Summary of IFT Radio Type Approval process
The Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) is an independent government agency of Mexico charged with the regulation of telecommunications and broadcasting services. IFT certification is applicable to telecommunication equipment including wireless products. In general, any product that uses a frequency to transmit and/or receive, and telecom products that connect to satellites, the PSTN, or public network require IFT certification.
Depending on the product type, there are two routes to obtain IFT certification: The main route to get the IFT Radio Type Approval is appying for the Provisional Homologation Certificate (valid for 1 year), and then apply for the Definitive Homologation Certificate (permanent validity). This route involves in country Testing and IFT approval. In addition, there is another route based on application for Definitive Homologation Certificate (permanent validity) in this case the product needs to be certified by a Certification Body. The route to follow will be driven by the product characteristics.
In any case, it is mandatory to perform in-country testing in Mexico or in a laboratory recognized under Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA). And a Local Representative/Importer is required.
IFT Label Requirements:
There is no IFT mark, but once a product has been approved, it must be marked with its issued IFT ID number. All products approved under the IFT Scheme must be labelled as follows:
IFT: xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- For products with on-board/integrated radios: “IFT: xxxxxxxxxxxxx”
- For host products containing approved modules: “This product contains an approved module, Model No. xxxx, IFT No. xxxxxxxxxxxxx”
Summary of NOM Approval Process
Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM) is an official Mexican standards publication body. NOM standards are used for the NOM mark certification as well as other types of Mexican certification schemes. NOM Certification can be issued by Mexican Certification Bodies. NOM Certification requires a sample to be tested by an authorized Mexican laboratory.
All electrical products imported into Mexico must meet NOM requirements. In-country testing is required and there is the need to involve a Certification Body. a Local representative/importer is required and the typical lead time to obtain the NOM Certification is 8 weeks.
NOM Label Requirements:
The NOM label can be printed directly on the product or affixed to it. There is no required size or format for the labeling information as long as it is legible and contains all of the required information (manufacturer's name, importer's name, description of its components, risk warning (if applicable), etc.)
In particular, Mexico is strict about how labels should display AC and DC voltages. There are three acceptable options for either alternating current or direct current:
- Alternating Current – to be displayed as Vca or Vc.a. or V~
- Direct Current – to be displayed as Vcc or Vc.c. or V⎓
As part of the certification process, the Mexican regulatory body will review either tjhe final or a draft of it to ensure it meets minimum requirements.
