Companies that import processed foods and non-alcoholic beverages may continue to use the octagons on stickers. This is because the Specialized Chamber in Defense of Competition (SDC) of the Indecopi declared an unreasonable non-tariff trade barrier the ban on stickers.
In this way, imported food and beverages will no longer be required to have the octagon printed on their packaging.
According to the Indecopi resolution, this decision is due to the fact that the Ministry of Health (Minsa) did not prove that it had identified —before establishing the prohibition— the existence of a problem that the measure sought to solve, nor its suitability. Nor did it prove that it evaluated the positive and negative impacts that this measure would generate for the economic agents obliged to comply with it.
This measure will favor the members of the Chamber of Commerce of Lima (CCL), as well as third parties appearing in the procedure.
In this regard, the CCL indicated that small and medium-sized companies may also import and market processed foods, so that information on advertising warnings is provided, both in print on the packaging or through the use of stickers.
Packaging will no longer be required to contain the octagons in print. Photo: Focus Right
aspect against
The Peruvian Association of Consumers and Users (Aspec) regretted the actions of Indecopi, since the companies benefited from this ruling will continue indefinitely with the practice that has been going on for almost three years of pasting the octagons on stickers instead of having them printed on the label.
“The resolutions that set aside the prohibition of Minsa to wear stickers they deny the obvious and, rather, are based on considerations that are basically concerned with by the interests of the companies, leaving aside the rights of consumers, particularly the right to information”, says Crisólogo Cáceres, president of Aspec.
Finally, the association urged the Minsa to take the case to the Judiciary so that it is a judge who definitively resolves this situation.
Minsa must make modifications
The Indecopi ruling also recommends the Minsa to order the modification of the administrative provisions that contain the aforementioned barrier.
The extension of the use of adhesives came to an end on June 30, 2023, but —with this resolution— the Ministry of Health will no longer be able to demand the direct printing of octagons on products imported by companies affiliated to the CCL once it has expired. the term.
Aspec regretted Indecopi’s decision. Photo: diffusion
The word
Crisólogo Cáceres, president of Aspec
“A group of food importing companies that started the processes will benefit and they will continue indefinitely with the practice that has been going on for almost three years of sticking the octagons on stickers instead of printed ones”.
Source: Larepublica
Alia is a professional author and journalist, working at 247 news agency. She writes on various topics from economy news to general interest pieces, providing readers with relevant and informative content. With years of experience, she brings a unique perspective and in-depth analysis to her work.
