Argentina mandates that electronic and electrical products approved for sale be labeled with an assigned certification number and “CNC,” which is the name of a regulatory body that actually no longer exists. The regulator is now called ENACOM.
Now, Argentina is proposing to do away with CNC on the label as well, in favor of the name “RAMATEL.” RAMATEL is the internal registry of ENACOM where the approvals are submitted.
We can’t tell you why “CNC” has been used on labels all this time when CNC no longer exists as an entity. Bureaucracies can be quirky . . . CNC long ago became AFTIC, and AFTIC later became what we know today as ENACOM (for “Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones”). The name RAMATEL has not changed over time, however, and has always been distinct from the “external” agency name (whether CNC or AFTIC in the past, or today’s ENACOM).
How the Change Affects You
We anticipate the only change that will affect LARCG clients is the updated labeling requirements whenever they are finalized and go into effect. The new labeling requirements will probably only apply to new approvals and renewals.
The new labeling resolution is still in draft form and there is no word yet of when it might take effect. The government needs to sign off on all new resolutions, and there has been some delay finalizing and signing resolutions because a new political party took charge at the end of last year.
We are monitoring the situation closely with our partners in Argentina and will alert our clients when we have more information. Please contact us with any questions.