IMPI publishes application for protection of the geographical indication Plátano Chiapas

The Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the data regarding the application for the declaration of protection of the geographical indication “Plátano Chiapas” (Chiapas Banana). The publication, signed by the Director General of the Institute, Vidal Llerenas Morales, opens a non-extendable period of one month for any interested third party to present oppositions or observations.

The application was submitted by the Ministry of Economy and Labor of the State of Chiapas, represented by Lic. Luis Pedrero González, and was received by IMPI on December 11, 2025, along with a complementary document dated June 18, 2026. The notice is published based on articles 275 and 281 of the Federal Law for the Protection of Industrial Property, on page 90 of bulletin number 232/2026.

The protected product

The Plátano Chiapas is a fruit of the gran enano clone species, cylindrical in shape and slightly curved, with a neck ranging from perfect to slight wounds, rubs, or spots smaller than 3 centimeters. Its technical characteristics are:

• Minimum external length of 7.5 inches from pulp to pulp.
• External diameter of 34 to 48 millimeters.
• Smooth peel, green post-harvest and pale to intense yellow upon maturity.
• White pulp, with a soft and creamy texture and a sweet flavor.

According to the notice, the physicochemical and organoleptic profile of the fruit—with low fat content, protein balance, and progressive sweetness during ripening—is influenced by the specific agroecological factors of the cultivation region and supports its identity and differentiating potential compared to other varieties.

The Soconusco geographical area

The production area of the Plátano Chiapas is the Soconusco region, in the south of the state of Chiapas, delimited by the coordinates 15°07’ to 15°19’ N and 92°06’ to 92°44’ W. Its boundaries are the Sierra Madre de Chiapas to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the south, Guatemala to the east, and the Isthmus-Coast region to the west. The region consists of 15 municipalities:

• Acacoyagua, Acapetahua, Cacahoatán, Escuintla, and Frontera Hidalgo.
• Huehuetán, Huixtla, Mazatán, Metapa, and Suchiate.
• Tapachula, Tuxtla Chico, Tuzantán, Unión Juárez, and Villa Comaltitlán.

Deadline for oppositions

The publication does not prejudge the merits of the application. Any third party who justifies their interest may file a written opposition, including observations or objections regarding compliance with articles 271 and 275 of the law, accompanied by evidence and proof of payment of the corresponding fee, within a non-extendable period of one month from the publication in the DOF, pursuant to article 282.

The file remains open for public consultation at the Divisional Directorate of Trademarks of the IMPI, located at Arenal No. 550, Pueblo Santa María Tepepan, Xochimilco Borough, Mexico City, Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 16:00 hours.

The declaration of protection for the geographical indication would reinforce the identity and commercial value of the Soconusco banana compared to other varieties, a key asset for the producers and trade of the region, who will be able to protect their origin and reputation under a recognized official seal.

Source: Official Gazette of the Federation, no. 232/2026, Wednesday, August 26, 2026, p. 90 (official reference: R.- 579644).