Chemical Labeling and SDS Requirements in Mexico
Mexico implements workplace GHS hazard communication primarily through NOM-018-STPS-2015, which establishes the harmonized system for identifying and communicating hazards and risks from hazardous chemicals in workplaces. The standard is issued by the Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social (STPS) and is supported by the Mexican GHS classification standard NMX-R-019-SCFI-2011. Consumer chemical products may also be subject to product-specific NOMs and consumer protection rules.
SDS Requirements
For hazardous chemicals in Mexican workplaces, NOM-018-STPS-2015 requires Safety Data Sheets and hazard communication consistent with the harmonized system. SDSs should follow a 16-section structure and provide product identification, supplier information, hazard identification, composition, first-aid measures, firefighting measures, accidental release measures, handling and storage, exposure controls and PPE, physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, toxicological information, ecological information, disposal, transport, regulatory information, and other relevant information. SDSs and labels should be prepared in Spanish for the Mexican workplace context.
Consumer Label Requirements
Consumer chemical labelling in Mexico is not governed solely by NOM-018-STPS-2015, which is workplace-focused. Consumer products should be reviewed against applicable product-specific NOMs, such as NOM-189-SSA1/SCFI-2018 for household cleaning products, as well as general commercial information, health, pesticide, cosmetics, transport, and consumer protection requirements where applicable. Consumer labels typically need Spanish-language product identity, responsible party information, use instructions, precautions, hazard warnings, net contents, and any category-specific statements required by the applicable NOM.
Workplace Label Requirements
Workplace labels under NOM-018-STPS-2015 must communicate hazards and risks for hazardous chemicals used in Mexican workplaces. Labels should be consistent with the SDS and include the chemical identity, appropriate hazard pictograms, signal word, hazard statements, precautionary statements, and supplier or responsible party information. Employers and suppliers should verify classifications using the GHS criteria adopted through NOM-018-STPS-2015 and NMX-R-019-SCFI-2011 and maintain training and written hazard communication elements required by the standard.
Official Regulatory Resources
Need Help with Compliance?
Nexreg assists manufacturers, importers, and distributors with Mexico SDS authoring, chemical classification, workplace labeling, consumer labeling, and regulatory compliance. Our regulatory specialists can help simplify market access and keep hazard communication documents aligned with applicable requirements.
