Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormShelf-stable (dry cubes/powder; also liquid)
Industry PositionPackaged Food Product
Market
Chicken broth products (bouillon cubes/powders and shelf-stable liquid broths) are widely used in Mexico for everyday cooking and foodservice. The market is supplied by both domestic manufacturing and imports, and market access is highly sensitive to NOM-051 labeling compliance and any COFEPRIS prior-import permit requirements.
Market RoleDomestic consumption market with local manufacturing and imports (net importer in the broader HS 2104 soup/broth preparations category)
Domestic RoleWidely used seasoning/soup base for soups, rice, stews, marinades and sauces in household and foodservice cooking.
Risks
Regulatory Labeling HighNon-compliance with Mexico’s NOM-051 prepackaged food labeling rules and/or applicable COFEPRIS import controls can result in border detention, mandatory relabeling, or product withdrawal from sale.Run a pre-shipment label and dossier review against NOM-051; confirm whether the product requires a COFEPRIS prior import permit and assemble required certificates/lot analyses before dispatch.
Customs Documents MediumIncomplete or inconsistent pedimento annex documentation (invoice, transport docs, permits when applicable) can delay customs release and increase storage/demurrage risk.Reconcile document fields (SKU, net weight, origin, tariff classification) and use the SAT/VUCEM digital document workflow to upload annex documents prior to clearance.
Food Safety MediumChicken-derived ingredients and allergen cross-contact risks increase the impact of any formulation/label mismatch; discrepancies in additive naming/ingredient order can become an enforcement and recall trigger under NOM-051.Control formulation changes, keep per-lot COAs/specs, and validate allergen and additive declarations in Spanish before each shipment or production change.
Nutrition MediumBouillon-style chicken broth products are typically salt-forward; this increases reputational and compliance exposure if required nutrition/front-of-pack elements are missed or misapplied under NOM-051.Quantify sodium per serving and validate all nutrition/front-of-pack elements required by NOM-051 for the final formula and pack size.
FAQ
What labeling rules apply to chicken broth products sold in Mexico?Prepackaged chicken broth products sold in Mexico must comply with NOM-051 labeling, including Spanish information such as product name, ingredient list (including additives), net content, and responsible party details; additional nutrition/front-of-pack elements may apply depending on formulation.
When importing chicken broth into Mexico, can a COFEPRIS permit be required?Yes. Depending on how the product is classified, COFEPRIS may require a prior sanitary import permit (permiso sanitario previo de importación). COFEPRIS lists supporting documents that may be required for the permit, such as sanitary/free-sale certificates and per-lot laboratory analyses.
How are pedimento annex documents handled for customs clearance in Mexico?SAT guidance describes sending the documents needed for customs clearance digitally through VUCEM as annex documents to the pedimento, and VUCEM is the platform used to submit information and certain prior authorizations for trade operations.