Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormExtract (Powder)
Industry PositionBotanical Extract Ingredient (Food Supplement / Functional Food Inputs)
Market
In Mexico, maca-extract demand is primarily tied to downstream use in suplementos alimenticios and related functional-product formulations, rather than domestic primary production. Importation of finished dietary supplements is explicitly managed under COFEPRIS procedures, including review of labeling and ingredients for the sanitary import permit pathway. For plant-origin goods, phytosanitary requirements can apply and are checked through SENASICA’s import requirements module, which is queried using product identity details (including scientific name). Because Lepidium meyenii is native to South America, Mexican supply is expected to rely on foreign-origin materials, but trade volumes should be validated in official trade datasets.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer and supplement-manufacturing market
Domestic RoleDownstream formulation and sale of maca-based products (dietary supplements and related functional products); domestic agricultural production not evidenced in reviewed sources
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighShipments can be detained, delayed, or rejected if the product is imported/marketed as a dietary supplement without the required COFEPRIS sanitary import permit workflow (PSPI) or if labeling/ingredient review flags non-conformity.Pre-classify the product’s regulatory category (ingredient vs suplemento alimenticio), obtain PSPI when applicable, and pre-verify label/ingredient documentation against COFEPRIS expectations before shipping.
Phytosanitary MediumFor plant-origin goods, SENASICA import requirements may impose specific phytosanitary measures; failure to consult and comply can block entry.Use SENASICA’s import requirements module with the correct product identity (including scientific name), origin, and intended use; align supplier documents to the listed measures.
Food Safety MediumBotanical extracts can face authenticity/composition variability and quality issues; inadequate authentication/quality control increases the risk of non-conforming product entering regulated supplement channels.Require a robust COA plus identity/authentication testing aligned to scientifically recognized analytical approaches; keep retain samples for investigations.
Documentation Gap MediumMisalignment between tariff classification, declared intended use, and presented sanitary/phytosanitary documents can trigger customs holds when non-tariff regulations apply by fracción arancelaria.Run a pre-shipment document reconciliation (tariff fraction ↔ intended use ↔ required permits/certificates) and ensure broker alignment before vessel/flight departure.
FAQ
Does importing maca-based dietary supplements into Mexico require a COFEPRIS sanitary import permit?Yes. COFEPRIS states that importing suplementos alimenticios requires a Permiso Sanitario Previo de Importación (PSPI), and that COFEPRIS reviews labeling and ingredients as part of granting the permit.
Where can an importer check Mexico’s phytosanitary requirements for plant-origin goods related to maca?SENASICA provides an online “Módulo de Requisitos Fitosanitarios para la Importación” to consult the phytosanitary measures applicable to plant-origin imports; the consultation is performed using details such as the product’s scientific name, product type/use, and origin.
Which Mexican rule is the reference for labeling of prepackaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages if maca-extract is sold in that format?Mexico’s NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1-2010 sets the general labeling specifications for prepackaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages, and COFEPRIS publishes guidance for its modification.