Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormShelf-stable liquid syrup (packaged)
Industry PositionPackaged sweetener / table syrup
Market
Maple syrup in Mexico is a niche, import-dependent sweetener category supplied mainly from Canada and the United States under HS 170220 trade classification. UN Comtrade-based data (via WITS) indicate Mexico’s imports of HS 170220 increased from 2021 to 2023, underscoring reliance on cross-border supply. For consumer retail sale, imported prepackaged maple syrup must comply with Mexico’s NOM-051 labeling requirements, including Spanish labeling and front-of-pack warning seals when nutrient thresholds are exceeded. Key risks for this product-country pair center on labeling/COFEPRIS compliance, authenticity controls against adulteration, and climate-driven variability in North American maple production.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Market GrowthGrowing (2021–2023)import-value expansion
SeasonalityYear-round market availability; import arrivals are not season-limited, although upstream harvest variability can affect pricing and availability.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Colour class (Golden/Amber/Dark/Very Dark) used on labels in harmonized grading systems.
- Clarity expectations for Grade A (free of sediment and cloudiness/turbidity).
Compositional Metrics- Minimum soluble solids content commonly specified at 66°Brix (with an upper bound such as 68.9% soluble solids in referenced grade standards).
- Colour class determination can be based on percent light transmission at 560 nm under grade standards.
Grades- Canada Grade A (four colour classes)
- Processing Grade / maple syrup for processing (bulk; not intended for consumer-size retail packaging under referenced grade standards)
Packaging- Consumer-size containers for retail Grade A (e.g., ≤5 L in referenced Canadian grading inspection context).
- Bulk containers for processing-grade syrup (e.g., ≥20 L / 5 gallons in referenced USDA grading context).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Producer/packer (Canada/US) → export shipment → cross-border freight to Mexico → importer-of-record → (if needed) stickered/relabelled to meet NOM-051 before commerce → retail/foodservice distribution
Temperature- Ambient transport and storage typical for unopened product; protect from excessive heat to reduce quality degradation and packaging stress.
Shelf Life- Opened pure maple syrup is commonly recommended to be refrigerated in a tightly sealed container to reduce mold risk; quality changes can occur over months after opening.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeLand
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with Mexico’s NOM-051 labeling requirements (mandatory commercial/sanitary label elements, Spanish labeling, and front-of-pack warning seals/legends when thresholds are exceeded) can prevent imported maple syrup from legally entering into commerce and can trigger relabeling costs, delays, and fines.Pre-clear NOM-051 label artwork with the importer; plan compliant sticker/relabel operations before retail sale and maintain documentation for enforcement checks.
Regulatory Compliance MediumCOFEPRIS sanitary import permit/notice processes (depending on modality) can delay clearance if the file is incomplete (e.g., missing certificate of free sale/sanitary documentation or required analyses).Confirm the correct COFEPRIS modality for maple syrup; maintain a standardized dossier and shipment checklist aligned to COFEPRIS requirements and submission channels.
Food Fraud MediumMaple syrup supply chains face adulteration/mislabelling risk (e.g., dilution with other sugars marketed as 'pure maple syrup'); authenticity failures can trigger import rejection, retailer delisting, and reputational damage.Source from verified suppliers; implement periodic authenticity testing and robust supplier traceability; align purchase specs to recognized grading/quality standards.
Climate MediumMaple syrup production depends on freeze–thaw conditions and is sensitive to climate variability and emerging pests/diseases; this can tighten supply and increase price volatility for Mexico’s import-dependent market.Diversify approved suppliers across regions and maintain buffer inventory ahead of peak-demand periods.
Sustainability- Climate change and biotic threats to maple stands can increase variability in North American maple syrup output, affecting supply stability for import-dependent markets.
FAQ
What HS code is typically used for maple syrup trade into Mexico when the product has no added flavoring or coloring?HS 170220 covers maple sugar and maple syrup not containing added flavouring or colouring matter, and it is used in UN classification references and Mexico import trade statistics for this product.
Which Mexican labeling standard applies to retail prepackaged maple syrup sold to consumers in Mexico?NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1-2010 applies to prepackaged foods (including imported products) destined for consumers in Mexico and sets mandatory commercial and sanitary labeling requirements, including front-of-pack warning seals when nutrient thresholds are exceeded.
Can imported products enter Mexico if they are missing the required NOM-051 front-of-pack labeling, and be fixed later?Guidance summarized by USDA indicates that non-compliant imported products can enter Mexico and be stickered before entering into commerce, but they cannot legally be sold until they comply with NOM-051.
What grade/color classes are commonly used for pure maple syrup in international trade specifications?Canadian grading references describe Canada Grade A maple syrup with four colour classes: Golden, Amber, Dark, and Very Dark (each with corresponding taste descriptors).