Mexico has published a draft standard outlining the elements and procedures for formulating hazardous waste management plans, covering storage, disposal, and handling procedures for hazardous waste.
Mexico Sets New Rules for Hazardous Waste Plans
All waste handlers must create formal management plans.
What changed
Management plan framework required for all hazardous waste operations.
Safe handling and storage procedures including labeling, segregation, and containment.
Disposal and treatment requirements to comply with environmental protection standards.
Waste disposal plan development with risk assessments and emergency protocols.
Who it affects
All entities managing hazardous waste must create and maintain formal management plans.
Waste handling operators must implement labeling, segregation, and containment measures.
Treatment and disposal facilities must comply with new environmental protection standards.
What to do
Develop a comprehensive hazardous waste management plan covering all operations.
Implement safe handling and storage procedures with proper labeling and containment.
Create a formal waste disposal plan with risk assessments and emergency protocols.
Establish compliance monitoring to ensure long-term environmental sustainability.
Compliance Answer: Draft Standard PROY-NOM-160-SEMARNAT-2026 for Hazardous Waste Management Plans in Mexico
Direct Answer
Mexico’s draft PROY-NOM-160-SEMARNAT-2026 establishes mandatory elements and procedures for formulating hazardous waste management plans (PMRP), covering storage, disposal, handling, and traceability for three categories of obligated parties: (1) large generators of hazardous waste, (2) producers/importers/exporters/distributors of products that become hazardous waste upon disposal, and (3) generators of specific hazardous wastes listed in Article 31, Fractions XII–XV of the General Law for the Prevention and Integral Management of Waste (LGPGIR)1. The standard is currently in a 60-day public consultation period (as of June 9, 2026) and aligns with Mexico’s Ley de Infraestructura de la Calidad and LGPGIR1.
Regulation Analysis
1. Scope and Obligated Parties
The draft standard applies to the following entities, as defined in Article 31 of the LGPGIR:
| Category | Obligation | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Large generators of hazardous waste | Formulate and register a PMRP covering generation, storage, transport, and disposal. | LGPGIR Art. 31; PROY-NOM-160-2026 |
| Producers/importers/exporters/distributors of products that become hazardous waste upon disposal (Art. 31, Fractions I–XI) | Develop PMRPs under the shared responsibility principle, including consumer return mechanisms1. | LGPGIR Art. 31; PROY-NOM-160-2026 |
| Generators of hazardous wastes listed in Art. 31, Fractions XII–XV (e.g., medical waste, pesticides) | Comply with tailored PMRP requirements for specific waste streams1. | LGPGIR Art. 31; PROY-NOM-160-2026 |
2. Key Requirements for Hazardous Waste Management Plans (PMRP)
The draft standard outlines three distinct PMRP frameworks, each with mandatory elements:
A. Large Generators (Numeral 5)
- Diagnostic Phase:
- Inventory of hazardous waste generation (type, quantity, characteristics)1.
- Identification of best practices to minimize waste at the source.
- Operational Elements:
- Storage: Conditions to prevent leaks/spills (e.g., containment systems, labeling)1.
- Transport: Use of authorized service providers with valid permits1.
- Disposal: Final destination must comply with LGPGIR and NOM-052-SEMARNAT-2005 (hazardous waste identification)1.
- Traceability: Documentation via manifestos (delivery-transport-receipt) and contracts with service providers.
- Legal Instruments:
- Contracts or agreements with authorized waste managers to establish joint liability.
B. Producers/Importers/Exporters/Distributors (Numeral 6)
- Consumer Communication:
- Strategies to inform consumers about return mechanisms (e.g., collection centers, take-back programs)1.
- Precautionary measures for safe handling of returned products (e.g., packaging, labeling).
- Logistics and Traceability:
- Shared Responsibility:
- Collaboration with government agencies, consumers, and waste managers to ensure compliance.
C. Generators of Specific Hazardous Wastes (Art. 31, Fractions XII–XV) (Numeral 7)
- Tailored Requirements:
- PMRPs must address unique risks (e.g., medical waste sterilization, pesticide container management)1.
- Conditional exemptions may apply if waste is managed under Conditions Particulares de Manejo (CPM) or Recycling Technical Reports.
3. Procedural Requirements
A. Registration and Modifications
- Initial Registration:
- Modifications:
- Updates to PMRPs (e.g., changes in waste volume, processes) must follow the same approval process1.
B. Compliance Evaluation
- Authority: PROFEPA (Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection) conducts verification and surveillance1.
- Evaluation of Conformity:
C. Termination of PMRP
- Grounds for Deregistration:
4. Key Changes from PROY-NOM-160-SEMARNAT-2011
The 2026 draft introduces structural and substantive updates1:
| Change | Impact |
|---|---|
| Expanded Scope: Added generators of Art. 31, Fractions XII–XV wastes1. | Broader coverage of hazardous waste streams (e.g., medical, pesticide). |
| Simplified Annexes: Removed redundant diagrams (e.g., flowcharts for large generators)1. | Streamlined documentation requirements. |
| Alignment with Ley de Infraestructura de la Calidad: Added legitimate public interest objective (environmental protection)1. | Strengthened legal basis for enforcement. |
| Revised Definitions: Updated terms (e.g., "subproducto," "mejores prácticas")1. | Clarified technical language. |
5. Legal Framework and Enforcement
- Primary Laws:
- LGPGIR: Defines hazardous waste, PMRP obligations, and shared responsibility.
- Ley de Infraestructura de la Calidad: Governs standardization and conformity assessment1.
- Reglamento de la LGPGIR (R-LGPGIR): Details Conditions Particulares de Manejo (CPM) and recycling exemptions.
- Penalties:
- Non-compliance may result in fines, suspension of operations, or criminal liability under LGPGIR Article 112.
Summary Answer
Mexico’s PROY-NOM-160-SEMARNAT-2026 establishes mandatory hazardous waste management plans (PMRP) for three categories of obligated parties: large generators, producers/importers/exporters/distributors of products that become hazardous waste, and generators of specific wastes under LGPGIR Article 31, Fractions XII–XV1. The draft standard requires diagnostic inventories, storage/disposal protocols, traceability documentation, and consumer communication strategies1. Compliance is enforced by PROFEPA through inspections and accredited evaluation units1. Key updates from the 2011 version include expanded scope, simplified annexes, and alignment with the Ley de Infraestructura de la Calidad1. The standard is currently in a 60-day public consultation period (as of June 9, 2026)1.
Sources
- ↩ members.wto.org — modification / 26 03218 00 s https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2026/TBT/MEX/modification/26_03218_00_s.pdf