For manufacturers of smart routers, switches, and various network devices, the attractiveness of the Mexican market is growing day by day. However, a compliance threshold known as "NOM NYCE certification" has left many enterprises, especially Chinese enterprises entering the market for the first time, feeling confused. The most common scenario is that enterprises mistakenly regard it as a simple "test report", unaware that it represents a complete system of "legal authorization and liability binding". This article cuts through the clutter of information to reveal the core essence and practical key points of NOM NYCE certification, combining the latest trends in 2025-2026.

I. Three Core Understandings of NOM NYCE Certification

1.Jurisdiction Division: The "Line in the Sand" Between NYCE and ANCEMexican NOM certification is implemented by different bodies authorized by the Ministry of Economy, based on product categories. The core distinction is as follows:

·NOM NYCE: Specifically governs all electronic, information products, and data processing equipment. Typical "electronic products" include routers, switches, network cards, computers, laptops, monitors, printers, POS terminals, etc. A common exception is microwave ovens, which, although classified as electrical appliances, fall under NYCE jurisdiction.

·NOM ANCE: Specifically governs all household appliances and similar products. Examples include air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, lamps, etc.

Important Reminder: If a product has wireless functionality (e.g., Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices), in addition to obtaining NOM NYCE safety certification, it must also apply for additional certification from Mexico’s Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFETEL) to be legally sold.

2.Ironclad Rule of the "Certificate Holder" System: Who Is the Legal Responsible Party?This is the most fundamental and easily misunderstood principle of NOM certification. Under Mexican law, the legal holder of an NOM certificate must be a company registered in Mexico, usually your importer or designated local agent. Overseas manufacturers cannot hold certificates directly.

This means that the certification process is not only about testing products but also about appointing a "legal representative" to assume liability in the Mexican market. This certificate holder will be responsible for product quality, after-sales service, and market compliance. Therefore, selecting a reliable, professional local partner is far more important than the testing itself.

3.Certificate "One-Year Agreement" and "Dynamic Renewal"The standard validity period of NOM NYCE certificates is 1 year. Note that "renewal" is by no means a simple matter of paying fees. According to regulations, before certificate renewal, the certification body may require random sampling of products already sold in the Mexican market for laboratory retesting to ensure continued compliance. Failure to pass market surveillance sampling will result in the inability to renew the certificate.

  II. Important Trends in NOM NYCE Certification (2025-2026)

In addition to the above unchanged basic principles, the following latest trends require special attention:

1.Labeling Requirements Upgrade: QR Codes Become the New StandardStarting March 2025, Mexican customs has begun implementing new conformity marks containing QR codes. An official transition period has been provided, but it is clearly required that product labels be updated accordingly. This change aims to improve inspection efficiency for customs and market supervision agencies (e.g., PROFECO). Ensuring that your product labels meet the latest format requirements is a prerequisite for smooth customs clearance.

2.Continuous Standard Iteration: Focus on Specific AreasMexican NOM standards are in a state of continuous update. While there has not been a comprehensive overhaul such as the "full alignment with the IEC 2024 edition in October 2025" mentioned previously, clear new regulations have been introduced in specific areas:

·Cybersecurity: Starting 2025, fraud prevention and privacy protection testing requirements based on the EN 18031 standard may be introduced for certain smart electronic devices.

·Energy Efficiency Requirements: Energy efficiency standards for some products have been upgraded. For example, efficiency requirements for wireless charging devices have been clearly defined.

·Radio Equipment: For products with communication functions, attention should be paid to the strengthened IFETEL requirements for protocol testing such as IPv6.

3.Testing Service Convenience: Localized Testing Becomes PossibleA positive trend for manufacturers, especially Chinese enterprises, is the increasing convenience of testing services. For example, through international inspection institutions with mutual recognition agreements with Mexican authorities, NOM testing for some products can now be completed at their partner laboratories in China (e.g., Shanghai laboratories). This eliminates the logistics costs and risks associated with sending samples to Mexico, significantly shortening the pre-testing cycle.

  III. Full NOM NYCE Certification Process

Step 1: Strategic Preparation (1-2 Weeks)

1.Precise Classification: Confirm whether the product falls under NOM NYCE jurisdiction and clarify whether additional IFETEL certification is required.

2.Partner Selection: Find and authorize a reliable Mexican company to serve as the legal certificate holder. Review its RFC tax number, business reputation, and track record.

3.Standard Confirmation: Verify the latest applicable NOM standards for the product through certification bodies or the Mexican Ministry of Economy official website.

Step 2: Product Testing and Document Preparation (4-8 Weeks, Core Variable)

1.Testing Path:

·New Testing: Conducted in Mexican-accredited laboratories or their mutually recognized overseas laboratories.

·CB Report Conversion: Valid CB test reports can significantly reduce redundant testing items but require supplementary Mexico-specific difference tests, such as 127V/60Hz voltage input testing, American-style plug testing, and Spanish label and manual reviews.

2.Key Documents:

·Technical Documents: Spanish user manuals, circuit diagrams, key component lists.

·Administrative Documents: Certificate holder company documents, RFC tax number, formal power of attorney from the manufacturer to the certificate holder.

·Label Drafts: Spanish labels meeting the latest requirements, including the NOM logo, certificate number, and certificate holder information.

Step 3: Application Submission, Review, and Certification Issuance (5-6 Weeks)

All documents are submitted to the authorized certification body by the certificate holder. The official review cycle is typically 5-6 weeks. Upon successful review, an NOM certificate with a 1-year validity period is issued. The original certificate is retained by the Mexican certificate holder for customs clearance purposes.

In the highly competitive Mexican market, NOM NYCE certification is no longer just a "market access cost". Efficient, professional compliance capabilities are directly related to your product’s time-to-market, brand reputation, and long-term operational stability. For electronic product enterprises, the keys to success are: accurately positioning the product compliance category, selecting and partnering with a reliable local certificate holder, closely following the latest changes in labeling and testing requirements, and adopting a "dynamic compliance" mindset for long-term management. Executing these three points effectively means you have already succeeded halfway in your Mexican market journey. For professional certification consulting services, contact BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140.