Businesses considering manufacturing in Mexico should be well informed of the country's environmental regulations. This is especially important considering the dramatic steps Mexico has taken to reduce its environmental footprint and combat climate change. Bloomberg Business reported that Mexico became the first developing nation to formally promise to cut pollution tied to climate change - the country pledged to cut carbon emissions 25% by 2030.
Environmental protection is important to the Mexican government, and manufacturers in Mexico are wise to stay informed of evolving regulations.
According to PracticalLaw.com, the General Law on Ecological Equilibrium and Environmental Protection, enacted in 1988, is the primary environmental law governing Mexico. Under this law, the Federal Congress can grant federal, state and municipal leaders the authority to regulate protection of the environment, as well as preservation and restoration of the ecological balance within their jurisdiction. Under this law, a variety of regulations have formed governing water pollution, air pollution and hazardous waste:
Beyond water pollution, air pollution and waste management, laws governing sustainable energy practices are especially important to consider when manufacturing in Mexico. As noted in Practical Law, the General Law on Climate Change, which came into effect in October 2012, mandates 35 percent of the country's electricity should come from renewable sources by 2024 and requires mandatory emissions reporting from certain air emissions sources registered in the National Emissions Registry.
Manufacturers in Mexico can avoid penalties by obtaining the proper permits. Practical Law states there is an integrated permitting regime in Mexico, which requires sources of emissions subject to federal regulation (automotive manufacturing plants) to obtain an Integrated Environmental License that outlines the source's environmental impact and risk, air emissions, hazardous waste production and potential water pollution.