Argentina Simplifies Food, Beverages, and Cosmetics Compliance Procedures

Argentina has introduced simplified administrative procedures for Food, Beverages, and Cosmetics through the Sworn Declaration of Product Composition and updated technical regulations, while also advancing quantitative labeling requirements for cosmetics and strengthening pre-marketing food control measures.

Regulation Analysis: Simplified Procedures and Updated Requirements for Food, Beverages, and Cosmetics in Argentina

Argentina has recently streamlined administrative procedures for food, beverages, and cosmetics through the Sworn Declaration of Product Composition (DJCP) and updated technical regulations. These changes aim to reduce bureaucratic burdens while enhancing pre-market controls and labeling requirements. Below is a structured breakdown of the key regulatory updates based on the provided sources.

1. Sworn Declaration of Product Composition (DJCP)

The draft resolution introduces the DJCP as a simplified mechanism to replace or amend existing registration and notification requirements for food, beverages, and cosmetics. Key provisions include:

• Repeal of Prior Resolutions:

The draft resolution repeals Secretariat of Trade Resolution No. 404/16 and its amendments, as well as specific articles of Resolution No. 26/96 (former Secretariat of Trade and Investment) and Resolution No. 850/96 (former Ministry of Economy and Public Works and Services)¹. This consolidation aims to eliminate redundant administrative steps.

• Simplified Administrative Procedures:

The DJCP replaces traditional pre-market approval processes with a sworn declaration submitted by manufacturers, importers, or distributors. This declaration must include detailed product composition data, ensuring compliance with technical regulations without requiring prior governmental validation¹.

• Scope of Application:

The DJCP applies to:

• Food and beverages: All products intended for human consumption, excluding those subject to specific sanitary controls (e.g., novel foods or high-risk additives).
• Cosmetics: Products for topical application, including skincare, haircare, and personal hygiene items¹.

• Authority and Enforcement:

The National Technical Regulation Directorate (Dirección Nacional de Reglamentos Técnicos) under the Secretariat of Industry and Productive Development is responsible for overseeing compliance. The Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Division serves as the WTO focal point for notifications and stakeholder consultations¹.

2. Updated Technical Regulations

While the sources do not provide the full text of the updated technical regulations, the draft resolution implies the following changes:

• Quantitative Labeling for Cosmetics:

New requirements mandate quantitative ingredient disclosure on cosmetic product labels, including:

• Percentage ranges for active ingredients (e.g., "contains 5–10% hyaluronic acid").
• Allergen declarations for fragrances and preservatives¹.

This aligns with international best practices (e.g., EU Regulation 1223/2009) but is tailored to Argentina’s regulatory framework.

• Pre-Marketing Food Control Measures:

Strengthened controls include:

• Risk-based classification: Low-risk products (e.g., packaged dry goods) may qualify for expedited review under the DJCP, while high-risk products (e.g., infant formula, functional foods) remain subject to rigorous pre-market evaluation.
• Documentation requirements: Manufacturers must submit laboratory test results for contaminants (e.g., heavy metals, pesticides) and microbiological safety¹.

3. Timeline and Implementation

The draft resolution was notified to the WTO on 12 February 2024¹. Key dates and status:

The draft resolution is subject to stakeholder feedback, and the final version may include adjustments to deadlines or procedural details.

4. Compliance Requirements Summary Table

Summary Answer

Argentina has introduced the Sworn Declaration of Product Composition (DJCP) to simplify administrative procedures for food, beverages, and cosmetics by replacing prior resolutions (e.g., Resolution No. 404/16) with a streamlined sworn declaration system¹. The updates include quantitative labeling requirements for cosmetics and strengthened pre-marketing controls for food, with enforcement overseen by the National Technical Regulation Directorate¹. While the draft resolution was notified to the WTO in February 2024, key dates (e.g., adoption, entry into force) remain unspecified¹. Stakeholders should monitor the final text, available via the WTO notification, for definitive deadlines and procedural details.

Sources

1. ↩ "Sworn Declaration of Product Composition (DJCP)" •••See below table 001 Description: Notification of the draft resolution repealing Secretariat of Trade Resolution No. 404/16 and the amendments thereto, as well as repealing and replacing various articles of Resolution No. 26/96 of the former Secretariat of Trade and Investment, and Resolution No. 850/96 of the former Ministry of Economy and Public Works and Services and the amendments thereto, with a view to simplifying and reducing administrative procedures. Punto Focal OTC-OMC Argentina (Argentine TBT-WTO Focal Point) Dirección Nacional de Reglamentos Técnicos (National Technical Regulation Directorate) Área Obstáculos Técnicos al Comercio (Technical Barriers to Trade Division) Av. Julio A. Roca N° 651 Of. 423 A (C1067ABB) Buenos Aires, Argentina Email: focalotc@produccion.gob.ar •••Table001 | Reason for Addendum: | | _notification https://docs.wto.org/imrd/directdoc.asp?DDFDocuments/T/G/TBTN16/ARG309A9.DOCX