Within the framework of Decision 516/2002, the General Secretary of the Andean Community issued Resolution 1905/2017, which bans the use of long-chain parabens as an ingredient in cosmetic products marketed in the Andean Community of Nations (CAN) territory.

It should be highlighted that the issuance of the Resolution 1905/2017 intends to comply with international standards on the matter. Thus, the Regulation 358/2014 from European Union was taken as reference, which banned the use of long-chain parabens considering that its safety and efficacy is not proven, constituting a high risk for people. 

Under the new Resolution, in force for CAN, long-chain parabens are banned, such as 
isobutylparaben, phenylparaben, benzylparaben and pentylparaben, in the manufacture of cosmetic products to be sold in the member countries. In turn, the Resolution prohibits the national authorities (INVIMA in the case of Colombia) from granting a Mandatory Health Notice (NSO for its name in Spanish), its renewal or acknowledgement, for products containing the mentioned ingredients.  

However, Resolution 1905/2017 granted a one year transition period, counted as of the entry into force of the Resolution, for NSO holders or those responsible for the sale of products containing long-chain parabens to adjust their formulas, exhaust their stock and obtain the relevant NSO before the national authority of each member country. Once the transition period expires, the products cannot be sold and will need to be removed from the market, without the possibility of any extension.

Since the standard entered into force on February 14, 2017, the transition period will end on February 14, 2018 and applies to the member countries of the Andean Community of Nations, namely Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

Lastly, the community standard established that in case of breach, the national authority of each member country will take the applicable health safety measures and the sanctions provided by CAN regulations and national standards.