What is Mexico IFETEL Certification?

IFETEL stands for Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones, or the Federal Telecommunications Institute of Mexico. It is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the testing and type approval process for all telecommunication equipment imported into Mexico. All products that transmit and/or receive signals using frequency, as well as communication devices connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) or public networks, must obtain IFETEL certification.

Basic Information about IFETEL Certification:

- Mandatory: Yes, it is a compulsory certification.

- Regulated Products: Wireless communication products.

- Factory Inspection: Not required.

- Local Representative: A local representative with certification is necessary.

- Local Testing: Required.

- Certificate Validity: Indefinite.

IFETEL Labeling:

There is no specific symbol for IFETEL certification.

- For products with built-in/integrated radios: “IFETEL: xxxxxxxxxxxxx”.

- For host devices containing certified modules: “This product contains a certified module, model xxxx, IFETEL number xxxxxxxxxxxxx”.

Scope of IFETEL Certification:

All communication devices entering Mexico must be certified, including products with RF functionality such as WiFi, Bluetooth, satellite, and mobile cellular devices.

Common Regulations:

1. NOM-208-SCFI-2016: Replaces NOM-EM-016-SCFI-2015. Applies to radio communication systems using the radio spectrum within the 902-928 MHz, 2400-2483.5 MHz, and 5725-5850 MHz bands (IFT-008-2015 technical requirements).

2. NOM-088/1(2)-SCT1: Specifies technical requirements for microwave equipment providing point-to-point (PP) and point-to-multipoint (P-MP) FS system services. Part 1: Multiple access. Part 2: Transport.

3. NOM-084-SCT1: Technical specifications for transmitter equipment used in fleet mobile services.

4. NOM-024-SCFI-1198: Commercial information for packaging, labeling, and warranties of electronic and electrical equipment.

5. IFT 008-2015: Specifies limitations and testing methods for telecommunications equipment. Covers radio communication systems using frequency hopping and digital modulation in the following bands: 902-928 MHz, 2400-2483.5 MHz, and 5725-5850 MHz.

6. IFT-011-2017: Requires mobile phones or tablets to have the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) affixed to the device and mandates manufacturers to unlock the “FM” feature of approved mobile terminal devices.