Organic Certification in Mexico

QAI provides organic certification for products sold in Mexico through the Organic Products Law Standard (LPO: Ley de Productos Orgánicos).

In 2020, Mexico led the way in organic product exports among Latin American nations, boasting a remarkable export value of 390 million U.S. dollars. Moreover, the organic packaged food market in Mexico has experienced significant growth in recent years, surging to nearly 32 million U.S. dollars in sales in 2019. Key segments driving this trend include dairy, soy-based food, pasta, and noodles, which rank among the top choices for consumers seeking organic options in Mexico. Additionally, natural beverages and savory snacks have gained popularity, reinforcing Mexico's position as a thriving hub for organic product consumption.¹

All companies selling products in, or exporting products to, Mexico must be certified to the LPO or an equivalency agreement. The law was published in February 2006, but the federal organic regulation program wasn’t in operation until three subsequent publications: the Regulation of the Organic Products Law in April 2010 and the Operational Guidelines and the General Rules for Use of the National Seal in 2013.

The LPO standard encompasses nine main scopes: crop production, wild crop harvesting, domestic animal production, animal production from natural ecosystems or non-domestic, insect-class production (including honey production), fungi-class production, processed products from agricultural activities and commercialization of products from agricultural activities. This standard is very similar to the NOP standards, with a few critical differences: hydroponics, aeroponics and Chilean nitrate (NaNO3) are not permitted in organic production, and organic certificates have a one-year expiration date from the date of inspection.

The Secretariat of Agriculture in Mexico (SAGARPA), through the National Service for Agro Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA), is the organic production authority that oversees the organic standard and approves organic certification bodies. QAI is approved by SENASICA to issue LPO certification for organic products or food claiming to be "100% organic," "organic" or "made with organic" to be sold in the Mexican marketplace, and for organic ingredient importers that want to enter the country with the third largest number of organic food producers.

The Orgánico SAGARPA México mark may be used on products sold in the Mexican marketplace making the “organic” claim.

Products certified as compliant with the Mexico Organic Products Law Standard by QAI may bear the widely recognized QAI Certified Organic mark.

Use of this mark is optional.

¹ Source: Organic Food Market in Mexico report, 2020, Statista.