Colombia Regulatory News

Colombia has introduced sweeping new rules to govern the movement of hazardous and other controlled wastes across its borders, in one of the most substantial overhauls of national waste regulations in...

Colombia has introduced sweeping new rules to govern the movement of hazardous and other controlled wastes across its borders, in one of the most substantial overhauls of national waste regulations in nearly two decades. The measures are outlined in Resolution 1519, published by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development.

The resolution updates Colombia’s legal framework to bring it in line with the Basel Convention, the OECD waste control system, and recent international amendments covering plastic waste and electronic waste (e-waste). It replaces a 2006 regulation that officials say no longer reflected global environmental standards.

ANLA to Oversee All Cross-Border Waste Movements

Under the new rules, the National Authority for Environmental Licensing (ANLA) is granted full responsibility for authorising, denying, and monitoring all transboundary shipments of hazardous and other controlled waste. The authority must ensure that movements comply with both domestic regulations and the complex notification and consent procedures required under the Basel Convention. The resolution applies to all individuals and companies involved in exporting or importing waste.

Tightened Controls on Plastics, Electronic Waste, and OECD Shipments

A major focus of the regulation is the incorporation of recent amendments to the Basel Convention that place new restrictions on:

• Plastic waste (BC-14/12)
• Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) (BC-15/18)

Exports of certain hazardous plastics and electronic waste to OECD countries must now follow the Amber Control Procedure, the stricter of two regulatory mechanisms used by the OECD. The resolution specifies that waste codes A1181, A2060, AC300, and those equivalent to Basel entry A3210, are to be treated as hazardous and therefore subject to the highest level of scrutiny. Other types of recyclable waste classified under the OECD’s Green Control Procedure may move more freely between member states, though the government notes it may impose additional national controls in future.

Import Ban on Hazardous Waste Reaffirmed

The regulation reiterates Colombia’s longstanding ban on the importation or trafficking of hazardous waste, except when the waste is demonstrably non-hazardous according to national classification systems. This prohibition, originally embedded in Law 1252 of 2008, remains one of the strictest in Latin America.

Transparency Measures and Implementation Timeline

To improve compliance, the Ministry will publish the most up-to-date versions of the OECD waste-control appendices on its website, ensuring that industry operators have access to the latest lists of controlled waste streams. Resolution 1519 will come into force three months after its publication, on the 23rd of December 2025. At that point, it will formally repeal Resolution 1402 of 2006, ending nearly 19 years of its application.

Colombia has officially completed and published its first National Inventory of Industrial Chemical Substances. Under Decree 1630/2021, all hazardous substances imported or manufactured in quantities ...

Colombia has officially completed and published its first National Inventory of Industrial Chemical Substances. Under Decree 1630/2021, all hazardous substances imported or manufactured in quantities equal to or exceeding 100 kg per year during 2021–2023 had to be registered by May 2025, while substances produced or imported in 2024 had to be registered by September 2025.

Inventory Released Through Interactive Dashboards

To promote transparency and accessibility, the government has made the inventory available through a dashboard visualization system available on the INSQUI website. The system features four interactive dashboards:

• Principal and Secondary Uses of Registered Substances
• Headquarters of Registrants
• Reported Hazards
• Registered Users

These dashboards allow users to explore and filter data across 4,473 registered substances. The tool helps determine which substances are already registered. Substances not listed in the inventory are considered “new.”

Definition of New Substances and Associated Requirements

With the publication of this national inventory, companies can now verify whether their substances are classified as new. According to Decree 1630/2021, a new chemical substance is defined as one imported or manufactured in Colombia after the May 2025 registration deadline that does not appear in the National Inventory of Chemical Substances for Industrial Use.

For such new substances, the decree requires importers or manufacturers to conduct an environmental or health risk assessment to evaluate the potential risks associated with their intended uses in Colombia. Substances that meet prioritization criteria will require an additional risk assessment before commercialization.

Access to the Inventory

The interactive dashboards can be accessed on the INSQUI website here (in Spanish).

Colombia has made significant progress in modernizing its national chemicals regulations, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable and safe chemicals management. In 2017, the country introduced a dra...

Colombia has made significant progress in modernizing its national chemicals regulations, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable and safe chemicals management. In 2017, the country introduced a draft framework for the Comprehensive Management of Industrial Chemicals, and by December 2020, it notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its latest draft law. These efforts led to the official publication of Decree 1630 on November 30, 2021. This Decree, entitled Gestión Integral de las Sustancias Químicas de Uso Industrial (Comprehensive Management of Industrial Chemicals), provides the legal basis for the establishment of the Colombian National Inventory and Registry of Chemical Substances (INSQUI). The decree aims to streamline the integrated management and risk assessment of industrial chemicals classified under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) hazard categories. Manufacturers and importers who handle more than 100 kg per year are required to notify by May 30, 2025, while those who handle smaller quantities can notify voluntarily. After this deadline, the National Inventory will be finalized.

Colombian companies handling polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are racing against the clock to meet the 30 November deadline set by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development. The regulato...

Colombian companies handling polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are racing against the clock to meet the 30 November deadline set by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development. The regulatory mandate requires these companies, already listed in the national inventory, to submit comprehensive reports detailing their PCB usage throughout the 2022 calendar year.

The looming deadline stems from Resolution 222/2011, enacted in 2011, which mandates annual registration and updates of PCB inventories for companies within its purview. The resolution not only emphasizes meticulous record-keeping but also outlines specific responsibilities for the identification, analysis, and a gradual phase-out of equipment and waste containing PCBs by the year 2028.

The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development has been vigilant in monitoring and enforcing compliance with these regulations to mitigate the environmental impact of PCBs, which are known for their harmful effects on ecosystems and human health.

Companies subject to the resolution are urged to expedite the submission of their 2022 reports, ensuring accurate and transparent documentation of their PCB-related activities. The ministry emphasizes that timely reporting is essential to assess the progress made in the gradual elimination of PCB-containing equipment and waste.

Failure to meet the 30 November deadline may result in penalties and legal consequences for non-compliant companies, as the government underscores its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. As the clock ticks down, Colombian businesses are working diligently to fulfill their reporting obligations and contribute to the country's collective efforts in creating a cleaner and healthier environment.

ICONTEC, the Colombian standards organization is putting forth a proposal encompassing three technical standards pertaining to the realm of cosmetics. While these ICONTEC standards begin as voluntary...

ICONTEC, the Colombian standards organization is putting forth a proposal encompassing three technical standards pertaining to the realm of cosmetics. While these ICONTEC standards begin as voluntary guidelines, they could potentially become obligatory if they are incorporated by reference into a Colombian law or regulation. These three standards are presently open for public feedback on the ICONTEC platform until November 6, 2023. It is worth noting that these standards draw their foundation from pre-existing ISO counterparts:

NTC-ISO 11930:2018 - Assessing the antimicrobial protection of a cosmetic product.

NTC-ISO-TR 17276 - Employing an analytical approach for the screening and quantification methods of heavy metals in cosmetics.

NTC-ISO-21392 - Quantifying traces of heavy metals in finished cosmetic products utilizing the ICP/MS technique.

In a move towards environmental preservation, the National Government of Colombia has implemented a groundbreaking law to reduce and eliminate the use of mercury in industrial activities. The decisio...

In a move towards environmental preservation, the National Government of Colombia has implemented a groundbreaking law to reduce and eliminate the use of mercury in industrial activities. The decision, in accordance with Article 3 of Law 1658 of 2013, marks a significant milestone in the nation's commitment to safeguarding the environment and public health.

The law, aptly titled "Reduction and Elimination of Mercury Use," was enacted with the collaboration of key ministries responsible for environment, energy, health, and labor that jointly worked to formulate regulatory measures to ensure the safe and sustainable reduction of mercury usage across various industries.

One of the central provisions of the law was the complete eradication of mercury use on national soil within ten (10) years for all industrial and productive processes. For the mining sector, the timeline was even more ambitious, with a maximum period of five (5) years for total elimination. The National Government has pledged full support, providing the necessary technological instruments and engaging with responsible entities and organizations dedicated to preserving the environment and promoting sustainable development.

As of July 15, 2023, the use of mercury has been strictly prohibited in all industrial and productive processes nationwide. This sweeping ban includes importation and exportation processes to and from the country, ensuring that no mercury-laden goods enter or leave the national territory.

Mercury, known for its hazardous effects on ecosystems and human health, has been a significant concern for environmentalists and public health advocates alike. By taking this bold step to restrict its usage, Colombia seeks to combat the detrimental impact of mercury on the environment, wildlife, and human populations.

The National Government encourages cooperation and compliance from all stakeholders, urging industries to explore mercury-free alternatives and embrace cleaner, greener technologies. As the nation embarks on this transformative journey, it sets a promising precedent for other countries to follow in the pursuit of a healthier and more sustainable planet.

Through Resolution 395/2023, Colombia solidifies technical regulations on the environmental aspects of phosphorus content and promote surfactant biodegradability in detergents and soaps, making them ...

Through Resolution 395/2023, Colombia solidifies technical regulations on the environmental aspects of phosphorus content and promote surfactant biodegradability in detergents and soaps, making them permanent.

The resolution signifies a pivotal step in Colombia's commitment to environmental protection and promoting eco-friendly consumer products. By establishing maximum limits on phosphorus content, the regulation aims to mitigate the environmental impact of detergents and soaps, particularly regarding water pollution and ecosystem degradation. By limiting the phosphorus levels, Colombia seeks to reduce the risk of eutrophication, a process that can harm aquatic life and compromise water quality. 

Additionally, the regulation emphasizes the biodegradability of surfactants, which play a crucial role in detergents and soaps. By setting standards for biodegradability, Colombia aims to ensure that these products break down effectively after use, minimizing their long-term environmental impact. Biodegradable surfactants contribute to wastewater treatment processes, allowing for cleaner water discharge and reduced ecological harm. 

By making these technical regulations permanent, Colombia aims to create a stable and consistent framework for the production, importation, and use of detergents and soaps. This permanence provides manufacturers and stakeholders with clear guidelines to follow, encouraging the development and adoption of sustainable practices throughout the industry. 

By adopting stringent standards on phosphorus content and surfactant biodegradability, Colombia demonstrates its commitment to global environmental objectives and contributes to the collective goal of preserving the planet for future generations.