The core requirement for importing machinery and equipment into Mexico is NOM certification (Norma Oficial Mexicana/Official Mexican Standard): Check the corresponding mandatory NOM based on the HS Code (covering electronics/electrical appliances, industrial equipment, automotive parts, etc.). Key Rule: The NOM certificate holder must be the Mexican importer (per the Ministry of Economy’s “Guide to Standards for Foreign Trade Products,” only certificates held by local Mexican companies allow for customs clearance; Customs verifies that the certificate holder matches the actual importer). Testing must be conducted at a laboratory accredited in Mexico.
I.
What is NOM Certification?
Basis: Mexico’s Federal Law on Metrology and Standardization; Regulation: The Ministry of Economy’s Directorate General of Standards (DGN) and conformity assessment bodies; Mandatory Scope: Electronics/electrical appliances, industrial equipment, telecommunications, medical devices, construction materials, automotive parts, toys, etc.; Marking: Products must bear the NOM mark; Exemptions: Goods not on the NOM list must declare the exemption status on the customs declaration (refer to SNICE FAQs)—first, check the HS Code against mandatory NOM requirements (verifiable via the Siavi system).
II.
Key Rule: Importer as Certificate Holder
Certificate Holder: The NOM certificate must be applied for and held by the Mexican importer (foreign manufacturers cannot hold the certificate directly); Consistency Check: Customs verifies that the certificate holder matches the actual importer (different importers for the same product must each obtain their own certification); Testing: Test reports must be issued by a laboratory accredited in Mexico (accredited by EMA); Issuance: A Mexican certification body issues the certificate of conformity—for Chinese manufacturers exporting to Mexico: have the Mexican customer/importer handle the NOM process (with the manufacturer providing support regarding testing and documentation).
III. Document Checklist
Technical Documents: CB test report, design drawings, specifications, and circuit diagrams; Language: Spanish labels and Spanish user manual (per cene.mx NOM-196 requirements); Company Documents: Importer’s RFC tax ID, business license, and letter of authorization; Samples: Complete physical samples and product photos; Other: Brand and model information—incomplete documentation prevents NOM certification (the Spanish manual is a common sticking point).
IV.
Additional Customs Clearance Requirements
Importer Registration: Padrón de Importadores (Mexican Importer Registry); Electronic Value Declaration: MVE (Manifestación de Valor Electrónica; submitted via the VUCEM digital portal prior to cargo arrival; includes declared value, trade terms, contract, and proof of payment); Documents: Commercial invoice (in Spanish or with translation) and Bill of Lading; Duties: Tariff based on HS code + 16% VAT (IVA)—SAT is intensifying pre-verification of cargo value in 2026 (high risk associated with under-declaration).
V.
Process and Recommendations
First, check NOM requirements (list of mandatory standards corresponding to the HS code); second, arrange testing (at a Mexican-accredited laboratory); third, handle certification (the Mexican client/importer acts as the certificate holder); fourth, prepare Spanish documentation (labels, manuals, and technical specifications); fifth, ensure declaration compliance (accurate MVE cargo value and importer registration)—for machinery imports to Mexico: NOM compliance (checked via HS code), importer as certificate holder, testing at a Mexican-accredited lab, Spanish labels/manuals, and MVE electronic declaration;
the process takes approximately 1–3 months.
