Latin America

Have you ever noticed whether a cosmetic product package lists its net content in “grams” or “milliliters”? Behind that small print lies a strict set of technical regulations. Recently, Brazil’s National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro) published a major draft proposal aimed at comprehensively updating the quantitative labeling rules for cosmetics across the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR/Mercosul). This update is crucial for export compliance and directly impacts consumer transparency. I. Regulatory Background: Overhauling a 22-Year-Old Rule On April 24, 2026, Inmetro published Public Consultation No. 8 in the Diário Oficial da União (Brazil’s Federal Official Gazette), introducing a new draft of the MERCOSUR Metrological Technical Regulation on the Quantitative Indication for Cosmetics (Draft Resolution No. 02/25). This draft is designated to replace the long-standing GMC Resolution No. 50/00, which has been in effect since 2000, bringing regional requirements in line with modern market developments and international standards under

The Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has officially announced the cancellation of all cosmetic product registrations containing TPO (Diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide) and DMPT (N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine). More than 500 products are affected, primarily within the professional nail care sector, such as UV gel polishes and phototherapy gels. As a result, the production, sale, and use of these products are now strictly prohibited throughout Brazil. 01 | Regulatory Background: From Prohibition to Total Removal in 90 Days In October 2025, Anvisa issued Resolution RDC 995/2025, which added TPO and DMPT to the list of prohibited substances and established a 90-day transition period. Following the expiration of this period: 02 | Why the Ban? Internationally Verified Health Risks These two components were widely used as photoinitiators or stabilizers in gel nail polishes and LED/UV-cured nail systems. However, international scientific studies have confirmed severe health risks: Anvisa emphasized that these measures are essential to