Latin American Countries Ban CMR Substances in Cosmetics

By Raissa Havens, Senior Regulatory Specialist, Supply Chain Team, UL Solutions

The European Union, as of Sept. 1, 2025, has banned two chemicals in cosmetic formulations due to potential reproductive toxicity and carcinogenic effects, according to the EU Cosmetics Regulation amendment (EU) 2025/877.

Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO) and Dimethyltolylamine (DMPT) appear mainly on nail products, such as gel polishes and extensions that use UV or LED light.

On Nov. 12, 2025, Mercosur, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, followed the EU, through the publication of GMC Resolution 27/2025, which prohibits the manufacture, import, and new registrations of products containing TPO or DMPT. All Member state parties must incorporate Resolution GMC 27/2025 into their national legal frameworks by May 3, 2026. Once each country incorporates the regulation, there will be a timeline of 60 days for companies to comply with the regulation.

On Dec. 15, 2025, the Andean Community, which is comprised of Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru, also issued a regional ban on both TPO or DMPT in all cosmetic products, through Resolution 2548/2025.

Products containing these ingredients cannot obtain or renew a Sanitary Notification (NSO) once the regulation enters into force. Cosmetic products that include these substances must be removed from the market by February 13, 2026.

UL’s ChemADVISOR™ Regulatory Database is being updated to reflect the changes.

References

Regulation (EU) 2025/877
GMC Resolution 27/2025
Resolution 2548/2025