Peru Turns Registry for Emissions & Pollutants Mandatory

On July 24, Peru’s Ministry of the Environment (MINAM) published Decree 18/2021. By this Decree, Peru creates the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (RETC by its acronym in Spanish).

The new database constitutes a new informational tool of potentially harmful chemical products and substances. The purpose is to facilitate public access to information on releases and transfers of pollutants while contributing to decision-making processes on environmental management.

Since the new regulation is broad in scope, different economical activities are required to comply. It includes, agriculture, mining, manufacture, suppliers, providers, transport, and storage facilities. A complete list of those who need to comply is displayed in Annex 1.

The report must include three parameters: chemical substances, their physicochemical characteristics, and total hazardous waste produced. Annex 2 give further details on such elements.

Altogether, the declaration content must have:

• Company information, operations, and processes
• Water and energy consumption
• Emissions amount (air, water, and soil)
• Sewage and waste amounts
• Company’s environmental practices and certificates

Declarants have until March 31st of each year to report. The declaration must be made once a year through the RETC digital platform.

The Decree foresees a 3-year adaptation period becoming mandatory in July 2024. Companies can still report voluntarily until then. The Peruvian authorities published a guideline to assist in reporting.

The initiative is linked towards enhanced chemical management in Peru. The Ministerial Resolution 439/2020, which proposes the National Regulation and Control of Dangerous Substances and the GHS adoption underwent public comments in September 2020. This may indicate a new version coming to light in 2021.