The Regulation of Nanotechnologies in Mexico

Abstract

Mexico, perhaps second only to Brazil, is one of the most important countries developing nanotechnologies in Latin America. In November 2012, the Mexican Secretary of Economy released a set of guidelines for regulating nanotechnologies. U.S. businesses need to be aware of these guidelines because they form a part of a bilateral agreement between Mexico and the U.S. In this article, the authors analyze the policy context surrounding the development of these guidelines and the substantive content within the guidelines. The Mexican principles align themselves with the content of the U.S. guidelines for the regulation of nanotechnology and nanomaterials, which reflect an interest towards advancing a lighter or less restrictive regulation platform and a pro-trade stance.