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.
On December 23, 2024, COFEPRIS published on its website a guide for self-verification of establishments in the cosmetic industry.
The purpose of this guide is to outline the key points to consider for regulatory compliance applicable to all stages of a cosmetic product, from manufacturing and storage to marketing and distribution. It also includes points to consider when receiving a sanitary verification visit from the competent authority.
On December 4, 2024, an agreement was published in the Official Journal of the Federation (DOF), outlining the requirements for importing medicines and medical devices for the public sector. This agreement allows importing these products without a COFEPRIS sanitary registration, provided certain criteria are met. It aims to expedite supply processes, especially for consolidated purchases under BIRMEX scheme.
In Mexico, advertising of products and services for human use or consumption is regulated by COFEPRIS and requires an authorization that can be a notice or a permit, depending on the type of product or service. Both procedures are carried out in order to guarantee compliance with the corresponding regulatory framework, avoid sanctions, and ensure responsible advertising.
The Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) is entrusted with the crucial task of overseeing and regulating products and services intended for human consumption, such as food supplements, to ensure their quality and safety. This article explores the surveillance actions undertaken by COFEPRIS and the key aspects companies should consider.
