Mexico's radio access rules saw a major institutional change in 2025. The former IFT (Federal Telecommunications Institute) was dissolved – with radio homologation functions transferred to CRT. This institutional change brought new implementing rules – for 2026 shipments, manufacturers must first understand the IFT‑to‑CRT transition – don't simply apply old IFT processes to new products.
1.1 Institutional change
CRT – Comisión de Reglamentos de Telecomunicaciones – the Telecommunications Regulations Commission. The industry previously called it IFT certification or IFETEL certification. After IFT was dissolved in 2025, radio equipment type‑approval was taken over by CRT. Existing IFT‑issued certificates remain valid – new applications follow CRT's new process – approval numbers are now issued by CRT.
1.2 CRT scope
CRT's core responsibility is radio spectrum access. Phones, Wi‑Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, two‑way radios, drone video transmitters, in‑vehicle wireless terminals – any product with RF transmission capability must complete this certification to enter the Mexican market.
This radio access is independent from electrical safety NOM certification – don't confuse the two compliance systems at the project‑planning stage.
2. Three Certification Paths
2.1 Type A – local testing
Most Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi products use Type A – samples must be sent to Mexican recognised labs for full RF testing. Test standards: NOM-208-SCFI, IFT-008 – covering frequency error, EIRP, spurious emissions, occupied bandwidth, DFS radar avoidance. Timeline: 4–6 weeks – typically 2–3 samples required.
2.2 Type B – document review + expert assessment
For low‑band or niche RF products – Type B does not require local testing. A Mexican‑registered perito (expert) conducts technical review – compiling a Memoria Técnica (technical memorandum) for CRT review. Timeline: 6–8 weeks – suitable for companies with many models looking to control test costs.
2.3 Type C – policy note
From November 2025, after IFT‑016 and IFT‑017 took effect, devices in the 30 MHz – 3 GHz range and specified 5 GHz Wi‑Fi bands are affected. Type B review is no longer available – these categories are mandatory for Type A local testing. There is no combined Type A + Type B parallel filing any more.
3. 2026 Key New Rules
3.1 Local testing scope expanded
IFT‑016 covers 30 MHz – 3 GHz RF devices, while IFT‑017 covers 5150–5850 MHz and 5925–6425 MHz Wi‑Fi bands. Previously, FCC report‑based document review is no longer acceptable – these categories must be locally tested in Mexico. Manufacturers must reserve test time and budget accordingly.
3.2 Customs enforcement continues to tighten
Between 2025 and 2026, Mexican customs inspection standards have tightened significantly – shipments missing NOM marks or CRT approval numbers face detention, return, or administrative penalties.
PROFECO (consumer protection agency) routinely conducts offline market inspections – non‑compliant products in retail channels are delisted.
3.3 Cybersecurity regulations – status
Mexico is currently in the consultation phase for communication‑device cybersecurity regulations – no mandatory rules are yet in effect. Connected wireless products should monitor official announcements and prepare compliance plans in advance – to avoid last‑minute remediation.
4. Application Process and Documentation
4.1 Certificate holder requirement
Overseas factories cannot hold certificates directly – you must appoint a Mexican legal entity with an RFC tax ID as the certificate holder – typically an importer or distributor. After signing formal authorisation documents, the certification application can begin – the holder is responsible for document retention and responding to official audits.
4.2 Document checklist
Required documents include RF specifications, channel parameter tables, DFS configuration, circuit schematics, block diagrams, Spanish‑language manuals, nameplate artwork, and test samples. Existing FCC/CE reports are reference only – for Type A mandatory categories, they do not replace local RF testing.
4.3 Nameplate and labelling
After certification, products must bear the CRT approval number – in black‑and‑white format on the product nameplate. For very small devices, the number may be shown in the Spanish manual – but the outer packaging must clearly display the approval number.
5. Difference from NOM Safety Certification
5.1 Two independent compliance systems
CRT covers radio spectrum compliance, while NOM covers electrical safety. For example, a Wi‑Fi speaker exported to Mexico needs both CRT radio certification and NOM-019-SCFI electrical safety certification. They can run in parallel – but certificates are independent – they cannot substitute for each other.
5.2 Series certification planning
Multi‑model products can use series certification – but CRT (radio) and NOM (safety) grouping rules are not the same. CRT groups by RF hardware and RF firmware, while NOM groups by power supply structure and electrical scheme. Before applying, clarify model differences with the certification body – reducing unnecessary duplicate testing.
6. Timeline and Cost Reference
6.1 Timeline estimate
Type A typically takes 4–6 weeks, while Type B takes 6–8 weeks. Document revisions and lab scheduling can extend timelines – we recommend starting certification 8–10 weeks before goods arrive in Mexico.
6.2 Cost breakdown
Costs include testing fees and certification service fees. Type B requires additional perito expert review fees. Multi‑model series applications can share costs – but more bands mean higher test fees.
7. Common Traps
7.1 FCC reports alone are insufficient
FCC reports have reference value – but Mexican RF limits, band plans, and DFS test conditions differ from US standards. Many companies assume an FCC certificate means no local testing – only to have their applications rejected – delaying shipments.
7.2 Missing Spanish documentation
CRT requires technical documents and user manuals in Spanish. English‑only submissions are rejected – requiring supplementary materials. Prepare Spanish documents in parallel with testing – don't let documentation delays hold up the process.
8. Quick FAQs
8.1 Do I still need CRT if I have FCC?
Yes. FCC is US market access – CRT is Mexico's mandatory requirement – the two systems do not interoperate. FCC reports can assist document review – but mandatory categories still require local RF testing in Mexico.
8.2 Multi‑band devices – testing rules
Multi‑radio devices are tested separately per band – 2.4G Wi‑Fi, 5G Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, cellular modules – each independently. For series applications – clarify hardware differences – only test the changed portions – not the full product.
8.3 CRT certificate validity
CRT certificates have no fixed expiry – as long as hardware and regulations are unchanged. If CRT issues new technical specifications with a transition period – certified products may need difference assessment – monitor official announcements.
9. What a Certification Body Provides
9.1 Solution assessment
A good certification body helps determine Type A vs. Type B – confirming whether mandatory local testing applies. It liaises with Mexican labs and perito engineers – booking test slots in advance.
9.2 Document preparation and compliance review
It also assists with Spanish technical documentation – formatting documents to CRT specifications – pre‑reviewing nameplate content and label artwork – avoiding format‑related rejections.
For Mexico CRT certification, contact BlueAsia at 13534225140 (King) or email king.guo@cblueasia.com.
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