News Details

On 10 June 2026, Panama notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of Draft Technical Regulation DGNTI XX-2026, proposing the implementation of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), Revision 7. The proposal would establish a national framework for the classification of chemical hazards and communicating them through labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). Comments on the draft can be submitted until 9 August 2026. 

Description of the Draft Regulation 

The draft regulation would apply to individuals and organizations involved in the production, import, storage, transport, marketing, use, and consumption of chemical products (including substances and mixtures) within Panama. 

Under the proposal, manufacturers and importers would be required to classify chemical hazards according to GHS criteria and provide GHS-compliant labels and SDSs in Spanish. Distributors would be required to ensure that products are properly labelled and accompanied by up-to-date SDSs. Employers would also need to provide worker training and maintain accessible SDSs in the workplace. 

The regulation would also establish inspection and conformity assessment procedures for the agricultural, transportation, labour, and consumer sectors to verify compliance with GHS requirements. Certain products, including medicines, cosmetics, food additives, and articles, would be exempt at the final consumer stage. 

Timeline 

The draft regulation includes transition periods for both authorities and industry, as well as provisions for future review: 

• Institutional adaptation period: 2 years from the regulation's effective date 

• Industrial-business adaptation period: 3 years from the regulation's effective date 

• Periodic review: Every 5 years or earlier if significant new information becomes available

Conclusion 

The proposed regulation represents a significant step toward aligning Panama's chemical management framework with the internationally recognized GHS requirements. Stakeholders involved in the manufacture, import, distribution, and use of chemical products should familiarize themselves with the proposed requirements and prepare for future compliance obligations.