Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormAged (Reposado) distilled spirit
Industry PositionDistilled alcoholic beverage with protected Appellation of Origin (Denominación de Origen)
Market
Reposado tequila is a Mexican distilled spirit produced under the Tequila Appellation of Origin (DOT) and regulated by Mexico’s NOM-006 standard. It is made from Agave tequilana Weber variedad azul (Blue Weber agave) and, as reposado, must undergo at least two months of maturation in oak (roble) or holm oak (encino) containers. Mexico is the exclusive origin for legally recognized Tequila production, with production concentrated in DOT territories across five states led by Jalisco. Regulatory certification and traceability oversight by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT), along with domestic fiscal-control labeling requirements (SAT marbetes), are central to lawful commercialization.
Market RoleExclusive origin producer and exporter under the Tequila Appellation of Origin (DOT)
Domestic RoleMajor domestic spirits category regulated for authenticity, labeling, and fiscal control
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighTequila is protected by the DOT and regulated by NOM-006; failures in CRT certification, traceability, or labeling/commercial information compliance can block legal commercialization as “Tequila” (including reposado) and can trigger enforcement actions, seizure, de-certification, or forced relabeling.Contract only with CRT-registered authorized producers/bottlers; run pre-release label and document checks against NOM-006 and domestic labeling/fiscal-control requirements (NOM-142 where applicable and SAT marbetes).
Sustainability MediumTequila production generates high-strength effluents (vinasse/vinazas); inadequate treatment or disposal can create environmental compliance and reputational risks in tequila regions, especially where oversight and enforcement are scrutinized.Require documented vinasse management plans and wastewater treatment performance evidence; include environmental compliance clauses and audit rights in supply contracts.
Climate And Agriculture MediumAgave supply is structurally exposed to long biological cycles (multi-year production timeline), making the category vulnerable to supply tightness and price volatility that can disrupt sourcing plans for reposado programs.Use multi-year agave sourcing contracts and diversified DOT-area supplier portfolios; maintain inventory buffers for aged stock planning.
Illicit Trade MediumCounterfeit or illicit alcoholic beverages in Mexico can create brand and consumer safety risks; fiscal-control and authenticity markers (e.g., SAT marbetes and CRT certification elements) are central to verification workflows.Implement inbound authentication checks (CRT identifiers, NOM information, and SAT marbete verification) and restrict procurement to authorized channels.
Logistics MediumBottled tequila shipments are freight- and compliance-sensitive due to heavy glass packaging and regulated cargo handling; border/port disruptions and freight volatility can delay delivery and increase landed costs for export programs.Use multimodal contingency routing, reserve capacity in peak periods, and maintain safety stock for key SKUs; where permitted, consider bulk shipment and authorized bottling strategies consistent with NOM-006.
Sustainability- Vinasse (vinazas) wastewater and byproduct management risks in tequila-producing regions, with potential impacts on waterways and communities if improperly handled
- Deforestation-risk screening and deforestation-free agave initiatives (e.g., CRT ARA certification) linked to agave expansion in DOT areas
- Agricultural land-use change toward Blue Weber agave cultivation and associated ecosystem pressures
Labor & Social- Rural livelihood dependence among agave growers and need for responsible sourcing practices
- Sector-led social responsibility initiatives for agave cultivation (e.g., CRT ‘Agave Socially Responsible (ARS)’ certification)
FAQ
What legally makes a tequila “reposado” in Mexico?Under Mexico’s NOM-006-SCFI-2012 tequila standard, reposado tequila must undergo a maturation process of at least two months in direct contact with the wood of oak (roble) or holm oak (encino) containers.
Which agave is allowed for reposado tequila made in Mexico?NOM-006 specifies that tequila must be made from Agave tequilana Weber variedad azul (Blue Weber agave).
Where in Mexico can tequila legally be produced?Tequila is protected by the Tequila Appellation of Origin (DOT). CRT describes the DOT as covering 181 municipalities across five states: Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas.
How can buyers verify a reposado tequila is legal and authentic for the Mexican market?CRT describes certification and traceability controls tied to NOM-006 compliance, and SAT describes marbetes as fiscal and sanitary control labels used to verify legality and origin in Mexico (including QR-based verification). Buyers typically use these CRT and SAT markers alongside compliant labeling to screen for authenticity.