Mexico requires products under mandatory Mexican standards (NOMs) – including household appliances, power adapters, lighting, air conditioners, refrigerators, toys and tyres – to be certified by an accredited certification body before customs clearance, with Spanish-language labelling. Radio and telecom equipment additionally needs homologation from the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT).
NOM / IFT at a Glance
| Authority | Secretaría de Economía (DGN) / accredited certification bodies; Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) |
|---|---|
| Countries | Mexico |
| Mark | NOM |
| Requirement | Mandatory |
| Typical timeline | Varies – ask us |
| Validity | Varies – ask us |
| Local representative | Yes – Mexican certificate holder / importer |
Products We Commonly Support
- Household appliances
- Power adapters
- LED lamps
- Air conditioners
- Refrigerators
- Toys
- Smartphones
- Wi-Fi routers
- Tyres
How Global Approbation Handles NOM / IFT
- Step 1. Identify the applicable NOMs by tariff code and whether IFT homologation applies.
- Step 2. Appoint the Mexican certificate holder (importer or representative).
- Step 3. Test in a Mexican accredited laboratory (or under recognised agreements).
- Step 4. Obtain the NOM certificate from an accredited body (e.g. ANCE, NYCE) and the IFT certificate/homologation where required.
- Step 5. Apply NOM marking and Spanish labelling; maintain surveillance and follow-up.
Documents Required
- Product specifications and user manual in Spanish
- Test reports to the relevant NOM
- Label artwork with the NOM logo
- Importer / certificate holder details
- IFT technical documentation for radio products
NOM / IFT: Frequently Asked Questions
Is NOM / IFT mandatory in Mexico?
Yes. Products under mandatory Mexican standards (NOMs) need certification by an accredited body before customs clearance, with Spanish labelling; radio and telecom equipment additionally needs IFT homologation.
Which products need NOM / IFT?
Typical products include Household appliances, Power adapters, LED lamps, Air conditioners, Refrigerators, Toys, Smartphones, Wi-Fi routers and Tyres. Coverage follows the regulator's current list and HS codes, so we confirm it for your exact product.
Does a foreign manufacturer need a local representative for NOM / IFT?
Yes – Mexican certificate holder / importer. Global Approbation coordinates with your importer or arranges a representative where needed.
How long does NOM / IFT take and how long is it valid?
Typical timeline: Varies – ask us. Validity: Varies – ask us. Share your product details for a realistic plan and cost.
Is NOM needed if I already have UL?
Yes. UL listing is not recognised as NOM certification, but UL/IEC test data can support NOM testing and reduce time.
Regulations, standards and deadlines change. Scope, testing route and timelines are confirmed product by product after our applicability review. Global Approbation is a consultancy and does not itself issue certificates; approvals are granted by the relevant authority, accredited laboratory or certification body.