In Mexico, NOM compliance is essential for any business involved in importing, exporting, manufacturing, or distributing products. Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOMs) are mandatory technical regulations designed to protect consumers, the environment, and national safety.
At The ILS Company, we specialize in international logistics, helping clients navigate these complex regulations to ensure their cross-border operations are smooth, safe, and fully legal.
Table Of Contents
- What Are NOMs and Why Do They Matter?
- When Are NOMs Required?
- Which Products Are Regulated by NOMs?
- NOM Certification Scope:Electronic, Electrical & Energy Products
- Importing to Mexico: How to Comply with NOMs
- What About Exporting from Mexico?
- What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
- Visual: NOM Compliance Workflow for Importers
- Key Regulatory Agencies Involved
- Why Work with The ILS Company?
- FAQs About NOMs in Mexico
- Conclusion
What Are NOMs and Why Do They Matter?
NOMs establish minimum technical requirements for products and processes operating within Mexico. Their goals include:
- Consumer safety
- Product quality
- Energy efficiency
- Safe transportation
- Clear product labeling and information
- Environmental and health protection
Various federal agencies issue different NOMs that must be followed when importing, producing, or selling products in Mexico.
Compliance is not only a legal obligation, but also a sign of professionalism and market readiness.
When Are NOMs Required?
NOM compliance is mandatory in a variety of scenarios:
| Scenario | Is NOM Compliance Required? |
|---|---|
| Importing products for sale in Mexico | Yes |
| Exporting products abroad | Depends on destination |
| Manufacturing products in Mexico for sale | Yes |
| Importing product samples (non-commercial) | No (with documentation) |
| Internal company use only (not for sale) | No, but permits may apply |
Which Products Are Regulated by NOMs?
Most electronic, electrical, industrial, and energy-related products require NOM certification. Here’s a quick overview:
| Product Type | Examples | Common NOMs That May Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics & Electrical | Phones, laptops, and industrial devices | NOM-001-SCFI, NOM-003-SCFI, NOM-024-SCFI |
| Energy Products | Solar panels, power chargers | NOM-EM-005-SEDE, NOM-ENER |
| Industrial Equipment | Compressors, transformers | Specific NOMs depending on the category |
| Hazardous Goods | Paints, lithium batteries, and solvents | NOM-002-SCT, NOM-005-SCT, NOM-018-STPS |
| Consumer Goods | Home appliances, LED lamps | NOM-015-ENER, NOM-030-ENER, NOM-024-SCFI |
You can explore the full list of NOMs in Mexico’s Government Website.
NOM Certification Scope: Electronic, Electrical & Energy Products
If your company imports, manufactures, or distributes electronic, electrical, or energy-consuming products in Mexico, you must comply with specific NOMs. These standards guarantee product safety, performance, and energy efficiency and are essential for successfully entering the Mexican market.
At The ILS Company, we help you identify the applicable NOM standards and ensure seamless customs compliance.
A. Electrical Products – Safety Certification
| Product Category | Applicable NOM | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical products (general) | NOM-003-SCFI-2014 | Safety specifications for electrical products |
| Light controllers (for general lighting) | NOM-058-SCFI-2017 | Safety specifications and test methods for artificial light controllers |
| Luminaires (indoor/outdoor) | NOM-064-SCFI-2000 | Specifications and test methods for lighting fixtures |
B. Electronic Equipment – Safety Certification
| Product Category | Applicable NOM | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| General electronic equipment | NOM-001-SCFI-2018 | Safety requirements and test methods |
| Office-use electronics (various power sources) | NOM-016-SCFI-1993 | Requirements for office electronics |
| Data processing equipment | NOM-019-SCFI-1998 | Data security standards for computing equipment |
C. Energy Efficiency Certification
Lighting Products
| NOM Standard | Scope |
|---|---|
| NOM-017-ENER/SCFI | Compact fluorescent lamps – Energy and safety requirements |
| NOM-028-ENER | General luminaires – Efficiency limits and test methods |
| NOM-030-ENER | Integrated LED luminaires – Luminous efficiency |
| NOM-031-ENER | LED luminaires for roadways and public lighting – Efficiency specs |
Appliances & Electrical Equipment
| NOM Standard | Scope |
|---|---|
| NOM-005-ENER | Washing machines – Energy limits and labeling |
| NOM-011-ENER | Air conditioners – Efficiency and labeling |
| NOM-015-ENER | Refrigerators and freezers – Energy and labeling |
| NOM-022-ENER/SCFI | Commercial refrigeration – Safety and efficiency |
| NOM-023-ENER | Mini-split ACs – Efficiency and testing |
| NOM-003-ENER | Water heaters – Thermal efficiency and labeling |
| NOM-021-ENER/SCFI | Portable room ACs – Safety and efficiency |
| NOM-025-ENER | LPG/natural gas stoves – Thermal efficiency |
Electronics (Energy Efficiency)
| NOM Standard | Scope |
|---|---|
| NOM-026-ENER | Inverter ACs – Performance and consumption |
| NOM-029-ENER | External power supplies – Energy limits |
| NOM-032-ENER | Standby mode – Consumption limits |
Importing to Mexico: How to Comply with NOMs
If you’re importing products into Mexico, here’s what you need to ensure full compliance:
1. Identify Which NOMs Apply
This can be done with the help of:
- A certified customs broker
- A logistics partner like The ILS Company
- The NOM search engine from the Ministry of Economy
2. Certification Through Accredited Labs
There are several certification methods:
| Certification Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Per shipment (by lot) | Occasional or one-time imports |
| By model/type | Repeated import of the same product line |
| Border verification report | Immediate clearance at customs |
These certifications must be issued by labs or verification units accredited by the Mexican Accreditation Entity (EMA).
3. Product Labeling in Spanish
Your product and packaging must include:
- Information in Spanish
- Product name, brand, model, country of origin
- Manufacturer/importer details
- Usage instructions and applicable warnings
For electronic and electrical products, labels must comply with NOM-024-SCFI, which establishes the required commercial information and instructions for proper and safe use.
Different NOMs may apply to other types of products, depending on the category (e.g., food, cosmetics, chemicals). At The ILS Company, we help you determine which NOM governs your product’s labeling requirements.
4. Customs Procedures and RRNA Compliance
At The ILS Company, we ensure that your shipment complies with all Non-Tariff Regulations and Restrictions (RRNA) for seamless customs clearance.
What About Exporting from Mexico?
While NOMs are principally oriented towards the Mexican market, meeting these standards can facilitate exports, as numerous countries recognize or mandate analogous standards.
When exporting, consider:
- Technical standards in the destination country (e.g., CE for Europe, FCC for the U.S.)
- International certifications like ISO, RoHS, UN38.3
- Special permits for restricted or strategic products
- Certificate of origin to benefit from trade agreements (e.g., USMCA, EU-MX, Japan-MX)
The ILS Company assists you in every stage, making sure your exports satisfy technical, legal, and logistical requirements.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Failing to comply with NOMs can lead to:
- Customs delays or seizures
- Fines from PROFECO or SAT
- Product immobilization in stores or distribution
- Reputational damage and lost clients
At ILS, we prevent costly errors by planning proactively and ensuring legal alignment.
Visual: NOM Compliance Workflow for Importers
NOM Compliance Workflow: The ILS Company guides you through product classification, certification, labeling, and customs clearance for a fully compliant import process into Mexico.
Key Regulatory Agencies Involved
| Authority | Role |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Economy (SE) | Designs and manages NOMs |
| PROFECO | Monitors product compliance in retail and public sales |
| SAT (Tax Authority) | Oversees customs procedures |
| EMA | Accredits labs and verification units |
| COFEPRIS / SEMARNAT | Regulate health and environmental standards |
Why Work with The ILS Company?
With over 20 years of experience, the ILS Company offers strategic partnerships in international trade. We provide complete solutions for:
- NOM compliance and regulatory advisory
- Full customs and import/export management
- Door-to-door logistics across Mexico and the U.S.
- Personalized bilingual support and consultation
We simplify complex regulations to ensure your products move legally and efficiently without risk.
FAQs About NOMs in Mexico
1. What is a NOM and why is it important?
A Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM) is an official Mexican standard that establishes technical and legal requirements for products, services, and processes within the country. Any product imported, manufactured, or sold in Mexico must comply with NOMs to ensure consumer safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance.
2. Do all imported products need a NOM certificate?
Not all, but many do. It depends on the product category. Electronics, electrical equipment, energy products, medical devices, and hazardous materials typically require compliance.
3. Can I import products without NOM certification and get it later in Mexico?
In most cases, NO. Products subject to NOMs must be certified or have proof of compliance before customs clearance. However, there are options, such as border inspection (dictamen en frontera), that allow for verification upon arrival.
4. How long does NOM certification take?
Depending on the product and the type of certification (lot, model, or inspection), the process takes between one and four weeks.
5. What happens if my product doesn’t comply with NOM requirements?
Products may be detained by customs, incur fines, or be destroyed or returned. To avoid these losses, it’s essential to work with a logistics partner that ensures full legal compliance from the start. The ILS Company is an example of such a partner.
6. Are NOMs required for exports from Mexico?
In most cases, NOMs are not required for products exported from Mexico unless the destination country recognizes or requests them. However, complying with NOMs can help ensure that your product meets international quality and safety standards, which is beneficial when exporting.
Conclusion
Navigating Mexico’s regulatory landscape—especially NOM compliance—can be complex, time-consuming, and risky if done incorrectly. No matter what you’re importing—electronics, machinery, energy products, or industrial goods—understanding and fulfilling NOM requirements is essential to avoid customs delays, fines, and reputational damage.
That’s where The ILS Company steps in as your strategic logistics partner. With over two decades of experience in international trade and cross-border logistics, we offer more than just transportation; we deliver:
- Regulatory guidance tailored to your product
- Coordination with certified testing labs
- End-to-end customs and documentation support
- On-time, compliant delivery from origin to destination
Our mission is to help you move smarter, faster, and in full compliance across Mexico, the U.S., and beyond.
Whether you’re new to the Mexican market or expanding your operations, don’t navigate NOMs alone. Partner with The ILS Company for peace of mind, legal certainty, and supply chain excellence.