Regulatory Update: Mexico

Effective March 12, 2023: Mexico’s certification body, IFETEL (Federal Institute of Telecommunications, or IFT) issued IFT-011-2022 (NOM-221 Part 3), entitled “Cellular Broadcasting Service for Notification of Risk or Emergency Situations,” which sets the technical specifications for mobile terminal equipment that uses the radio spectrum or can connect to telecommunications networks for the reception and processing of emergency alert messages through the Cellular Broadcasting Service.

The new provision, mandatory for cellular phones and smartphones in Mexico, aims to improve public safety and facilitate communication during emergencies by requiring all mobile devices to support emergency alerts using cellular broadcast service. The service must be available in all mobile devices sold in Mexico, including those that are imported or domestically manufactured.

To comply with the new regulation, manufacturers must ensure and prove compliance with the technical specifications and lab testing requirements. Devices will be approved for commercialization in Mexico by IFT only after successful evaluation. Possible fines or prohibition of sale of the device could occur if manufacturers fail to comply with the new regulations.

For specifics on the new IFT regulation and how it impacts use or shipment of your device into the Mexico marketplace, please contact Testing Partners with a datasheet of the device for review.