Mexico’s Telecom Sector Sees Major Overhaul with New Law
On July 16, 2025, the new Mexico Telecom Law was officially published as the Ley en Materia de Telecomunicaciones y Radiodifusión in the Diario Oficial de la Federación, replacing the former Ley Federal de Telecomunicaciones y Radiodifusión (LFTR). This significant update to the regulatory framework introduces immediate and long-term implications for telecom and broadcasting certification and market access projects.
Why the Mexico Telecom Law Matters: Structural Shifts and New Oversight
The Mexico Telecom Law represents more than a mere regulatory update. It establishes a significant transition of oversight from the Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFT) to the newly created Comisión de Regulación en Telecomunicaciones (CRT). Although IFT operations continue temporarily, it will eventually dissolve upon CRT plenary formation. This transition is effective from July 17, 2025, directly impacting all telecom and broadcasting equipment aiming for market access.
Transition Period and Immediate Effects
The law applies immediately, without a grace period. CRT will gradually take over IFT functions, although current IFT technical regulations remain temporarily valid. During the transition, IFT homologation services will pause for only five working days, contrasting with a broader 15-day operational pause.
Stakeholders must stay alert to official CRT announcements for procedural updates.
Homologation and Conformity Assessment Under CRT Oversight
The homologation process remains mandatory and has been transferred to CRT oversight. The following frameworks continue to apply until further updates:
- ✅ IFT Lineamientos de Homologación (published 29/12/2021 with amendments) remain valid but are expected to be repealed and replaced by new CRT-issued ATDT guidelines.
- ✅ PEC (Procedimiento de Evaluación de la Conformidad) (published 25/02/2019 with amendments) also remains in force until officially replaced by CRT.
- ✅ IFT-issued Disposiciones Técnicas such as IFT-008, IFT-011s, and IFT-012 continue to apply without modifications.
- ✅ NOMs (Normas Oficiales Mexicanas) are not affected, as they fall under the jurisdiction of the Secretaría de Economía (formerly SECOFI).
Labeling and Certification Adjustments in the new Telecom Law.
Let’s remind that IFT logo is no longer required (see also: IFT logo implementation postponed) . CRT is expected to release new guidelines that will introduce a unique certificate number format. This identifier will be critical for production, importation, and commercialization. Official instructions are pending, but stakeholders should prepare for updated labeling content and traceability requirements for new products.
Managing Risks and Recommended Actions
With structural regulatory changes, the following risks are anticipated:
- ⚠️ Delays in processing or issuing certificates, particularly for submissions made near the IFT blackout period (July 21 to August 1).
- ⚠️ Incomplete homologation procedures due to administrative gaps in CRT setup.
- ⚠️ Changes in procedural or format requirements without definitive implementation timelines.
- ✅ Certification and testing handled by third-party labs and Certification Bodies (CBs) remain unaffected.
To mitigate risks, we recommend:
- Continue with product testing and documentation as planned.
- Avoid new homologation submissions to IFT where possible until CRT procedures are clarified.
- Closely monitor all CRT communications and updates on technical regulations.
Related Regulatory Updates:
The new Mexico Telecom Law follows previous significant regulatory developments:
- Mexico Telecom Law Overhaul and Compliance Changes: This update highlighted anticipated compliance and operational shifts, setting the stage for the recent regulatory transition.
- Mexican Autonomous Body Reform 2024: This earlier reform restructured autonomous bodies, including IFT, laying the groundwork for the current CRT formation and broader telecom regulatory realignment.
For comprehensive regulatory guidance and seamless compliance with the new telecom law, explore our services. Discover how we can support your success in market access projects.
