Law 206 of the 30^th of March, 2021 created the Panamanian Food Agency (known as APA by its acronym in Spanish) as an autonomous institution of the Nation, whereby the Panamanian Food Health Authority (AUPSA by its acronym in Spanish) shall no longer exist. Law 206 of the 30^th of March, 2021 will be in force and effect on the 26^th of September, 2021.

The new Panamanian Food Agency is designed to unify all of the entities involved in the import and export of food under a single regulatory entity, which, in the opinion of the private sector, is favorable for producers since it establishes marketing standards, it will increase agricultural exports and it will improve industrial food processes with animal health, plant health, quarantine and safety according to the standards of international trade.

The following are among the most relevant points of the new Panamanian Food Agency:

• The Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA), the Ministry of Health (MINSA) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI) will be the entities in charge of developing the requirements and standards of animal health, plant health, quarantine and safety, as well as ensuring compliance with international trade rules.

• The law applies to raw materials, products and by-products of animal, vegetable and mineral origin for use as food, either national or imported, or in transit or transshipment. It is applicable to industrial and agro-industrial production of food for export and import.

• The creation of a digital platform called “Integrated Procedures System” that will be linked to the Ministry of Agricultural Development, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, as well as other institutions. The platform will have modern, efficient and transparent procedural mechanisms complying with the regulations of said institutions in order to provide the proper care and service to users.

Law 206 of March 30, 2021 will take effect 180 days after its promulgation, that is, from September 26, 2021.

If you would like to download Official Gazette No. 29253, please click here https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/29253/GacetaNo_29253_20210331.pdf