Background
On May 4th, 2026, the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (“IMPI“) published in the Federal Official Gazette (“DOF“) the Declarations of Protection for two Protected Geographical Indications (“PGIs“): “Aguacate Franja Michoacán” and “Cacao de la Región Chontalpa de Tabasco,” issued pursuant to Articles 265, 266, 267, and 288 of the Federal Law for the Protection of Industrial Property (“LFPPI“). Both declarations took effect on the following business day, May 5th, 2026.
Scope of Each Declaration
The PGI “Aguacate Franja Michoacán” protects Hass avocados produced in 31 municipalities of the state of Michoacán within the Michoacán Avocado Belt. The PGI “Cacao de la Región Chontalpa de Tabasco” protects cacao of the species Theobroma cacao L. cultivated in six municipalities of the state of Tabasco: Cárdenas, Comalcalco, Cunduacán, Huimanguillo, Paraíso, and Jalpa de Méndez. In both cases, the designation constitutes a national asset; commercial use requires express authorization from IMPI.
Operational Implications
Any individual or legal entity that currently uses, or intends to use, either designation on products, packaging, labels, marketing materials, or external communications must obtain IMPI authorization prior to doing so. Unauthorized use constitutes an infringement under the LFPPI. Authorized users will be required to:
- Use the designation exactly as it appears in the Declaration of Protection.
- Display the legend “Indicación Geográfica Protegida” or the acronym “I.G.P.” on the product.
- Comply with the Rules of Use registered with IMPI and any applicable Official Mexican Standards.
- Register any modification to the Rules of Use with IMPI for it to be enforceable against third parties.
Key Watch Item: Certification Body not yet in Place
Neither PGI currently has an accredited entity responsible for certifying compliance with the Rules of Use, as required by Article 275, Section V of the LFPPI. This means that while both declarations are already in force and unauthorized use already constitutes an infringement, the formal authorization process for legitimate users remains on hold until IMPI accredits the corresponding certifying body. Companies seeking authorization should monitor this process closely.
International Recognition
IMPI will initiate the international recognition process for both PGIs under Mexico’s applicable treaties and trade agreements. This is particularly relevant for operators with export activity to the European Union, the United States, and other markets with established geographical indication protection regimes, where recognition may generate both enforceable rights and use restrictions.
Who is Affected?
This development has direct implications for: producers, packing houses, and exporters of Hass avocados in Michoacán; cacao producers, processors, and chocolate makers in the Chontalpa Region of Tabasco; international importers and distributors of these products; companies holding brand licenses or toll-manufacturing agreements involving these designations; and investors or funds with exposure to agri-food value chains in the protected areas.
