Understanding the entire process of local testing for Mexico type approval is crucial for manufacturers. This is one of the required steps in the NOM and CRT certification process.
Local testing for Mexico type approval is established by the Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT). This authority is an agency under the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF). This agency was formed from the National Antimonopoly Commission (CNA) and the Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications (ATDT) to regulate all certification requirements.
This testing is used to ensure that devices distributed and marketed in Mexico meet safety and quality standards. This article will provide you with everything you need to know about local testing for Mexico type approval.
Also Read
What Is On-Site Testing for RF Type Approval?
Generally, there are two methods used to obtain Radio Frequency (RF) type approval certification: document evaluation and on-site testing. The requirements for these two methods depend on each country’s policies.
Some countries require local testing and eliminate the document review process, or make local testing optional. Other countries require the document review process and eliminate local testing.
In countries that require local testing, this means the device must be tested in a local laboratory. This testing process naturally requires samples of the telecommunications and wireless products to be submitted for certification.
Local testing is required to ensure that wireless products comply with the destination country’s spectrum regulations, interference limits, and safety standards. This also ensures that the devices can operate safely and effectively in that country’s environment.
Local testing for Mexico type approval is a mandatory step in the certification process. Therefore, all applicant for Mexico type approval need to understand the procedures.
Local Testing for Mexico Type Approval
Local testing for Mexico type approval is mandatory to obtain NOM and CRT certification. This process involves conducting all required tests at a local laboratory in Mexico.
There are two types of testing processes required for telecommunications devices with RF features when applying for Mexico Type Approval certification. This is, of course, done after obtaining the NOM certificate. These tests include:
- Radio Frequency (RF) Testing: This process is performed on devices that use radio frequencies to evaluate wireless signal transmission.
- Safety Testing: Ensuring that the device is safe for use with equipment and power adapters.
Testing generally requires two sample conditions. The sample conditions will be adjusted according to the testing process being conducted. The number of samples required may increase if the device has more complex features.
RF testing generally refers to four parameters: frequency range, output power, bandwidth, and spurious emissions.
- Frequency Range: The range or spectrum of frequencies generated.
- Output Power: The transmission power generated when activated.
- Bandwidth: Data transmission speed.
- Spurious Emissions: Unwanted radio frequency emissions.
Testing Laboratory Requirements
When discussing local testing for Mexico type approval, testing laboratories are an integral part of the process. As mentioned earlier, local testing is a mandatory requirement.
NOM and CRT certifications require different testing laboratories. It is important to note that NOM is issued by a certification body (CB), which typically operates its own laboratory. Or they have a laboratory that serves as a partner for testing
Another point to note is that each laboratory has its own testing capabilities. Therefore, a device can be tested at one laboratory or at several different laboratories.
1. List of certification bodies in Mexico
The following is a list of certification bodies that can be used for local testing for Mexico type approval to obtain NOM certification:
| Certification Body | Official Mexican Standards | Technical Specifications |
| Standardization and Certification NYCE, SC (NYCE) | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-218-SCFI-2017 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-220-SCFI-2017 NOM-221-SCFI-2017 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 | IFT-004-2016 IFT-005-2016 IFT-008-2015 IFT-010-2016 IFT-011-2017 Part 1 IFT-011-2017 Part 2 IFT-011-2022 Part 3 (Amendment to the Official Gazette of the Federation 20-09-2023) IFT-012-2019 IFT-014-2018 IFT-015-2018 IFT-016-2024 IFT-017-2023 PEC modification (Valid from 03-09-2025 to 03-09-2027) |
| Association for Standardization and Certification, AC (ANCE) | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-221-SCFI-2017 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 NOM-218-SCFI-2017 | IFT-004-2016 IFT-005-2016 IFT-008-2015 IFT-010-2016 IFT-011-2017 Part 1 IFT-011-2017 Part 2 effective from 21-10-2021 (Updated DOF: 12-02-2021) PEC 2021 IFT-012-2019 (Effective from 19-05-2021) IFT-011-2022 Part 3 IFT-016-2024 (Valid from 07-10-2025 to 07-10-2027) IFT-017-2023 (Valid from 07-10-2025 to 07-10-2027) |
| TÜVRheinland de México, SA de CV (TÜVRheinland México) | NOM-208-SCFI-2016 | IFT-008-2015 IFT-012-2019 Valid from 07-06-2024 to 07-06-2026 |
| A&E Intertrade, SA de CV | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-218-SCFI-2017 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 | IFT-004-2016 (Valid from 04-08-2023 to 04-08-2025) IFT-005-2016 (Valid from 04-08-2023 to 04-08-2023) IFT-008-2015 (Valid from 04-08-2023 to 04-08-2023) IFT-012-2019 (Valid from 04-08-2023 to 04-08-2025) PEC 2021 IFT-011-2017 Part 1 IFT-011-2017 Part 2 IFT-011-2022 Part 3 |
| UL de México, SA de CV (UL) | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-218-SCFI-2017 | IFT-008-2015 IFT-004-2016 IFT-005-2016 PEC 2021 |
| Logis Consultores, SA de CV | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-218-SCFI-2017 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-221-SCFI-2017 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2017 NOM-220-SCFI-2017 | IFT-004-2016 IFT-005-2016 IFT-008-2015 PEC 2021 IFT-011-2017 Part 1 IFT-011-2017 Part 2 IFT-011-2022 Part 3 IFT-012-2019IFT-014-2018 IFT-015-2015IFT-010-2016 Valid from 28-05-2025 to 28-05-2027 IFT-016-2024 IFT-017-2023 Valid from 10-07-2025 to 10-07-2027 |
| Factual Services, SC | NOM-208-SCFI-2016 | IFT-008-2015 Valid from 19-06-2025 to 19-06-2027 PEC 2021 |
| Professional Standardization of Mexico, SC | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-221-SCFI-2017 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 | IFT-004-2016 IFT-008-2015 IFT-011-2017 Part 1 IFT-011-2017 Part 2 IFT-011-2022 Part 3 IFT-012-2019 (Valid from 08-01-2025 to 08-01-2027) IFT-016-2024 (Valid from 22-08-2025 to 22-08-2027) IFT-017-2023 (Valid from 22-08-2025 to 22-08-2027) |
| OCP Boxlity, SA DE CV | NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-221-SCFI-2017 Part 1 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 | IFT-008-2015 PEC 2021 IFT-011-2017 Part 1 (Effective from 22-08-2022) IFT-011-2017 Part 2 (Effective from 22-08-2022) IFT-012-2019 (Effective from 22-08-2022) |
| Certification and Standardization CERTYNOM, SC | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-218-SCFI-2017 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-221-SCFI-2017 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 | IFT-004-2016 IFT-005-2016 IFT-008-2015 IFT-011-2017 Part 1 IFT-011-2017 Part 2 IFT-011-2022 Part 3 (DOF Amendment 20-09-2023) IFT-012-2019 Valid from 12-08-2024 to 12-08-2026 |
| NORMALITEC, SC | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-218-SCFI-2017 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-220-SCFI-2017 NOM-221-SCFI-2017 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 | IFT-004-2016 IFT-005-2016 IFT-008-2015 IFT-010-2016 IFT-011-2017 Part 1 IFT-011-2017 Part 2 IFT-011-2022 Part 3 IFT-012-2019 IFT-015-2018 PEC modification (Published in the Official Gazette of the Federation: 27-12-2021) (Valid from 13-12-2024 to 13-12-2026) |
| Mexicana de Evaluación y Normalización, SA DE CV | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-221-SCFI-2017 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 | IFT-004-2016 IFT-008-2015 IFT-011-2017 Part 1 IFT-011-2017 Part 2 IFT-011-2022 Part 3 (DOF Amendment 20-09-2023) IFT-012-2019 PEC modification Valid from 11-09-2024 to 11-09-2026 IFT-015-2018 Valid from 28-11-2024 to 28-11-2026 IFT-016-2024 Valid from 23-09-2025 to 23-09-2027 IFT-017-2023 Valid from 23-09-2025 to 23-09-2027 |
| ONALEC, S. de RL de CV | NOM-208-SCFI-2016 (Effective from 29-09-2021) | IFT-008-2015 (Effective from 29-09-2021) |
| A PROVAL RATING SC | NOM-208-SCFI-2016 | IFT-008-2015 IFT-012-2019 IFT-015-2018 PEC modification Valid from 08-11-2024 to 08-11-2026 |
| SELASTEC OCP, SA DE CV | NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 | IFT-008-2015 (Effective from 09-11-2025 to 09-11-2027) IFT-011-2017 Part 2 (Valid from 11-09-2025 to 11-09-2027) PEC modification IFT-012-2019 (Effective from 09-29-2025 to 09-29-2027) |
| INTERTEK TESTING SERVICES DE MÉXICO, SA DE CV | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-218-SCFI-2017 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 NOM-221/1-SCFI-2017 | IFT-004-2016 IFT-005-2016 IFT-008-2015 (effective from 24-01-2021) IFT-011-2017 Part 2 (effective from 24-01-2021) IFT-011-2017 Part 1 IFT-011-2022 Part 3 (DOF Amendment 20-09-2023) IFT-012-2019 |
| CERTIFICATION GLOBAL SERVICES DIADECOR, S. DE RL DE CV | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-221-SCFI-2017 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 | IFT-004-2016 IFT-008-2015 IFT-011-2017 Part 1 IFT-011-2017 Part 2 IFT-012-2019 |
| GLOBAL CONFORMITY SERVICES, SC | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-218-SCFI-2016 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-221-SCFI-2017 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 | IFT-004-2016 IFT-005-2016 IFT-008-2015 IFT-011-2017 Part 1 IFT-011-2017 Part 2 IFT-011-2022 Part 3 IFT-012-2019 IFT-015-2018 Valid from 04-11-2024 to 04-11-2026 |
| SGS DE MÉXICO, SA DE CV | NOM-208-SCFI-2016 | IFT-008-2015 PEC modification Valid from 13-03-2025 to 13-03-2027 |
| BUREAU VERITAS CONSUMER PRODUCTS SERVICES MEXICO, SA DE CV | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-218-SCFI-2017 NOM-221-SCFI-2017 Part 1 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 | IFT-004-2016 (Effective from 22-08-2022) IFT-008-2015 (Effective from 22-08-2022) IFT-005-2016 (Effective from 22-08-2022) IFT-011-2017 Part 1 (Effective from 22-08-2022) IFT-011-2017 Part 2 IFT-011-2022 Part 3 (Effective from 22-08-2022) IFT-012-2019 |
| P&L ADVISORS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND STANDARDIZATION, SA DE CV | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 | IFT-004-2016 IFT-008-2015 (Effective from 25-09-2025 to 25-09-2027) |
| MEXICAN INSPECTION FOR CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT, SA DE CV | NOM-208-SCFI-2016 | IFT-008-2015 (Effective from 08-30-2023 to 08-30-2025 |
| TECHNICAL ANALYSIS SERVICES, SA DE CV | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-218-SCFI-2017 NOM-221-SCFI-2017 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 | IFT-004-2016 IFT-005-2016 IFT-011-2017 Part 1 IFT-011-2017 Part 2 IFT-011-2022 Part 3 IFT-012-2019 Valid from 19-06-2025 to 19-06-2027 |
| QUALITY STANDARD & LABORATORY QLSTANDARD, SC | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-218-SCFI-2017 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-221-SCFI-2017 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 | IFT-004-2016 IFT-005-2016 IFT-008-2015 IFT-011-2017 Part 1 IFT-011-2017 Part 2 IFT-011-2022 Part 3 IFT-012-2019 |
| MEXICO CERTIFYING BODY, SC. | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-218-SCFI-2017 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-221-SCFI-2017 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 | IFT-004-2016 IFT-005-2016 IFT-008-2015 IFT-011-2017 Part 1 IFT-011-2017 Part 2 IFT-011-2022 Part 3 IFT-012-2019 Valid from 21-06-24 to 21-06-2026 IFT-015-2018 Valid from 08-07-2025 to 08-07-2027 |
| D EKRAMERICAS S. DE RL DE CV | NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-221-SCFI-2017 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 | IFT-008-2015 IFT-011-2017 Part 1 IFT-011-2017 Part 2 IFT-011-2022 Part 3 IFT-012-2019 Valid from 13-06-2024 to 13-06-2026 |
| LENOR OEC, SA DE CV | NOM-218-SCFI-2017 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 | IFT-005-2016 IFT-008-2015 Valid from 18-09-2024 to 18-09-2026 |
| TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICE SA DE CV | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-218-SCFI-2017 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-221-SCFI-2017 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 | IFT-004-2016 IFT-005-2016 IFT-008-2015 IFT-011-2017 Part 1 IFT-011-2017 Part 2 Valid from 19-06-2025 to 19-06-2027 |
| ACM PRODUCT CERTIFICATION SA DE CV | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-218-SCFI-2017 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-221-SCFI-2017 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 | IFT-004-2016 IFT-005-2016 IFT-008-2015 IFT-011-2017 Part 1 IFT-011-2017 Part 2 IFT-011-2022 Part 3 Valid from 19-06-2025 to 19-06-2027 IFT-012-2019 Valid from 08-07-2025 to 08-07-2027 |
| INHOC VINCES CERTIFICATIONS, SA DE CV | NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-221-SCFI-2017 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 | IFT-008-2015 IFT-011-2017 Part 1 IFT-011-2017 Part 2 IFT-012-2019 PEC modification (Valid from 26-08-2025 to 26-08-2027) |
2. List of laboratories in Mexico
The following is a list of laboratories that can be used for local testing for Mexico type approval to obtain CRT certification:
| Laboratory | Official Mexican Standards | Technical Provisions and Validity of Authorizations |
| Advance Wire & Wireless Laboratories, SC | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-218-SCFI-2017 NOM-220-SCFI-2017 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 | IFT-004-2016 IFT-005-2016 IFT-008-2015 IFT-010-2016 IFT-011-2017 Part 2 IFT-011-2022 Part 3 IFT-012-2019 IFT-014-2018 Part 2 IFT-015-2018 Valid from 05-07-2024 to 05-07-2026 PEC 2021 IFT-016-2024 IFT-017-2023 Valid from 02-07-2025 to 02-07-2027 |
| Engineering and Verification of Telecommunications Equipment and Systems, SA de CV (IVESTEL) | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-218-SCFI-2017 | IFT-004-2016 (Valid from 15-12-2021 to 15-12-2023); IFT-005-2016 (Valid from 15-12-2021 to 15-12-2023); IFT-008-2015 (Valid from 15-12-2021 to 15-12-2023); PEC 2021; |
| Association for Standardization and Certification, AC (ANCE)(CDMX Laboratory) | NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-220-SCFI-2017 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 | IFT-004-2016 Valid from 02-07-2025 to 02-07-2027 IFT-008-2015 (06-07-2022); IFT-010-2016 (06-07-2022); IFT-011-2017, Part 2 (07-06-2022); IFT-012-2019 (02-23-21 to 02-23-23) PEC 2021; IFT-011-2022 Part 3 |
| TESLAMEX, SAPI DE CV | NOM-208-SCFI-2016 | IFT-008-2015 IFT-012-2019 Valid from 05-07-2024 to 05-07-2026 PEC 2021 |
| ISATEL LABORATORIES DIVISION, SC | NOM-218-SCFl-2017 NOM-208-SCFl-2016 NOM-221 /2-SCFl-2018 NOM-196-SCFI-2016 NOM-220-SCFI-2017 | IFT-005-2016, (19-08-2024) IFT-008-2015, (19-08-2024) IFT-011-2017 P2, (19-08-2024) IFT-011-2022 Part 3 PEC 2021; IFT-012-2019 (19-08-2024) IFT-004-2016 IFT-010-2016 IFT-015-2018 IFT-016-2024 (Valid from 25-08-2025 to 25-08-2027) IFT-017-2023 (Valid from 25-08-2025 to 25-08-2027) |
| UL DE MÉXICO, SA DE CV | NOM-208-SCFl-201696+ | IFT-012-2019 Valid from 19-06-2024 to 19-06-2026 IFT-008-2015 Valid from 19-07-2024 to 19-07-2026 |
| CENTER FOR METROLOGY AND TECHNICAL TESTING, SA DE CV | NOM-208-SCFI-2016 NOM-221/2-SCFI-2018 | IFT-008-2015 IFT-011-2017 Part 2 IFT-011-2022 Part 3 IFT-012-2019 (Valid from 08-01-2025 to 08-01-2027) |
Pre-Testing: Preventing Failure in Official Testing
Local testing for Mexico type approval is a mandatory requirement, making it essential that the submitted samples meet all required testing parameters. Failure during local testing will result in losses and delays in the certification process.
To avoid failure in official testing, pre-testing is required. Not all agents offer this service, and if they do, it may incur additional fees.
By partnering with Dimulti, you’ll receive free pre-testing services for every product undergoing RF testing. This process involves testing samples in our in-house laboratory using a spectrum analyzer.
Pre-testing ensures your product meets the technical standards of the destination country. Even if issues arise during pre-testing, they’ll be identified early, allowing for swift resolution.
We prioritize transparency; you can monitor the pre-testing process directly via teleconference. This also streamlines our process, particularly regarding the product’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
This way, you avoid potential failures in official testing and save costs by eliminating the need for retesting.
