Yes, Absinthe is legal in Mexico, but its production, sale, and importation are tightly controlled under federal and health regulations. The Secretaría de Salud (SSA) classifies it as a distilled spirit requiring specific thujone limits, labeling compliance, and licensing. Recent 2026 amendments to NOM-142-SSA1-2022 mandate stricter thujone thresholds (≤10 mg/kg) and health warnings, aligning with COFEPRIS oversight.
Key Regulations for Absinthe in Mexico
- Thujone Limits: Absinthe must contain ≤10 mg/kg of thujone, per NOM-142-SSA1-2022, enforced by the SSA and COFEPRIS. Products exceeding this face seizure or destruction.
- Licensing Requirements: Distillers and importers must obtain permits from the Secretaría de Economía (SE) and register formulas with COFEPRIS. Retailers require a sanitary license from the SSA.
- Labeling Mandates: Labels must include thujone content, alcohol-by-volume (ABV), origin, and COFEPRIS-approved health warnings. Mislabeling triggers fines up to MXN 500,000 (~USD 29,000).