Global Market Access and Type Approval Overview
Mexico
Regulatory Overview
The certification process for electrical and radio frequency products in Mexico is regulated through a series of complicated procedure involving various certification bodies and other stakeholders. While ensuring compliance and maintaining certification for your products can be complicated, at Global Validity, we are experts at helping manufacturers navigate the certification process and meet the standards for market entry in Mexico.
Two primary approval schemes govern electrical and radio frequency product certification in Mexico: the RF Type Approval Certification for telecommunication and radio frequency devices (CoC from CB and IFETEL) and the Safety Approval (CB) for safety, quality, and energy efficient for products. 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.
We are familiar with the NOM and IFETEL regulations in Mexico and can assist you with the certification process from start to finish. This includes testing at accredited Mexican laboratories, documentation, and ensuring that the products meet the labeling requirements such as the NOM mark for products and the new IFT Seal for telecommunications products, once it becomes mandatory.
Please note, we are aware of the announcement for the dissolution of IFETEL and the formation of the Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications in 2025. We are monitoring how it will influence the regulatory framework; however, the current certification requirements are still valid for the time being.
Mexico's Regulatory Landscape Explained
With two governing bodies, constant certification and labeling updates, and numerous critical stakeholders - ensuring your products can be certified in Mexico is no easy feat. Our White Paper answers all your critical questions.
Mexico Type Approval FAQs
Product certification in Mexico is supervised by different entities. The Official Mexican Standards (NOMs) are implemented by accredited Certification Bodies (CBs) with the enforcement power of government entities like Secretaría de Economía and Secretaría de Energía. For telecommunications and radio frequency products, the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFETEL or IFT) is the governing body. However, IFETEL is transferring its functions to the Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications, starting January 1, 2025.
There are two main approval schemes in Mexico:
- NOM Certification: This is required for electrical and electronic products based on safety, quality and energy efficiency.
- IFETEL Certification: This is necessary for telecommunications and radio frequency devices to confirm conformity to the technical specifications and regulatory demands.
Both NOM and IFETEL certifications require local testing in accredited Mexican laboratories. Product samples must be presented for evaluation to determine if they meet the Mexican standards.
NOM Certification: The NOM mark has to be shown on the product to show that it meets the safety and quality standards.
IFETEL Certification: The IFT certificate number must be entered in the products, and as of July 1, 2025, the IFT Seal will be required for all approved telecommunication devices.
Our recent white paper on Mexico’s Regulatory Landscape details the specific labeling requirements for both certifications.
In Mexico, a Local Representative (Local Rep) is a company that is registered to do business in the country and performs a regulatory function. Products are not physically imported by them. A Local Importer is the entity that affects the importation of the product and arranges for the product to be released from customs. A Local Importer is also eligible to function as a Local Rep, but the converse is not true; a Local Rep cannot import goods unless it is specifically appointed to do so as well.
The time for certification can be quite variable based on the type of product and the level of testing, which can be several weeks to a few months. They must be valid for a certain amount of time and renewed at certain times depending on what kind of certificate it is. NOM Safety Certifications’ renewals are linked to the master certificate that the importer holds and extends to the subsidiaries depending on the importer’s compliance.
We're Here to Help
Our team at Global Validity is here to assist you with any questions, quote requests, or support you need for product certification in Mexico. Please don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re here to help.
Country Facts
Certification Body: Agencia de Transformación Digital y Telecomunicaciones formerly 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