Labor compliance certification framework introduced across federal laws in Mexico

At a glance

• Amendments to several federal laws published on May 1, 2026, introduce a new labor compliance certification framework.
• The Ministry of Labor is granted authority to issue certificates confirming employers’ compliance with labor and social security obligations.
• Certification specifically applies to employers of agricultural workers under amendments to the Federal Labor Law.
• The reforms also allow the imposition of non-tariff trade restrictions on exports in cases involving labor or social security issues.
• The reforms entered into force on May 2, 2026, with implementing provisions on certification procedures to follow within 30 days.

On 1 May 2026, a package of amendments to several federal laws was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation, introducing a new framework linking labor compliance with regulatory and trade measures.

The reforms include amendments to the Organic Law of the Federal Public Administration, under which the Ministry of Labor is now expressly empowered to issue certifications. Complementing this, amendments to the Federal Labor Law provide that the Ministry of Labor may issue certificates confirming compliance with labor and social security obligations, specifically in respect of employers of agricultural workers.

In addition, amendments to the Foreign Trade Law introduce the possibility of imposing non-tariff regulatory and restrictive measures on the export of goods in situations involving labor or social security concerns, thereby linking compliance with labor standards to trade regulation.

The Ministry of Labor is required to issue general provisions within 30 days setting out the procedures and requirements for obtaining the compliance certificate.

These reforms entered into force on 2 May 2026.