Latin America Food Regulation Updates

Across Latin America, food safety and regulatory frameworks are undergoing rapid transformation as governments respond to rising consumer expectations around health, transparency, and sustainability. Countries throughout the region are introducing more stringent controls on everything from labelling and additives to pesticide residues and nutrition claims.

To stay ahead, food brands need tools that simplify complexity. Regulatory compliance software enables teams to monitor changing food manufacturing laws, helping companies adapt with confidence, avoid disruptions, and keep pace with evolving local requirements.

In this post, we break down the most important regulatory developments reshaping food safety and labeling in Latin America.

• Brazil Streamlines Agricultural Import Controls With New Ordinance – September 12, 2025
• Peru Proposes National Standard for Citrus Fruit Quality - February 7, 2024
• Peru Issues Manufacturing Requirement on Carbonated Beverages - March 22, 2023

Brazil Streamlines Agricultural Import Controls With New Ordinance – September 12, 2025

Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) has issued Ordinance No. 835, marking a key update to agricultural import control procedures. Published on September 11, 2025, and announced the following day, the regulation aligns Brazil’s agricultural import oversight with the Novo Processo de Importação (NPI) framework to simplify trade and strengthen biosecurity.

Key Changes Introduced by Ordinance No. 835

• Updated Import Control Rules: Applies to agricultural products registered in Brazil’s Single Foreign Trade Portal (Portal Único de Comércio Exterior).
• Integration with NPI Tools: Incorporates digital tools such as the Single Import Declaration (DUIMP), Product Catalog and Attributes, and centralized coordination across all approving agencies.
• Modernized Risk Management: Mandates the review of existing normative acts and the use of risk-based control systems to improve efficiency.
• Phased Implementation: Transition to the new system will occur gradually, following the migration timeline set by the National Trade Facilitation Committee (Confac).

These updates are expected to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, enhance transparency, and improve the traceability and safety of imported agricultural goods.

Announcement Date: September 12, 2025
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Agricultural Products
Effective Date: September 11, 2025.

Peru Proposes National Standard for Citrus Fruit Quality - February 7, 2024

On February 7, 2024, Peru’s National Institute of Quality (INACAL) released a draft technical standard (PNTP 011.023:2023) to define quality and classification requirements for fresh citrus fruits intended for direct consumption. This initiative aims to standardize fruit quality across both domestic and export markets, reinforcing Peru’s commitment to food safety and agricultural competitiveness.

Scope of the Draft Standard

The proposed regulation applies to:

• Sweet citrus fruits, including:
  • Mandarins
  • Oranges
  • Grapefruits
  • Citrus hybrids intended for fresh consumption

The standard does not apply to citrus destined for industrial processing, such as juice production.

Key Quality and Classification Guidelines

PNTP 011.023:2023 outlines criteria such as:

• Minimum quality requirements
• Classification grades based on size, ripeness, and external appearance
• Uniformity and labeling expectations for retail presentation

These criteria are designed to improve product consistency, ensure consumer satisfaction, and support traceable safety practices in Peru’s citrus supply chain.

Public Consultation Period

Stakeholders, including growers, exporters, importers, and quality assurance teams, are encouraged to submit feedback during the public comment window, which remains open until April 6, 2024.

This draft is a strategic step in aligning Peru’s food quality standards with international market demands and Codex principles, enhancing its position in the global fresh produce trade.

Announcement Date: February 7, 2024
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Fresh citrus fruits (mandarins, oranges, grapefruits, hybrids)
Deadline for Public Comment: April 6, 2024

Peru Issues Manufacturing Requirement on Carbonated Beverages - March 22, 2023

On March 22, 2023, Peru’s National Institute of Quality (INACAL) released a proposed technical regulation aimed at establishing uniform manufacturing standards for carbonated beverages, including soft drinks and soda products. The draft rule supports Peru’s broader strategy to improve food and beverage safety, quality, and regulatory consistency.

Scope of the Draft Regulation

The regulation applies to:

• Soft drinks categorized as carbonated beverages
• Products packaged in metal, glass, or plastic (including PET) containers
• Liquid concentrates intended for dilution with carbonated water, as specified by the manufacturer

These standards cover both ready-to-drink and mix-to-drink formats, reinforcing quality controls across the entire soda production and packaging chain.

Standardized Product Requirements

The proposed regulation defines:

• Physical and chemical parameters (e.g., carbonation level, acidity)
• Ingredient and labeling standards
• Packaging material compliance
• Manufacturing practices aimed at ensuring consumer safety and product uniformity

The rule is designed to bring greater clarity to producers, importers, and quality assurance teams, while also boosting consumer confidence in carbonated beverage quality throughout Peru.

Public Consultation Period

INACAL invites public comments on the draft regulation through May 20, 2023. Stakeholders in the beverage industry are encouraged to provide input to help shape the final rule and align with evolving international food safety benchmarks.

Announcement Date: March 22, 2023
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Soft drinks
Deadline for Public Comment: May 20, 2023

Staying Ahead of Change with Trace One Regulatory Compliance

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Our platform helps you expedite regulatory compliance checks, monitor changing food laws, and get products to new markets faster – empowering your team to move with confidence, reduce risk, and stay one step ahead in a fast-moving regulatory landscape.