The rise of conscious consumerism has led to consumers actively seeking out sustainable, environmentally friendly and ethically produced goods. In response to this growing demand, many consumer goods and retail (CG&R) companies have embraced sustainability and green credentials as a marketing tool, but is this greenwashing? Baker McKenzie produced this guide to outline the legal landscape, regulations and key actions CG&R companies can take to mitigate the risks associated with greenwashing claims in Latin America.

On 29 May 2023, the National Executive Power sent the Liquefied Natural Gas Promotion Bill to the Honorable Chamber of Deputies of the Nation. The Bill, while still a draft, creates a Promotional Regime for Large Liquefied Natural Gas Investment Projects for the production, storage, commercialization, transportation and infrastructure of LNG and/or its export, through the granting of tax, customs and exchange control benefits.

On 29 May 2023, the National Executive Power sent the Liquefied Natural Gas Promotion Bill to the Honorable Chamber of Deputies of the Nation. The Bill, while still a draft, creates a Promotional Regime for Large Liquefied Natural Gas Investment Projects for the production, storage, commercialization, transportation and infrastructure of LNG and/or its export, through the granting of tax, customs and exchange control benefits.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning technology is driving important new business opportunities across a growing number of industry sectors, including consumer goods and retail. Many CG&R companies are looking into how AI can enhance their business processes and customer interactions and with generative AI and the arrival of ChatGPT, the scope for application is staggering.

Resolution No. 13/2023 of 16 January 2023 of the Energy Secretariat (SE) establishes the General Conditions that hydrocarbon exploration and production companies must comply with to access Argentina’s foreign exchange market to obtain foreign currency related to their Incremental Oil and Natural Gas Production.

On 1 December 2022, both the National Budget Law No. 27,701 and the enactment Decree 799/2022 were published in the Official Gazette. The Law introduces important changes regarding the maximum applicable sanctions applicable in consumer defense matters, as well as regarding punitive damages.

The National Agency of Medicines, Food and Medical Technology (ANMAT) issued Disposition No. 6924/2022on 30 August 2022. The same provides some clarifications regarding the advertising, promotion and/or sponsorship of packaged food and nonalcoholic beverages containing at least one warning seal, including precautionary legends. The Disposition will take effect on the same day of its publication in the Official Gazette.

Resolution No. 625/2022 of the Secretary of Energy included new hydrocarbon ventures in the regime of tax and customs benefits created by Law No. 19,640 for the Province of Tierra del Fuego. The Regime refers to the Special Custom Area and includes: a) exemptions of federal taxes applicable to activities or operations to be performed in the Special Custom Area or upon goods located in the Special Custom Area; and b) customs benefits applicable to the reception or delivery of merchandise that a company located in the Special Custom Area can make from or to companies located in any of the other operative areas. The exemptions apply to income tax, value-added tax and excise tax.

By means of Provincial Law 15,339, published in the Official Gazette of the Province of Buenos Aires on 7 June 2022, the province of Buenos Aires adhered to the Knowledge Economy Promotional Regime. By adhering to the Regime, through granting tax benefits, the province of Buenos Aires seeks to promote the development of those activities that apply the use of knowledge and the digitalization of information to obtain goods, provide services and/or improve processes.

By means of Resolution 464/2022 published on the Official Gazette on 27 May 2022, the domestic trade secretariat approved the form that suppliers must submit to alert consumers and competent authorities and recall products from the market. It also establishes certain obligations that suppliers that have initiated this type of process must comply with.