The type approval certification for telecommunications devices in Mexico has moved to new direction following the issuance of a new Telecom Law that changes the regulatory body in the telecommunications sector. On 16 July 2025, the new Telecom Law called Federal Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law was published in the Official Gazette, replacing the previous Telecom Law in effect since 2014.
The new Telecom Law marked as a new chapter in Mexico’s telecommunications sector, particularly with the establishment of the Comision Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT) as the new government agency replacing the role of the Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFT). The transfer of duties and authorities from the IFT to the new CRT took effect on 17 July 2025. The IFT will remain its operational temporarily until the CRT is fully established.
In this article we will discuss all about transition process from IFT to CRT, and current landscape of telecommunications type approval process in Mexico.
New regulatory body for telecom sector in Mexico
Referring to the new Telecom Law of Federal Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law, the IFT was officially replaced by the CRT as a new regulatory body for telecommunications sector in Mexico since 17 July 2025. Unlike the IFT, the CRT serves as a constitutionally autonomous body under the Federal Executive, allowing them to issue administrative regulations to regulate and oversee Mexico’s telecommunications sectors.
One of the main function of CRT is to regulate and oversee the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors in Mexico. Some of the CRT’s primary responsibilities in telecommunications sectors include:
- Regulating the use of radio spectrum in Mexico, including spectrum allocations, auctions, and authorizing the temporary use of radio spectrum for emergencies and experiments.
- Issuing technical and administrative regulations for the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors in Mexico.
- Carrying out the type approval certification for telecommunications products to meet technical standards in Mexico.
The new Telecom Law represents a structural change in telecommunications and broadcasting governance in Mexico with the establishment of the Comision Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT). The CRT will have a governing board consisting of five commissioners. The Governing board is the highest decision-making body appointed by the president and approved by the senate.
Transition from IFT to CRT
Although the new Telecom Law of Federal Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law came into effect on 17 July 2025, the CRT will not immediately take over the role of the IFT. The transition from IFT to CRT will be gradual as the specified timeline, including the transfer of duty and responsibility for the type approval certification process.
The IFT has officially dissolved on 17 October 2025, and its duties and responsibilities has been transferred fully to the CRT. The IFT operational services, including type approval certification services, will be suspended for 15 days during the transition period from IFT to CRT. Therefore, all industry stakeholders in the telecommunications sectors will need to adapt to the new requirements and procedures from the CRT.
During the transition period from IFT to CRT, existing technical standards issued by the IFT, such as IFT-008-2015 and IFT-011-2022, will remain valid until the CRT issues replacement technical standards. In addition, conformity assessment procedures for the type approval certification process in Mexico will continue to refer to the IFT’s procedures until the CRT issues new conformity assessment procedures.
The IFT logo will also no longer be required for labeling requirements after the CRT officially replaces the IFT. The CRT will issue new labeling requirements and introducing new certificate number format. The certification and testing process of NOMs handled by third-party laboratories and certification bodies will not affected by the transition from IFT to CRT.
Conclusion
Navigating the challenges of the transition from IFT to CRT often leaves manufacturers confused, especially when there is still no clear procedure and guide for type approval certification in Mexico. Therefore, it is important for manufacturers to stay updated with all news and announcements published by the CRT during this transition period.
To avoid the issues and misunderstandings regarding the current process for type approval of telecommunications devices in Mexico, manufacturers can consult with Dimulti expert team to stay informed with all update and news. You can consult with our expert team about CRT (IFT) certification in Mexico by sending an email to info@narmadi.com for further assistance.
