These are the 7 key steps for cosmetic product registration in Mexico in 2025:
- Understand if your product is truly a cosmetic or requires sanitary registration
- Verify that ingredients comply with Mexican regulations
- Comply with mandatory Spanish labeling according to NOM-141
- Appoint a legal representative or sanitary responsible party in Mexico
- File the Notice of Operation before COFEPRIS
- Manage importation and customs procedures
- Implement post-marketing surveillance and cosmetic pharmacovigilance
The cosmetic industry in Mexico represents one of the most attractive opportunities for international brands seeking to expand in Latin America.
With a market valued in billions of dollars and a population increasingly aware of personal care, Mexico has become the second-largest beauty market in the region, only behind Brazil.
However, entering the Mexican market with cosmetic products involves navigating a specific regulatory environment that, although it does not require prior sanitary registration as in other countries, still demands strict compliance with labeling, formulation, local representation, and good manufacturing practices.
For international brands, especially from the United States, Europe, or Asia, wanting to commercialize cosmetics in Mexico smoothly and without delays, understanding the regulatory framework of COFEPRIS (Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks) is essential to avoid products held at customs, fines, or sales bans.
Unlike medicines or medical devices, cosmetics in Mexico do not require prior formal registration before COFEPRIS for commercialization.
However, this does not mean they can be sold freely, there are mandatory requirements related to notices of operation, Spanish labeling, permitted ingredient lists, and local legal representation.
This comprehensive guide explains the 7 key steps you must follow to register and legally market cosmetic products in Mexico, from product classification to post-marketing surveillance, with a practical approach updated to 2025 regulations.
7 Key Steps for Cosmetic Product Registration in Mexico
1. Understand if your product is truly a cosmetic or requires sanitary registration
The first and most critical step is to correctly classify your product according to Mexican regulations, since this will determine whether you need prior sanitary registration before COFEPRIS.
According to the General Health Law of Mexico, cosmetics are defined as:
“Substances or preparations intended to come into contact with the external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair and capillary system, nails, lips, and external genital organs) or with the teeth and oral mucous membranes, with the exclusive or main purpose of cleaning, perfuming, changing their appearance, protecting them, keeping them in good condition, or correcting body odors.”
When is sanitary registration NOT required?
Traditional cosmetics do not require prior registration before COFEPRIS for commercialization in Mexico. This includes products such as:
- Moisturizing creams and body lotions
- Shampoos and conditioners
- Soaps and shower gels
- Makeup (lipsticks, foundations, mascaras)
- Perfumes and fragrances
- Deodorants without therapeutic claims
- Nail care products
- Hair dyes without medical effects
However, these products must still comply with other mandatory requirements, such as operating notices, labeling standards, permitted ingredients, local representation, and good manufacturing practices.
When IS sanitary registration required?
If your product makes therapeutic or medicinal claims, it can be reclassified as a medicine or medical device, and therefore requires prior sanitary registration before COFEPRIS.
Examples of products that cross the line into the medical category include:
- Products for treating severe acne with pharmacological active ingredients
- Creams with clinical whitening effects (not merely cosmetic)
- Products claiming to treat dermatitis, psoriasis, or medical conditions
- Cosmetics with sun protection (SPF) may have additional requirements
- Products for tissue regeneration or wound healing
- Deodorants declaring antibacterial or therapeutic effects
The key difference lies in the claim or declaration:
If your product only beautifies, cleans, or protects cosmetically, it is a cosmetic.
If it claims to cure, treat, or prevent a medical condition, it may be considered a medicine.
Practical recommendation
Before starting any import or commercialization process, carefully review your product’s claims and ensure they do not cross into therapeutic territory.
If you are uncertain about your product’s classification, consult a regulatory advisor specialized in COFEPRIS before proceeding.
An incorrect classification may result in products held at customs, significant fines, or sales bans.
2. Verify that ingredients comply with Mexican regulations
Once it is confirmed that your product qualifies as a cosmetic, the next critical step is to ensure that all ingredients in your formulation are permitted in Mexico, according to COFEPRIS official lists.
Mexico has an Agreement that establishes lists of prohibited or restricted substances for perfumery and beauty products, which must be consulted before importing or manufacturing any cosmetic.
Prohibited ingredients
Some substances are completely prohibited in cosmetics marketed in Mexico, regardless of their concentration. Examples include:
- Certain unauthorized synthetic colorants
- Mercury and its compounds (except for unavoidable traces)
- Lead and derivatives exceeding permitted concentrations
- Carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxic substances
- Specific ingredients listed in the COFEPRIS Agreement
Restricted ingredients
ther substances are allowed but with restrictions, such as:
Maximum concentrations:
For example, certain preservatives can only be used up to a specific percentage.
Specific conditions of use:
Some ingredients are only permitted in certain types of products (for instance, rinse-off but not leave-on).
Mandatory warnings:
Some ingredients require specific cautionary phrases on labeling.
Age restrictions:
Certain ingredients cannot be used in products intended for children under 3 years old.
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and traceability
In addition to verifying permitted ingredients, you must ensure your product complies with Mexican Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards.
The NOM-259-SSA1-2022 (or its current version) establishes requirements for:
- Clean and controlled manufacturing facilities
- Trained and qualified personnel
- Standardized and documented processes
- Proper transport and storage
- Complete traceability of raw materials and finished product
- Quality control and batch records
This applies to both domestically manufactured and imported products:
If you import cosmetics, you must demonstrate that they were manufactured under equivalent GMP conditions.
How to verify compliance
To ensure your formulation meets Mexican standards:
- Download the official COFEPRIS Agreement listing prohibited and restricted substances.
- Review each ingredient in your formulation against these lists.
- Check concentrations: If an ingredient is restricted, confirm your formula is within the legal limit.
- Consult a local regulatory chemist: A specialist in Mexican cosmetic regulations can validate your formulation before import.
- Request GMP certificates from your manufacturer to demonstrate compliance to COFEPRIS if required.
If your formulation includes ingredients not permitted in Mexico, you must reformulate the product specifically for the Mexican market before you can legally commercialize it.
3. Comply with mandatory Spanish labeling according to NOM-141
Labeling is one of the most visible and strictly enforced requirements for the commercialization of cosmetics in Mexico.
All products must comply with NOM-141-SSA1/SCFI-2012, the Official Mexican Standard for cosmetic labeling.
Label non-compliance is one of the most common causes of customs detention, and can result in fines, returns, or product destruction.
Mandatory labeling elements
Your label must include, at minimum, the following information in Spanish:
- Product name: Must include both the generic name (type of product, e.g., “moisturizing cream”, “shampoo”) and the specific brand name.
- Net content: Expressed in International System units (ml, g, etc.).
- List of ingredients: In descending order by concentration, using INCI nomenclature (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients).
- Name and address of the manufacturer or responsible importer: Must show full corporate name and fiscal address in Mexico of the sanitary responsible party.
- Country of origin: “Made in…”, “Product of…”, “Manufactured in…”.
- Batch number: For traceability and quality control.
- Expiration date or PAO (Period After Opening): Depending on shelf life. If the product lasts over 30 months, the PAO symbol can be used.
- Directions for use: Clear instructions in Spanish.
- Warnings and precautions: When required based on ingredients or use (e.g., “keep out of reach of children”).
- Specific declarations: If the product contains ingredients that require warnings under the COFEPRIS Agreement.
Additional format requirements
Besides content, the standard establishes rules on legibility and presentation:
- Text in Spanish: Mandatory. Other languages can be included, but Spanish must be prominent.
- Readable font size: Proportional to package size.
- Adequate contrast: Text must be easily readable over the background.
- Placement: Information must appear in a visible location on the primary or secondary container.
Ingredient list: INCI nomenclature
The ingredient list must follow international INCI nomenclature, in the correct order based on the concentration in your specific formulation.
Correct example:
Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol...
Ingredients are listed in descending order until reaching 1% concentration; after that, they may appear in any order.
Allowed claims or statements
Product claims about properties or benefits must be:
- Verifiable: You must be able to support any claim with studies or evidence.
- Non-therapeutic: Avoid terms like “cures”, “treats”, or “prevents diseases”.
- Not misleading: Do not exaggerate benefits or make impossible promises.
Examples of acceptable cosmetic claims:
- “Moisturizes the skin”
- “Softer, shinier hair”
- “Reduces the appearance of fine lines”
Examples of claims that may reclassify the product as a medicine:
- “Treats acne”
- “Cures dermatitis”
- “Eliminates skin spots”
Practical recommendation
Work with a designer familiar with NOM-141 to create compliant labels from the start.
Print samples and validate them with a regulatory advisor before producing large quantities.
If you import pre-labeled products, verify that labeling is 100% compliant with Mexican standards.
If not, you will have to re-label in Mexico before commercialization, which adds cost and time.
A correct label from the start avoids customs delays, fines, and COFEPRIS issues, and also builds trust among Mexican consumers.
4. Appoint a Legal Representative or Sanitary Responsible Party in Mexico
If you are a foreign manufacturer seeking to commercialize cosmetics in Mexico, one of the fundamental requirements is to appoint a local legal representative or sanitary responsible party authorized by COFEPRIS.
This representative will act as your official liaison with Mexican authorities, assuming legal and sanitary responsibilities within the country. In digital sales contexts, the entity that processes payments and assumes liability is often treated as a registered merchant, so roles should be clearly defined in your contracts.
Why is it mandatory?
COFEPRIS requires that any company manufacturing, importing, or distributing cosmetics in Mexico has a local legal presence capable of:
- Responding to authorities: In the event of inspections, inquiries, or pharmacovigilance incidents.
- Managing operating notices: Only a local entity can file and maintain valid sanitary notices.
- Receiving official notifications: Such as regulatory updates or information requests.
- Assuming legal responsibility: In cases of quality, safety, or compliance issues.
Without this figure, you cannot legally import or commercialize cosmetics in Mexico, even if you meet all other requirements.
Options for local representation
You have several alternatives to establish representation in Mexico:
- Create your own Mexican entity: Incorporate a legal company in Mexico (e.g., S.A. de C.V., S.A.P.I. de C.V.), which implies full fiscal and legal setup. This gives you maximum control but also higher investment and complexity.
- Hire an authorized legal representative: Many specialized regulatory consulting firms offer sanitary representation services, acting as your official contact before COFEPRIS.
- Work with a local distributor: If you already have a Mexican distributor, they can act as your representative and sanitary responsible party, simplifying operations.
- Use a logistics operator with IOR/MoR services: Companies like Cubbo act as Importer of Record (IOR), which includes the necessary legal representation to import and commercialize cosmetics in Mexico without opening your own entity.
Requirements for the sanitary representative
The representative you choose must:
- Hold a valid sanitary license from COFEPRIS for cosmetic activities.
- Have a fiscal address in Mexico.
- Possess legal capacity to assume regulatory responsibility.
- Be registered before the Mexican Tax Administration Service (SAT).
Required documentation
To formalize representation, you generally need:
- Power of attorney or representation contract authorizing the representative to act on your behalf.
- Apostilled and translated legal documents of your company.
- Product information: formulation, labeling, GMP certificates, etc.
- Proof of address for the representative in Mexico.
Advantage of working with an integrated operator
If you prefer to avoid managing an independent representative or creating a local entity, partnering with a logistics operator offering IOR services can significantly simplify the process.
For example, Cubbo acts as Importer of Record for international brands, meaning that:
- It uses its Mexican legal entity to import your products.
- It acts as sanitary responsible party before COFEPRIS.
- It handles all customs and tax procedures.
- It offers end-to-end fulfillment from its distribution centers in Mexico, with same-day deliveries in Mexico City and an average of 1.3 days nationwide.
This allows you to enter the Mexican market within weeks, without creating a company, hiring accountants, or managing regulatory paperwork yourself.
5. File the Notice of Operation before COFEPRIS
Before starting cosmetic sales in Mexico, the responsible company (manufacturer, importer, or distributor) must hold a valid Notice of Operation (Aviso de Funcionamiento) issued by COFEPRIS.
This notice informs health authorities that your company operates within the cosmetic sector and complies with Mexican sanitary regulations.
What is the Notice of Operation?
The Notice of Operation is an administrative procedure through which a company informs COFEPRIS that it carries out activities related to cosmetics, such as:
- Manufacturing
- Importation
- Distribution
- Storage
- Commercialization
It is not a product registration, but rather a registration of the establishment or company managing cosmetics.
Who must file it?
It must be filed by the Mexican legal entity acting as sanitary responsible party, which may be:
- Your company, if you have a Mexican subsidiary.
- Your authorized legal representative.
- Your local distributor.
- Your logistics operator if acting as Importer of Record (IOR) (for instance, Cubbo).
If you are a foreign brand without a local entity, your Mexican representative will handle this process on your behalf.
Required documentation
To file the Notice of Operation, you generally need:
- Official ID of the legal representative.
- Proof of address of the establishment where cosmetics will be stored or distributed.
- Incorporation deed of the Mexican entity.
- Sanitary license (if required by the activity).
- Proof of payment of applicable fees.
- Designated sanitary officer: a professional with an authorized license (cédula).
Specific documentation may vary depending on the type of activity and current COFEPRIS updates.
Validity and renewal
The Notice of Operation is typically valid for one year and must be renewed periodically to maintain legal operations.
COFEPRIS may conduct random inspections at any time to verify that the establishment complies with Good Manufacturing, Storage, and Handling Practices.
Simplification of procedures in 2025
On July 11, 2025, COFEPRIS published a new agreement simplifying sanitary procedures, including:
- Full digitalization of processes: Many notices and authorizations can now be handled 100% online via the COFEPRIS Digital Single Window.
- Elimination of redundant steps: Duplicate requirements were reduced and procedures streamlined.
- Faster processing times: COFEPRIS response times have improved significantly.
- Clearer documentation: Better guidance on what’s needed for each product type and activity.
These reforms have made it easier for international brands to enter the Mexican market, reducing costs and approval times.
Practical recommendation
Do not start imports or sales without a valid Notice of Operation. Operating without it may result in:
- Goods held at customs
- Significant fines
- Temporary closure of facilities
- Sales prohibitions
If you work with a logistics operator like Cubbo acting as IOR, they already hold the necessary notices, which accelerates market entry without you handling bureaucracy.
6. Manage Importation and Customs Procedures
Once your product meets all regulatory requirements, the next step is to legally import it into Mexico through the correct customs process.
This involves not only paying duties and taxes but also submitting specific documentation and complying with sanitary and fiscal regulations.
Tariff classification
Every cosmetic product must be correctly classified under the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System used by Mexico.
Cosmetics typically fall under Chapter 33 of the tariff code:
- Heading 3303: Perfumes and toilet waters
- Heading 3304: Beauty, makeup, and skincare preparations
- Heading 3305: Hair care preparations
- Heading 3306: Oral hygiene products
- Heading 3307: Shaving, deodorant, bath salts, and other toiletry preparations
Correct classification determines both applicable duties and specific import requirements.
Required import documentation
To import cosmetics into Mexico, you must present to customs:
- Commercial invoice: Detailed description of products, value, quantities, and Incoterms.
- Packing list: Package count, weights, dimensions.
- Bill of lading or airway bill: Depending on the transport mode.
- Certificate of origin: If trade preferences apply (USMCA, etc.).
- Proof of duty and tax payment: VAT (16%), import duties per tariff code, and customs processing fee (DTA).
- Labeling compliance with NOM-141: Or a commitment to re-label in Mexico before sale.
- Documentation from the legal representative: Showing the importer’s authorization to handle cosmetics.
Taxes and duties
When importing cosmetics into Mexico, you generally pay:
- Import duty: Varies by tariff code and origin country. It can be 0% for countries under trade agreements (e.g., USMCA for the US/Canada), or up to 20% or higher for others.
- VAT (16%) on the customs value (product value + freight + insurance + duties).
- DTA (Customs Processing Fee): Generally 0.8% of product value.
Calculating these costs accurately before importation is crucial to avoid unexpected expenses and maintain profitability.
Inspections and verifications
Mexican customs authorities may conduct physical or documentary inspections at any time. During these, they verify:
- Compliance with NOM-141 labeling
- Match between documentation and physical goods
- Correct tariff classification
- Fulfillment of sanitary regulations (if COFEPRIS requests inspection)
If any non-compliance is found, goods may be detained, fined, or destroyed in severe cases.
Advantage of working with an Importer of Record (IOR)
For international brands without Mexican customs experience, partnering with an IOR simplifies the entire process.
For example, Cubbo acts as Importer of Record for cosmetics, meaning that:
- It imports under its Mexican tax entity, eliminating the need for your own local presence.
- It manages all customs procedures, including classification, duty payments, and documentation.
- It handles end-to-end logistics, from port or airport reception to storage in its fulfillment centers.
- It provides full visibility, tracking every importation step and inventory status in real time.
By combining import and fulfillment technology, Cubbo can receive your products directly from the factory, store them, and deliver nationwide in an average of 1.3 days.
This lets you enter the Mexican market in weeks, not months, without managing customs yourself.
Practical recommendation
If this is your first time importing cosmetics into Mexico:
- Consult a certified customs broker or specialized IOR before shipping goods.
- Verify your labeling is 100% NOM-141 compliant before shipment.
- Accurately calculate import costs to preserve margins.
- Consider working with an integrated operator like Cubbo to handle import + storage + distribution under one model, reducing complexity and speeding market entry.
7. Implement Post-Marketing Surveillance and Cosmetic Pharmacovigilance
Once your cosmetic products are on the Mexican market, your responsibility does not end there.
COFEPRIS requires companies to implement post-marketing surveillance systems to monitor the safety and quality of products once they reach consumers.
This system, also called cosmetovigilance or cosmetic pharmacovigilance, is essential to detect, evaluate, and prevent adverse reactions or quality issues that could affect public health.
What is post-marketing surveillance?
It is the continuous and systematic monitoring of cosmetic products after their launch, aimed at:
- Detecting adverse reactions: Allergies, irritations, or unwanted effects in consumers.
- Identifying quality issues: Contamination, degradation, stability problems.
- Managing complaints and claims: Recording and resolving consumer reports.
- Conducting product recalls: When a public health risk is identified.
- Reporting to COFEPRIS: Notifying significant adverse events.
Obligations of the sanitary responsible party
As the sanitary responsible (or your local representative), you must:
- Establish a cosmetovigilance system documenting and analyzing adverse events.
- Record and address consumer complaints about unwanted effects.
- Report serious or unexpected adverse events to COFEPRIS within deadlines.
- Implement corrective actions: From labeling changes to voluntary product recalls.
- Maintain full traceability records: Batches, distribution, and manufacturing dates to enable selective recalls.
Common adverse reactions in cosmetics
The most frequently reported adverse events in cosmetic products include:
- Contact dermatitis (irritation or allergy)
- Allergic reactions to fragrances or preservatives
- Eye irritation from facial or hair products
- Photosensitivity (reactions after sun exposure following product use)
- Hair loss due to inadequate hair formulations
Most of these cases are mild, but they must still be documented and analyzed to identify recurring patterns and take preventive measures.
Product recalls and health alerts
If COFEPRIS detects a significant health risk associated with a cosmetic product, it may order:
- Voluntary recall: The manufacturer or importer proactively removes the product from the market.
- Mandatory recall: COFEPRIS orders an immediate recall due to verified risk.
- Public health alert: An official announcement warning consumers about the product.
- Sales suspension: Temporary or permanent ban on commercialization.
In addition, COFEPRIS carries out post-market inspections, either random or targeted, taking product samples at sales points for laboratory analysis and compliance verification.
Regulatory changes and simplification in 2025
On July 11, 2025, COFEPRIS introduced an agreement to simplify sanitary procedures, improving:
- Digital reporting: Cosmetic pharmacovigilance reports can now be submitted digitally through the Single Digital Window.
- Clearer timelines: More specific response times and reporting requirements depending on the severity of adverse events.
- Reduced paperwork: Simplified documentation for voluntary recalls.
- Greater transparency: A public database of health alerts accessible to both companies and consumers.
These updates make compliance easier and enhance communication between companies and COFEPRIS.
Practical recommendation
- Set up a customer service system that documents complaints and adverse events from day one.
- Train your team (or your local representative’s staff) in cosmetovigilance and COFEPRIS reporting protocols.
- Maintain full traceability: Keep records of batches, distribution, and dates to allow selective recalls if necessary.
- Respond quickly: When an adverse event is reported, investigate, document, and act immediately.
If you work with an integrated operator like Cubbo, its team can assist with returns management, batch control, and traceability from storage to delivery, ensuring full post-marketing compliance.
The Cosmetic Market in Mexico: Opportunity and Growth
Mexico represents one of the most promising opportunities for international cosmetic brands expanding into Latin America.
With a population exceeding 130 million, a growing middle class, and increasing digital penetration, the Mexican beauty and personal care market has consolidated as the second largest in the region, just after Brazil.
According to industry data, Mexico’s cosmetic market grows at mid-single-digit rates annually, driven by:
- Greater awareness of personal care: Consumers are more informed about ingredients, benefits, and quality.
- Ecommerce expansion: Online sales of cosmetics have grown exponentially, especially post-pandemic, driven by broader advances in e-commerce platforms and consumer adoption.
- Influence of social media: Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have democratized beauty trends and increased demand.
- Preference for international brands: Mexican consumers associate imported products from the US, Europe, and Asia with higher quality and innovation.
For high-volume brands looking to enter the Mexican market, the timing is ideal: there is strong demand, increasingly efficient logistics infrastructure, and faster regulatory processes thanks to COFEPRIS reforms in 2025.
However, success in Mexico doesn’t depend solely on having a good product, it also requires flawless regulatory compliance, efficient logistics, and cultural adaptation to local preferences.
How to Choose the Best Partner to Register and Commercialize Cosmetics in Mexico
Entering the Mexican cosmetics market requires regulatory expertise, logistical capacity, and local market knowledge, assets that many international brands lack internally.
Choosing the right partner to handle registration, importation, and distribution is a strategic decision that can determine the success or failure of your expansion.
Below are the key factors to consider when evaluating providers for your market entry.
1. Proven Experience in COFEPRIS Regulation
Not all logistics operators or importers have specific experience with cosmetic products and COFEPRIS regulations.
Look for partners who:
- Hold valid licenses and notices before COFEPRIS specifically for cosmetics.
- Understand NOM-141 and its labeling requirements in depth.
- Know the lists of prohibited and restricted ingredients.
- Have experience importing cosmetics without customs holds or regulatory issues.
A partner with regulatory experience can anticipate problems before they arise and accelerate your market entry without setbacks.
2. Comprehensive Services: From Importation to Final Delivery
For international brands, coordinating multiple providers (legal representative, customs broker, warehouse, courier) can be costly and complex.
The best solution is to work with an integrated operator offering.
For brands running aggressive DTC programs, proven playbooks for direct sales fulfillment in Mexico ensure scalable SLAs and consistent customer experience:
- Importer of Record (IOR) services: To import under their Mexican entity.
- Storage and fulfillment: Strategically located centers with inventory management technology.
- National distribution: Fast delivery across all of Mexico.
- Returns management: Quick reintegration into inventory.
- Real-time visibility: A dashboard showing inventory, orders, and shipments.
An integrated model like Cubbo’s eliminates the need to coordinate several providers, reducing costs, time, and operational complexity.
3. Delivery Speed and National Coverage
In the modern Mexican market, delivery speed is a major competitive advantage.
Consumers expect to receive products within 1–3 days, not one or two weeks.
Look for partners that offer:
- Same-day delivery in major cities (especially Mexico City).
- 1–2 day averages nationwide.
- Full coverage, including remote areas.
- Smart parcel allocation to balance cost and delivery time.
Operators like Cubbo achieve same-day delivery in CDMX and an average of 1.3 days nationwide, thanks to strategically located fulfillment centers.
4. Technology and Real-Time Visibility
Technology is the backbone of any modern ecommerce operation.
Your partner should offer:
- Native integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, Mercado Libre, and TikTok Shop.
- Automatic inventory and order synchronization.
- Intuitive dashboards with real-time metrics.
- Documented APIs for custom integrations.
- Automated reporting of inventory, sales, and logistics costs.
Automation saves time, reduces errors, and improves the end-customer experience.
5. Local Support and Service in Spanish
Operating in Mexico requires understanding local market nuances, from consumer habits to regulations that change frequently.
Choose a partner with:
- A local team familiar with the Mexican market.
- Spanish-language support with quick response times.
- Experience with international brands similar to yours.
- Proactive communication and transparency about incidents.
The difference between a global provider without real presence and one with local infrastructure can determine how quickly issues are solved.
If your goal is to professionalize your operation in Mexico, choose a partner that offers proximity, transparency, and proven experience.
Why Cubbo Is the Ideal Partner to Register and Commercialize Cosmetics in Mexico
For international cosmetic brands with high sales volume seeking to enter Mexico without friction, Cubbo provides the most complete and efficient solution on the market.
Its model combines Importer of Record (IOR) services, sanitary representation, technological fulfillment, and 3PL logistics under a single platform, designed specifically for established brands requiring speed, compliance, and scalability.
Here’s why Cubbo stands out as the strategic ally for launching cosmetics in Mexico.
Integrated Model: Import + Registration + Fulfillment
Unlike traditional providers offering only one isolated service (import, logistics, or representation), Cubbo integrates the entire process under one model:
- As Importer of Record (IOR): Uses its Mexican tax entity to legally import your cosmetics, managing tariffs, taxes, and customs procedures.
- As sanitary representative: Ensures COFEPRIS compliance, including operating notices and regulatory responsibility.
- As 3PL logistics operator: Stores, prepares, packs, and delivers your products from strategic centers across Mexico.
This means you don’t have to coordinate multiple vendors, Cubbo handles everything, from factory shipment to final delivery in Mexico.
Although this guide focuses on cosmetics, similar operational playbooks apply to regulated verticals where KYC and chargeback sensitivity matter, such as fintech, where proven fullfillment in Mexico for fintech models help reduce risk while accelerating time-to-market.
Proven Expertise in Cosmetics and COFEPRIS Compliance
Cubbo has specific experience working with international cosmetic brands needing to comply with Mexican regulations.
Its team has in-depth knowledge of:
- NOM-141 for cosmetic labeling.
- COFEPRIS restricted and prohibited ingredient lists.
- Import requirements for Chapter 33 products in the tariff schedule.
- Pharmacovigilance and post-market surveillance processes.
This ensures your products enter the market without customs holds, fines, or regulatory delays.
Fast Deliveries with Continuous Operation
One of Cubbo’s main advantages is its delivery speed and year-round operation.
With fulfillment centers strategically located in urban areas like Polanco (Mexico City), Cubbo offers.
For context on the competitive landscape and carrier options in the capital, brands can review leading logistics companies in México City before defining their last-mile mix:
- Same-day deliveries in Mexico City.
- 1.3-day average delivery across the country.
- Smart carrier selection, automatically choosing the best option based on cost and speed.
For cosmetic brands where customer experience is critical, this speed represents a clear competitive advantage over competitors that take a week or more to deliver.
Technology with Full Visibility
At the heart of Cubbo’s model lies its proprietary technology platform, built for real-time traceability and complete automation.
From a single dashboard, you can:
- Monitor inventory for all SKUs in real time.
- Track orders from warehouse to final delivery.
- Sync automatically with Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, Mercado Libre, and TikTok Shop.
- Analyze sales metrics, logistics costs, and performance data.
- Manage returns with automatic reintegration into inventory.
Thanks to its direct integrations with leading marketplaces, every sale is instantly synchronized, eliminating manual errors and ensuring a fully automated operation.
These channels increasingly operate under a marketplace model, which concentrates demand while setting specific operational and catalog standards that brands must follow to scale effectively.
Built for High-Volume Businesses
Cubbo targets established brands managing large sales volumes and seeking a partner able to:
- Scale operations rapidly without infrastructure investments.
- Maintain operational accuracy, even with thousands of daily orders.
- Offer the same delivery experience as top-tier ecommerce players.
Its model allows you to expand without fixed costs, paying only for the space and services you actually use, optimizing profitability and flexibility.
Cubbo combines technology, speed, and a committed team focused on your success.
If you’re looking to enter the Mexican cosmetic market with a single partner that manages registration, importation, and fulfillment, talk to a specialist and discover how Cubbo can accelerate your expansion with an agile, compliant, and scalable operation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do cosmetics require prior sanitary registration in Mexico?
No, traditional cosmetics do NOT require prior sanitary registration before COFEPRIS to be marketed in Mexico.
Unlike medicines or medical devices, cosmetics can be sold without an individual product registration.
However, this does not mean they can be sold freely. Even without registration, several mandatory requirements must still be met:
- Notice of Operation of the establishment before COFEPRIS.
- Labeling in Spanish compliant with NOM-141.
- Permitted ingredients according to official lists.
- Local legal representation or sanitary responsible party in Mexico.
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance.
The only exception is when your product makes therapeutic claims (for example, “treats acne”, “cures dermatitis”), in which case it may be reclassified as a drug and will require prior sanitary registration.
How long does it take to register and market cosmetics in Mexico?
The timeframe depends on your level of preparation and the type of partner you work with:
- If you handle everything independently (company incorporation, representation, notices, importation): 3–6 months or more.
- If you work with an integrated operator like Cubbo: You can be selling within 3–6 weeks.
The duration mainly depends on these factors:
- Labeling compliance: If your products already meet NOM-141, you save weeks of relabeling.
- Local representation: Using an established IOR avoids months of paperwork needed to create your own legal entity.
- Importation: An experienced IOR can clear your goods at customs in days, not weeks.
- Logistics readiness: Having a fulfillment center ready speeds up immediate distribution.
For high-volume brands that need to move quickly, working with an integrated partner drastically reduces time-to-market.
What happens if my labeling does not comply with NOM-141?
If your product arrives at Mexican customs with non-compliant labeling, it may be:
- Held at customs: The goods won’t be released until labeling is corrected.
- Subject to relabeling: You’ll need to hire a service in Mexico to place Spanish-compliant stickers before sale, adding cost and delay.
- Fined: COFEPRIS may impose economic sanctions for non-compliance.
- Destroyed: In serious cases or when the product poses a risk.
That’s why it’s essential to validate labeling BEFORE importation with a regulatory advisor or your logistics operator.
If you work with Cubbo as your IOR, their team will review labeling compliance prior to importation and can coordinate local relabeling if needed, preventing holds and fines.
Do I need to open a company in Mexico to sell cosmetics?
Not necessarily. You have several options:
Option 1 – Create your own Mexican entity:
More control, but higher investment, time, and complexity (company incorporation, tax registration, COFEPRIS notices, etc.).
Option 2 – Hire an authorized legal representative:
A third party acts as your sanitary responsible in Mexico, without needing to establish a local company.
Option 3 – Work with a local distributor:
If you already have a Mexican distributor, they can import and sell products under their license.
Option 4 – Use an Importer of Record (IOR):
Companies like Cubbo act as your IOR, importing under their own Mexican entity and managing the entire operation without you having to set up local presence.
For international high-volume brands aiming for quick entry, the IOR + integrated fulfillment model is the most efficient, eliminating months of bureaucracy.
Can Cubbo help me register and commercialize cosmetics in Mexico?
Yes. Cubbo offers a complete solution for international cosmetic brands that want to operate in Mexico without complications.
As an Importer of Record (IOR), Cubbo:
- Imports your products under its Mexican tax entity, managing tariffs, taxes, and customs procedures.
- Acts as your sanitary representative before COFEPRIS, taking care of notices and regulatory compliance.
- Reviews labeling compliance according to NOM-141 before importation.
- Stores your inventory in strategic fulfillment centers with real-time management technology.
- Distributes nationwide with same-day deliveries in CDMX and an average of 1.3 days across the country.
- Manages returns with automatic reintegration into inventory.
In addition, Cubbo’s platform integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, Mercado Libre, TikTok Shop, and over 20 sales channels, fully automating your operation.
For high-volume brands seeking a professional, compliant, and fast market entry, Cubbo can accelerate your expansion in Mexico with a flexible, transparent, and scalable model.
