Argentina Overhauls Pesticide Regulation with New SENASA Resolution

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).