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 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.