For Latin American trade — especially exports to Mexico — NOM certification is a mandatory legal requirement.This guide is based on current rules from Mexico’s Ministry of Economy (SE), ANCE, NYCE, and real-world practice.

I. What Is NOM Certification?

NOM = Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (Mexican Official Standards).It is Mexico’s mandatory electrical safety certification, regulated by the Ministry of Economy (SE) and issued by ANCE, NYCE, and other authorized bodies.Products on the mandatory list cannot clear customs or sell legally without NOM.

  II. Products Requiring NOM & Corresponding Standards

·Home appliances: fridge, AC, washer, kettle, fan

·IT/office: computer, adapter, charger, printer

·Lighting: LED lamps, drivers, panel lights

·Power tools, wires, plugs, connectors, toys, security devices

Common standards:

·NOM-003 (home appliances)

·NOM-116 (IT/power supplies)

·NOM-015 (lighting)

Wireless products (WiFi, Bluetooth) also need IFT RF certification (formerly IFETEL).

  III. Full NOM Certification Process

1.Confirm product category and standard

2.Prepare documents (manuals, labels, schematics)

3.Test at a Mexico-recognized laboratory

4.Review and issue NOM certificate

5.Authorize NOM mark usage

6.Market supervision and annual review

  IV. Must Testing Be Done in Mexico?

No — testing must be done in EMA-authorized labs, which include some international accredited labs. Domestic testing is possible.

  V. Factory Inspection Required?

Generally no factory inspection for standard NOM; only type testing. Required only for high-risk products or long-term certificates.

  VI. Certificate Validity

Usually 1 or 3 years, depending on product and body. Most electronics are 1‑year and require renewal.

  VII. EMC Testing

EMC is mandatory for most electronic products under NOM, per standards like NOM-019, NOM-121.

  VIII. Certificate Holder Must Be a Mexican Company

Chinese factories/traders cannot hold NOM directly.Holder must be a local importer, distributor, or authorized representative.

  IX. NOM Mark Usage

Only authorized marks allowed; must appear on product, package, and manual.

  X. Practical Export Tips

·Confirm mandatory list early

·Wireless = NOM + IFT

·Use CB/UL/CSA to reduce testing

·Secure local holder early

·Plan timeline ahead of shipment

For consultation, contact BLUEASIA Testing & Certification Consultant: +86 13534225140 (Benson).