If you’re looking to bring some products into Mexico, you’ll quickly learn that understanding the NOM certificate is crucial. Otherwise, you could run into some serious trouble. What exactly is the NOM certificate? What products must be applied for? How do we apply for it?
Let’s study it together!
According to Wikipedia, NOM is the abbreviation of Normas Oficiales Mexicanas, it is the name of each of a series of official, compulsory standards and regulations for diverse activities in Mexico.
In essence, NOM serves as Mexico’s compulsory safety emblem. Attaining the NOM certification signifies adherence to pertinent safety criteria; certain items can only be marketed and utilized within Mexico upon securing this designation.
It should be emphasized that regardless of whether goods are produced domestically or imported into Mexico, compliance with applicable NOM standards and product labeling regulations is obligatory.
Objective of Nomination: Ensuring consumer welfare through upholding safety and quality.
The standards are prepared by the Dirección General de Normas (DGN) (Directorate-General of Standards), which is the body representing Mexico in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Mandatory NORM accreditation primarily encompasses product security aspects such as energy efficiency, thermal impact assessment installations as well as health-related agricultural concerns encompassing approximately 2,000 commodities.
The subsequent items necessitate obtaining NORM accreditation prior to their introduction into Mexican markets.
Health and safety related items: medicines, medical devices and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Consumer goods: textiles, toys and furniture.
Food and beverages: processed food, beverages and food additives
Telecommunications equipment: equipment and infrastructure related to communication technology (such as wired phones, wireless phones)
Environmental products: environmental protection and pollution control equipment and technology
Industrial equipment: machinery and tools used in various industries
Electrical appliances: household appliances, lighting equipment, electronic components
Determine the applicable NOM: The first step is to determine the NOM that applies to the product. The product’s NOM standard system can be confirmed by consulting the Mexican official standards database on the website of the Mexican Ministry of Economy.
You can also check out the results at the end of the article.
Prepare technical documents and test reports
Product information: Prepare detailed information about the product, including technical specifications, test reports, user manuals, etc.
Company information: Provide relevant information such as the company’s registration certificate, production plant information, brand registration certificate, etc.
Entrust a certification agency
Certification agency: Find a suitable certification agency who will assist you in completing the certification application process.
Testing: Send samples for inspection and testing
Send the product to an accredited laboratory (generally speaking, the laboratory is UL de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.) for necessary testing to ensure compliance with the NOM standard.
Evaluation Report: Receive laboratory test results and obtain an evaluation report to confirm whether the product meets the certification requirements
Submit application documents
Submit the complete application documents to the relevant regulatory agency, such as the Mexican Ministry of Economy (Secretaría de Economía) or other relevant departments.
Obtaining a NOM certificate
Generally speaking, it takes 4-8 weeks from submitting the information to receiving the certificate (depending on the type of product).
Marking the NOM mark on the product: After obtaining the NOM certificate, you need to mark the NOM mark on the product. The NOM mark is a visual indicator that your product meets the requirements of the applicable NOM.
NOM certificates are usually valid for 1 year, after which periodic testing is required. However, if the certification process includes an inspection of the quality system, the certificate is valid for 3 years
| Industrial Sector or Branch | Letter |
| Textile Industry | A |
| Environmental Protection | AA |
| Graphic Arts | AG |
| Steel Products | B |
| Me tal Blinds,Shutters and Rods | BA |
| Products and Equipmentfor Medical,Hospital and Laboratory Use | 8B |
| Construction Materials | C |
| Quality Systems | CC |
| Control,Measurement and Statistics Apparatus | CH |
| F-Business | COE |
| Vehicles (auto parts) | D |
| Automotive Locksmith Services | DA |
| Blueprintand Photocopying | DD |
| Technical Drawing | DT |
| Plasticsand their Products | E |
| ConformityAssessment | EC |
| Container and Packaging Products | EE |
| Electronic Data Exchange | EDI |
| Solar EnergY | ES |
| FoodProducts | F |
| Non-Industrialized Food Products for Human Use | FF |
| PharmaceuticalProducts | G |
| Cranes and Lifting Devices | GR |
| Technology Management | GT |
| Metalwork,Welding and Metallic Coating Products | H |
| Electronics Industry | I |
| Electricity Industry | J |
| Chemical Products | K |
| Oil Refining,Distillation and Exploration Products | L |
| End-Use Chemicals | M |
| Equipmentand Materials forOffices and Schools | N |
| Equipment for General Use inIndustry and Agriculture | 0 |
| Glass Industry | P |
| tems Usedfor Optics | PA |
| Handicrafts and Pottery | PP |
| Products and Equipmentfor Domestic Use | Q |
| Miscellaneous Industries | R |
| Security | S |
| Environmental Administration Sys tems | SAA |
| Industrial Hygiene | SS |
| Health and SafetyatWork Management Sys tems | SAST |
| Rubber Products | T |
| Turism | TT |
| Paints,Varnishes and Lacquers | U |
| Alcoholic Drinks | V |
| Non-Ferrous Metal Products | W |
| Toys | WW |
| Equipment for the Handling and Use of LP and Natural Gas | X |
| Agricultural Industry | Y |
| Basic Standards andSymbols | Z |
