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The internationalization of Spanish companies in sectors such as energy, chemicals or manufacturing involves an additional challenge: complying with the environmental regulations of the destination country.
In Mexico, environmental legislation is based on the Ley General del Equilibrio Ecológico y la Protección al Ambiente (LGEEPA), which regulates impact assessment, authorizations and emissions control. To operate with legal and reputational security, Spanish companies must anticipate and structure their compliance from the project phase.
Below, we present the practical keys that we at EHS Techniques recommend for an efficient adaptation without surprises.
1. Identifies the regulatory scope from the outset
Before investing, perform a legal and technical legal and technical diagnosis to determine if your activity requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), emissions permits, waste management authorization, water concessions or other sectorial procedures. The Ministry of the Environment (SEMARNAT) is the authority that evaluates EIAs and environmental procedures at the federal level. Acting early avoids paralyzations and sanctions.
2. Know the applicable Mexican Official Standards (NOM).
Mexico has numerous environmental NOMs that set emission limits, monitoring requirements and reporting obligations (e.g., fixed source emissions standards or the list of substances subject to registration). Identifying the specific NOMs for your sector is essential to design controls, sampling systems and monitoring plans.
3. Plan integrated permissions and administrative times
Mexico’s permitting regime may combine federal, state and municipal procedures. Many permits require technical studies (air quality, noise, wastewater, risk analysis) and evaluation timelines that must be integrated into the project schedule. Integrated management and proper filing expedites approval.
4. Designs and implements an inventory and emission control systems.
For sectors such as Oil & Gas, chemical or manufacturing, having emission inventories, LDAR programs and continuous monitoring is already a technical and commercial requirement. Implementing validated methodologies and calibrated equipment ensures defensible measurements against audits and facilitates compliance with limits and reports.
5. Anticipate inspections and strengthen document management.
The Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente (PROFEPA) carries out inspections and has the power to impose sanctions. Keeping records, maintenance logs, calibrations and evidence of correction of nonconformities reduces the risk of sanctions and allows a quick response to visits from the authorities.
6. Rely on local advice and previous audits.
Collaborate with specialized consultants with EHS Techniques accelerates procedures and avoids formal errors. In addition, environmental audits and measurement pilots prior to operational start-up make it possible to correct deviations and optimize technical investments.
7. Integrates environmental management and internal training
Implementing an Environmental Management System (ISO 14001), operating procedures, and training programs for local personnel ensures a culture of compliance. Training should cover legal obligations, emergency protocols, waste management and emissions control.
8. ESG strategy and communication
Environmental compliance not only avoids penalties: it improves your position with customers, funders and authorities. Documenting emission reductions, management policies and measurement results strengthens corporate reputation and facilitates international certifications or adherence to voluntary initiatives.
- Regulatory diagnosis (federal/state/municipal).
- Identification of NOMs (Mexican Official Standards) and applicable limits.
- Determination of the need for MIA or preventive reports.
- Emissions inventory and LDAR plan plan (if applicable).
- Preparation of technical dossiers and schedule of procedures.
- Documentary system and training plan.
- Inspection and contingency response plan.
How can EHS Techniques help?
At EHS Techniques we accompany companies in each of these phases: legal-technical diagnosis, preparation of studies (MIA and preventive), design and implementation of measurement and LDAR programs, personnel training and support for inspections and regulatory reports. We design the compliance roadmap adapted to each project and sector.
Contact our team to evaluate your case and prepare an operational plan that minimizes risks and facilitates start-up in compliance with Mexican regulations. Contact us at
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The EHS Techniques team and its experience guarantee a close and flexible service adapted to our customers and the implementation of the most advanced technologies internationally at reasonable costs.
International experience
We have the international experience necessary to continue offering this service anywhere in the world.