Mexico Cosmetics Labeling: NOM-141 and Sunscreen Requirements
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Check every package surface and applicable product category, and retain study evidence for SPF, UVA and UVB claims.
Review final artwork against NOM-141
NOM-141-SSA1/SCFI-2012 covers labeling of prepackaged cosmetics sold in Mexico. Review the actual pack, product category and directions, and ensure text and imagery do not imply unsupported benefits. Sunscreens also require review under normative Appendix A.
PLATIICA lists NOM-141 as current, and its 2024 systematic review result is confirmation. The 2014 amendment covers Spanish label presentation, selected label fields and normative sunscreen Appendix A; check the applicable text and provisions before review. [MX-NOM-141][MX-NOM-141-AMENDMENT-2014][MX-PLATIICA-NOM-141]
Review each package element
| Label element | Review focus |
|---|---|
| Language and legibility | Check Spanish text, visibility, durability and information across package surfaces. |
| Responsible party and origin | Check the responsible party name/address and country-of-origin information against applicable provisions. |
| Ingredients and quantity | Check the ingredient declaration, order, names and net contents. |
| Lot, date and warnings | Check lot, date exceptions, directions and warnings against shelf life and product category. |
| Names and claims | Avoid drug-like claims and product attributes that lack supporting evidence. |
Review sunscreen requirements separately
NOM-141’s normative Appendix A, amended in 2014, sets specific label and efficacy provisions for skin products whose primary function is sun protection. Check protection categories, UVA/UVB and SPF statements, warnings, directions and test methods under the appendix. General formula-safety material alone does not substantiate sunscreen efficacy. [MX-NOM-141][MX-NOM-141-AMENDMENT-2014]
Compare EU or other-market sunscreen reports with the test method, version, formula and Mexican appendix requirements; add studies when needed. If sun protection is secondary, determine scope from the appendix rather than from the mere appearance of “SPF” on pack.
A practical label-review sequence
- Confirm product category, market pack and applicable NOM-141 version.
- Review Spanish label fields, legibility, warnings and date rules item by item.
- For primary sunscreen products, separately check Appendix A, test methods and labeled values.
- Cross-check artwork against formula version, origin and claim evidence.
- Final versions of every package surface and insert are available.
- Warnings, date exceptions and responsible-party details have provision-level support.
- Sunscreen studies match the product version and label values.
- Claims across packaging, ecommerce and advertising have been reviewed together.
Official Sources
| # | Authority | Document | Locator | Published / Effective | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cámara de Diputados del H. Congreso de la Unión | Ley General de Salud | Articles 269–272, including Articles 270 and 271 Bis; reforms through 2026-01-15 | — / — | Official source |
| 2 | Diario Oficial de la Federación / Secretaría de Salud | NOM-141-SSA1/SCFI-2012, Etiquetado para productos cosméticos preenvasados | Sections 5.1–5.3 and normative Appendix A; read with the 2014 amendment and current PLATIICA status | 2012-09-19 / 2012-12-18 | Official source |
| 3 | Diario Oficial de la Federación / Secretaría de Salud | Modificación de numerales y Apéndice Normativo A de la NOM-141-SSA1/SCFI-2012 | Sections 5.1.1, 5.1.10.2.2, 5.2.6, 5.3.1, 5.3.7.18, second transitory and normative Appendix A (Sunscreens) | 2014-02-14 / 2014-02-15 | Official source |
| 4 | Secretaría de Economía, PLATIICA | NOM-141-SSA1/SCFI-2012: current status and systematic review history | Current status “Vigente”; 2024-02-08 systematic review result “Confirmación” | — / — | Official source |
| 5 | COFEPRIS | Productos Cosméticos: instrumentos jurídicos aplicables | Official cosmetics page, applicable legal instruments, self-inspection guide, and DIGIPRiS filing entry | 2025-07-25 / — | Official source |
Disclaimer
This article is for general information and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Check the official source and your product facts before making a market decision.
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