NOM compliance and product regulations in Mexico
Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOMs) are Mexican Official Standards. Start by identifying which standards cover your product and what evidence is relevant for importing or selling it in Mexico.
What to consider
Separate the questions that affect your product
Scope and classification
Review the goods, intended use, and tariff classification alongside the scope of any relevant NOM. Similar products can differ in technical features or how they are sold.
Labeling and information
Compare existing labels, manuals, and packaging with applicable product information requirements. Review the Spanish-language materials before printing.
Conformity evidence
Check whether testing, inspection, certification, or another form of evidence applies. Identify the responsible party and the organization involved in the assessment.
Planning steps
Work from a product list to a compliance plan
Document each product
Gather product names, models, materials or ingredients, intended use, and existing artwork or manuals.
Screen applicable standards
Review the product details and tariff classification to identify the standards and any additional product-specific procedures that need review.
Identify the evidence
Map labeling changes, relevant reports or certificates, and who would be responsible for each item.
Check before dispatch
Compare the proposed shipment with the product documents and coordinate the evidence needed for the importer and customs broker.
Common questions
Is every NOM review a certification project?
The review depends on the standard and the product. Labeling and commercial information, testing, and formal certification are distinct topics. Confirm what applies before planning the work.
Is the tariff code enough to decide what applies?
Use the tariff code alongside the product’s features, intended use, and the scope of the relevant standard. Bring both the classification information and the product documentation.
Next step
Find out what your product needs
Bring a product list, data sheets or formulas, labels, and your intended import and sales plan.