Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormBulk ingredient (powder or oil)
Industry PositionNutraceutical and food antioxidant ingredient
Market
DL-alpha-tocopherol (synthetic vitamin E) is primarily supplied to Mexico as an imported ingredient used in dietary supplements and, more broadly, as a tocopherol antioxidant/nutrient in certain food categories. Trade data for HS 293628 (vitamin E and its derivatives, unmixed) shows Mexico as a clear net importer, with sourcing concentrated in a small set of exporting countries. In Mexico, finished “suplementos alimenticios” are regulated under the COFEPRIS framework that defines supplements, restricts therapeutic/curative claims, and sets labeling expectations (e.g., supplements are not medicines). For formulations positioned as food supplements, Codex GSFA provisions for the TOCOPHEROLS additive group explicitly include dl-alpha-tocopherol and list food-supplement use levels.
Market RoleNet importer and downstream formulation market
Domestic RoleImported vitamin E ingredient used by domestic supplement and food manufacturers; limited domestic upstream production
Specification
Compositional Metrics- Mexico’s tariff schedule distinguishes Vitamin E and derivatives by form, including powder (2936.28.01) and high-concentration in oil (>96%) (2936.28.02).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas vitamin E producer → international freight → Mexican importer/customs broker (pedimento) → ingredient distributor → local blending/encapsulation/fortification → finished supplement/food channels
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFinished-product classification and claim/label compliance under Mexico’s COFEPRIS supplement framework is a potential market-access blocker: products positioned with therapeutic claims, prohibited presentations, or misleading labeling can be treated outside the supplement category and face enforcement actions, including detention or withdrawal from market.Conduct a pre-market regulatory review for Mexico (claims, presentation/form, required legends) and maintain a compliance dossier aligned to COFEPRIS supplement guidance and applicable legal framework.
Documentation Gap MediumMisclassification (e.g., incorrect tariff fraction for powder vs high-concentration oil form) or incomplete customs annex documentation can cause clearance delays, rework, or penalties.Confirm tariff fraction against Mexico’s tariff schedule and implement a pedimento document checklist (invoice, transport, origin/supporting permits where applicable).
Supply Concentration MediumMexico’s vitamin E (HS 293628) supply relies on imports from a limited set of major exporting origins, creating exposure to external supply disruptions and price volatility.Qualify multiple origins/suppliers and set safety-stock policies for critical formulations.
FAQ
How is vitamin E (including dl-alpha-tocopherol forms) referenced in Mexico’s tariff schedule?Mexico’s tariff schedule lists Vitamin E and its derivatives under heading 2936.28, and distinguishes forms such as powder (2936.28.01) and high-concentration product in oil (>96%) (2936.28.02).
Which authority sets the legal framework for dietary supplements (“suplementos alimenticios”) in Mexico?COFEPRIS publishes the legal and regulatory framework for “suplementos alimenticios,” including references to the Ley General de Salud and the Reglamento de Control Sanitario de Productos y Servicios that define supplements and restrict therapeutic claims.
Does Codex recognize dl-alpha-tocopherol within tocopherol additive provisions relevant to food supplements?Yes. Codex GSFA Online lists the TOCOPHEROLS additive group and includes dl-alpha-tocopherol as a participating additive, and it provides provisions for use in food category 13.6 (food supplements).