Brazil Regulatory Landscape: Product, Chemical and Packaging Compliance Guide

Working Heroes
Jul 29
2 min read

Brazil combines horizontal chemical and workplace-safety rules with sector-specific requirements for food, packaging, waste, climate, imports, and regulated product categories. Companies need an integrated strategy covering technical evidence, local responsibilities, supply-chain data, and change control.

1. National Inventory of Chemical Substances

Law 15,022/2024 created Brazil's chemical register and national inventory. As a general rule, substances manufactured or imported at one metric ton per year or more, averaged over the previous three years, fall within scope. As of July 2026, practical implementation still depends on the official system and complementary regulations.

2. GHS, labeling and safety data sheets

NR-26 requires workplace chemicals to be classified according to the GHS and requires preventive labeling and safety data sheets to follow the applicable criteria and official technical standard. Importers and suppliers should ensure alignment between classification, label, SDS, composition, and actual use.

3. Food-contact materials and packaging

ANVISA regulates food-contact materials and incorporates MERCOSUR requirements such as positive lists, migration limits, and conditions of use. Packaging is generally exempt from product registration but must comply with technical regulations and local procedures. Recycled post-consumer PET resins, precursor articles, and packaging for food contact are subject to specific prior notification.

4. Plastic packaging and reverse logistics

Decree 12,688/2025 created the national reverse-logistics system for plastic packaging and covers primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging. Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers must assess their role, operating model, market-volume data, evidence of results, and contractual allocation of responsibilities.

5. Brazilian Emissions Trading System

Law 15,042/2024 established the Brazilian Emissions Trading System. The SBCE remains in implementation, including governance, methodologies, monitoring, reporting, verification, and asset rules. Potentially covered companies should strengthen emissions inventories, controls, and audit trails before full operation.

6. Imports and market access

Administrative treatment depends on tariff classification, product category, and the competent agency. Regulated products may require import licensing, LPCO, DUIMP, registration, notification, authorization, or technical evidence before customs clearance or commercialization. The assessment should begin before shipment.

Market-entry checklist

Define product, composition, intended use, claims, and tariff classification.
Identify the importer, manufacturer, brand owner, and local responsible parties.
Map chemical, sanitary, environmental, customs, and workplace requirements.
Validate SDS, labels, specifications, tests, declarations, and certificates.
Maintain regulatory intelligence and change control.

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