Law No. 21,770, published on September 29, 2025, known as the Framework Law on Sectoral Authorizations (“Framework Law”), has not only brought about a significant change in environmental matters but also introduced amendments with implications in criminal law, expanding the catalog of economic crimes under Law No. 21,595 on Economic Crimes (“LEC”).

In particular, the Framework Law adds to Article 2 of the LEC three behaviors classified as second-category economic crimes:

• Evasion of authorization through false or incomplete information: when a person, with the intent to evade an authorization, submits false or altered information or omits essential information in a sworn statement or notice (Art. 12, para. 3 of the Framework Law).
• False certification or report by a recognized professional: when a professional issues false certifications or reports regarding matters entrusted to them under sectoral regulations (Art. 38, para. 1 of the Framework Law).
• Submission of falsified instruments: when an applicant knowingly submits to the sectoral authority instruments issued by recognized professionals or entities that are false (Art. 38, para. 2 of the Framework Law).

These acts will be deemed economic crimes when committed in the exercise of a position, role, or function within a company, or when they result in an economic or other type of benefit for a company.

Furthermore, the Framework Law adds to Article 3 of the LEC the offense of breach of the duty of confidentiality by officials of the Office of Sectoral Authorizations and Investment, concerning information or documents related to activities or projects they become aware of in the course of their duties (Art. 45 of the Framework Law).

These amendments expand the catalog of offenses for which a legal entity may be held liable, creating a challenge for companies that must update their crime prevention models to include these new offenses, in line with the standards established by the Corporate Criminal Liability Law.