On September 14, 2025, the Peruvian government enacted Supreme Decree No. 018-2025-SA, approving the Technical Regulations for the Health and Environmental Management of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs). The decree mandates that all domestic enterprises and institutions eliminate PCB contamination within three years, with violators facing fines of up to 100 tax units (approximately USD 120,000).
Background
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), widely used in electrical equipment such as transformers and capacitors, are highly carcinogenic and can accumulate in the human body for decades. Under the new regulations, any equipment or waste with PCB concentrations ≥50 ppm in liquids or ≥10 μg/100 cm² on non-porous surfaces is classified as "contaminated" and must undergo "environmentally sound elimination" by December 31, 2028. Approved methods include high-temperature incineration or chemical dechlorination to ensure irreversible destruction. Dilution or simple landfilling is strictly prohibited.
Obligations for PCB Holders
1. Establish PCB Inventory
- Include all PCB-containing equipment, stockpiles, and waste.
- Conduct testing using standardized methods (e.g., EPA, ASTM).
- Submit initial reports by December 31, 2025.
- Update inventory annually by March 31.
2. Develop and Implement PCB Environmental Management Plan (PGAPCB)
- Submit the plan within 12 months of decree issuance.
- Complete PCB elimination by December 31, 2028.
- Report progress annually.
3. Labeling and Storage
- All PCB-containing items must be labeled with concentration levels and testing dates.
- Storage facilities must be leak-proof, fire-resistant, and contamination-resistant, located away from sensitive areas.
4. Transportation
- Comply with hazardous material transport regulations (e.g., UN Globally Harmonized System, MTC requirements).
Key Restrictions
- Prioritize environmentally sound elimination (e.g., high-temperature incineration, chemical dechlorination).
- Prohibit dilution of PCBs to reduce concentrations.
- Recoverable elimination: Post-treatment PCB concentrations must fall below regulatory thresholds.
- Non-recoverable elimination: Methods like incineration must achieve 99.9% destruction efficiency.
- Export restrictions: PCB exports are permitted only if domestic treatment is impossible, subject to Basel Convention compliance.
- Import ban on PCB-containing products (except with health authorization).
- Prohibit transfers of high-concentration PCB stockpiles or waste.
Timeline
|
Item |
Deadline |
|
Submit the first PCB inventory |
December 31, 2025 |
|
Submit PGAPCB |
Within 12 months of regulation release |
|
Complete PCB elimination |
December 31, 2028 |
|
Annual update report |
March 31 each year |
Further Information
