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Mexico has formally adopted a new national framework on circular economy, publishing a decree that creates the General Law of Circular Economy and amends two cornerstone environmental statutes.

The decree, issued under the seal of the Mexican presidency and signed by Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, confirms approval by the country’s Congress and orders the immediate publication and enforcement of the legislation.

A nationwide framework

According to the text, the new law is of public order and general application throughout Mexico. Its stated purpose is to protect and conserve the environment by promoting circular economy policies that extend the useful life of products, reduce waste generation, and prioritise the recovery, reuse and valorisation of materials. The law establishes how responsibilities are shared between the federal government, state authorities, municipalities and the territorial divisions of Ciudad de México.

Extended producer responsibility

A central feature of the legislation is the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (REP). Under this model, producers and importers are made environmentally responsible for their products throughout their life cycle, through the preparation and registration of “Gestión Circular” plans. These plans must set out the mechanisms and targets for circularity, based on principles such as gradual implementation, traceability and environmental impact reduction.

New institutions and tools

The law creates a National Circular Economy System, coordinated by the environment ministry, to align policies across federal departments and sub-national governments.

It also establishes a national digital platform and public registry to record circular management plans and track compliance. The framework introduces indicators to measure circularity, including material use, carbon footprint, water footprint and energy efficiency.

Entry into force and next steps

The decree states that the law enters into force the day after its publication in the Official Gazette. It gives the federal executive 180 days to issue the implementing regulations and sets deadlines for publishing a National Circular Economy Programme and for state legislatures to harmonise their local laws with the new framework. The transitional provisions also require authorised landfills to begin a progressive reconversion process within five years, aimed at reducing final disposal and supporting Mexico’s shift toward a circular economy.