Must see for exporting to Mexico! Interpretation of NOM certification for electronic and electrical products in Mexico
Time:
2024-08-23
The NOM standard is a mandatory safety label in Mexico, and certified products are generally electronic products with AC or DC voltage exceeding 24V.
The Mexican home appliance market is constantly expanding with the booming development of e-commerce and the improvement of consumer purchasing power. According to the first data, the annual growth rate of the Mexican e-commerce market has maintained a high level in recent years, especially in the home appliance category where performance has been outstanding. For example, in the first quarter of 2024, the annual growth rate of the Mexican e-commerce market reached 24.5%, with a cumulative increase of 46% in sales of household appliances. Of course, certification is the most crucial step for products to be exported to Mexico.
What is NOM?
NOM, also known as Normas Oficiales Mexicanas, is a set of standards developed by the Mexican government for various products in accordance with the Mexican Federal Metrology and Standardization Law.
The Mexican Ministry of Economy is mainly responsible for the certification management of various products (including electronic appliances). In addition to revising standards and regulations, it is also responsible for designating and certifying product certification bodies and laboratories.
The NOM standard is a mandatory safety label in Mexico. Currently, Mexico has established a relatively complete NOM certification system, which applies to product categories including electronics, electrical appliances, communication products, lighting equipment, medical equipment, tires, toys, and battery driven products.

Why do we need NOM certification?
NOM is a mandatory safety label in Mexico, which only recognizes its own NOM safety mark and does not recognize safety marks from other countries. If a product is to be exported to Mexico, it must undergo NOM certification, and products bearing the NOM safety mark can enter the Mexican market smoothly.
In addition, the holder of NOM certification must be a local Mexican company, and under certain specific conditions, the main certificate can be held by a Chinese enterprise, but the sub certificate must be held by a local Mexican enterprise. Only after the local Mexican enterprise completes NOM certification can it be used as the basis for customs declaration.

Finally, the product inspection report must also be issued by an officially recognized testing agency in Mexico. If the product meets relevant legal requirements, the report will be issued to the manufacturer or exporter's representative office in Mexico and granted the NOM label on the product.
When the product enters Mexico, Mexican customs officials quickly identify and confirm whether the product meets the requirements of NOM standards through NOM labels. NOM labels are only issued in the records of product distributors, manufacturers, or importers. Its validity period is one year.

Scope and requirements of NOM certified products (electronic appliances)
The products subject to NOM mandatory certification are generally electronic products with AC or DC voltage exceeding 24V. Mainly applicable to product safety, energy efficiency and other fields. The main product categories are concentrated in electrical, electronic, or telecommunications equipment. Some examples of products that require NOM certification in each category are as follows:
NOM-001-SCFI-2018: Wire and Cable, Electronic Products
Electronic products include many consumer electronics such as freezers, washing machines, televisions, microwave ovens, air conditioners, and motor-driven tools. This standard applies to electronic devices and their accessories powered by public service electricity with a single-phase power supply voltage of up to 277V AC and a frequency of 60 Hz, or a three-phase voltage of up to 480V AC and a frequency of 60 Hz; And other energy sources up to 500V DC, such as batteries, accumulators, self generated electricity, and alternative power sources.

NOM-003-SCFI-2014: Electrical Products
These products include but are not limited to wiring equipment, power cords, connection plugs, sockets, hospital grade equipment, electrode brackets, and circuit breakers. All electrical products within the range of 1000V AC and 1500V DC are subject to this standard and require NOM certification.

Energy Efficiency Certification
a) Lighting products
NOM-017-ENER/SCFI * - Energy efficiency and safety requirements for self ballasted compact fluorescent lamps and bulbs.
NOM-028-ENER * - Energy Efficiency of Ordinary Luminaires - Limitations and Testing Methods.
NOM-030-ENER * - Light Efficiency of Integrated Light Emitting Diode (LED) Luminaires for General Lighting - Limitations and Testing Methods.
NOM-031-ENER * - Energy Efficiency of Light Emitting Diode (LED) Luminaires for Roads and Public Outdoor Areas - Specifications and Testing Methods.
b) Electrical products and household appliances
NOM-005-ENER * - Energy Efficiency of Household Washing Machines - Limitations, Testing Methods, and Labeling.
NOM-011-ENER * - Energy Efficiency Limitations, Testing Methods, and Labeling for Central Air Conditioning, Integrated Air Conditioning, or Split Air Conditioning.
NOM-012-ENER * - Energy Efficiency of Condensation and Evaporation Devices for Refrigeration. Limits, testing methods, and labeling.
NOM-015-ENER * - Energy efficiency of refrigerators and freezers - Limitations, testing methods, and labeling.
NOM-022-ENER/SCFI * - Energy Efficiency and User Safety Requirements for Independent Commercial Refrigeration Equipment - Limitations, Testing Methods, and Labeling.
NOM-023-ENER * - Energy Efficiency Limitations, Testing Methods, and Labeling of Free Emission Ductless Split Air Conditioner.
NOM-003-ENER * - Thermal efficiency of household and commercial water heaters - Limitations, testing methods, and labeling.
NOM-025-ENER * - Thermal efficiency of household cooking appliances using liquefied petroleum gas or natural gas - Limitations, testing methods, and labeling.
c) Electronic products
NOM-026-ENER * - Energy Efficiency Limitations, Testing Methods, and Labeling of Ductless Split Variable Frequency Air Conditioner.
NOM-029-ENER * - Energy efficiency of external power supply.
NOM-032-ENER * - Device standby power consumption limit - Testing and labeling methods.
In addition, consumer goods exported to Mexico must also meet the corresponding packaging standards:
NOM-024-SCFI-2013: Packaging, warranties, and instructions or user manuals for electrical, electronic, and household appliance products, their accessories, and consumables.

All applicable products entering the Mexican market must comply with these regulations and obtain NOM labels, including export products that were previously allowed to enter the country before these standards.
How to apply for NOM certification?
1. Determine applicable NOM regulations: The first step is to determine which NOM regulations your product is subject to. You can search for the official Mexican standard database on the official website of the Mexican Ministry of Economy, or seek assistance from external experts.
2. Collect product documentation: Having the latest product documentation is crucial, including technical specifications, test reports, and label information. These documents will be used to evaluate whether your product meets the applicable NOM requirements.
3. Testing the product: In order to obtain market access, your product must undergo laboratory testing to ensure compliance with applicable NOM requirements.
4. Obtain NOM certificate: Once your product passes the test, you will receive a test report. With this test report, you can apply for NOM certification from the certification body. If your product meets the applicable NOM requirements, the certification body will review your product documentation and test results, and issue a NOM certificate.
5. Mark NOM logo on your product: Once you obtain the NOM certificate, you can mark the NOM logo on your product. The NOM logo indicates that your product meets the applicable NOM requirements. The NOM logo on the product means that you can enter the Mexican market without any burden during import, transportation, and/or commercialization.
Application for NOM certification documents
1. Certification Application Form
2. Test report
3. Technical Specifications
4. Product label
5. Product photos
6. User Manual (Spanish)
7. Circuit diagram
8. Basic Product Information
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