On June 4, 2025, Mexico’s Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) officially approved the postponement of the effective date for the “Guidelines for the Use of the IFT Seal” until July 1, 2027. This decision comes in light of the impending dissolution of the IFT itself, following the constitutional reforms published on December 20, 2024, aimed at “organic simplification” of federal regulatory bodies.
These Guidelines, originally scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, were designed to require all telecommunications and broadcasting products approved for the Mexican market to bear a recognizable IFT Seal. The seal serves as a visual indicator of compliance with national regulatory and technical standards.
Regulatory Background and Institutional Authority
The IFT, an autonomous constitutional body since 2013, has historically overseen telecommunications and broadcasting regulation in Mexico. Under the Federal Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law (LFTR), the IFT is responsible for conformity assessment frameworks, type approvals, and regulatory compliance mechanisms.
The 2024 decree on “organic simplification” mandates the eventual dissolution of the IFT within 180 days after new secondary legislation is enacted. Although the timeline for this legislative change remains uncertain, it has introduced significant ambiguity regarding the enforcement of new regulations like the IFT Seal Guidelines.
To address this, and after receiving feedback from national and international industry stakeholders—including ANFAD, CANIETI, and the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) the IFT opted to delay implementation. This will allow the forthcoming regulatory authority adequate time to determine the future of such compliance requirements.
Industry Participation and Public Consultation
The decision followed a formal Public Consultation process held from April 11 to May 2, 2025. Ten submissions were received—four from organizations and six from individuals. Most stakeholders supported the delay, emphasizing the need for clarity and continuity during the regulatory transition. Several called for the outright repeal of the Guidelines, while others proposed conditional implementation methods such as digital compliance or inclusion in user manuals for automotive equipment.
In parallel, the IFT conducted a Zero Regulatory Impact Analysis, with a non-binding opinion confirming the minimal additional burden this delay would impose.
Regulatory Implications of the New Implementation Date
The revised effective date of July 1, 2027, gives future regulatory authorities discretion to uphold, amend, or repeal the IFT Seal Guidelines. As per the updated transitional articles:
The second transitory article of the original Guidelines now specifies the new 2027 enforcement date.
The fourth transitory article of the October 2024 modification agreement, which previously provided for vector file access for the IFT Seal, has been repealed.
For now, approved telecommunications and broadcasting equipment do not require the IFT Seal in their labeling. However, companies should stay alert for further changes depending on the eventual formation of the new regulatory body.
For this article’s source information and any product certification guidance, please contact Global Validity.
Quick Country Facts
Mexico
Certification Body:
- Current Name: Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications
- Previous Name: Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFETEL)
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: Indefinite
Application Language: Spanish
Legal License Holder: Importer
In-Country Testing Requirement: In-Country Testing
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