Last updated: October 3, 2026
Mexican Official Standards (NOM) are mandatory technical rules. Many imported goods must prove they comply when they clear customs; otherwise the import cannot go through. Checking the NOMs before you buy avoids held cargo, storage charges and relabeling costs.
How to know if your product needs a NOM
It depends on your tariff classification. Annex 2.4.1 of the Ministry of Economy’s foreign trade rules (the “NOM Annex”) lists which tariff lines must show compliance with which standards at import or export. Since October 2020 there are no letter-based exemptions for commercial labeling NOMs.
The NOM types that affect imports most
- Commercial labeling: NOM-050-SCFI for consumer products in general; NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1 for prepackaged food and non-alcoholic beverages (including the warning seals); and specific standards for textiles, footwear, toys and electronics, among others.
- Product safety: for example electrical and electronic devices, which may require a certificate of compliance.
- Energy efficiency: for certain equipment and appliances.
- Health and phytosanitary: (see medical devices) food, agricultural products and other goods regulated by health and agriculture authorities.
How compliance is shown
- Labeling: generally the goods arrive already labeled together with a certificate of conformity issued by an accredited inspection unit. In some cases labeling in Mexico before sale is allowed, under the options set by the Ministry of Economy.
- Safety or performance standards: a NOM certificate issued by an accredited certification body, based on lab testing.
- The certificate or conformity number is declared on the pedimento.
Before your supplier ships
- Confirm the tariff classification and the NOMs that apply.
- Send your supplier the exact Spanish label text: importer, RFC, country of origin, contents and whatever the standard requires.
- Plan for certification or inspection time, which can take weeks.
- Keep technical data sheets and lab reports for every model.
NOM review in your operation
As a Mexican customs broker in Nuevo Laredo, we check which regulations apply to each tariff line before the crossing, so your goods are not held at the bridge. For imports from Asia, see also how to import from China into Mexico.
Related guides: Mexico tariff classification · requirements to import into Mexico · Carta Porte
Does your product need a NOM?
Send us the technical data sheet and photos of the label. Request a quote or call +1 (956) 717-4150, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM Central.