MERCOSUR Publishes Three Food-Contact Related Resolutions

The Grupo Mercado Común (GMC) of MERCOSUR (Mercado Común Del Sur or the “Common Market of the South”) recently published three resolutions that modify existing resolutions related to food-contact materials. The new resolutions (available in Spanish and Portuguese at: https://www.mercosur.int/documentos-y-normativa/normativa/ by selecting the “resoluciones” tab, and then “2021”) are listed below. 

1.    GMC Res. No. 19/21, “Modification of GMC Resolution No. 02/12 MERCSOUR Technical Regulation on the Positive List of Monomers, Other Starting Substances, and Polymers Authorized for the Manufacture of Plastic Food Contact Packaging and Equipment,” modifies GMC Res. No. 02/12. It establishes a 360-day period for compliance with the requirements of the resolution and must be incorporated into national legislation by MERCOSUR Member States by April 11, 2022.

2.    GMC Res. No. 20/21, “Modification of GMC Resolution No. 56/92 General Provisions for plastic containers and equipment in contact with food,” modifies GMC Res. No. 56/92. It also establishes a 360-day period for compliance with the requirements of the resolution and must be incorporated into national legislation by MERCOSUR Member States by April 11, 2022.

3.    GMC Res. No. 21/21, “Modification of GMC Resolution No. 40/15 Technical Regulation on Cellulosic Materials, Containers, and Equipment intended to be in contact with food,” modifies GMC Res. No. 40/15. This resolution does not include a compliance deadline. It must be incorporated into national legislation by MERCOSUR Member States.