WhatsApp Compliance in Mexico

Key Rules for WhatsApp in Mexico

WhatsApp is the most widely used messaging app in Mexico and a preferred channel for contacting businesses. Official API use must follow Meta's policies and Mexico's personal data protection law.

WhatsApp is a major business channel in much of Latin America, while in the US and Canada it is used alongside SMS. Consent and data protection laws in each country apply to WhatsApp marketing.

Practical Checklist

• Use the official WhatsApp Business Platform rather than personal or modified apps, which risk bans.
• Collect opt-in that clearly mentions WhatsApp and your business name, and store a record of it.
• Choose the correct template category and keep utility messages free of promotions.
• Respond within the 24-hour customer service window where possible, and use approved templates outside it.
• Honour opt-outs and blocks, and watch your quality rating in WhatsApp Manager.

Contact data

Format numbers in international E.164 format with the +52 country code, remove duplicates and invalid numbers, and keep consent records linked to each number.

Digital Habits and Channels in Mexico

Mexico is one of WhatsApp's largest markets, and customers routinely use it to ask questions, book appointments and confirm orders; Facebook, Instagram and TikTok drive discovery. SMS remains common for codes and reminders.

Cards, cash payments at OXXO convenience stores, SPEI bank transfers and Mercado Pago are widely used, and monthly instalments without interest (meses sin intereses) are a strong purchase driver. El Buen Fin in November, Hot Sale in spring, Día de las Madres on 10 May, back-to-school and Christmas are key periods. A new federal personal data protection law took effect on 21 March 2025, replacing the 2010 law.

Mexico is closely linked to the US economy through the USMCA trade agreement, with car and auto parts plants, aerospace suppliers, electronics assembly and maquiladoras concentrated in the northern and Bajío states, and nearshoring has brought new investment. Remittances, tourism, oil and agriculture (avocados, tomatoes, berries and tequila) are also important. VAT (IVA) is 16%, with 8% in the northern and southern border zones. Consumers can register numbers in PROFECO's REPEP to block advertising calls and messages. Cash at OXXO convenience stores, cards and SPEI bank transfers are the main payment methods.

Advertising Alongside Messaging

Advertising must follow the Federal Consumer Protection Law, and health-related products are subject to COFEPRIS advertising rules.

This guide is general information, not legal advice, and reflects our understanding as of October 2026. Rules change, so we check current requirements for Mexico before every launch.