The Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) of Guatemala has issued two key provisions that significantly amend the regulatory framework governing precursors and chemical substances. Governmental Agreement 102-2025 establishes a broader regulation with expanded obligations, applicable to any individual or entity handling these types of substances, such as acetone, caustic soda, lime, among others. In addition, Ministerial Agreement 174-2025 updated Lists I, II, and III, incorporating more than 30 new precursors linked to synthetic drugs and 10 new commonly used substances susceptible to diversion. Among the main measures are reinforced controls over mixtures and dilutions, as well as stricter traceability requirements with periodic reporting.
Finally, through Ministerial Agreement 201-2025, Articles 4 and 7 of the previous regulation were amended, establishing that both dilutions of substances from List II (muriatic acid, acetone, etc.) and the new inclusions in List III (ketamine, xylazine, levamisole, etc.) will be subject to control six months after its entry into force. Before this deadline, companies must regularize their inventories and update licenses for the handling of precursors and chemical substances prior to their legal commercialization. These reforms strengthen alignment with international standards and provide an adaptation period for the industry, but they also significantly increase the responsibility of regulated entities in ensuring compliance, with potential criminal repercussions for companies that fail to adhere to the regulations.
At BLP, we continuously monitor regulatory reforms regarding precursors and chemical substances, which directly impact companies in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, agribusiness, and consumer goods. Our Regulatory & Health team in Guatemala is ready to assist companies in properly adapting their filings before the MSPAS. For further information or advice on how to comply with these updated regulations, please contact us at [email protected] or [email protected].