NOM-024-SCFI-2013 is an Official Mexican Standard that regulates the commercial information requirements for packaging, instructions, and warranties of electronic, electrical, and household appliance products sold in Mexico.
The standard applies to a broad range of products, including new, rebuilt, used, or second-hand electronic and electrical devices, household appliances, and their accessories and consumables, when marketed to the general public in Mexico. This encompasses items such as televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, computers, power tools, and their spare parts or related components, regardless of whether they are domestically produced or imported.
The requirements outlined in this NOM are in addition to any NOM safety or NOM efficiency standard applicable.
Table of Contents
Goal and Reach of the Standard
The NOM-024-SCFI-2013 is a mandatory regulation designed to ensure that consumers in Mexico receive accurate commercial information when buying electronic, electrical, or household appliances. Its main purpose is to standardize how companies present instructions and warranties, ensuring that users know how to operate their products safely and how to claim their rights if a device fails.
Common Products Under This Rule
This standard covers a vast range of devices used in homes, offices, and workshops. The items governed by NOM-024-SCFI-2013 include:
- Household Appliances: Refrigerators, blenders, microwave ovens, and washing machines.
- Consumer Electronics: Televisions, sound systems, cameras, and video game consoles.
- Electric Tools: Drills, sanders, and other power equipment for domestic use.
- Personal Care Items: Hairdryers, electric shavers, and styling irons.
Items Exempt from This Regulation
Not all electrical goods are required to follow this specific information standard. Exceptions to NOM-024-SCFI-2013 include:
- Industrial and Highly Specialized Equipment: Machinery intended for factories or complex industrial processes.
- Spare Parts and Components: Individual parts sold for repair purposes that are not functional on their own.
- Highly Regulated Medical Devices: High-tech clinical equipment that follows health-specific labeling laws.
- Custom-Made Products: Devices built for a specific client that are not sold to the general public.
Essential Information for Packaging
The box or packaging of a product is the first thing a consumer sees. Under the NOM-024-SCFI-2013, the exterior must clearly display:
- Product Identity: A clear description of what the product is, along with its brand and model.
- Electrical Specifications: Voltage, frequency, and power consumption requirements.
- Quantity: For packages containing multiple items, the exact count must be stated.
- Origin and Responsibility: The country of manufacture and the contact information of the importer or manufacturer in Mexico.
Requirements for User Manuals and Instructions
One of the core pillars of NOM-024-SCFI-2013 is that every device must include a manual. These instructions must be:
- Written in Spanish: While other languages can be included, Spanish is mandatory and must be clear and legible.
- Safety Focused: Detailed warnings about potential risks and how to avoid them during use.
- Clear Procedures: Step-by-step guidance on how to assemble, operate, and maintain the device.
- Spare Parts Information: A list of consumable parts or accessories that the user might need to replace.
Warranty Terms and Consumer Protection
The warranty document is a legal safeguard for the buyer. According to NOM-024-SCFI-2013, a valid warranty must include:
- Coverage Details: What parts and labor are included in the protection.
- Duration: The exact length of time the warranty remains active.
- Redemption Process: Clear instructions on where and how the consumer can claim the warranty without cost.
- Service Centers: A list of authorized locations where the product can be repaired or replaced.
Verifying Information Accuracy
Since this is an information-based standard, compliance is verified through document review rather than physical stress tests. To meet NOM-024-SCFI-2013 guidelines:
- Commercial Verification: Accredited units (UVAs) inspect the labels, manuals, and warranty policies to ensure they contain all legally required elements.
- Consistency Check: Regulators ensure that the data on the box matches the data in the manual and the actual capabilities of the device.
- Documentary Evidence: Companies must keep copies of their approved manuals and warranties to present during government inspections.
Official Language and Legibility Standards
To prevent confusion, the NOM-024-SCFI-2013 places heavy emphasis on how information is communicated:
- Total Translation: All technical terms must have an equivalent or clear explanation in Spanish.
- Font and Contrast: The text on labels and in manuals must be easy to read, with a size and color that stands out from the background.
- Visual Aids: The use of diagrams or icons is encouraged to make the instructions more accessible to all users.
Enforcement and Market Surveillance
The integrity of the Mexican market regarding NOM-024-SCFI-2013 is protected by:
- PROFECO: This agency has the power to remove products from store shelves if the instructions are missing or if the warranty is misleading.
- Customs Authorities: They verify that all imported electronics include the mandatory Spanish-language information before they are cleared for entry.
- DGN (Dirección General de Normas): The central body that oversees the legal application and interpretation of these commercial rules.