NOM-050-SCFI-2004: What it is and why it matters in international trade?

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Written By Alan Castellanos

In Mexican foreign trade, one of the most critical requirements for ensuring that a product can be legally sold in Mexico is proper labeling. The NOM-050-SCFI-2004, issued by the Ministry of Economy, is one of the most important standards for importers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, as it establishes the minimum commercial information and labeling requirements products must include for consumers.

What is NOM-050-SCFI-2004?

NOM-050-SCFI-2004 is an Official Mexican Standard (NOM) that regulates the commercial information and labeling required on both domestic and imported products intended for sale in Mexico.

Its purpose is to ensure that consumers receive clear, accurate, useful, and Spanish-language information about the products they purchase.

What is the objective of NOM-050?

The standard aims to:

  • Protect consumers by ensuring transparent product information

  • Prevent misleading commercial practices

  • Establish minimum requirements for identity, content, and origin

  • Help consumers compare products more easily

Who must comply with this standard?

NOM-050 applies to:

  • Domestic manufacturers

  • Importers

  • Distributors

  • Wholesalers

  • Retailers

For foreign trade operations, importers are primarily responsible for ensuring that products comply before they are marketed in Mexico.

Which products must comply with NOM-050?

In general, all pre-packaged or packaged consumer products sold to the end user must comply, except food and beverages (which have their own NOMs).

Examples include:

  • Household items

  • Electronics

  • Toys

  • Tools

  • Office supplies

  • Decorative goods

  • Textiles and apparel

  • Industrial goods sold at retail

What information must the label include?

While requirements vary by product, NOM-050 typically mandates:

  • Generic product name

  • Country of origin

  • Name or legal business name of the importer or manufacturer

  • Address of the importer

  • Safety warnings or instructions (when applicable)

  • Storage or handling instructions (when applicable)

  • All mandatory information written in Spanish

What happens if a product does not comply?

Non-compliance can lead to:

  • Cargo being held at customs

  • Fines and penalties

  • Prohibition from being sold in Mexico

  • Additional warehousing or relabeling costs

  • In serious cases, permanent seizure of goods

Many shipments are detained at customs due to simple labeling issues—missing importer information, text in a foreign language, or incomplete instructions.

Who Oversees Compliance?

Compliance with NOM-050 is supervised by:

  • PROFECO (consumer protection authority)

  • Ministry of Economy

  • ANAM – Mexico’s Customs Authority during import processes

These agencies may inspect labeling at customs entry points, distribution centers, or retail establishments.

How do customs brokers get involved?

Customs brokers play a key role because they:

  • Check the labeling before customs clearance

  • Identify whether goods require relabeling prior to importation

  • Prevent detentions, penalties, and delays

  • Coordinate relabeling procedures in customs facilities, when needed

  • Ensure that labeling requirements match the product’s tariff classification

Without an experienced customs broker, importers often face delays and unexpected compliance issues.

How Integración Aduanal helps you?

At Integración Aduanal, we have a dedicated team specializing in labeling compliance and trade regulations, helping businesses import goods into Mexico without risk.

Our services include:

  • Prepare goods for the Mexican market, including repackaging and labeling, before paying duties.

  • Detailed unloading, inspection, and labeling to ensure goods meet Mexican import regulations.

  • Comprehensive inspection and labeling to streamline cross-border transport into Mexico.

With our expertise in foreign trade and customs brokerage, your products enter Mexico properly labeled, compliant, and ready for sale—without surprises or setbacks.

References:

Nomverify. (2025, 29 julio). NOM-050-SCFI-2004 la norma del etiquetado general de los productos. Nomverify México. https://nomverify.com/nom-050-scfi-2004/

Secretaría de Economía. (2023, 15 diciembre). Verificación, Vigilancia y Vigilancia del Mercado. https://platiica.economia.gob.mx/verificacion-y-vigilancia/

Secretaría de Economía. (2024, 1 junio). NOM-050-SCFI-2004 – Normalización. https://platiica.economia.gob.mx/normalizacion/nom-050-scfi-2004/

Villalobos, N. (2025, 20 septiembre). [Resumen] NOM-050-SCFI-2004 sobre Etiquetado de Productos. https://www.normasoficiales.mx/nom/nom-050-scfi-2004

Alan Castellanos
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