Mexico, the 15th largest economy in the world with a GDP of approximately $1.26 trillion in 2023, presents a significant opportunity for manufacturers seeking market entry. Its dynamic economic landscape offers a range of benefits for certifying products, but navigating the regulatory framework can be challenging.
Mexico’s certification process is complex, involving rigorous standards enforced by multiple certification bodies and stakeholders. Ensuring compliance and maintaining certification for your products requires careful planning and thorough understanding.
Two primary approval schemes govern electrical and radio frequency product certification in Mexico: the: the RF Type Approval Certification (CoC from CB and IFETEL) and the Safety Approval (CB). All compliance is ruled by the Official Mexican Standards (NOMs). NOMs are the country’s mandatory standards, established as part of the National System of Quality Infrastructure, which guide manufacturers in meeting safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
Conformity Process Reforms
To remain compliant in Mexico, it is crucial to understand recent updates to the certification process. The 2022 updates include the implementation of advanced electronic signatures for homologation applications via the electronic service portal, and homologation certificates becoming non-transferable but applicable to affiliates, subsidiaries, and importers for Types A and C. User manuals must be in Spanish and submitted to IFT. On December 26, 2023, IFETEL introduced guidelines requiring an IFT Seal for approved telecommunications products, effective September 9, 2024. Starting July 1, 2025, the IFT Seal will be mandatory for all approved telecommunications devices.
IFETEL Certification
The Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFETEL or IFT) is the regulatory body overseeing Mexico’s telecommunications and broadcasting landscape. IFT certification ensures that equipment complies with Mexican technical standards and regulatory requirements, helping to guarantee the safety, quality, and compatibility of telecommunications products.
IFT certification is necessary for products that use radio frequency technologies. It also applies to equipment that connects to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), satellite communications, and other telecommunications devices. Equipment must meet IFT’s technical standards to be marketed and distributed or used in Mexico.
Testing is required for devices operating in spread spectrum frequency bands including 902-928 MHz, 2400-2483.5 MHz, and 5725-5850 MHz, and cellular frequencies. Certification typically involves product testing by accredited labs, with equipment samples needed for evaluation. In addition, certified products must adhere to special labeling requirements to indicate compliance.
NOM Certification
Products entering Mexico must adhere to the country’s NOM labeling standards to ensure regulatory compliance. This is especially important for electrical and electronic goods, which require NOM certification before they can be imported in the Mexican market.
NOM standards are integral to a range of Mexican certification frameworks, including the NOM mark. This certification is granted by authorized Mexican Certification Bodies and involves testing by a certified laboratory based in Mexico.
Safety NOM
The Acronym NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana) refers to all Mexican standards, but it is common to refer to Safety Certifications as “NOM Certificate” to differentiate them from IFETEL certification. “Safety NOMs,” are specifically designed for equipment utilizing battery chargers, power supplies, or adapters. Whether a safety NOM applies to a product is normally determined by the Mexican HS code, but the final determination on applicability is in the hands of the Certification Body. Products covered under these standards must undergo testing in Mexico and comply with specific safety labeling requirements.
Key safety standards include:
- NOM-001-SCFI-1993: Covers electronic household appliances powered by different electric sources. It specifies safety requirements and testing methods for type approval, drawing from IEC-60065.
- NOM-019-SCFI: Relates to data processing and IT products, referencing IEC 60950 for safety guidelines.
NOM Safety vs. IFETEL Certifications
NOM Safety and IFT certifications are both crucial for product compliance in Mexico, but they serve different purposes, have different regulatory requirements, and cater to distinct product categories.
NOM Safety certification includes importation procedures along with the safety compliance, that’s why a local importer and HS code are required for certification. There are other NOM certificates that focus on ensuring quality (NOM-024), energy efficiency (NOM-029), and compliance across many product types, such as consumer electronics, household appliances, and industrial equipment. On the other hand, IFETEL certification is specific to telecommunications and radiofrequency products, such as mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers, which connect to public networks or utilize radio spectrum.
In terms of regulatory authorities, NOM certification is overseen by accredited Certification Bodies (CB) that follow the NOMS of multiple government bodies, such as the Secretaría de Economía and Secretaría de Energía, depending on the product category. IFETEL certification, however, is regulated solely by the Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFETEL), which is the dedicated authority for telecommunications in Mexico.
For labeling, products with NOM certification must display the NOM mark as proof of compliance with safety and quality standards, while products with IFETEL certification are required to bear the IFT certificate number (starting July 2025, they will have to bear the IFT mark) to show they meet telecommunications regulations. This labeling helps consumers and regulatory bodies easily identify products that are compliant with the respective standards.
Alignment of Accredited Standards
In Mexico, NOM standards provide the overarching regulatory guidelines, while IFETEL norms define the specific engineering and technical specifications required for compliance. A single NOM standard may encompass multiple IFETEL technical norms, reflecting a layered approach to regulatory requirements. For instance, the IFETEL IFT-012 norm outlines specifications for Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) testing, a critical aspect of product safety, which is required under both NOM-208 and NOM-221 standards. This structure allows NOM standards to address broader regulatory categories, while IFETEL norms detail the technical requirements that products must meet to ensure compliance.
Types of IFT Homologation Certificates
Mexico categorizes homologation certificates into three main types: Type A, Type B, and Type C. Each type has specific requirements and conditions for validity. In the past years, IFETEL has continually updated the approval processes with the most recent reform being implemented since June 27, 2022. Below provides a detailed breakdown of the regulatory systems to help manufacturers determine the appropriate pathway for product certification and compliance in Mexico.
Type A Homologation
Type A homologation applies to products that only use regulated RF frequencies (only frequencies that require testing in Mexico).
- Certificate Validity: The Type A Homologation Certificate is issued with indefinite validity, supported by a certificate of conformity adhering to the applicable assessment standards.
- Exceptions: Products that are considered inherently compliant in accordance with specific Technical Provisions may be registered under Type A without requiring a full Certificate of Approval. However, these products must still comply with any other applicable standards to avoid causing harmful interference, especially for scientific, medical, or industrial equipment.
Type B Homologation
Type B homologation is applicable to products that only use frequencies that are not regulated by existing NOMs and don’t require testing in Mexico. In this case, compliance can be demonstrated through standards referenced in international treaties, or technical provisions from international standardization organizations or other regulatory bodies. It requires a registered Mexican Perito to issue a Perito report for the product.
- Certificate Validity: The Type B Homologation Certificate also has indefinite validity. However, to maintain the certificate, the holder must provide a Technical Opinion endorsed by an accredited expert (Perito) within 90 days before the end of a two-year period from issuance. This Technical Opinion must confirm that the products continue to operate satisfactorily and meet the relevant standards without causing harmful interference. Additional reviews may be conducted by the Institute’s Concessions and Services Unit as needed. If this technical opinion is not presented before 2 years from issuance have elapsed, the certificate is revoked.
- Exceptions: Certain products are excluded from Type B approval, including product model families and telecommunications or broadcasting devices primarily focused on IoT or short-range communication.
- Temporary Registration: Products intended for use during a specific event and utilizing secondary frequency bands may be registered temporarily under Type B. This registration is valid for the duration of the event and follows the guidelines set by the Institute for secondary use authorization.
Type C Homologation
Type C homologation is a combination of Type A and Type B requirements, meaning that a product uses both regulated (requires testing) and unregulated (Perito report) frequencies.
- Certificate Validity: The Type C Homologation Certificate is granted indefinitely, requiring both a Technical Report and a certificate of conformity to verify compliance with applicable standards. To keep the certificate valid, the holder must submit an updated Technical Opinion within 90 days before the end of every two-year period from issuance, confirming ongoing compliance and absence of harmful interference. The Institute’s Concessions and Services Unit may also conduct additional inspections at any time to ensure compliance. If this technical opinion is not presented before 2 years from issuance have elapsed, the certificate is revoked.
- Exceptions: Type C registration may apply to telecommunications or broadcasting infrastructure that meets specific Technical Provisions without requiring a Certificate of Approval. This allows certain infrastructure to operate under a compliance ruling without the full homologation certificate.
Schemes for IFT Certification
Currently, IFETEL has defined four Schemes of Homologation based on how the homologation of radio and telecommunications products is managed. These schemes categorize products based on their type and classification, guiding the homologation process. The latest updates in 2022 introduced several changes that affect all four schemes, as described below.
Scheme I
- This scheme is used for the approval of a single batch of products, whether new, used, refurbished, or rebuilt. The exact number of samples and the requirement for a new Conformity Certificate (CC) depend on whether the product was imported into Mexico or was already within the country.
- Ideal for approving individual batches of products.
- Number of units in bath must be reported and the certificate is only valid for a single import of the number of units declared
Scheme II
- Scheme II focuses on obtaining approval based on the model name and applies to multiple batches of the product.
- This certification is similar to traditional model-based certification formats, but with a key distinction: the manufacturer is required to declare the anticipated quantity of units that will be imported into Mexico over the product’s lifecycle. If the actual shipments exceed this declared quantity, the certificate can be amended to authorize additional batches.
- The Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued under Scheme II will include details of the importers, subsidiaries, and affiliates authorized to import and distribute the product.
Scheme III
- Facilitates the approval of a family of models that share technical similarities.
- Allows for extending the number of models covered under a single CoC by using a family grouping letter.
- A paperwork-based process that simplifies certification for related models. (2 models must be tested for Type A and Type C certificates)
- The CoC will include importers, subsidiaries, and affiliates.
Scheme IV
- Designed for low-risk, daily-use equipment that share the same module, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, short-range communication devices, or broadcasting products.
- Only applies to end-products and allows for the possibility of extending the number of end-products covered under the CoC.
- A paperwork-based process for additional products that provides a streamlined approach for everyday equipment.
- The CoC may list requirements specific to the category of the devices, such as IoT, short-range communication, or broadcasting.
- The CoC will include importers, subsidiaries, and affiliates.
Key 2022 Certification Updates
Starting June 25, 2022, important updates were introduced to the certification process for products requiring in-country testing. These updates are as follows:
- Optional Second Sample: A second sample for testing is now optional across all four homologation schemes.
- Importer Information on CoC: The CoC now lists importers, subsidiaries, and affiliates for Schemes II, III, and IV.
- Validity of Test Reports: Test reports are valid for 120 working days, an increase from 60 days.
- Extended Importer List: Certificates may now include importers that were previously not listed in Schemes II, III, and IV.
Surveillance Program
To ensure continued compliance with regulatory requirements, a surveillance program is in place for Schemes II, III, and IV:
- For Schemes II and III, a small portion of active certificates is selected via a lottery to determine which products must comply with annual surveillance.
- For Scheme IV, 50% of the active certificates issued in the previous year are eligible for a lottery to determine which products must undergo annual surveillance.
- Additionally, active certificates under Schemes II, III, and IV (which list affiliates, subsidiaries, and/or importers) are subject to a second lottery. If selected, these certificates must comply with surveillance a second time.
- If Surveillance is not performed, the certificate is revoked.
IFETEL & NOM Label Requirements
IFT Seal
Products approved by IFETEL must be labeled to indicate their Certificate of Homologation (CoH) number, using the following format: IFT XXXXXXXX-XXXXXX. The label should be easy to read and permanently affixed to the product, using methods like engraving, stamping, or printing to ensure durability throughout the product’s lifecycle.
Certain products may also require additional labeling or warning statements, depending on the specifics outlined in their Technical Documents (TDs). This ensures compliance with any extra safety or technical requirements that might apply.
For products that are too small to physically carry a label, alternative options include displaying the marking electronically in the product’s interface, adding it to the user manual, or featuring it on the product’s packaging.
If a product is classified as a module under Scheme IV of the PEC, the label should be applied only to the product in which the module is installed.
Recent Updates on IFT Seal Requirements
On December 26, 2023, IFETEL introduced guidelines requiring an IFT Seal for approved telecommunications products, effective September 9, 2024. The seal must be in solid black or negative black and include the prefix “IFT” and the CoH number. It should only be used during the validity of the CoH.
Starting July 1, 2025, the IFT Seal will be mandatory for all approved telecommunications devices in Mexico to signify compliance with national standards. Expanded labeling options allow the seal to be displayed physically, digitally, or in user manuals for smaller devices, providing flexibility for manufacturers while maintaining visibility for consumers.
Devices that have been approved before July 2025, including renewals, certificate extensions, and corrections can still use the IFT # format without the logo. All approvals after July 2024 must show the logo in addition to the IFT #.
NOM Safety Marking Requirements
Products that fall under specific Safety NOM standards must also carry the NOM mark, in addition to the IFETEL labeling requirements. However, if a product is only subject to RF regulatory process and does not involve safety-related NOMs, the NOM mark may not be required.
For example, for safety labeling (NOM-001 and NOM-019), which is applicable to Electric devices, products with battery or ones powered to 120V that have obtained safety certification.
The label must include:
- Manufacturer name
- Brand (if different from manufacturer name)
- Product description (In spanish. For example: sensor, lector, computadora)
- Electric specifications: Input voltage and output voltage if available
- Country of origin
- NOM/NYCE logo
The voltage must show in the correct format, based on the current used (AC/DC)
Local Representative Vs. Local Importer
In Mexico, it’s essential to understand the distinct roles of a Local Representative (Local Rep) and a Local Importer when navigating regulatory requirements. A Local Rep is a company registered to conduct business within the country, often acting as a regulatory representative but not responsible for the physical importation process. In contrast, a Local Importer is the entity that brings the product into the country and handles customs clearance. While a local importer may also serve as a local rep, the reverse is not true—a local rep cannot act as an importer unless specifically designated for that role.
Certification Holder Requirements and Importer Responsibilities
For certifications, the holder must meet specific requirements. If a certification is issued to a local rep, it is insufficient for import purposes, as customs requires the certificate to be in the importer’s name. The importer, who may also act as a local rep, must take on responsibilities related to product quality and safety in compliance with import regulations. For instance, under Mexico’s NOM Safety certification, the importer must hold the certification as it includes safety and quality assurances crucial for importing products. This contrasts with IFETEL certifications, which are less stringent about the certification holder’s role and do not necessitate the certification holder to be the importer. This makes IFETEL certifications more flexible, allowing non-importing entities to hold the certification.
NOM Safety certifications are particularly strict in requiring the importer to be the primary certification holder, ensuring the importer is accountable for meeting safety and quality standards as products clear customs. When there are multiple distributors, an importer may distribute certifications to listed subsidiaries, each of whom can legally distribute the product under the main certification.
Managing the Distribution Network Under NOM Safety Certifications
To manage the distribution network effectively, NOM Safety certifications involve a structured renewal and extension process. Each subsidiary’s certification is an extension dependent on the master certificate. If the master certificate, held by the importer, is not renewed, the extensions also cannot be renewed. Additionally, if the importer chooses to revoke a subsidiary’s certification, that subsidiary loses the authorization to distribute the product. This framework ensures that importers retain control over who distributes their products, providing them with a clear path to manage compliance and control within the distribution network.
If you have any questions regarding certification in Mexico, our team is happy to help. Please feel free to reach out at support@globalvalidity.com or click here to fill out our contact form.
References
Diario Oficial de la Federación. DOF. (n.d.). https://www.dof.gob.mx./#gsc.tab=0
Federal Telecommunications Institute. (2021a, December 27). Modifies the Conformity Assessment Procedure in the field of telecommunications and broadcasting. Oficial de la Federación (DOF). https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5639471&fecha=27%2F12%2F2021#gsc.tab=0
Federal Telecommunications Institute. (2021b, December 29). Guidelines for the approval of products, equipment, devices or apparatus intended for telecommunications or broadcasting. Oficial de la Federación (DOF). https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5639645&fecha=29%2F12%2F2021#gsc.tab=0
Federal Telecommunications Institute. (2023, December 26). The Guidelines for the use of the IFT Seal. Oficial de la Federación (DOF). https://dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5712480&fecha=26%2F12%2F2023#gsc.tab=0
Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones. IFT. (n.d.). https://www.ift.org.mx/
Mexico Economy Overview. World Bank. (2024, October 9). https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/mexico/overview
