing the antimicrobial protection of a cosmetic product.

NTC-ISO-TR 17276 - Employing an analytical approach for the screening and quantification methods of heavy metals in cosmetics.

NTC-ISO-21392 - Quantifying traces of heavy metals in finished cosmetic products utilizing the ICP/MS technique.

In a move towards environmental preservation, the National Government of Colombia has implemented a groundbreaking law to reduce and eliminate the use of mercury in industrial activities. The decisio...

In a move towards environmental preservation, the National Government of Colombia has implemented a groundbreaking law to reduce and eliminate the use of mercury in industrial activities. The decision, in accordance with Article 3 of Law 1658 of 2013, marks a significant milestone in the nation's commitment to safeguarding the environment and public health.

The law, aptly titled "Reduction and Elimination of Mercury Use," was enacted with the collaboration of key ministries responsible for environment, energy, health, and labor that jointly worked to formulate regulatory measures to ensure the safe and sustainable reduction of mercury usage across various industries.

One of the central provisions of the law was the complete eradication of mercury use on national soil within ten (10) years for all industrial and productive processes. For the mining sector, the timeline was even more ambitious, with a maximum period of five (5) years for total elimination. The National Government has pledged full support, providing the necessary technological instruments and engaging with responsible entities and organizations dedicated to preserving the environment and promoting sustainable development.

As of July 15, 2023, the use of mercury has been strictly prohibited in all industrial and productive processes nationwide. This sweeping ban includes importation and exportation processes to and from the country, ensuring that no mercury-laden goods enter or leave the national territory.

Mercury, known for its hazardous effects on ecosystems and human health, has been a significant concern for environmentalists and public health advocates alike. By taking this bold step to restrict its usage, Colombia seeks to combat the detrimental impact of mercury on the environment, wildlife, and human populations.

The National Government encourages cooperation and compliance from all stakeholders, urging industries to explore mercury-free alternatives and embrace cleaner, greener technologies. As the nation embarks on this transformative journey, it sets a promising precedent for other countries to follow in the pursuit of a healthier and more sustainable planet.

Through Resolution 395/2023, Colombia solidifies technical regulations on the environmental aspects of phosphorus content and promote surfactant biodegradability in detergents and soaps, making them ...

Through Resolution 395/2023, Colombia solidifies technical regulations on the environmental aspects of phosphorus content and promote surfactant biodegradability in detergents and soaps, making them permanent.

The resolution signifies a pivotal step in Colombia's commitment to environmental protection and promoting eco-friendly consumer products. By establishing maximum limits on phosphorus content, the regulation aims to mitigate the environmental impact of detergents and soaps, particularly regarding water pollution and ecosystem degradation. By limiting the phosphorus levels, Colombia seeks to reduce the risk of eutrophication, a process that can harm aquatic life and compromise water quality. 

Additionally, the regulation emphasizes the biodegradability of surfactants, which play a crucial role in detergents and soaps. By setting standards for biodegradability, Colombia aims to ensure that these products break down effectively after use, minimizing their long-term environmental impact. Biodegradable surfactants contribute to wastewater treatment processes, allowing for cleaner water discharge and reduced ecological harm. 

By making these technical regulations permanent, Colombia aims to create a stable and consistent framework for the production, importation, and use of detergents and soaps. This permanence provides manufacturers and stakeholders with clear guidelines to follow, encouraging the development and adoption of sustainable practices throughout the industry. 

By adopting stringent standards on phosphorus content and surfactant biodegradability, Colombia demonstrates its commitment to global environmental objectives and contributes to the collective goal of preserving the planet for future generations. 

According to Colombia’s Resolution 0773/2021, chemical manufacturers exporting to Colombia need to be aware that the transition period for implementing GHS in the workplace finishes on 7 April 2023 ...

According to Colombia’s Resolution 0773/2021, chemical manufacturers exporting to Colombia need to be aware that the transition period for implementing GHS in the workplace finishes on 7 April 2023 for pure chemical substances and 7 April 2024 for mixtures. After the deadline, companies must start using the sixth revised edition of GHS for labelling and classification.  

With Decree 1496/2018, Colombia implemented the 6th revised edition of GHS for activities related to the extraction, production, importation, storage, transportation, distribution, trade and any other use of hazardous chemical products.  

Resolution 0773/2021 applies to public and private employers, dependent and independent workers, contractors, apprentices, trainees, and cooperative workers who handle chemical products at work, whether pure chemicals, diluted solutions, or mixtures of these. Chemical products should be classified according to the sixth edition of the Globally Harmonic System of Classifying and Labelling Chemicals (GHS6), as well as the use and management of labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).  

Labelling must be in Spanish and conform to the requirements listed in GHS6. Information on prevention, response, storage, and disposal should be included, unless they are already listed elsewhere. The labels may include the nominal quantity and lot number of the chemical in the container.  

The size of the label should be proportional to the container’s size and shape. Product names and hazard pictograms must not be displayed on containers smaller than 30 millilitres. 

The SDS must include occupational exposure limits determined by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) at the time of its preparation or updating. In this same section, the type of recommended personal protection elements should be specified, specifying characteristics such as glove material and type of filter, among other specifications. 

From May 31, 2022, manufacturers and importers in Colombia have three years to register chemical substances for industrial use in the new digital application.   Colombia released a registration p...

From May 31, 2022, manufacturers and importers in Colombia have three years to register chemical substances for industrial use in the new digital application.  

Colombia released a registration platform for companies to submit information on the use of chemicals in their industrial activities. The deadline is May 30, 2025.  

Decree 1630 of November 30, 2021, aims to regulate the comprehensive management, including risk management of chemical substances for industrial use that are classified as hazardous within the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) created by the United Nations.  

The Colombian Ministry of Commerce enacted Circular 018/2022 of May 31, 2022, which initiated three years to register chemical substances for industrial use as it is stated in Decree 1630. This is an obligation to register chemicals in Colombia's new National Registry of Industrial Chemical Substances. It is mandated to manufacturers and importers whose chemical substance volumes exceed 100 kg and voluntary to those below 100 kg.   

Information required:  

• annual production and import amount 

• substance identification, including CAS number 

• risk assessment and classification according to the GHS 

• identified substance uses 

Additional compliance steps include:  

• follow SDS and label standards 

• submit information to the national inventory 

• design, implement and make public risk reduction and management actions programs 

Circular 018/2022 establishes the digital application and its filing instructions to register the information requested by the National Inventory of Chemical Substances for Industrial Use, as pointed out in Decree 1630. From the date of its enactment manufacturers and importers have a three-year period to comply with the new registration duties.  

For more information please visit: https://www.mincit.gov.co/getattachment/7ad4c91f-afe6-4c7d-8366-cd2837acf081/Circular-018-del-31-de-mayo-de-2022.aspx