Jump to:
- Trade agreements with Mexico
- Purpose of sanitary and phytosanitary measures
- Import procedures and paperwork
- Pest and disease controls
- Equivalence
- Notification of SPS measures
- Notification of emergency measures
- Consultation and recourse
- Finding country-specific information
- Useful resources
- Department for Business and Trade support
- Legal disclaimer
Trade agreements with Mexico
The UK has 2 free trade agreements (FTAs) with Mexico:
- the UK-Mexico Trade Continuity Agreement (TCA) which entered into force on 1 June 2021
- the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a trade agreement including 12 countries (Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the UK and Vietnam), which entered into force between the UK and Mexico on 22 June 2026
The UK-Mexico TCA should be read in conjunction with the following Parliamentary report as certain elements therein have undergone slight changes to adapt the existing agreement to the UK outside the EU.
The UK-Mexico TCA will remain in force alongside CPTPP. At times, you will need to specify which agreement you choose to trade under (notably when applying rules of origin), but benefits from either agreement will mostly apply automatically. Our guides attempt to highlight where businesses may need to make an explicit decision.
CPTPP entry into force and ratification
As of 22 June 2026, CPTPP is in force between the UK and:
- Australia
- Brunei
- Chile
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Peru
- Singapore
- Vietnam
This means that the UK can access CPTPP provisions with these countries.
Canada has have not yet ratified the terms of the UK’s accession. This means that the UK cannot yet access CPTPP provisions in this country.
This guidance will be updated following the remaining country's ratification of the terms of the UK’s accession to CPTPP and will include when CPTPP will enter in force between the UK and the relevant remaining country.
Purpose of sanitary and phytosanitary measures
Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures seek to facilitate trade between countries whilst protecting human, animal and plant life and health, ensuring that food traded is safe to eat, and that animals and plants are free from pests and disease.
CPTPP is consistent with the UK’s existing approach to SPS controls. All food and drink products imported into the UK will still have to meet the respective food safety and biosecurity standards for the UK. Under the agreement parties have the right to take necessary measures to address risks to food safety, animal or plant life or health whilst also requiring that these measures do not create unjustified trade restrictions.
CPTPP includes structures and commitments to allow our governments to work together to tackle SPS-related market access barriers and improve understanding of each other’s systems. This will ultimately help businesses move agrifood goods between 2 markets.
See the SPS chapter of the CPTPP agreement for more information. Please note that this link directs you to the New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry which is responsible for the CPTPP agreement text.
Import procedures and paperwork
The UK joining CPTPP means we have shared commitments to follow principles regarding import checks and notification in cases of non-compliance at the border. This enhances the transparency and cooperation, which will benefit UK agri-food exports and enhance processes for importers.
The 12 CPTPP countries agree to promote the use of electronic certification and other technologies to facilitate trade. Once implemented, this would reduce administrative processes and improve document security – enabling smoother trade for businesses.
Pest and disease controls
An important part of SPS measures is regionalisation. This is where an area (whether it is a whole country or part of it) is being identified as free of pests or diseases or has low levels of pests or diseases and is subject to relevant control measures.
The CPTPP SPS chapter sets out the principles and concepts relevant for regionalisation that will apply to trade between the UK and the 11 other CPTPP countries. These provide greater transparency, clarity, and timeliness when either country is assessing the other’s measures in place to control pest or disease outbreaks. This will help avoid unnecessary trade restrictions and facilitate the safe movement of goods even during outbreaks.
Equivalence
The CPTPP SPS chapter sets out principles on agreeing equivalence for SPS measures. This could make it easier for UK exporters to secure approvals or require less administrative checks for their goods if individual CPTPP countries agree that UK SPS measures achieve the same level of protection.
The CPTPP agreement is consistent with the UK’s existing approach to SPS controls. All food and drink products imported into the UK will continue to have to comply with our import requirements.
Notification of SPS measures
Where feasible and appropriate the CPTPP agreement requires the UK and other CPTPP members to notify new measures (except emergency measures) at least 6 months before they enter into force, allowing businesses time to adapt and plan for their implementation.
Notification of emergency measures
CPTPP members have committed to promptly notify any new emergency SPS measures that are necessary for the protection of human, animal or plant life or health.
Consultation and recourse
Membership of CPTPP gives the UK new avenues to address SPS market access barriers. CPTPP includes clear governance structures to engage the SPS Committee, work collaboratively in working groups, as well as the ability to hold Cooperative Technical Consultations to resolve issues effectively.
Finding country-specific information
CPTPP members have agreed to communicate processes and information in a timely and clear manner. If any import SPS requirements for a specific good are not publicly available, they are to be supplied upon request.
Stringent import requirements mean that exporters should be prepared to invest to understand SPS, regulatory and customs requirements in Mexico. Further information can be found in the following links, although we advise that exporters seek professional advice, working with a buyer or distributor who is familiar with the requirements.
You can find relevant export health certificates for Mexico on GOV.UK.
For exports of plant origin: 3 UK commodities have access to the Mexican market. These are wheat (for consumption) and the seeds (for planting) of durum wheat and maize.
For any other plant product export requests from the UK, Mexico’s guidance provides details of the information required (company name, product to be imported and part of the product, and so on) and how to seek assistance. For any requests from UK companies to export plant material to Mexico other than the 3 commodities listed, you can request information to importacion.dgsv@senasica.gob.mx. Additionally, you can view Mexico’s phytosanitary import requirements (in Spanish).
For exports of dairy products: The Note for Guidance linked to the EHC covers the import requirements for dairy into Mexico, including necessary registration in the UK.
You can find further information on import requirements on specific products on the Mexican government website, including information on:
- import requirements for food, food supplements and non-alcoholic beverages
- specificities for imports of animals and products of animal origin
- food regulatory framework
- samples and foodstuffs for personal consumption
Please note that some leather and fur products require an ‘Animal health requirements form’ (Hoja de Requisitos Zoo-Sanitarios), as does fresh and frozen meat. This form acts as an import permit prior to import authorisation. The catalogue to consult requirements for a specific product can be found on the Mexican government website.
Useful resources
To find out more about export opportunities to Mexico, please consult DBT’s market guide. This page will also help you understand more about business culture in Mexico, and links to existing trade barriers with this market.
Prior to export, you must be aware of local regulations and import conditions in Mexico that apply to your goods or services. This can include tax considerations, labour laws, intellectual property rules, labelling and packaging regulations, among others.
For further information related to local regulations, business culture, or to find a local lawyer, translator, importer or distributor, use the following contacts:
- DBT’s Export Support Service International Markets team
- get in touch with DBT at the local British Embassy
- get in touch with the British Chamber of Commerce in Mexico
For information on political, economic and security risks when trading with Mexico, see:
Department for Business and Trade support
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) helps businesses export, drives inward and outward investment, negotiates market access and trade agreements, and champions free trade. Helpful links, tools and services available from DBT and wider government include:
Export Support Service (ESS) team
Get support on how to do business abroad. Businesses in Wales can also access support from Business Wales.
Export Support Service – International Markets (ESS-IM)
DBT's overseas in-market export support service for SMEs with high-export potential. Our International Market Advisers provide tailored support and market introduction information to new and current UK exporters looking to enter or expand into new markets. The service may be accessed globally with International Markets teams in South Asia, China, the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, North America and Latin America.
Sign up to access webinars on how to grow your international sales.
Information on finance and insurance for UK exports.
Trade and investment factsheets
The latest statistics on trade and investment between the UK and individual overseas partners.
Overseas business risk profiles
Information for UK businesses on political, economic and security risks when trading overseas.
Advice and warnings about travel abroad, including entry requirements, safety and security, health risks and legal differences.
Check or report a trade barrier
If you encounter an issue when exporting to any country – report the issue and UK government officials will be able to assess the issue and consider the options we have open to addressing it as appropriate.
Search for your specific product to find applicable tariffs for each market, explore rules of origin and step-by-step help on customs procedures.
Check import duties and allows you to check the status of available tariff rate quotas.
Exporting food, drink, and agricultural products
Find further information on exporting food, drink, and agricultural products on:
Legal disclaimer
This document is provided as an information guide only and should not be relied on as a substitute for your own research or independent advice.
No investment and/or business decision should be made solely on the basis of information presented in this document. It is recommended that an independent due diligence investigation is conducted before entering into engagement with any individual, business or other organisation mentioned.
The Department for Business and Trade accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage caused to any person as result of any error, omission, inaccurate or misleading statement in this document.
The accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the content of any website mentioned in this document is not guaranteed in any way, implied or explicit.
