El Salvador Cosmetic and Hygiene Products

A new regulation (March 2021) related to the subsequent procedures of the registration of cosmetics and hygiene products entered into force in El Salvador. The National Medicine Directorate (DNM) is the regulatory entity responsible for the authorization, importation, and commercialization of medical equipment & devices, and products in the dental, pharmaceutical, chemicals, cosmetic and hygiene fields. DNM conducted several meetings with the private sector to discuss the draft regulation.

U.S companies exporting cosmetic and hygiene products to El Salvador should be aware that the new guide (a) provides 10 business days to the local distributor to provide any missing documentation for the registration process, unless the local company requests an extension with a justification to DNM, and (b) establishes a new legal figure of “Responsible Attorney” (Apoderado Responsable) that needs to be registered at the DNM under a $25 fee per product. This last point will increase the cost of the private sector in the registration of cosmetic and hygiene products.

For more information, contact the U.S. Commercial Service Office in San Salvador at office.sansalvador@trade.gov.