On August 28, 2026, Mexico's Diario Oficial de la Federacion published the binding CRT amendment to IFT-011-2022 Part 3 governing emergency Cell Broadcast functions in cellular phones and smartphones.

The amendment introduces separate categories and channel identifiers for maximum earthquake alerts, maximum alerts for other phenomena and preventive civil-protection messages in Spanish, national indigenous languages and/or English. These three categories cannot be disabled by users.

Earthquake alerts retain the existing maximum-volume signal and vibration pattern; maximum alerts for other phenomena receive a new signal and vibration cadence; preventive messages use the device's configured notification tone. New and revised test methods verify display behavior, the non-disable requirement, audible signals and vibration timing.

The reference standard is updated to ETSI TS 123 041 V19.3.0 / 3GPP Release 19. The amendment takes effect on October 27, 2026.

New conformity and homologation filings may begin only after effectiveness and authorization of the first laboratory and certification body. Transitional rules preserve pending applications and establish separate treatment for previously certified devices depending on whether the required functions can be enabled through an operating-system update.

Impact

Impact assessment: High.

Key reasons: the final amendment changes mandatory handset behavior, CBS channel configuration, audible and vibration requirements, laboratory methods and the treatment of existing conformity and homologation certificates.

Who is affected?

Mobile-device manufacturers, importers, local representatives, operating-system and firmware teams, certification bodies, laboratories and certificate holders.

Conclusion:

product configurations, test plans and certificate portfolios should be assessed before October 27, 2026, with particular attention to the transitional notification route for previously approved devices.