Chile Provides Update on the Implementation of Registering Hazardous Substances

On the 28th of June, Chilean authorities delivered an important update via webinar on the progress of implementing Chile's regulation, based on the Decree 57/2021. The focus of this update centered around the introduction of some requirements to register hazardous industrial substances, known as "Notificación de substancias," on the country's online platform. The announcement highlighted crucial information regarding registration requirements, deadlines, and key updates from the recent event. 

Under the GHS regulation in Chile, manufacturers and importers of a substance, as well as importers of a substance contained within a hazardous mixture, are obligated to notify the new system with the required information. This notification process applies to substances or mixtures with quantities equal to or exceeding 1 ton per year. However, for substances contained within mixtures, notification is solely necessary for those posing risks to the environment and human health, provided their concentrations surpass the specified values outlined in Regulation, Art. 291. 

To facilitate a smooth transition, the Chilean authorities have set phased-in deadlines for registration based on different substance categories. The deadlines are as follows: 

• Industrial Substances – August 30, 2024 

• Industrial Substances Contained in Mixtures – August 30, 2027 

• Non-Industrial Substances – August 30, 2025 

• Non-Industrial Substances Contained in Mixtures – August 30, 2029 

It is important to note that the initial registration for industrial substances will encompass information from the preceding two-year period, in this case the years 2022 and 2023. 

At present, the GHS registration system in Chile does not accommodate foreign manufacturers' participation. The absence of provisions for foreign manufacturers, even through the involvement of local agents such as the Colombia's OR, designed to protect Confidential Business Information (CBI), necessitates potential reforms to the Chilean regulation (Decree 57/2021) to enable such participation. 

During the event, Chilean authorities also unveiled other updates regarding the implementation of the GHS regulation: 

• In an effort to ensure an efficient and effective registration process, the government plans to conduct a new Beta Test of the revised online platform. This test is scheduled to take place in the later months of 2023, allowing industries to engage with the system, test its functionality, and provide valuable feedback. 

• Accessible Substance Registration Database: By the end of 2023 or the beginning of 2024, the substance registration database is expected to be accessible to all. This database will serve as a comprehensive repository of registered hazardous substances, facilitating easy access to vital information. 

You can find more info at: GHS - Chile - Ministerio de Salud