PROFEPA, ANIQ Sign Environmental Inspection Treaty

Mexico’s Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) and the National Chemical Industry Association (ANIQ) signed an agreement to strengthen verification processes in the import, export, and reexport of hazardous materials, substances, and wastes. The agreement, signed on Oct. 16, applies to items regulated by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) and the Intersecretarial Commission for the Control of Pesticides, Fertilizers, and Toxic Substances (CICOPLAFEST).

The new agreement establishes collaboration mechanisms for training, information exchange, planning, and institutional coordination to streamline PROFEPA’s environmental verification and inspection processes. It aims to ensure compliance in cross-border trade involving hazardous materials and other goods subject to environmental regulation.

Key commitments under the pact include: implementing training and professional development programs, conducting joint actions to prevent the irregular import or export of environmentally regulated goods, creating a Commission on Regulation and Monitoring to develop work programs and oversee inspection points, and promoting transparency and confidentiality in handling technical and commercial information. The pact also entails sharing information and best practices to strengthen compliance with international environmental conventions, including the Basel, Stockholm, Minamata, and Rotterdam treaties. Finally, the agreement envisions hosting forums and workshops to promote regulatory compliance in transboundary movements of hazardous substances. It will remain in force until Sept. 30, 2030.

ANIQ represents 90% of Mexico’s chemical industry and accounts for 95% of private chemical production in the country. Its members span key sectors including aerospace, automotive, pharmaceuticals, plastics, rubber, paints, cleaning products, cosmetics, and mining.