Understanding the validity period of Mexico type approval is important. The certificate’s validity period is relevant to its renewal as the expiration date approaches.
The legal validity of your type approval certification in a country is determined by the certificate’s validity period. Understanding the validity period of Mexico type approval allows you to estimate when renewal will be required.
In Mexico, there are two certification schemes for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products: NOM and CRT. Both have different validity period of Mexico type approval.
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Different Certification Schemes, Different Validity Periods
Before understanding the validity period of Mexico type approval, you need to understand that there are two certification schemes used for ICT products in Mexico.
These certifications are NOM and CRT. Both are regulated by different bodies. The validity period of Mexico type approval for these two schemes also differs.
1. NOM
NOM stands for Normas Oficiales Mexicanas. This certification is issued by an accredited certification body (CB). It is a mandatory certification scheme for all telecommunications products intended for marketing and use in Mexico.
2. CRT
CRT stands for Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones. Previously, this agency was better known as the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT). CRT certification is a required supplement for telecommunications devices with RF features.
Certificate Issuance Process
You need to understand the process to know the outcome. Therefore, you need to know how certificates are issued before discussing the issuance of certificates and the validity period of Mexico type approval. The NOM and CRT certification processes are quite lengthy.
This is due to the requirement for local testing for both certifications. The process involves document compliance, local testing, and certification submission.
1. Testing
Local testing for Mexico type approval is divided into two categories: NOM testing and CRT testing. NOM testing is conducted to ensure the safety and quality of a product before it is marketed.
Meanwhile, CRT testing includes radio frequency (RF) testing and safety testing. RF testing is performed to evaluate wireless signal transmission. On the other hand, safety testing is conducted to ensure that the device is safe for use with power equipment and adapters.
2. Fulfilling Document Requirements
The following is a list of document requirements for Mexico type approval:
- Mexican HS Code
- 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
- La operación de este equipo está sujeta a las siguientes dos condiciones:
- Local rep PoA
- Contract signed by Local Rep, Lab, and CB
- Electrical ratings (safety only)
- Internal/external Pictures
- Test Instructions for RF and DFS (telecom only)
- Antenna details (for telecom approval only). Some information that needs to be provided:
- How many antennas
- Antenna gain
- Antenna type
- Block diagram
- Labelling artwork
- Datasheet of the product
This document is used to apply for NOM and CRT certification. To apply for CRT certification, you must include the previously issued NOM certification.
3. Submit the document and evaluation
The documents collected after the local testing process for NOM certification must be submitted to the certification body (CB). Subsequently, the documents will be evaluated and issued.
If the evaluation is passed, the NOM certificate will be issued immediately. However, if it is not passed, you will need to complete the necessary documents.
On the other hand, after the NOM certificate is issued, those proceeding to the CRT certification process must conduct RF and safety testing. All test results (NOM certificate, RF test report, and safety test report), along with other documents, are submitted to the CRT for evaluation.
During the evaluation process, additional documents or revisions may be requested if necessary. The type approval certificate will be issued after the evaluation is passed.
4. Certificate Issuance
The following is an example of a NOM certificate:
The following is an example of a CRT certificate:
The lead time for Mexico type approval depends on the certification scheme. NOM certification takes four to five weeks. Meanwhile, CRT certification takes 20 business days. The total time required for both certification processes can be up to 45 business days.
Validity Period of Mexico Type Approval Certificate
Once the certificate is issued, it is important to note the validity period of Mexico type approval. NOM and CRT certificates have different validity periods.
The NOM certificate is valid for one year. During this period, the certificate is subject to monitoring by the relevant authorities. Renewal of the NOM certificate can be processed six to nine months after the initial certification.
Periodic inspections and retesting will be conducted as part of the renewal process. This is to ensure that the product still complies with the applicable Mexican NOM standards.
Meanwhile, the CRT certificate has no expiration date, meaning it can be used as long as there are no changes to the technical information or model of the device. All CRT certificates are subject to annual monitoring through a random selection system.
That’s the information regarding the validity period of Mexico type approval. It’s important to note that this applies to owners of telecommunications devices with RF features that hold NOM and CRT certificates. One key point to keep in mind is that NOM certification must be renewed annually.
By carefully monitoring the validity period and renewal of your certificates, you can ensure that none of your products are sold illegally on the market. To avoid this issue, we recommend consulting with Dimulti.
Amid your busy schedule, our team will notify you when your Mexico type approval certificate is about to expire. That way, you won’t have to worry about the validity period or certification renewal.
We will assist in preparing all necessary documents, conducting local testing, and submitting the documents to the relevant authorities. With experience dating back to 2028, our team knows exactly how to ensure your RF type approval process is completed effectively and efficiently.
We will regularly ensure that your certificate remains within the appropriate validity period. You can focus on growing your business, and let us remind you when it’s time to renew your certificate.
