Importing processed and packaged food into Mexico means covering three fronts: sanitary authorization (SENASICA or COFEPRIS depending on the product), Spanish labeling under NOM-051 with its warning seals, and tariff classification. Labeling is the most common cause of delays.
Main requirements
- Importer registry.
- Depending on the product: SENASICA requirements (animal or plant origin), a COFEPRIS sanitary permit or notice, both, or only compliance with the labeling NOMs.
- Most foods do not require the sector-specific registry; ethyl alcohol does. Alcoholic beverages require the Alcoholic Beverages Taxpayer Registry (Padrón de Contribuyentes de Bebidas Alcohólicas) and tax stamps (marbetes).
- Spanish labeling under NOM-051, with warning seals when they apply.
What to check
- Labeling is one of the most common reasons goods are held at customs. It can be corrected before crossing, or afterwards in a general deposit warehouse (Almacén General de Depósito) or at an address verified by an accredited inspection unit.
- Cold chain for refrigerated or frozen products.
- USMCA certification of origin for U.S. or Canadian products.
- Alcoholic beverages are labeled under NOM-142, not NOM-051.
How Eilan handles it
- We classify your product in Mexico’s tariff schedule (TIGIE), including its NICO code, before the shipment leaves.
- We check the permits, NOMs (Mexican official standards) and registries that apply to your tariff code and country of origin.
- Mexican clearance in Nuevo Laredo and U.S. entry in Laredo by the same team, plus trucking and warehousing in Laredo, TX.
- If you or your buyer are not yet in Mexico’s importer registry (padrón de importadores), our Mexican importer-of-record service can import for you.
This guide is for information only. Requirements change with the tariff code, origin and customs regime; before every shipment we confirm with you what applies to your case.
Shipping this product to Mexico?
Request a quote or call us at +1 (956) 717-4150.