Document Requirements for Mexico Type Approval

In Mexico, there are two types of certification for telecommunications products: NOM and CRT. Both require specific documentation when applying, as they are regulated by different authorities. By understanding the document requirements for Mexico type approval, you will know exactly what is needed.

This certification serves as proof that devices distributed and marketed in Mexico meet established safety and quality standards. Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM) certification applies to telecommunications devices without radio frequency (RF) features. Meanwhile, the Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT) is an additional certification for telecommunications products that include RF features.

This article will help you understand the document requirements for Mexico type approval. This way, you can prepare in advance and avoid errors or missing documents.

Certification Schemes

Before understanding the document requirements for Mexico type approval, it is important to understand the existing certification schemes. There are two schemes: NOM and CRT.

Both schemes require the same documents, as they are processed by two different certification bodies. For CRT certification, additional documents resulting from the NOM certification process will be required. 

Understanding these two schemes will help you gain a deeper understanding of the Mexico type approval certification application process.

1. Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM)

Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM) is a mandatory certification that must be obtained for all telecommunications products intended for marketing and use in Mexico, whether the telecommunications devices have RF features or not. 

In fact, it is not limited to telecommunications products alone but also applies to food and beverages, textiles and footwear, chemicals, and hazardous materials. NOM is not issued by a government authority but by an accredited certification body (CB). 

2. Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT)

The Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT) is an agency under the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF). It was formed from the National Antimonopoly Commission (CNA) and the Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications (ATDT). It was previously known as the Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT).

This certification is the next step that must be completed for telecommunications devices with RF features. This means that telecommunications devices with RF features will have two certifications: NOM and CRT. Meanwhile, telecommunications devices without RF features only need NOM certification. 

What are the Document Requirements for Mexico Type Approval?

Now that you understand the difference between NOM and CRT, it’s time to learn about the document requirements for Mexico type approval. The documents required for both certifications are essentially the same; the only difference is that the CRT certification requires additional documents.

In general, several document requirements for Mexico type approval certification must be prepared and submitted. The following documents are required:

1. Mexican HS Code
2. User manual in Spanish / including the following legend:
   • La operación de este equipo está sujeta a las siguientes dos condiciones:
     • Es posible que este equipo o dispositivo no cause interferencia perjudicial.
     • Este equipo o dispositivo debe aceptar cualquier interferencia. Incluyendo la que pueda causar su operación no deseada
3. Local rep PoA
4. Contract signed by Local Rep, Lab, and CB
5. Electrical ratings (safety only)
6. Internal/external Pictures
7. Test Instructions for RF and DFS (telecom only)
8. Antenna details (for telecom approval only). Some information that needs to be provided:
   • How many antennas
   • Antenna gain
   • Antenna type
9. Block diagram
10. Labelling artwork
11. Datasheet of the product

For CRT certification, you must submit an additional document: a previously issued NOM certificate. This serves as proof that telecommunications equipment with RF capabilities has already undergone NOM certification.

Local Testing Process

Local testing for Mexico type approval is mandatory. In other words, all telecommunications devices—whether they have RF capabilities or not—entering Mexico must undergo on-site testing at a local laboratory.

All type approval documents must be prepared before the local testing process begins for NOM and CRT certification. Once the local test results are issued, they can be used to apply for both certifications sequentially.

Local testing also requires samples. At least two samples are required for Radio Frequency (RF) Testing and Safety Testing. For devices with more complex features, additional samples may be required.

Those are the document requirements for Mexico type approval that you must prepare. Incomplete documents or a lack of understanding of the testing pathway will result in delays or rejection of your NOM and CRT certification applications.

Therefore, it is important to understand and prepare all required documents in accordance with the selected certification pathway from the early stages of product planning. This will help ensure smooth and efficient access to the Mexican market.