Mexico Type Approval

To legally sell or import wireless and electronic products in Mexico, manufacturers must comply with certification requirements enforced by local regulatory bodies. The two primary authorities are:

• IFETEL (Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones) – for wireless and telecom devices
• NOMs / NYCE / ANCE / DGN – for electrical safety, energy efficiency, and commercial labeling

1. IFETEL Certification (Telecom & Wireless Devices)

Applies to: Devices using RF spectrum, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, and IoT

Common Products Requiring IFETEL Approval

• Mobile phones, tablets, and smartphones
• Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth speakers, wireless peripherals
• IoT and smart home devices
• Modems, repeaters, 2G/3G/4G/5G equipment

Certification Process

1. Testing in Accredited Lab
   • Devices must undergo RF compliance testing in a lab authorized by IFETEL or the Mexican government
   • Evaluates frequency usage, power levels, and modulation types in accordance with Mexican frequency allocations
2. Appoint a Legal Representative
   • A local entity in Mexico must submit the application and hold the certificate
   • This representative is responsible for post-market obligations
3. Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
   • Issued by an IFETEL-authorized Certification Body (OC)
   • Required documentation: test reports, technical specs, user manual, labeling files, and product photos
4. Labeling Requirements
   • Approved devices must display the IFETEL logo and certificate number, either on the product, its label, or the packaging

Validity and Renewal

• IFETEL Certificates typically do not expire, unless the product is modified
• However, retesting or recertification may be needed if technical specs change

2. NOM Certification (Electrical Safety & Other Requirements)

Applies to: Electrical/electronic devices and consumer products

What Are NOMs?

“NOM” stands for Norma Oficial Mexicana—the official Mexican standards that govern:

• Electrical safety
• EMC (electromagnetic compatibility)
• Energy efficiency
• Commercial information and labeling

Common Products Requiring NOM Certification

• Chargers, power supplies, adapters
• IT equipment (PCs, monitors, printers)
• TVs and audio/video products
• Household appliances
• Products requiring specific consumer labeling in Spanish

Certification Process

1. Testing in a NOM-Accredited Lab
   • Testing must be done in a lab authorized by the Mexican DGN or affiliated with a recognized OCP (Organismo de Certificación de Productos)
2. Choose the Right Certification Path
   Based on the product and its risk level, one of the following may apply:
   • Type approval (Certificado de Producto) – for standard products
   • Batch approval (Certificado por Lote) – for limited imports
   • Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity – for low-risk products
3. Labeling and Language Requirements
   • Product labels must include:
     • NOM mark
     • Voltage/frequency
     • Manufacturer info
     • Instructions in Spanish
     • Energy efficiency label (if applicable)
4. Local Representative Required
   • A Mexican entity or importer must be the official certificate holder

Certification ensures not only regulatory compliance but also consumer trust and market access. Companies planning to enter the Chinese market should budget time and resources for these approvals early in their go-to-market process. Getting certified in China can feel complex, but it’s essential for legal market entry and consumer safety. Whether you're launching smart devices, network equipment, or household electronics—compliance is your passport to China.

Need help managing China approval? We are happy to guide you through it!

‍

‍

‍