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• Guide to NOM-208-SCFI-2016: Mexican Standard for Short-Range Devices

Guide to NOM-208-SCFI-2016: Mexican Standard for Short-Range Devices

NOM-208-SCFI-2016 is an Official Mexican Standard that specifies the technical requirements and testing methods for short-range radio communication devices operating in specific frequency bands. This standard ensures these devices are safe and function reliably.

This article explains the scope and key compliance requirements for NOM-208-SCFI-2016, empowering you to confidently market your short-range devices in Mexico.

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

Scope: Products Covered

NOM-208-SCFI-2016 applies to radio communication equipment using spread spectrum technology, a technique used in wireless communication to transmit a signal over a larger bandwidth than the information itself carries.

The standard focuses on devices that use frequency hopping and digital modulation techniques (types of spread spectrum technology) operating within the following frequency bands:

• 902 MHz to 928 MHz: Commonly used by industrial, scientific, and medical devices, this band is popular for short-range wireless communication.

• 2400 MHz to 2483.5 MHz: This globally recognized ISM band is extensively used for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other consumer wireless devices.

• 5725 MHz to 5850 MHz: Another ISM band, primarily used by wireless LAN equipment and other networking devices.

These devices include, but are not limited to:

• Wireless networking devices:

  • Wireless routers and access points

  • Modems (cable, DSL, etc.)

• Short-range communication devices:

  • Bluetooth headsets and speakers

  • Wireless keyboards and mice

  • Remote controls for TVs and other appliances

• Industrial and commercial devices:

  • Wireless barcode scanners

  • Inventory tracking tags (RFID)

  • Cordless telephones (DECT technology)

• Other relevant products:

  • Baby monitors

  • Wireless security cameras

  • Garage door openers with radio controls

Source: Section 1 of NOM-208-SCFI-2016

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-208

NOM-208-SCFI-2016 outlines several essential requirements that electronic equipment must meet in order to comply:

• Frequency Bands:

  • Devices operating under this standard must use the frequency bands:

    • 902 MHz - 928 MHz (often used for industrial and scientific applications)

    • 2400 MHz - 2483.5 MHz (commonly used for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.)

    • 5725 MHz - 5850 MHz (used for high-speed data communications)

  • The equipment must strictly adhere to the assigned frequency band to avoid interference with other devices.

• Technical Compliance:

  • The standard states that equipment operating in the specified frequency bands must meet the requirements outlined in the Disposición Técnica IFT-008-2015. This includes the specifications, limits, and testing methods for frequency stability, output power, and other performance criteria.

    • Output Power: Devices must adhere to the maximum permissible output power levels, ensuring that signals do not exceed safe thresholds that could interfere with other communications.

    • Frequency Stability: The equipment must maintain frequency stability to prevent unintended drift into unauthorized frequency bands.

    • Bandwidth and Channel Spacing: Devices should follow specified bandwidth limits to ensure efficient use of spectrum. Channel spacing must be within defined parameters to minimize interference.

• Testing Methods:

  • Testing for compliance involves measuring critical parameters, as outlined in IFT-008-2015.

    • Output Power Measurement: Ensures that the equipment's output does not exceed regulatory limits.

    • Frequency Stability Testing: Confirms that the device maintains its frequency during operation.

    • Bandwidth Verification: Assures that signals are within defined limits.

  • These tests are designed to verify that the equipment can operate safely and efficiently without interfering with other communication channels.

• Conformity Assessment:

  • Equipment must undergo testing in laboratories approved by the Secretaría de Economía (SE) and accredited by the Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFT), like QIMA-NYCE.

  • Certification bodies will evaluate documentation, testing reports, and overall compliance before issuing certification. A certificate of compliance will only be issued once the equipment meets all specified requirements.

• Oversight Authorities:

  • The Secretaría de Economía (SE) and the Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFT) are responsible for enforcement.

  • Responsibilities:

    • The SE and IFT oversee conformity assessments and ensure that products comply with the standard before entering the market.

    • They will also conduct market surveillance to detect non-compliant devices and enforce corrective measures.

These requirements collectively ensure that short-range devices used in Mexico operate safely and efficiently without causing harmful interference to other radio communication systems.

Ensure Compliance with QIMA-NYCE

As a leader in conformity assessment, QIMA-NYCE is uniquely positioned to guide you through the NOM-208 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-208, facilitating smooth market entry and maintaining legal compliance.

To learn more about how we can assist you with NOM 208 certification or to start the certification process, please learn more about our NOM certification services or contact us today to book.