What Is NOM Certification?

NOM, short for Norma Oficial Mexicana (Mexican Official Standard), is a mandatory regulatory system established by the Mexican government to ensure that products sold in the local market meet specific safety, quality, and performance requirements.

For most products entering the Mexican market, obtaining NOM certification is not optional — it is a mandatory checkpoint. Before a product can reach store shelves, it must first prove that it meets these established standards.

Think of NOM certification as Mexico’s “official stamp of approval” — proof that a product has earned the right to be sold in this market.

This system means more than compliance alone. It protects consumers’ basic safety and helps maintain fair competition in the market. For businesses, it is the entry ticket to legally selling products in Mexico.

Non-compliant shipments face real business consequences:

• Fines imposed by customs authorities

• Merchandise retention —goods held at customs,creating storage costs and delivery delays

• Extra,unplanned costs to correct labeling or documentation issues after the fact

Applicable Product Scope

NOM standards cover a wide range of product categories. Below are some of the most common areas.

Electrical & Electronic Products	Household appliances, office equipment, IT products, etc.
Lighting Equipment	Lamps, ballasts, and various lighting products.
Industrial & Medical Equipment	Medical devices, laboratory equipment, factory electrical equipment.
Other Categories	Auto parts, tires, food contact materials, and select health and agricultural products.

Certification Process

From confirming the applicable standard to completing certification, five interlocking steps take you through the process — and we are with you at every stage.

1 Confirm the Standard

Based on the product type, determine the applicable NOM standard(s) and the required test items.

2 Submit Documentation

Prepare the application form, product manual, circuit diagrams, component list, Spanish-language labeling, and other required documents.

3 Sample Testing

Send samples to a laboratory accredited in Mexico to complete the required technical testing.

4 Certificate Issuance

Once the test results and application documents pass review, the certification body issues the official NOM certificate.

5 Apply the Mark

Correctly apply the mandatory NOM safety mark to the certified product and its packaging.

Application Timeline

Typical application timeline: 4–12 weeks

The exact duration depends on the product type, technical complexity, and testing circumstances. Most products are certified within one to three months.

Ready to enter the Mexican market?

From confirming the standard to certificate issuance, Sunchine Inspection is with you every step of the NOM certification.