NOM Compliance for U.S. Exporters: Which Mexican Standards Apply to Your Product (2026)

What are NOMs and why do they matter?

NOMs (Normas Oficiales Mexicanas) are Mexico's mandatory technical standards. Think of them as Mexico's equivalent of UL, CPSC, FDA, and FCC requirements combined. If your product is subject to a NOM and doesn't have the corresponding certification, Mexican customs WILL reject it — no exceptions, no grace period.

The critical difference from the U.S.: NOM compliance is verified AT THE BORDER during import. In the U.S., many product standards are enforced post-market. In Mexico, your goods don't clear customs without NOM certification documents.

NOMs by product category

Electronics & electrical products

• NOM-001-SCFI: Electrical safety (appliances, power tools, lighting)
• NOM-019-SCFI: Electronic equipment safety
• NOM-208-SCFI: Telecom equipment (requires IFT approval)
• What you need: test reports from an accredited lab + NOM certificate from a certification body
• Timeline: 4-12 weeks for initial certification

Textiles & apparel

• NOM-004-SCFI: Labeling (fiber content, care instructions, country of origin — IN SPANISH)
• NOM-020-SCFI: Leather and textiles fiber content
• What you need: Spanish-language labels sewn/printed on every garment BEFORE shipping
• Common mistake: shipping with English-only labels — customs rejects at the border

Food & beverages

• NOM-051-SCFI: Front-of-pack labeling (Mexico's strict warning labels for sugar, sodium, calories)
• COFEPRIS registration: required for processed foods, supplements, beverages
• What you need: Spanish labels with nutritional info + warning octagon labels + COFEPRIS notification
• Timeline: COFEPRIS registration can take 3-6 months — plan ahead

Toys

• NOM-015-SCFI: Toy safety (similar to ASTM F963 but not identical)
• What you need: test reports + NOM certificate + Spanish labeling

Automotive parts

• Various NOMs depending on the specific part (brakes, tires, glass, lighting)
• IMMEX companies may have different NOM requirements than definitive importers
• Check with your customs broker for the specific NOMs tied to your fracción arancelaria

How to check if your product needs a NOM

1. Classify your product under Mexico's TIGIE (Camtom TariffPro does this from an English description)
2. Check the NOM column for your fracción arancelaria — it lists which NOMs apply
3. If NOMs are listed: contact a Mexican certification body (organismos de certificación) to start the process
4. If no NOMs are listed: your product doesn't require NOM certification for import

The certification process

1. Identify applicable NOMs for your product's fracción arancelaria
2. Contact an accredited certification body in Mexico (ANCE, NYCE, UL de Mexico, etc.)
3. Submit product samples and technical documentation
4. Lab testing (if required) — can sometimes use existing UL/CSA/CE test reports
5. Receive NOM certificate — valid for 1-3 years depending on the standard
6. Include NOM marking on product and packaging