IFT Issues Changes to Conformity Assessment Procedure

On Dec. 27, 2021, the IFT published a document in the Official Gazette of the Federation in Mexico explaining the changes that will affect the NOM certification for telecommunication and broadcasting devices in Mexico.   

Starting June 25, 2022, the new changes to the certification apply to products that require in-country testing and include the following:

• A second sample will be optional for all four possible approval schemes.
• The conformity certificate (CC) will list importers, subsidiaries and affiliates only for Schemes II, III and IV.
• Test reports will be valid for 120 working days.

The certificate may now include importers previously not list in certification Schemes II, III and IV. 

Scheme I

• For approval of a single batch of products
• The number of samples and the need to obtain a new CC will depend on whether the product is new, used, refurbished, or rebuilt and whether the device entered Mexico or was already in the territory. 

The CC will include importers, subsidiaries and affiliates in Schemes II, III and IV. 

Scheme II

• Model name approval
• For the extension of batches
• A paperwork-based process

Scheme III

• Model family approval 
• Extend the number of models included in a CC based on a family grouping letter.
• A paperwork-based process

Scheme IV

• Approval for a group of daily-use equipment whose functionality focuses on IoT, short-range radio communication or broadcasting devices
• Only applies to an end-product
• Possibility of extending the number of end products included in the CC
• A paperwork-based process

The CC may include a list of requirements for the group of devices, depending on the category they fall under. It may be an Internet of Things (IoT) group of devices or short-range radio communication or broadcasting devices. 

Surveillance program

• For Schemes II and III, a small portion of the active certificates will be eligible for a lottery to determine who must comply with the annual surveillance.
• For Scheme IV, 50% of the active certificates issued during the previous year are eligible for a lottery to determine who must comply with the annual surveillance.
• The active certificates under Schemes II, III and IV (which list the affiliates, subsidiaries and/or importers selected above for annual surveillance) are eligible for a second lottery and must comply with surveillance a second time. 

Homologation

The IFT has issued a new Homologation Guideline for telecommunication and broadcasting devices.

On Dec. 29, 2021, the IFT published a document through the Official Gazette of the Federation in Mexico explaining the new Homologation Guidelines for Telecommunication and Broadcasting Devices in Mexico. Starting on June 27, 2022, the new guidelines will apply to those products that can connect to a telecommunication network or use the radio-electric spectrum (intentional and unintentional radiators). Previously, not all broadcasting devices required homologation.

Changes:

• Advanced electronic signature implementation
• Homologation submitted via the electronic service portal
• Homologation certificates are non-transferable
• Can include affiliates, subsidiaries and importers (only in Homologation Type A and C)
• Datasheet and user manuals must be in Spanish and delivered to the IFT
• Type B and C require schematics and block diagrams

Types of homologation certificates:

Type A: NOM/DT certificate
Type B: Technical dictum (perito)
Type C: NOM/DT certificate and technical dictum (perito)

It is possible to get unlimited validity for all certification types. Certificate Type B and C are available if the technical evaluation to ratify the unlimited validity is sent three months prior to the expiration date.  

The information that will appear in the certificates remains the same except for certificate Type A and C, which will now include information on the affiliate, subsidiary and importer’s company.

The following new rules include a registration process applicable to some telecom devices:

• Type A: Products complying inherently with some NOM/DT
• Type B: Products for use during a specific event or workshop
• Type C: Telecommunication or broadcasting infrastructure

There will also be changes related to the labeling requirements:

• The only acceptable marking will be IFTXXXXXXXXX-XXXX.
• Physical or electronic labeling is acceptable.
• For Scheme IV, only the end product will show the IFT ID.
• Labeling will be acceptable in the product, manual or packaging.

The deadline for presenting samples for testing with the corrected technical information and the register of the local importer was May 6, 2022. Otherwise, the application will be on hold until the new process is implemented. 

https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5639471&fecha=27/12/2021   

https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5639645&fecha=29/12/2021     

Contact our GMA team for further information.