On 7 February 2025 the Mexican Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFETEL) introduced the new technical regulation IFT-016-2024, which defines specifications, limits and test procedures for low power radio communication devices operating between 30 MHz and 3 GHz.

IFT-016-2024 applies to a variety of low power devices, including general low power transmitters (non-specific short range devices), wireless microphones, hearing aids and wireless alarm systems, but does not apply to equipment covered by IFT-008-2015 (NOM-208) in the ISM bands of 902-928 MHz, 2400-2483.5 MHz and 5725-5850 MHz. By setting operating limits, emission limits and test methods, IFT-016-2024 ensures that these devices meet strict technical standards and minimise interference with other authorised communication services.

Under IFT-016-2024, manufacturers and importers of radio communication equipment in Mexico must ensure compliance in order to enter the market legally.

The regulation takes effect 270 days after publication, that is on 4 November 2025. Certification bodies and testing laboratories may carry out conformity assessment from 4 November 2025, and applications for the relevant authorisations open from 8 February 2025.