On July 7, 2025, Mexico’s regulatory authority, COFEPRIS, issued a new decree that substantially revises the classification framework for medical devices, thereby formally repealing the agreements published in 2011 and 2014.
COFEPRIS has implemented a series of simplification and modernization measures aimed at streamlining procedures and reducing the regulatory burden for establishments. These actions are part of the federal government’s regulatory improvement policies. This update specifically applies to the Operating License.
COFEPRIS has published a new agreement recognizing the evaluations and approvals from key international regulatory authorities and the WHO Prequalification Program for sanitary registrations of medicines and medical devices. This move, effective 60 business days after publication, aims to expedite access to quality health inputs by adopting a "reliance" approach, simplifying import procedures for essential products during health crises.
This Decree, published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on June 2, 2025, establishes a regulatory framework aimed at promoting investment within Mexico to strengthen the pharmaceutical industry, the production of medicines, health inputs, and medical devices, as well as fostering scientific research. Its main objective is to reduce import dependency and ensure the availability of these essential products, using consolidated public procurement as a lever for economic development.
COFEPRIS is undergoing a significant transformation under "Plan México," aiming to become an agile, transparent, and internationally harmonized agency. This includes a push for 100% digitization of procedures, fostering clinical research, streamlining regulatory pathways, and modernizing the regulatory framework to boost investment and ensure public health.
In 2020, Mexico implemented an agreement allowing expedited importation and equivalence of certain health supplies approved by recognized international regulatory bodies, aiming to address shortages and streamline access. However, an update in September 2024 nullified this agreement, requiring full compliance with Mexican regulatory processes for all health supplies.
On September 4, 2024, COFEPRIS' Advisory Council on Advertising launched the Guide on Roles and Responsibilities of Influencer Advertising (GRRUPI). This tool aims to complement the Regulations of the General Health Law on Advertising (RLGSMP) to regulate the advertising of products and services in a digital context.
The Ministry of Health in Mexico is proposing changes to a standard (NOM-240-SSA1-2012) regarding medical device safety and reporting. The draft standard strengthens reporting requirements for manufacturers, distributors and adds new responsibilities. Public feedback is welcome to evaluate the impact of the proposed changes.
The cosmetics industry in Mexico is subject to a robust regulatory framework enforced by the Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks (COFEPRIS). This oversight aims to safeguard consumer health and ensure product safety and quality. Given the growing popularity of cosmetics, understanding these regulations is crucial for businesses operating within this sector.
