Mexico Regulatory Landscape: Chemicals, Labeling, COFEPRIS and Imports

Working Heroes
Jul 29
2 min read

Mexico manages product and chemical compliance through sector-specific regimes covering workplace safety, health, environmental protection, commercial information, waste, and foreign trade. Correct product and tariff classification is the starting point for identifying the competent authorities, standards, and documents.

1. GHS and workplace hazard communication

NOM-018-STPS-2015 establishes the harmonized system for identifying and communicating hazards and risks from hazardous chemicals in workplaces. Companies should assess classification, pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, precautionary information, signage, and safety data sheets for Mexican operations.

2. Commercial information and product labeling

NOM-050-SCFI-2004 provides general commercial-information requirements for consumer products when no more specific standard governs the category. Other NOMs may establish language, content, symbols, country of origin, importer information, warnings, batch identification, expiration dates, and instructions.

3. COFEPRIS-regulated products

COFEPRIS issues licenses, registrations, certificates, and permits for health-regulated categories, including foods, supplements, medicines, medical devices, biological products, pesticides, plant nutrients, toxic substances, and certain advertising activities. Requirements depend on the product, intended use, establishment, and import transaction.

For foods, supplements, and non-alcoholic beverages subject to prior sanitary import permits, the authority may require sanitary documentation, testing, and the Spanish-language label intended for the Mexican market.

4. Hazardous materials and environmental controls

SEMARNAT maintains authorization processes for hazardous materials and risky activities. Imports of pesticides, plant nutrients, and toxic or hazardous substances and materials may require environmental authorization and coordination with COFEPRIS, depending on the goods and the applicable non-tariff measure.

5. Waste, packaging and management plans

Waste obligations are distributed across federal, state, and municipal jurisdictions. NOM-161-SEMARNAT-2011 addresses special-management waste and listed streams subject to management plans, including certain plastics, paper, glass, metals, packaging, and waste from large establishments or specific activities. Location, volume, and waste type determine the analysis.

6. Imports and tariff classification

The tariff code and NICO determine duties and help identify non-tariff regulations and restrictions. SIAVI Data supports tariff-line review, including applicable measures. Companies should confirm permits, NOMs, certificates, registrations, and importer requirements before shipment.

Mexico market-entry checklist

Define the product, composition, use, users, claims, and sanitary or environmental category.
Confirm tariff code, NICO, and non-tariff measures.
Identify the importer, local responsible party, establishment, and required authorizations.
Validate labels, SDS, specifications, tests, certificates, and sanitary documents.
Map waste, packaging, and management-plan obligations.
Maintain regulatory intelligence for changes to NOMs, tariffs, and permits.

Need to assess a product, portfolio, or Mexico market-entry plan? Working Heroes supports regulatory strategy, compliance, sustainability, and market access.