IFT-016-2024: Requirements for Low-Power Radio Communication Devices

Key points of the new IFT-016-2024 regulation

• Scope – Covers a wide range of devices using frequency bands from 30 MHz to 3 GHz, excluding some, such as the ISM bands (902 MHz to 928 MHz, 2400 MHz to 2483.5 MHz, and 5725 MHz to 5850 MHz) and those used for emergency communications.
• Objective – To provide legal certainty to manufacturers and importers by establishing clear rules, harmonizing technical specifications with international standards, and preventing harmful interference.
• Technical requirements – Detailed aspects such as occupied bandwidth, frequency tolerance, unwanted emissions, and power or electric field strength limits.
• Approval procedure – The new regulation implies changes to the approval process for many short-range devices, requiring testing in accredited laboratories to demonstrate their conformity.

Examples of products covered by IFT-016-2024

The following devices, among others, must comply with IFT-016-2024:

• Wireless microphones – Used in events, broadcasts, or studios
• Hearing aids – Including certain wireless hearing aids
• Wireless alarm systems – Including those used for home and business security
• Generic low-power transmitters – Short-range devices that operate in the specified frequency bands
• Internet of Things (IoT) controllers and sensors – Many IoT products operate in this range for low-power wireless communication

To obtain device approval under the new Technical Provision IFT-016-2024, a conformity assessment process must be followed, which involves testing in third-party accredited laboratories, e.g., our Querétaro laboratory in Mexico, and certification by an IFT/CRT-authorized body, such as UL Solutions.

Certification process established in IFT-016-2024

1. Documentation preparation – The product manufacturer or importer must compile and prepare the required technical documentation. This includes, but is not limited to, product manuals, detailed technical descriptions, diagrams and quality certifications (such as ISO).
2. Laboratory testing – The device must be sent to a third-party testing laboratory accredited by the IFT/CRT, such as our Querétaro lab. These tests will verify compliance with the specifications, limits and test methods established in IFT-016-2024.
   • Factors under evaluation – The third-party laboratory will test the device to help verify that it meets the following technical parameters:
     • Operating frequency
     • Occupied bandwidth
     • Out-of-band and unwanted emissions
     • Maximum output power or electric field strength
     • Frequency tolerance
3. Certification by a product certification body (PCB) – Once the laboratory issues a favorable test report, the dossier is submitted to a PCB accredited and authorized by the IFT/CRT, such as UL Solutions. The PCB will review the documents and the laboratory report to issue the Certificate of Conformity.
4. Labeling requirements – Once the certificate is obtained, starting in 2027, the product must bear the IFT/CRT mark with the corresponding approval number. Labeling options can be physical or electronic and must be clearly visible to the end user. For small products, the label may be included in the user manual.
5. Monitoring and maintenance – Throughout the validity of the certificate, follow-up inspections will be carried out to help validate that the product continues to comply with the regulations. This helps assess that conformity is maintained throughout production stages.
6. Sample selection – Test samples must be randomly selected by the PCB or laboratory, either at the factory, warehouse, or at the end of the production line. Companies are not allowed to prepare samples in advance.

This process is mandatory to market low-power devices covered by IFT-016-2024 in the Mexican market.