In a meeting held in May 19-20, 2021 (SGT 6), the Mercosur Environment Working Subgroup recommended advancing the regulatory framework within the bloc. The proposal includes the adoption of an updated GHS version and a regulatory harmonization among countries, although a proper version was not defined.

Mercosur is composed of four countries: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Brazil and Uruguay adopted GHS 4th version, Argentina implemented the 5th, and Paraguay has to endorse the system.

In Latin America, the arrangement of chemical control (GHS, inventory, notification, and registration) is on the surge. Six countries (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, and Mexico) are developing their future national chemical legislation; meanwhile, Chile recently approved its regulation for the classification, labeling, and notification of hazardous chemicals and mixtures in February 2021.

The implementation of GHS is usually seen as one of the first steps for a country to enhance its chemical management system. The recently published Roadmap for the Rational Management of Industrial Chemical Substances and Products shows increased regional cooperation within countries in Latin America is on the way.

Last update: 2021-05-20