CHILE: An Introduction

Legal Challenges in 2025

As 2025 progresses, companies face a series of legal challenges. 2024 was marked by the approval of several regulations in the areas of technology, compliance, sustainability and labour, all of which will need to be implemented in the coming months.

In the technological field, two important regulations were approved in 2024: the Cybersecurity Framework Law and the Personal Data Protection Law. Although these have different effective dates, they share a common goal: promoting a culture of data protection and security within organisations. This means that data protection is not only a challenge for company leadership but also for all stakeholders – employees, suppliers and customers.

In sustainability, the so-called “REP Law” is key. Its objective is to reduce waste generation and promote its reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery. Currently, authorities are continuing to incorporate Supreme Decrees and set targets for priority products, the most recent being oils and lubricants. In 2025, the main challenge for companies will be to develop an effective waste management system. Moreover, because the REP Law is designed to gradually increase collection and waste recovery targets through 2034, it is essential to start now by creating more facilities to scale up waste recycling, as well as investing in new technologies to help achieve these goals.

In compliance, 2025 will also require companies to continue implementing effective programmes to address the demands of the new Economic Crimes Law. To be successful, these programmes must include a review of potential risks, training for the entire organisation on new regulatory requirements, and ongoing monitoring to prevent violations.

In 2025, new bills are also expected to be introduced, including one related to branch negotiations. This initiative would substantially modify the collective bargaining model in the country. Collective bargaining is a process of social dialogue between trade unions and employers, while branch negotiations occur at the sectoral level, involving more than one company. Given the potential impact of this regulation, companies must remain vigilant and identify the adjustments they need to implement.

Meanwhile, many stakeholders are closely monitoring the progress of the Sernac te Protege bill, which promises to finally grant sanctioning powers to Sernac after its failed attempt in 2018. If the bill advances, companies will need to reconsider how they interact with authorities, as protocols, guidelines and compliance models will become the minimum requirements to manage this contingency.

In the coming year, progress is also expected on the artificial intelligence regulation bill – an initiative of great importance given the rapid advancement of this technology and the need to regulate its ethical application as a society. Companies must pay close attention to its potential approval and, if possible, start taking the necessary measures now. In this regulatory landscape, being proactive is key.

Additionally, the so-called “permitology” bill is likely to advance in 2025. This bill aims to reduce the processing time for investment projects by at least 30%. Its approval would be very positive news for the country, and companies must stay alert to its progress, preparing for any changes introduced by the new regulation.

From a legislative perspective, 2025 presents not only challenges but also significant opportunities. The key to success will be preparing in advance and implementing the right strategies.