A draft decree proposed in the Senate would introduce a new provision to the Consumer Protection Code requiring suppliers of goods and services to possess proof of characteristics, conditions, or benefits claimed through any form of media. Acceptable proof would include studies, tests, or analysis conducted through scientific methods, considered rational, truthful, and objective.
A bill regulating the labeling of organic foods and GMOs has been proposed in the Chamber of Deputies. The bill’s development was spurred by consumer calls for transparency and concerns over the uncertain long-term health effects associated with GMO consumption over time.
SCT has published NOM-019-SCT2/2015, which establishes technical specifications and general provisions for the cleaning and control of residues in units that transport substances, materials, and hazardous waste. The standard goes into effect 60 days following its publication in the Official Gazette.
The first phase of Mexico’s Project for the Management and Destruction of Substances that Deplete the Ozone is now complete. To date, the country reports that it has successfully eliminated 97.5% of ozone depleting substances (ODSs) and completely replaced chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), carbon tetrachloride, halons, and methyl bromide. To combat remaining ODSs, Mexico will implement the National Plan for the Elimination of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which aims to eliminate 67.5% of these substances by 2022.
The National Advisory Committee of Standardization for the Preservation and Rational Use of Energy Resources (CCNNPURRE) has published NOM-026-ENER-2015, which establishes energy efficiency limits, testing, and labeling requirements for ductless split system air conditioners with variable refrigerant flow. The standard goes into effect 180 days following its publication in the Official Gazette.
Mexico has become the first Latin American country to transition from analog TVs to digital terrestrial TVs (DTTs). Through coordinated efforts between the Secretariats of Communications and Transport (SCT) and Environment (SEMARNAT), over 10.1 million DTTs have been distributed throughout the country. Analog TV collection centers will remain in operation until November 2018. The Mexican Congress has pushed to strengthen the DTT Transition Program by calling for SCT and SEMARNAT to create a telephone hotline for citizens to request collection of used analog TVs.
PERU
The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) has published Supreme Decree No. 004-2016-EM, requiring all public entities and/or companies to replace outdated equipment with equipment that meets the highest energy efficiency standards. It repeals Supreme Decree No. 034-2008-EM and applies to lamps, ballasts for fluorescent lamps, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers for household use, air conditioners, and water heaters, among others. Technical specifications for covered equipment will be approved within a maximum period of one year through Ministerial Resolution.
Bill No. 5134/2015-CR has been proposed in the Unicameral Congress to modify the General Solid Waste Law (No. 237314) to require municipalities to oversee and sanction companies that provide public transportation services to passengers that throw trash on national or regional roads. Municipalities would need to notify the Public Ministry within 5 days of detecting such acts.
