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