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Guide to NOM-001-SCFI-2018: Safety Requirements and Test Methods for Electronic Equipment in Mexico

NOM-001-SCFI-2018 is an Official Mexican Standard that establishes the safety requirements and test methods for electronic equipment. It is designed to prevent dangers to consumers by ensuring electronic products in Mexico comply with safety principles related to electric shock, mechanical hazards, radiation, and more.

This article explains the scope and key compliance requirements for NOM-001-SCFI-2018, allowing you to sell your products on the Mexican market with confidence.

For background information, see: What Is NOM Certification for Mexico?

Scope

NOM-001-SCFI-2018 applies to electronic equipment and accessories that use electrical power from the public service, with single-phase supply voltages up to 277V AC at 60Hz and/or three-phase voltages up to 480V AC between lines at 60Hz, as well as other power sources such as batteries, accumulators, self-generation, and alternative power supplies up to 500V DC.

It entered into force in 2020.

This NOM covers the following new, second-line, discontinued, rebuilt, reconditioned, used or second-hand electronic products and systems sold in Mexico:

Source: Section 1.2 "Campo de aplicación" (Scope of Application)

The products listed are examples and not an exhaustive list. New electronic products from emerging technologies may be included in the future.

Key Requirements of NOM-001

NOM-001-SCFI-2018 outlines several essential requirements that electronic equipment must meet in order to comply:

Safety Principles

The core focus is preventing dangers and protecting consumers by ensuring product safety based on the following principles:

• Protection against electric shock

• Protection against mechanical hazards

• Protection against optical radiation

• Protection against fire

• Protection against thermal effects

• Protection against biological and chemical effects

Testing and Certification

You must subject your electronic products to a comprehensive regimen of safety testing and evaluations specified in the NOM. This includes:

• Meeting particular requirements for different product categories like audio/video, data processing, toys, etc.

• Passing prescribed test methods for electrical, mechanical, thermal, radiation safety aspects

• Conducting tests under specified voltage, frequency, and environmental conditions

• Using calibrated measurement instruments with adequate bandwidth

Products must be tested and certified by an accredited third-party testing laboratory approved by the Mexican government to perform NOM evaluations, like QIMA-NYCE.

Marking and Labeling

Compliant products must bear proper safety marking and labeling as defined, such as:

• Manufacturer identification

• Model numbers

• Electrical ratings (voltage, frequency, current/power consumption)

• Applicable safety symbols and warnings

• Instructions in Spanish

You must ensure your products follow the NOM's marking specifications for permanence, legibility, language, and methods to affix the required labels and safety information.

By fulfilling the stipulated safety principles, successfully passing all mandated tests, and bearing proper product marking, electronic devices can demonstrate compliance with NOM-001-SCFI-2018 for legal marketing and sale in Mexico.

Ensure Compliance with QIMA-NYCE

As the test standard developer for NOM 001, QIMA-NYCE is uniquely positioned to guide you through the certification process with unmatched expertise. Our services simplify the NOM certification process for you, encompassing laboratory testing, document review, and the issuance of certification marks once compliance is confirmed. These steps ensure that your products meet all the requirements of NOM 001, facilitating smooth market entry and maintaining legal compliance.

To learn more about how we can assist you with NOM 001 certification or to start the certification process, please learn more about our NOM certification services or contact us today to book.