On May 29, 2026, Mexico's Ministry of Economy published a final amendment to the General Rules and Criteria for Foreign Trade, closing a regulatory loophole that allowed smartphones and other mobile phones to enter the country without demonstrating compliance with Official Mexican Standards (NOMs). The change specifically targets tariff codes 8517.13.01 (smartphones), 8517.14.91 (other mobile/cellular phones), and 8517.18.99 (others), which are now subject to NOM-001-SCFI-2018 (electronic safety) and NOM-024-SCFI-2013 (commercial information) at the point of entry.

The amendment removes the simplified courier and parcel import exemption for these devices, meaning that from July 1, 2026, all shipments under these codes must provide evidence of NOM certification and compliant Spanish-language packaging, instructions, and warranty information. The PLATIICA platform replaces SINEC as the digital system for conformity assessment and certification management.

A transition period is granted until July 1, 2026, after which customs authorities will enforce the new requirements. Manufacturers, importers, and logistics providers must now initiate NOM-001 certification, prepare NOM-024 documentation, and shift from simplified courier entries to formal import processes with full NOM evidence.

This measure brings mobile device imports in line with the safety and consumer information framework already applied to other electronics, aiming to enhance consumer protection and regulatory traceability. Companies that do not comply by the deadline risk customs holds and loss of market access.

This is a High Impact regulatory change.

Key reasons for high impact:

• Removal of the simplified courier/parcel exemption for cell phones, affecting all imports under key tariff codes.
• Mandatory compliance with NOM-001-SCFI-2018 (safety) and NOM-024-SCFI-2013 (commercial information) at the point of entry.
• Enforcement at customs from July 1, 2026, with no exceptions for low-value shipments.
• Transition to the PLATIICA platform for all conformity assessment activities.

Who is affected?

Manufacturers, importers, logistics providers, certification bodies, and distributors of mobile phones and related devices.

Conclusion:

All stakeholders must urgently review their compliance strategies, initiate certification processes, and adapt import logistics to avoid disruption and ensure continued market access.