NOM-189-SSA1/SCFI-2018 For Household Cleaning Products

The commercialization of household cleaning products in Mexico is strictly governed by NOM-189-SSA1/SCFI-2018. This Mexican Official Standard establishes the mandatory sanitary and commercial information that must be displayed on the labels of products intended for home maintenance, disinfection, and cleaning. For manufacturers and importers, a rigorous interpretation of this standard is vital to protect consumer health and ensure that chemical products are handled, stored, and used correctly within the domestic environment.

Scope and Objective of the Standard NOM-189-SSA1/SCFI-2018

This regulation applies to all prepackaged cleaning products commercialized in the Mexican national territory. The primary objective is to prevent health risks by providing clear information about the chemical nature of the products and the precautions necessary to avoid accidents. Given that many household cleaners contain corrosive, irritant, or toxic substances, the standard demands high levels of detail regarding hazard communication and emergency response.

Mandatory Commercial Information for Cleaning Agents

To ensure transparency and commercial responsibility, every product must include a set of basic data points in Spanish. This information must be presented in a way that is easy for the consumer to read and understand before purchase. Key requirements include:

• Product Identification: A clear name or generic description of the product’s function.
• Responsible Party Details: The name, fiscal address, and tax identification (RFC) of the manufacturer or the importer responsible for the product in Mexico.
• Country of Origin: A precise statement indicating where the product was manufactured.
• Net Content: Expressed in legal units of measure according to official Mexican standards.

Sanitary Labeling and Hazard Communication

One of the most complex aspects of NOM 189 involves the communication of risks associated with the chemical composition of the cleaning product. The standard requires manufacturers to categorize products based on their hazardous properties and to include specific legends and icons to alert the user.

Risk Categories and Mandatory Legends

Depending on the formulation, labels must display precautionary phrases that are highly visible. For instance, products that are corrosive, irritant, or flammable must carry warnings such as “Caution,” “Danger,” or “Extremely Flammable.” These legends serve as the first line of defense in preventing chemical burns, respiratory issues, or fires in the home. The typography and color contrast of these warnings are strictly defined to ensure they stand out from the decorative elements of the packaging.

Ingredient Disclosure and Concentration Limits

The standard mandates the listing of specific ingredients that contribute to the product’s function or its hazardous profile. This includes surfactants, builders, enzymes, and bleaching agents. While complete formulas are often protected as trade secrets, ingredients that exceed certain concentration thresholds or those known to be sensitizers must be identified. This allows consumers with specific allergies or sensitivities to make safer choices for their households.

Child Safety and Ingestion Precautions

A significant portion of NOM 189 is dedicated to the prevention of accidental poisoning, particularly among children. Every label must include the legend “Keep out of reach of children.” Furthermore, if a product’s appearance or scent could be confused with a food or beverage, the standard imposes additional restrictions on packaging design and labeling to mitigate the risk of accidental ingestion.

Toxicological Information and Emergency Protocols

In the event of an accident, the label must serve as a technical resource for medical professionals. NOM 189 requires the inclusion of telephone numbers for recognized poison control centers or emergency services in Mexico. These services must be available 24 hours a day to provide immediate toxicological guidance. Additionally, the label must outline basic first-aid instructions, such as what to do in case of eye contact, skin exposure, or ingestion, ensuring that the user can act swiftly before professional medical help arrives.

Professional Accompaniment for Regulatory Alignment

Techlink International provide specialized advisory and accompaniment to help your brand align its household cleaning products with the technical demands of NOM-189-SSA1/SCFI-2018. Our team offers a meticulous technical review of your labels, safety data sheets, and packaging designs to support your internal compliance efforts and minimize the risk of non-conformity during the importation process.

Our services are designed to provide professional oversight and administrative support throughout the development of your compliance strategy. By choosing our accompaniment, you benefit from a structured approach to the complex requirements of Mexican sanitary regulations. We focus on the precision of your hazard legends and the accuracy of your technical data to help you prepare your products for the Mexican market with the highest degree of professional rigor.

To begin a technical review of your cleaning product labels or to discuss your specific regulatory needs, please contact us or select Start Your Project at the bottom of this webpage.