What is COFEPRIS and what does it regulate?
The Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) is the Mexican authority responsible for regulating cosmetics, hygiene products, and perfumery in Mexico.
Basic requirements for importing cosmetics to Mexico
To import and sell cosmetics in Mexico, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Sanitary registration - Every imported cosmetic must have a valid sanitary registration
- NOM-141 labeling - The label must comply with Mexican Official Standard NOM-141-SSA1/SCF1-2012
- Legal representative in Mexico - You must have a Mexican legal representative
- Health responsibility notice - Document certifying who is responsible for the product
Prohibited and restricted ingredients in Mexico
COFEPRIS has its own list of prohibited ingredients, which differs slightly from the FDA and ANVISA:
- Hydroquinone - Prohibited in whitening products
- Lead and its compounds - Prohibited in cosmetics
- Parabens - Allowed but with concentration restrictions
- Allergenic fragrances - Must be declared on the label
COFEPRIS compliance checklist
Download our interactive checklist and verify your product in minutes with CosmetCheck.