NOM-208-SCFI-2016 is an Official Mexican Standard titled “Products. Radiocommunication systems that employ the dispersed spectrum technique – Radiocommunication equipment –Frequency hopping radiocommunication and digital modulation equipment to operate in the 902 MHz-928 MHz, 2400 MHz-2483.5 MHz, and 5725 MHz-5850 MHz bands – Specifications and test methods.” The standard aims to ensure the safety, reliability, and efficient spectrum use of short-range radiocommunication devices, protecting consumers and preventing interference with other communication systems.

Scope and Applicability:

The standard applies to radiocommunication equipment using spread spectrum techniques—specifically frequency hopping and digital modulation—operating in the following unlicensed frequency bands:

  • 902 MHz–928 MHz (often used for industrial, scientific, and medical devices).
  • 2400 MHz–2483.5 MHz (common for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee).
  • 5725 MHz–5850 MHz (used for higher-bandwidth short-range applications).

Covered products include:

  • Wireless devices like Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth headsets, cordless phones, and IoT sensors.
  • Short-range devices (SRDs) marketed, imported, or distributed in Mexico.

Exclusions:

  • RFID devices in the 900 MHz range subject to separate testing processes.
  • Equipment not operating in the specified bands or using different modulation techniques.

NOM-208-SCFI

It applies to new products entering the Mexican market, replacing NOM-121-SCT1-2009 and NOM-EM-016-SCFI-2015.

Key Requirements:

1. Technical Specifications:

  • Frequency Adherence: Devices must operate strictly within their assigned bands to avoid interference.
  • Output Power: Must comply with maximum permissible power levels (e.g., ≤1 W for most SRDs) to limit signal range and interference.
  • Frequency Stability: Must maintain stable frequencies to prevent drift into unauthorized bands.
  • Bandwidth and Channel Spacing: Must adhere to specified limits for efficient spectrum use.
  • Aligns with Technical Provision IFT-008-2015 (or its latest update) for detailed parameters.

2. Performance Requirements:

  • Ensures reliable operation without causing harmful interference to other radio systems.
  • Devices must meet minimum performance criteria for signal integrity and modulation accuracy.

3. Test Methods:

  • Based on IFT-008-2015, incorporating Mexican standards (e.g., NMX series) and international norms (e.g., FCC Part 15 equivalents).

Tests include:

  • Radiated and conducted emissions.

4. Labeling:

5. Compliance:

  • Requires a Certificate of Conformity from accredited certification bodies and IFT homologation.
  • Testing must be conducted by accredited labs under EMA (Entidad Mexicana de Acreditación) guidelines.
  • Certificates from prior standards (NOM-121, NOM-EM-016) remain valid until expiration but cannot be extended to new models.
  • Frequency stability under temperature and voltage variations.
  • Output power measurement.
  • Bandwidth occupancy and hopping sequence verification.

Purpose and Enforcement:

NOM-208-SCFI-2016 ensures short-range devices like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth equipment operate safely and efficiently, protecting consumer health, safety, and telecommunications infrastructure. It aligns with Mexico’s spectrum management goals under the Ley Federal de Telecomunicaciones y Radiodifusión. Enforcement is managed by:

  • Secretaría de Economía: Oversees NOM compliance and certification.
  • IFT: Regulates spectrum use and conducts market surveillance.
  • PROFECO: Monitors consumer products.
  • Customs authorities: Verify certificates at import.

Non-compliance—such as exceeding power limits or lacking certification—can result in fines, seizures, or market bans.

Safety Certifications