The legal entry of devices into Mexico demands compliance with NOM Certification, a technical framework that mandates specific certifications and accurate documentation.
The Official Mexican Standard (NOM) standards are a mandatory requirement for the legal importation of electronic devices into the Mexican market. They serve as a technical filter to confirm that products meet minimum thresholds for safety, quality, and functionality. At customs, authorities require documented proof of NOM certification compliance before releasing any shipment. Failing to provide this documentation can result in cargo being held and penalties imposed on the importer.
Dan Zonnenschein, COO at Aerodoc, explains that successfully entering the Mexican market can be challenging due to its highly regulated nature. “When bringing technology into this region, several factors must be considered. While there aren’t significant customs limitations, Mexico enforces strict controls on the quality and safe equipment usage,” he notes.
NOM certification is designed to safeguard consumers and the environment. It confirms that electrical and electronic equipment, whether powered by mains electricity or batteries, does not pose fire hazards, electric shock risks, or electromagnetic interference. This obliges manufacturers and importers to have the proper certifications in place from the outset of the logistics process.
Steps to Meet NOM Certification Requirements Before Importing
The first step is to determine which NOM applies, based on the type of device and its tariff classification. The Ministry of Economy provides detailed guidelines to support this identification. Once the applicable standard is confirmed, the product must undergo laboratory testing by accredited bodies. If it meets the criteria, a NOM Certificate of Conformity is issued.
This certificate alone is not sufficient. Importers must also compile all required technical and commercial documentation for customs clearance, including test reports, labeling, and user manuals in Spanish. These certificates are submitted digitally through the Single Window platform. In many cases, a customs broker manages the entire process, coordinating all aspects.
Before the product can be marketed, compliance with the Commercial Information NOM is also required. This regulation requires clear labeling, Spanish user manuals, and visible warranty terms. Non-compliant devices may be removed from the market or subject to seizure.
NOM Certification: Implications for Manufacturers, Distributors, and AV Integrators
Technology manufacturers seeking access to the Mexican market must adapt their products to comply with local regulations. This involves developing equipment that meets electrical safety standards, providing manuals in Spanish, and offering warranties in line with NOM-024. While many manufacturers opt to obtain certification themselves, Mexican law stipulates that the certificate holder must be a responsible entity based in Mexico. As a result, companies often designate a local representative or importer to fulfill this role.
For tech distributors and resellers, complying with NOM certification requirements entails an ongoing administrative burden. Each model requires its own NOM certificate, even if the manufacturer has already certified the equipment. The final device must be licensed under the name of the importer marketing it. This often necessitates coordination with the manufacturer or investment in independent testing.
In some instances, manufacturers allow their distributors to obtain “mirror” certificates based on previously conducted tests. While this approach may reduce costs, the certificate must still be issued in the name of the importer.
Audiovisual integrators face specific challenges. Many import specialized equipment in low volumes for one-off projects. Even a single unit must undergo the whole NOM certification process. Without it, the equipment is held at customs. Some integrators opt to purchase pre-certified products that are already available in the country. Still, when a device lacks local distribution, they are required to take on the regulatory burden themselves, adding cost and delays to their projects.
Key NOM Certification Standards for the Electronics and Technology Sector
Some of the most relevant NOM Certification standards include:
- NOM-001-SCFI: Defines electrical safety requirements for household and similar appliances.
- NOM-019-SCFI: Applies to computing and data processing equipment, including notebooks, servers, and peripherals.
- NOM-003-SCFI: Regulates general electrical products like cables, power strips, and connectors. Many devices must comply with their power supply components.
- NOM-024-SCFI: Mandatory for labeling, warranties, and Spanish-language manuals. It requires packaging to include voltage, country of origin, warnings, and importer information.
- NOM-208-SCFI: Governs devices that operate using radiofrequency spectrum (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth). Often used alongside IFT homologation.
- IFT-012: Regulates Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) levels for devices such as mobile phones and wearables. Compliance has been mandatory since 2021.
Impact on Logistics Timelines and Costs
Meeting NOM Certification requirements demands a deep understanding of regulatory knowledge and experience in the technology industry. When the process runs smoothly, obtaining a certificate can take up to six weeks. However, if certification is postponed until the product reaches customs, delays can stretch to three months or more, taking into account special permits and laboratory testing.
If a shipment is held due to non-compliance, the importer incurs storage fees, container demurrage charges, and potential contractual penalties. For audiovisual projects, such delays can lead to missed events or failure to meet critical deadlines.
On the other hand, many certificates have limited validity and require renewal every one or two years, involving new tests and updated documentation. This creates a recurring expense for companies. Proactive planning can help mitigate these costs. Some organizations certify models before mass production so that the certificate is already in place when the shipment arrives in Mexico. Others consolidate certification requests for multiple models or coordinate testing across different NOMs in a single procedure to optimize resources.
Aerodoc Services
Aerodoc helps prevent NOM compliance from becoming an obstacle. Through its Importer of Record (IOR) services, Aerodoc allows manufacturers, resellers, distributors, and technology providers to import products into Mexico legally, without establishing a local legal entity. As IOR, Aerodoc assumes the role of legal and regulatory representative before Mexican authorities, assisting with certification and regulatory compliance.
To learn more about our services, contact our team.
Q&A
- What are the key differences between NOM Certification and IFT Homologation in Mexico? NOM Certification in Mexico verifies electrical safety, labeling, and product quality, while IFT Homologation regulates devices that use the radio frequency spectrum. Products featuring Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular connectivity must comply with both procedures to be legally imported.
- What are the implications if an imported electronic product’s NOM Certificate expires? If a NOM Certificate becomes invalid, importing or commercializing the device is considered non-compliant. Authorities may detain shipments, impose fines, or remove products from the Mexican market until certification is renewed.
- Are there exemptions from NOM Certification for temporary imports of technology equipment? Certain temporary imports may qualify for partial NOM Certification exemptions. However, importers must secure special permits and provide customs guarantees to ensure re-exportation within the authorized timeframe.
- What estimated costs are involved in obtaining NOM Certification for electronic devices in Mexico? Costs vary depending on the device’s complexity, the accredited laboratory, and the certifying body engaged. Typically, expenses include laboratory testing fees, certification services, and administrative processing.
