Latin America Regulatory Compliance Group
Type Approvals Latin America and Caribbean
Latin America Regulatory Compliance GroupIFETEL Type Approval Certification
IFETEL (Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones) is the Mexican Federal Telecommunications Institute which regulates products utilizing technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3G/4G, or any Radio Frequency technology. Equipment that connects to the PSTN, Satellite, and other types of devices will also require IFETEL type approval (formerly COFETEL).
Testing of samples in Mexico is required for equipment utilizing the following frequency bands: 902-928 MHz, 2400-2483.5 MHz, and 5725-5850 MHz. LARCG typically needs two samples (one radiate, one conducted) for IFETEL testing in Mexico. LARCG will assist with importation of the samples and arrange for testing of the equipment in Mexico. Modular and System approval may be possible depending on the characteristics of the equipment.
Mexico requires local representation as part of the approval process. LARCG can provide Cert Holder Services if you do not have a legal presence in Mexico.
IFETEL has frequency restrictions depending on the type of equipment. LARCG will help identify what technologies and frequencies are allowed for use in Mexico.
Products Requiring IFETEL Approval:
- Remote Controls
- Cellphones
- Thermostats
- Modems
- Paging RF
- Trackers
- Wireless Speakers
Common IFETEL Resolutions:
NOM-208-SCFI-2016: Latest resolution that will replace NOM-EM-016-SCFI-2015. Radiocommunication systems that use the radio spectrum to operate in the bands 902-928 MHz, 2400-2483.5 MHz y 5725-5850 MHz (IFT-008-2015 Technical requirements).
NOM-088/1(2)-SCT1: Microwave devices that will provide the point-to-point (P-P) and point-to-multipoint (P-MP) FS systems services. Part 1: Multiple accesses. Part 2: Transport
NOM-084-SCT1: Technical specifications of the transmitter devices used for fleets mobile services.
NOM-024-SCFI-1198: Commercial information for packaging, labeling and warranties of the electronic and electric devices.
IFT 008-2015: Specifies limits and testing methods for telecommunication equipment, and radio communication systems employing the technique of spread. What’s more, radio equipment spectrum for frequency jump and digital modulation to proceed in the bands: 902-928 MHz, 2400-2483.5 MHz and 5725-5850 MHz
IFT-011-2017: Requires a cell phone or tablet’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identifier) be affixed to a device, as well as requires manufacturers to unlock “FM” Functionality of the approved Mobile Terminal Equipment.
IFETEL has labeling requirements that apply and our project managers will assist you with marking the equipment correctly for importation to Mexico.
Current lead-time for IFETEL approval and certification is 9 weeks.
SAFETY
Any type of product that has a battery charger, power supply or adapter MUST have a NOM Safety certificate; therefore, testing will be required in Mexico. NOM Safety certification will be required by Customs authorities when importing the products to Mexico.
Common SAFETY Resolutions:
NOM-001-SCFI: Electronic devices using different energy sources.
NOM-003-SCFI-2014: Household appliances.
NOM-016-SCFI: Office appliances.
NOM-019-SCFI: Data processing or IT products.
There are labeling requirements that apply for safety in Mexico.
Current lead-time for NOM Safety approval is 4 Weeks.
Start The Approval ProcessMexico Plug Types
Type A plugs, rated at 15 Amps, are used mainly in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America and Central America. This Class I, non-grounded, non-insulated plug operates on AC current and is known as NEMA 1-15. The plug has two 1.5 mm thick blades which measure 15.9 – 18.3 mm in length and are spaced 12.7 mm apart. The neutral blade is 7.9 mm wide, while the hot blade is 6.3 mm wide.
This plug almost always operates between 100 – 127 volts and is only compatible with socket type A.
Type B plugs, rated at 15 amps, are used mainly in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America and Central America. This class I grounded, non-insulated plug operates on AC current and is known as NEMA 5-15. The plug has two 1.5 mm thick blades which measure 15.9 – 18.3 mm in length, and are spaced 12.7 mm apart. It also features a 4.8 diameter round, or u-shaped earth pin measuring 3.2 mm which acts as a ground. This plug almost always operates between 100 – 127 volts and is compatible with type A and B sockets. Grounded type B outlets are still rather uncommon in some parts of Central and South America. However, it is not uncommon for people to cut off the earth pin to achieve compatibility with two-pole non-grounded sockets.