IFT-017-2023: Requirements for Equipment Using Radio Spectrum

The Technical Provision IFT-017-2023, a new regulation published by the Mexican Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT), defines the technical specifications and testing methods for the homologation of radiocommunication equipment in Mexico.

(The IFT was officially replaced by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT) and other institutions of the Mexican government.)

This regulation applies to devices that use digital modulation techniques for wireless local area networks (WLANs) and operate in the 5 GHz and 6 GHz unlicensed spectrum frequency bands. It came into effect on Nov. 7, 2025, and replaced certain aspects of previous regulations, such as IFT-008-2015.

Affected frequency bands

The new regulation covers the following frequency bands, which are fundamental to modern Wi-Fi technology:

• 5150-5250 MHz
• 5250-5350 MHz
• 5470-5600 MHz
• 5650-5725 MHz
• 5725-5850 MHz
• 5925-6425 MHz (the low 6 GHz band, used for Wi-Fi 6E)

Requirements and objectives described in IFT-017-2023

The main objective of IFT-017-2023 is to provide legal certainty to manufacturers, importers and distributors, as well as to help support the efficient use of the radio spectrum. To achieve this, the regulation establishes:

• Technical specifications – Power limits, spectral density and occupied bandwidth
• Interference testing – New tests to verify the ability of equipment to mitigate harmful interference to other radiocommunication systems
• Mitigation mechanisms – Requirements for functions such as dynamic frequency selection (DFS) and transmit power control (TPC)
• Certification – Local third-party laboratory testing will be required for many devices that previously only underwent a documentation process

Examples of products covered by the new IFT-017-2023 regulation

Many devices used on a daily basis that rely on fast wireless connections are affected by this regulation. Examples of products that fall within the scope of IFT-017-2023 include:

• Wi-Fi routers – Especially those that support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and Wi-Fi 6E (which uses the 6 GHz band)
• Wireless access points – Used to extend network coverage in home and business environments
• Range extenders and mesh systems – Devices that extend Wi-Fi signals to larger areas of a home or office
• USB network adapters and Wi-Fi network cards – Computer components that enable wireless connectivity on the affected bands
• Smart home devices – Some smart home equipment that requires high-speed connections for data transmission, such as wireless security camera systems or certain automation hubs
• Wireless video transmission equipment – Devices that transmit high-definition video signals wirelessly

Homologation process phases

1. Gathering technical documentation: The process starts with the applicant (manufacturer, importer, distributor) preparing the product documentation. This documentation must include:
   • Technical and user manuals in Spanish
   • Product datasheets
   • Block diagrams and technical schematics
   • Quality certifications, if applicable
   • Detailed description of the equipment’s technical and operational characteristics
2. Testing in an accredited laboratory:
   • Laboratory selection – The device must be sent to a third-party testing laboratory accredited and approved by the IFT/CRT, such as UL Solutions. As of the effective date of IFT-017-2023, local testing is required for many devices that previously could undergo a process based on foreign documentation.
   • Testing – The laboratory performs a series of tests to verify that the equipment complies with all the technical specifications stipulated in the regulation. These tests cover aspects such as:
     • Equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) limits.
     • Spectral power density.
     • Occupied bandwidth.
     • Unwanted out-of-band emissions.
     • Interference mitigation mechanisms, such as DFS and TPC.
   • Test report – The laboratory issues a report with the results. If the equipment meets all requirements, certification can proceed.
3. Certification by a product certification body (PCB):
   • Application to the PCB – With the favorable laboratory report, the applicant submits the complete file to a PCB authorized by the IFT/CRT, such as UL Solutions.
   • Issuance of the Certificate of Conformity – The PCB reviews the file and issues a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) that demonstrates the product complies with IFT-017-2023.
4. Application for homologation with the IFT/CRT:
   • Processing on the IFT/CRT portal – The applicant, with the assistance of a Mexican legal representative, submits the Certificate of Conformity and the technical documentation through the IFT/CRT’s electronic portal.
   • Issuance of the Homologation Certificate – Once the IFT/CRT verifies that all the documentation is in order, it issues the Homologation Certificate (CoH) with a specific validity period, which may require periodic reviews.
5. Labeling requirements:
   • Product marking – The product must bear the IFT/CRT marking with the corresponding approval number. The marking may be physical or electronic and must be visible and legible.
   • User manual – The manual must also include the homologation number.

Additional considerations for IFT-017-2023

• Certificate validity – Certificates issued under previous regulations, such as IFT-008-2015 for the 5 GHz band, will remain valid until their expiration date, but will be subject to monitoring.
• Inspections – Homologation implies the possibility of surveillance inspections following the IFT/CRT guidance to verify that production continues to comply with the regulations.