Argentina’s National Administration of Medicines, Food and Medical Technology (Anmat) has banned several cosmetic products and a medication due to safety and regulatory concerns, the agency announced Tuesday, March 16, 2026. The move underscores the importance of product registration and quality control to protect public health.
The bans stem from a lack of required health registrations, raising concerns about the safety of ingredients and manufacturing hygiene. Among the prohibited items are lip glosses and balms marketed to children under the following brands: MISS BEETY, POLA AYIR, MAGIC, HOLD MORNING, and MAGIC YOUR LIFE.
Authorities warn that these children’s cosmetics, of unknown origin, pose a potential risk of toxicity or allergic reactions, as their ingredients and production conditions have not been verified.
In a separate action, Anmat prohibited the use and advertising of 17 hair products from the brand “EMILSE ALISADOS” through Disposition 1390/2026. The company lacks the necessary authorization to produce chemical treatments, rendering all its products illegal for sale.
A recent operation in Tilcara, Jujuy, also led to a nationwide ban on PUNACAP (coated tablets for altitude sickness, or sorojchi), manufactured by Laboratorios DELTA S.A. Despite listing a formula containing Paracetamol (450 mg), Acetazolamide (250 mg), and Caffeine (30 mg), the drug is not registered in the Registry of Medicinal Specialties (REM), and the laboratory is not authorized to produce it.
Anmat specifically advises against consuming Lot 42709251 of PUNACAP (expiration date 2030), deeming it an illegitimate product with no traceability and urging the public to avoid its use.
These actions are supported by Law No. 16,463 and Resolution No. 155/98. Officials reiterated that the absence of registration prevents quality control, making these products a potential health risk. The bans will remain in effect until the responsible parties comply with state regulations.
