Under Resolution 1081/2024, published on September 13, 2024, the National Service of Agri-food Health and Quality (SENASA) has introduced an significant update that grants greater flexibility to those involved in the agricultural sector, allowing them to choose freely laboratories for conducting the analytical tests required for product registrations. This move is part of SENASA's broader effort to streamline operations, improve the efficiency of the regulatory process,  to enhance competitiveness and access to quality services for stakeholders across the agricultural and food sectors. 

The resolution authorizes producers, manufacturers, and other stakeholders in the agricultural and food industries to freely select any qualified national or international laboratory for the required analytical testing. All chosen laboratories must comply with the necessary technical conditions set forth by the relevant regulations. The laboratories are required to guarantee the quality and traceability of the results they provide, ensuring the integrity of the registration process.

This resolution builds on Law No. 27.233, which emphasizes the national interest in animal and plant health, as well as food safety. It also reflects the principles of Law No. 27.742, which aims to improve the transparency and efficiency of public administration. SENASA's decision to update its procedures aligns with these legal frameworks to ensure faster, more transparent responses to the needs of both citizens and businesses.

Resolution 1081/2024 took effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette on September 13, 2024. SENASA will oversee the implementation of this measure, ensuring that all involved laboratories meet the required technical standards.

For further details, stakeholders are encouraged to consult the Official Gazette or reach out to SENASA for guidance on complying with the new procedures.

The Argentine National Administration of Medicines, Food, and Medical Technology (ANMAT) has taken a significant step toward updating national cosmetic regulations by incorporating the latest MERCOSUR standards into its legal framework. The move is formalized in Disposición 8067/2024, published on September 6, 2024, in the Official Gazette of Argentina, marking a crucial alignment with regional regulatory norms.

This regulatory update follows the approval of Resolution GMC No. 18/23, which establishes a new technical regulation for the classification of personal hygiene products, cosmetics, and perfumes within the MERCOSUR region. This resolution replaces the previous Resolution GMC No. 07/05, which had been in force since its incorporation into Argentine law in 2006 via ANMAT’s Disposición No. 345/2006. As a result of the new update, Disposición No. 345/06 has been officially revoked.

The new regulation provides an updated classification system for personal hygiene products, cosmetics, and perfumes, ensuring they meet current safety and efficacy standards. This aims to harmonize regulations across the MERCOSUR region, enhancing trade and compliance.

Under the Ouro Preto Protocol, the new MERCOSUR rule will take effect simultaneously in all member states. The regulation will enter into force 30 days after MERCOSUR’s Secretariat confirms that all member states have incorporated it into their respective legal systems.

The ANMAT has involved its Directorate for Monitoring Health Products, Directorate of Institutional Relations, and Directorate of Legal Affairs in the process. The relevant sectoral board and international relations programs will also be notified, ensuring that stakeholders are fully informed about the upcoming changes.

The new classification framework is expected to offer clearer guidelines for manufacturers and distributors in Argentina and throughout the MERCOSUR region. To this extent, Argentina positions itself in closer alignment with international standards, fostering smoother international trade and protecting consumers more effectively.

The full details of Resolution GMC No. 18/23 and its annexes are available on: Resolution GMC No. 18/23

This update highlights ANMAT’s commitment to maintaining rigorous standards in the health, safety, and efficacy of products in the marketplace while facilitating regional cooperation under MERCOSUR agreements. The cosmetics and personal care sectors can now look forward to improved regulatory clarity and market access across Argentina and its neighboring countries.