The South Shetland Islands are located near the Antarctic Peninsula and, like other parts of Antarctica, fall under the jurisdiction of the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS). There is no permanent population or commercial market; only scientific research stations operate on the islands. Product compliance focuses entirely on environmental protection, biosecurity, and safe operational practices for research and logistics activities.

Key Authorities:

• Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties (ATCPs) – Countries with active research stations in the region (e.g., UK, Chile, Argentina, China, Russia) enforce the treaty’s requirements.

• Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) – Implements the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Madrid Protocol).

• National Antarctic Programs – Such as the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and Instituto Antártico Chileno (INACH), which manage operations in line with their national laws and Antarctic Treaty obligations.

Key Compliance Elements:

• Accepted Standards:

  • All imported goods and activities must comply with:

    • The Madrid Protocol for environmental protection

    • National laws of the expedition’s organizing country (e.g., UK’s Antarctic Act 1994, Chile’s Antarctic Law)

    • Biosecurity protocols to prevent the introduction of non-native species

    • IMO Polar Code for maritime operations

• Biosecurity and Environmental Controls:

  • Strict environmental controls include:

    • Mandatory cleaning and inspection of all equipment, clothing, and cargo before arrival.

    • Ban on introducing live plants, animals, or non-native biological materials.

    • Comprehensive Waste Management Plans—waste must be removed from the territory.

    • Special handling procedures for fuels and hazardous materials to prevent spills or contamination.

• Product Registration:

  • No formal product registration system exists.

  • Equipment and supplies for research purposes must comply with environmental assessments and be included in mission approval documents.

• Telecom Equipment:

  • Limited to scientific and logistical communications.

  • Must comply with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) regulations and the national licensing rules of the expedition’s sponsoring country.

• Labeling Requirements:

  • No commercial labeling is required.

  • All equipment and supplies must be clearly labeled for inventory control, biosecurity compliance, and environmental tracking.

• Import Oversight:

  • Managed by the expedition organizer and subject to national and treaty-based approval processes.

  • Required documentation includes:

    • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

    • Cargo manifest and waste management plan

    • Compliance certificates for biosecurity and environmental safety

• Market Surveillance:

There is no market or commerce. Oversight focuses exclusively on environmental protection, waste management, and adherence to the Madrid Protocol, enforced by national program inspectors and periodic inspections under the Antarctic Treaty System.