Trade of organic products between the U.S. and Mexico is significant and growing. In 2019, U.S. exports of selected organic products to Mexico totaled more than $118 million, while U.S. organic imports from Mexico during that same time topped $497 million. Since Harmonized Tariff Schedule Codes do not track many organic products, the actual value of organic trade between the two countries is undoubtedly much higher.
Importing Organic Products from Mexico. Organic products imported to the U.S. from Mexico must be certified to the USDA organic regulations by a USDA Organic Certifying Agent. Nearly 20 USDA-accredited certifiers operate in Mexico and there are more than 2,500 USDA-certified organic operations within Mexico’s borders.
Exporting Organic Products from the U.S. USDA-certified products may be exported to Mexico through December 31, 2021. Beginning January 1, 2022, all U.S. organic products exported to Mexico must be certified to Mexico’s Organic Products Law (LPO). Contact a certifier approved by Mexico’s National Service for Animal and Plant Health, Food Safety and Quality (SENASICA) for assistance with requirements for LPO certification and organic exports to Mexico.
Mexico’s Organic Products Law (LPO) & Certification. In December 2020, Mexico announced that organic imports must be certified to Mexico’s LPO or a standard recognized as equivalent beginning June 26, 2021. Mexico has not recognized the USDA organic standards as equivalent, meaning U.S. organic products going to Mexico must be certified to LPO. On May 7, 2021, Mexico extended the deadline for U.S. products to comply with this requirement until January 1, 2022.
Learn more about LPO certification:
- Mexico's Organic Products Law (LPO)
- USDA Foreign Agriculture Service Mexico City’s GAIN reports: April 30, 2021| May 11, 2021 | December 6, 2021 | December 21, 2021
- SENASICA Q&A on LPO certification in the U.S. SENASICA-approved certifiers
Mexico Labeling Requirements. U.S. organic products imported into Mexico must be labeled according to Mexico organic labeling requirements. These products may display the USDA organic seal as long as they are certified to the USDA organic regulations and/or the Mexico organic seal as long as they are certified to Mexico’s LPO. Mexico Labeling Requirements
Additional Resources
- Resources in Spanish
- Recent Organic Insider Updates: U.S. and Mexico Keep Organic Trade Open (Official Extension) | Meeting of the Inter-American Commission for Organic Agriculture | Organic Certifier Training in Mexico | Organic Control Systems Training in Chile
- Organic Integrity in the Supply Chain: Training Slides in Spanish (pdf)