Mexico: Regulatory Updates for Mobile and Wireless Devices (May 2026)
The Mexican Ministry of Economy (Secretaría de Economía) has published an agreement modifying the general rules and criteria for foreign trade. This amendment implements stricter compliance controls for mobile phones and wireless devices at the point of entry into Mexico, updating standard references and removing prior import exemptions.
1. Scope and Impact on Radio Devices
The amendment targets specific wireless telecommunication devices to ensure they comply with safety and commercial information standards. The following tariff fractions are now explicitly subject to compliance controls at the point of import:
8517.13.01: Smartphones ("Teléfonos inteligentes").
8517.14.91: Other mobile phones (cellular phones) and those of other wireless networks.
8517.18.99: Other telecommunication devices, specifically including coin-operated public phones with or without caller ID, user phones, and other wireless network devices.
2. Permitted Radio Bands and Technical Parameters
For devices under tariff fractions 8517.13.01 and 8517.14.91, the technical scope covers mobile transmitting devices with integrated receivers (cell phones and smartphones) operating within the following paired and unpaired frequency ranges:
824 to 849 MHz paired with 869 to 894 MHz
1,850 to 1,910 MHz paired with 1,930 to 1,990 MHz
890 to 960 MHz
1,710 to 1,880 MHz
3. Restrictions and Elimination of Exemptions
Previously, simplified import schemes for postal, courier, and parcel services (under Rule 2.4.11, fractions IX and IXBIS) with customs values under USD $1,000 or USD $2,500 allowed exemptions from certain standard compliance verifications.
Crucial Update: This amendment explicitly excludes tariff fractions 8517.13.01, 8517.14.91, and 8517.18.99 from these exemptions. All such devices must prove full compliance with official Mexican standards (NOMs) at customs, regardless of the simplified import scheme, value, or courier service used.
4. Conformity Assessment and Testing Procedures
Safety Standards: The affected wireless and mobile devices must comply with the safety requirements and test methods defined under NOM-001-SCFI-2018 (Electronic devices - Safety requirements and test methods).
PLATIICA Platform: The Ministry of Economy introduces the Plataforma Tecnológica Integral de Infraestructura de la Calidad (PLATIICA) portal. This platform, alongside SNICE, will host and publish information on accredited certification bodies operating under Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) or Equivalency Agreements.
Test Report Submission: Registered testing laboratories must transmit their test results digitally. Reports must be sent in Excel (.XLSX) format via the Digital Window (Ventanilla Digital) or via email to informesnom.222@economia.gob.mx to ensure timely synchronization with the customs system (SAAI).
5. Labeling and Commercial Information Requirements
The designated wireless and mobile devices (8517.13.01, 8517.14.91, and 8517.18.99) are subject to commercial information verification. They must satisfy the mandatory packaging, instruction manuals, and warranty documentation requirements outlined in NOM-024-SCFI-2013 (Commercial information for packaging, instructions, and warranties of electronic, electrical, and home appliance products).
6. Modified and Replaced Regulations
This decree directly modifies the "Acuerdo por el que la Secretaría de Economía emite Reglas y criterios de carácter general en materia de comercio exterior", originally published in the Official Gazette (DOF) on May 9, 2022.
It establishes the transition to new energy efficiency standards (including NOM-004-ENER-2025, NOM-011-ENER-2025, NOM-014-ENER-2025, and NOM-016-ENER-2025). Certificates issued under the older iterations of these energy efficiency standards (2014, 2006, 2004, and 2016 respectively) prior to the entry into force of the 2025 standards will remain valid until their original expiration date.
