NOM-020-SCFI-1997 Shoes Labeling

The importation and commercialization of footwear in Mexico are strictly regulated by NOM-020-SCFI-1997. This Mexican Official Standard defines the mandatory commercial information that must be displayed on all types of shoes, ensuring that the consumer is accurately informed about the materials used in the product’s construction. For international brands, precise adherence to these labeling protocols is a fundamental requirement for successful market entry and distribution.

Scope of NOM-020-SCFI-1997 and Material Classification

While this article focuses specifically on footwear, it is important to note that the NOM-020-SCFI-1997 standard has a broader scope. This standard also governs the labeling of other products made with natural hides, tanned hides, and similar-looking synthetic materials, which could be found in products ranging from raw hides to finished items such as belts, wallets, handbags, and shoes. A primary objective of this NOM is to ensure that the consumer can clearly distinguish between genuine leather and synthetic substitutes, preventing any ambiguity regarding the material’s origin or composition. The information must be presented in Spanish and must be permanent or attached in a way that remains visible until the product reaches the final consumer.

Specific Labeling Requirements for Footwear

Footwear represents a significant portion of the goods regulated under NOM-020-SCFI-1997. Due to its complexity, the standard requires a detailed breakdown of the components.

The Triple Component Breakdown

NOM-020-SCFI-1997 requires that the materials of the footwear be categorized into three specific parts:

Upper (Corte): The external part of the shoe.
Lining (Forro): The internal part that comes into contact with the foot.
Sole (Suela): The bottom part of the shoe that provides traction and support.

For each of these components, the manufacturer must specify if the material is natural leather, synthetic, or textile. If natural leather is used, the label must also indicate the species of animal from which the skin was obtained. If the material is a combination, the dominant material by percentage must be listed first.

Administrative Information and Importer Data

In addition to material composition, the standard mandates the inclusion of specific administrative data to ensure traceability and legal responsibility within the Mexican territory.

Importer and Manufacturer Identification

Every product must include the following information in Spanish:

Brand Name: The commercial identifier of the product.
Importer Details: The name, fiscal address, and RFC (Tax ID) of the party responsible for the product in Mexico.
Care Instructions: If the material requires specific maintenance to preserve its integrity, these instructions must be provided clearly to the end-user.

Professional Advisory and Compliance Support

At Techlink International, we provide specialized advisory and accompaniment to help your company align its leather and footwear labeling with the technical demands of NOM-020-SCFI-1997. Our team focuses on the rigorous technical review of your labels and material declarations to support your internal compliance efforts and facilitate a smoother importation process.

Our services are designed to provide professional oversight and administrative support throughout the development of your labeling project. By choosing our accompaniment, you gain the advantage of a specialized team dedicated to the meticulous review of your technical documentation, helping you prepare your products for the Mexican market with professional rigor and precision.To begin a technical review of your leather or footwear labels or to discuss your specific regulatory needs, please contact us or select Start Your Project at the bottom of this webpage.