Products entering Uruguay must comply with all national legislation, as well as Mercosur legislation adopted by Uruguay. Some departmental (state) governments are also entitled to establishing labeling rules and inspections.
The Laboratorio Tecnológico del Uruguay (LATU, Uruguay’s technical laboratory), the Ministry of Public Health, and departmental governments control labeling and marking requirements for all imported products. Products such as textiles, foodstuff, footwear, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, cigarettes, and cosmetics have their own specific labeling requirements.
Labeling requirements for foodstuffs were established by Decrees 315/94, 41/92, and 41/93. According to legislation, labels must be in Spanish and contain a list of ingredients or components of the product, country of origin, expiration date, net weight, and the full name and address of the manufacturer and importer, as well as preparation instructions. The municipal government of Montevideo also regulates how the different requirements must be shown on the label.
Imported products may include the original label of the country/language of origin but must also have a sticker or label attached to the package with the information required by Uruguay’s authorities. Manuals, product literature, and other written materials, while not necessarily required, are more useful in Spanish. A consumer defense law, approved in 2000, regulates labeling requirements. Companies that can adapt their labels to local standards have a relative advantage.
In 2018, Uruguay became the second country in Latin America (after Chile) to implement mandatory front-of-package (FOP) labeling for food products high in fats, sodium, and sugars. This initiative was established in Executive Decree No. 272/018, issued in August 2018, and came into effect in March 2020. The regulation mandates that packaged foods exceeding specified thresholds for critical nutrients must display black-and-white octagonal warning labels indicating “Excess in” for each respective nutrient. A useful manual on how to apply these labels can be found at the following link: ROTULADO_FRONTAL_ALIMENTOS_2022_MSP_MANUAL_APLICACION_.pdf
Furthermore, Uruguay has expressed its intention to serve as a reference point for other Mercosur countries regarding food labeling policies. The Uruguayan government has advocated for the harmonization of labeling standards within the Mercosur bloc, aiming to unify criteria and promote healthier food choices across member states. This proactive approach underscores Uruguay’s commitment to public health and its leadership role in regional efforts to combat diet-related diseases through transparent food labeling.