On October 2, 2024, Mexico’s Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) introduced major changes to its guidelines on the use of the IFT seal and labeling requirements for telecommunications and broadcasting devices. These revisions, which take effect on July 1, 2025, are designed to enhance consumer recognition of compliant products and streamline the regulatory process for manufacturers.
Key Changes to IFT Seal and Label Requirements
This consultation addresses the proposed replacement of the existing standards for SAR evaluation:
- KS C 3370-2: This standard, covering the measurement procedures for the SAR of portable wireless devices used in close proximity to the human body, is slated for withdrawal.
- KS_C_NEW_2024_4501: The new standard, set to replace KS C 3370-2, will provide updated methods and procedures for evaluating SAR in wireless communication devices. This new standard is expected to streamline testing processes while aligning with global best practices for radiation safety.
The Importance of SAR Evaluation
The updated guidelines introduce new rules regarding the use of the IFT Seal and labeling for approved products, aiming to improve transparency and compliance across the telecommunications industry.
- Mandatory IFT Seal:
Starting July 2025, all approved products must feature the IFT Seal, which can be printed, digitized, or reproduced in 100% positive/negative black or gray. It must adhere to specific dimensions and be placed in designated protection areas on the product. - Labeling Requirements for Approved Devices:
In addition to the seal, devices must also display the IFT Label, which includes the prefix “IFT” followed by the product’s Homologation Certificate number. The label must be legible and easily visible to users without magnification. - Accommodations for Small Products:
Products that are too small to display the labeling physically (i.e., those with dimensions smaller than 35 mm x 10 mm) are allowed to include the IFT Seal in the product manual or electronic documentation. Similarly, products installed in vehicles can have the label displayed in the user’s manual if the marking is not visible on the product itself. - Exemptions:
Devices approved before July 1, 2025, or those with ongoing IFT Certificate applications, reissuance requests, extensions, or change reports for valid certificates issued before the deadline, are exempt from the new seal requirements.
Flexible Labeling Options for Manufacturers
The new rules allow manufacturers more flexibility in how they meet compliance, including options for electronic labeling and specific color requirements. This shift aims to make it easier for companies to implement the necessary changes while ensuring that the markings remain visible and clear to consumers.
Industry Feedback Shaped the Guidelines
he IFT’s modifications reflect feedback from a public consultation held between June and August 2023, during which industry stakeholders raised concerns about the practicalities of physical and electronic labeling. These concerns were addressed in the final guidelines, allowing for both physical and electronic methods to accommodate the diverse range of telecommunications products.
For detailed information on the updated guidelines, click here.
