Importing · Mexico
How to import cosmetics into Mexico
A practical guide for international brands: the COFEPRIS sanitary notice, NOM-141 labeling, the importer-of-record figure and customs — and how Azkami runs all of it end to end so your launch doesn't stall. You don't need a Mexican entity.
The regulatory reality
Notice, not registration
Unlike medicines, cosmetics in Mexico do not require a pre-market registration. They run on a sanitary notice (aviso) with COFEPRIS — the federal health-risk authority — which foreign brands often call "cosmetic registration." That doesn't mean anything goes: the product must comply with regulation, avoid ingredients restricted in Mexico, make no therapeutic claims (or it stops being a cosmetic), and carry labeling compliant with NOM-141. On top of that sits the customs side: tariff classification, duties, VAT and the importer figure. When any one of these fails, a launch slips by months. Our job is that none of them fails.
The process
From your catalog to the shelf
Assessment & classification
We screen your catalog, formula and INCI ingredients against Mexico's permitted and restricted lists, lock the HS tariff classification, and model landed cost against duties, VAT and retailer margin — so before you commit we know exactly what clears and what to adjust.
Importer of record
We import in our own name. With no Mexican entity or importers'-registry enrollment on your side, we hold the importer role and the product's sanitary responsibility.
COFEPRIS sanitary notice
We file the notice and handle the sanitary paperwork in advance, off the shipment's critical path, and validate the formula against Mexico's ingredient lists before you commit inventory.
NOM-141 labeling
We adapt labeling to the norm — INCI ingredients, net content, importer/responsible party, country of origin, usage and warnings, in Spanish — and prepare artwork or a complementary label. Usually about a week by volume.
Customs & logistics
With a customs broker we handle the pedimento, duties and clearance —typically about 10 days— and receive into our warehouse with inventory control and nationwide distribution.
Labeling
NOM-141: what your label must show
NOM-141-SSA1/SCFI-2012 governs the sanitary and commercial labeling of pre-packaged cosmetics sold in Mexico. It's a common cause of customs rejection and label rework, so it's worth getting right the first time.
Mandatory label elements
- Product name / denomination
- Ingredients in INCI nomenclature
- Net content, correctly declared
- Name and address of the Mexican importer / responsible party
- Country of origin ("Made in…")
- Batch and, where applicable, expiry
- Usage instructions, precautions and warnings
- Sanitary legends when the product requires them
The complementary label
When the original packaging is in another language or missing the data for Mexico, a Spanish complementary label is added — firmly affixed, legible, not covering safety information — with the importer's details and everything the norm requires. It's the fastest way to adapt product already manufactured abroad without reprinting origin packaging.
What we need from you
Documents for the COFEPRIS notice
- Full formula with ingredients in INCI naming
- Technical data sheet and product specs
- Artwork for the original label and packaging
- Free-sale certificate from the country of origin
- Up-to-date price list and catalog
- Physical samples for review
Case studies
Results, not just presence
Sungboon Editor & Dr. Althea placed in Sephora Mexico.
Teen Again to nationwide coverage in 1 year.
Timephoria in over 200 points of sale in 4 months.
FAQ
Importing cosmetics into Mexico
Do cosmetics need registration in Mexico?
Cosmetics run on a COFEPRIS sanitary notice (aviso), often called cosmetic registration — not a pre-market registration like medicines. They must still comply with regulation and NOM-141 labeling to be sold.
Do I need a company in Mexico to import?
No. Azkami acts as importer of record: we import under our name and take on the sanitary responsibility, so you don't need a Mexican entity or to join the importers' registry.
What is NOM-141 labeling?
NOM-141-SSA1/SCFI-2012 governs labeling of pre-packaged cosmetics: name, INCI ingredients, net content, importer details, country of origin, batch, usage and warnings, in Spanish. A complementary label adapts product made abroad.
How long does importing take?
With the notice handled in advance, customs clearance runs about 10 days and label adaptation about a week by volume. Retail entry depends on chain and category.
Ready to enter the Mexican market?
Tell us about your brand and we'll come back with a clear route from customs to shelf.