| Chemical regulation in Mexico (2026) is governed by a multi-agency framework rather than a single unified law. While the proposed General Law for the Integral Management of Chemical Substances (LGGISQ) remains pending, companies must comply with existing regulations such as the General Health Law, NOM standards, and requirements from authorities like Federal Committee for Protection from Sanitary Risks, and Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources. Compliance includes permits, labeling (GHS), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and import/export authorizations depending on chemical classification. Introduction Mexico represents a strategically important market for chemicals, industrial products, agrochemicals, and hazardous materials. However, unlike the EU REACH framework, Mexico does not yet have a comprehensive national chemical regulation law. Instead, chemical management is governed through: • Sector-specific laws • Technical standards (NOM, NMX, NRF) • Multi-agency oversight In 2019, the General Health Council (CGS) proposed the General Law for the Integral Management of Chemical Substances (LGGISQ) to establish a unified regulatory system. Although still pending, this law is expected to transform chemical compliance in Mexico. This 2026 guide by Maven Regulatory Solutions provides a comprehensive, technical overview of current regulations, compliance requirements, import/export procedures, and future regulatory developments. Mexico Chemical Regulatory Landscape (2026 Update) Parameter Details National Chemical Law Not yet implemented Draft Regulation LGGISQ (Pending) Key Authorities MOH, COFEPRIS, SEMARNAT, SE, STPS, SCT Regulatory Approach Multi-agency framework Labeling Standard UN GHS (NOM-018-STPS-2015) Chemical Registry Non-mandatory inventory National Law on Chemicals (LGGISQ – Pending) The proposed LGGISQ aims to establish a comprehensive chemical management system. Key Objectives: • Creation of National Registry of Chemical Substances (ReNaSQ) • Mandatory registration dossiers for chemicals • Risk-based chemical safety assessments • Authority to impose restrictions and bans • Obligation for companies to submit periodic data Expected Dossier Requirements Data Type Requirement General Information Identity, CAS number Physical Properties Melting point, solubility Environmental Fate Persistence, degradation Toxicological Data Human & ecological risks Uses Industrial & commercial Status (2026): • Still pending approval • No confirmed timeline • Delays due to multi-agency coordination complexity Existing Chemical Regulations in Mexico Until LGGISQ is enacted, companies must comply with: 1. General Health Law Defines: • Toxic substances • Pesticides • Fertilizers Requires: • Registration • Permits • Labeling compliance 2. Sanitary Control Regulations Covers: • Manufacturing • Import/export • Distribution • Product safety 3. Ecology Law Focus: • Environmental protection • Soil contamination prevention • Restrictions on hazardous imports Chemical Inventory in Mexico The National Inventory of Chemical Substances (Base 2009): • Contains ~5,800+ substances • Includes: o CAS numbers o Molecular data o Ecotoxicological information Key Points: • Not mandatory • Used for reference and statistical purposes • Updated proposals suggest lifecycle-based evaluation Mexican Standards Framework (NOM, NMX, NRF) Types of Standards Standard Description Applicability NOM Official mandatory standards Mandatory NMX Voluntary standards Optional NRF Reference standards Government use Key NOM Standards for Chemicals NOM Scope NOM-018-STPS-2015 GHS classification & SDS NOM-005-STPS-2008 Workplace safety NOM-052-SEMARNAT-2005 Hazardous waste NOM-003-SCT-2008 Hazard labeling transport NOM-024-SCT2/2010 Packaging requirements Key Regulatory Authorities in Mexico Primary Authorities • Secretariat of Health Oversees public health and chemical permits • Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks Handles sanitary authorizations and risk control • Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources Manages environmental impact and hazardous waste Supporting Authorities Authority Role SE (Ministry of Economy) Labeling & trade STPS Worker safety SCT Transport permits SADER Agrochemical regulation Compliance Procedure for Chemicals in Mexico Core Compliance Requirements • Classification under GHS (NOM-018-STPS-2015) • Preparation of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in Spanish • Proper labeling and hazard communication • Registration/permit for regulated substances • Transport authorization (SCT) Import & Export Requirements 1. Non-Toxic Chemicals • Notification to Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios • Online submission form • No fee required 2. Toxic Chemicals Required Documents: • Application form • Legal entity proof • Sanitary license • Safety Data Sheet (Spanish) • Proof of payment Additional Requirements: • RUPA registration (optional but recommended) • Legal representative authorization • Signed documentation (physical/electronic) Chemical Transport Compliance Regulated by SCT: • Mandatory permits for hazardous materials • Packaging compliance (NOM standards) • Labeling requirements for transport Workplace Safety & Chemical Handling Regulatory Focus: • Worker exposure limits • Safe storage and handling • Emergency response procedures Key Standard: • NOM-005-STPS-2008 Key Compliance Challenges in Mexico Challenge Impact Fragmented regulations Complex compliance Multiple authorities Administrative burden Pending LGGISQ Regulatory uncertainty Lack of unified registry Data gaps Outlook: Mexico Chemical Regulation • Implementation of LGGISQ • Establishment of ReNaSQ registry • Stronger enforcement of GHS compliance • Digitalization of regulatory submissions • Alignment with global chemical regulations (REACH-like systems) Conclusion Chemical regulation in Mexico remains complex and evolving, requiring companies to navigate multiple laws, standards, and authorities. While LGGISQ promises a unified framework, current compliance depends on strict adherence to NOM standards, COFEPRIS permits, and environmental regulations. Maven Regulatory Solutions supports companies with: • Mexico chemical compliance strategy • SDS and GHS classification • NOM standards alignment • Import/export regulatory support • Future LGGISQ readiness FAQs – Chemical Regulation Mexico 1. Does Mexico have a unified chemical regulation law? No, a comprehensive law (LGGISQ) is still pending. 2. What is the main authority for chemical regulation? Multiple authorities, including COFEPRIS, SEMARNAT, and Ministry of Health. 3. Is GHS mandatory in Mexico? Yes, under NOM-018-STPS-2015. 4. Are chemical inventories mandatory? No, the current inventory is non-binding. 5. Is SDS required? Yes, Safety Data Sheets must be prepared in Spanish. Mexico Chemical Regulation NOM COFEPRIS Guide |