Panama Adopts Central American Harmonised Food Labelling Regulation and Authorises QR Codes for Spanish-Language Information

Panama has formally adopted the Central American Technical Regulation (RTCA) 67.01.07:10 on the General Labelling of Prepackaged Foods, completing the implementation of the harmonised regional framework developed within the Central American Integration System (SIECA). The regulation is already in force in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

In addition to adopting the harmonised regional labelling requirements, Panama introduced a country-specific provision allowing the use of electronic means, including QR codes, to provide mandatory information in Spanish when food labels are presented in English.

The provision applies only in Panama, as the other Central American member states have not adopted the use of QR codes for food labelling purposes. The Resolution will enter into force on 26 February 2027.

Panama’s adoption of the RTCA further advances regulatory harmonisation across Central America, facilitating regional trade and reducing labelling differences among member countries. The authorisation of QR codes as a mechanism to provide mandatory information in Spanish also represents a notable regulatory development in the region, reflecting the growing acceptance of digital labelling solutions.