Law 543 of 2026: Mandatory Identification of Origin and Differentiation of Original, Substitute and Imitation Food Products

Law 543 of July 7, 2026 establishes mandatory identification of origin and differentiation of original, substitute and imitation food products in Panama, with the objective of protecting consumers and domestic producers, preventing misleading commercial practices and ensuring clear information about the nature and origin of food products. The Law requires commercial establishments to visibly identify products as domestic or imported, display the product name in Spanish and indicate the country of origin, and clearly warn consumers when products are substitutes or imitations. Substitute and imitation products must carry specific signage and be physically separated by at least one meter from original products. Imported food products must be marketed under the same technical specifications and origin conditions under which they entered the country, and frozen meat products may not be presented in a manner that could cause consumers to confuse them with fresh domestic products. The Consumer Protection and Competition Defense Authority (ACODECO) is responsible for enforcement, with fines of up to fifteen thousand balboas and certain violations classified as food fraud. The Law also requires consumer-awareness and education campaigns, repeals Law 113 of 2019 and will enter into force one year after promulgation.