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September 15, 2017

Michael S. Wenk, M.S., Presents “Chemical Substance Management in Central and South America” at the 17th AOCS Latin American Congress and Exhibition on Fats, Oils, and Lipids

Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.

On September 11, 2017, Michael S. Wenk, M.S., Senior Regulatory Consultant with The Acta Group (Acta®), presented “Chemical Substance Management in Central and South America: Insights into Sustainability, Regulatory and Management Opportunities” at the 17th AOCS Latin American Congress and Exhibition on Fats, Oils, and Lipids in Cancun, Mexico.  In general, Central and South America have no formal chemical inventories in place, no formal pre-notification schemes, and no implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) except in Argentina and Brazil. There are, however, many specific local regulations of which to be aware. Chemical production is booming, especially for agrochemicals, with the total value of imported insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides in Central American countries increasing by 6 percent from 2015 to 2016.

Mr. Wenk’s presentation breaks down the state of chemical regulation in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico, as well as how the increased interest by consumers in the use of sustainable palm oil is increasing corporate pressure and bringing government regulatory action to the horizon. Mr. Wenk suggests considering partnership with local communities and landowners to encourage sustainable palm oil forestry practices; developing or reformulating products with other oils when technically feasible; and promoting Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)/Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC)/Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) compliance, even where mandatory, to build goodwill. 

For more information, and a full copy of the presentation (available in English and Spanish), e-mail Mr. Wenk at mwenk@actagroup.com.