Are you already setting up your Nativity scene? If you usually decorate it with moss and hay, there’s something you should know before buying them in Monterrey. Although warnings have circulated about fines exceeding two million pesos, this does not mean that authorities will automatically penalize those who have these plants at home.
In Mexico, the use of these natural resources is regulated. The problem isn’t simply using them as decorations, but rather harvesting, transporting, or selling them without complying with legal requirements.
When can you be fined for using moss and hay at Christmas?
NOM-011-SEMARNAT-1996 establishes criteria for the use, transport, and storage of moss, hay, and doradilla.
This means that those who harvest or sell these resources must comply with the relevant environmental regulations and have documentation verifying their origin.
Fines depend on the violation committed and the applicable legislation. Although figures in the millions have been reported, there is no automatic fine for placing moss or hay in a home nativity scene.
However, forestry legislation also includes obligations related to verifying the legal origin of raw materials and forest products.
How can you tell if the moss and hay you buy are legal?
If you find these materials at markets or Christmas stalls in Monterrey, it’s best to ask about their origin before purchasing them.
You can ask the seller for information about their supplier and the documentation supporting the origin of the materials. Depending on the case, this can be verified through forestry permits, shipping documents, or tax receipts that meet the relevant requirements.
A standard sales receipt alone does not guarantee that the moss or hay was harvested legally. Nor is it sufficient that they are sold at a formal retail establishment.
If a merchant does not know the source of the materials or cannot provide information to verify it, it is wisest to consider other options.
Moss helps retain moisture and protect the soil from erosion, while hay is part of forest ecosystems and provides shelter for small organisms.
To decorate your Nativity scene, you can use recycled paper, felt, fabric, or reusable artificial materials.
