Mexico has implemented updated energy efficiency requirements for air conditioners and unit-type air conditioners through regulatory notifications.
Mexico Tightens Energy Efficiency Rules for AC Units
New mandatory standards for testing, labeling, and performance limits.
What changed
Mandatory efficiency limits apply to unit-type, room, and split air conditioners.
Testing procedures required to verify energy performance under PROY-NOM-035-ENER-2024.
Labeling standards updated for all affected household cooling devices.
Who it affects
AC importers must ensure products meet the new efficiency and labeling rules before shipping.
Manufacturers must apply the new testing methods to units under HS codes 841582, 841510, 841590, and 841583.
Key dates
Compliance Answer: Updated Energy Efficiency Requirements for Air Conditioners in Mexico
Mexico has published Mexican Official Standard PROY-NOM-035-ENER-2024 (now finalized as NOM-035-ENER-2024) to establish energy efficiency requirements for unit-type air conditioners. The regulation sets minimum efficiency levels, testing methods, labeling rules, and conformity assessment procedures for applicable products1, 2.
1. Scope and Applicability
The standard applies to self-contained ("unit-type" or "package-unit") air conditioners meeting the following criteria1:
- Cooling capacity: 19,050 W (65,000 BTU/h) to 70,340 W (240,000 BTU/h).
- Power source: Electricity, air-cooled, mechanical compression.
- Compressor types: Single-speed, variable frequency, refrigerant flow (proportional control), or multistage.
- Market status: Imported, manufactured, or marketed in Mexico.
Exclusions1:
- Split-type central air conditioners.
- Water- or evaporative-cooled air conditioners.
2. Key Requirements
A. Minimum Energy Efficiency Limits
The standard establishes minimum Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) or Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) thresholds, though specific numeric values are not detailed in the provided sources. Compliance is verified through standardized test methods1.
B. Test Methods
Products must be evaluated using the test methods prescribed in PROY-NOM-035-ENER-20241. These methods align with international or Mexican standards for measuring energy performance.
C. Labeling and Commercial Information
- Energy efficiency labeling: Mandatory for all covered products, including SEER/EER ratings and other performance metrics1.
- Commercial information: Must comply with NOM-024-SCFI-2013 (packaging, instructions, and warranties for electrical appliances)1.
- Units of measurement: Must adhere to NOM-008-SE-2021 (Mexico’s General System of Units of Measurement)1.
D. Conformity Assessment
Manufacturers, importers, and distributors must ensure products undergo conformity assessment procedures to verify compliance with the standard1. Details of the assessment process (e.g., certification bodies, documentation requirements) are outlined in the regulation.
3. Regulatory Timeline and Status
- Publication date: 20 August 2025 (final standard published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF))2.
- Comment period: Closed (originally 60 days from notification, ending ~March 2025)1.
- Adoption/entry into force: Dates not specified in the sources1. Stakeholders should monitor updates from the National Commission for the Efficient Use of Energy (CONUEE) or the Ministry of Energy (SENER).
4. Responsible Authorities
| Authority | Role | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| CONUEE / CCNNPURRE | Standard development, enforcement, and compliance oversight1. | Av. Revolución 1877, CDMX; norma.morales@conuee.gob.mx1. |
| Directorate-General of Standards (DGN) | Handles comments, inquiries, and dissemination of the standard1. | Pachuca 189, CDMX; ariel.gutierrez@economia.gob.mx1. |
5. Supporting Regulations
The following standards must be consulted for full compliance1:
- NOM-024-SCFI-2013: Commercial information (packaging, instructions, warranties).
- NOM-008-SE-2021: Units of measurement (replaces NOM-008-SCFI-2002).
6. Summary Table of Key Requirements
| Regulation | Key Requirement | Threshold/Deadline | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOM-035-ENER-2024 | Minimum SEER/EER limits for unit-type air conditioners1. | Cooling capacity: 19,050–70,340 W1. | CONUEE/SENER |
| Mandatory energy efficiency labeling1. | Effective upon entry into force2. | ||
| Conformity assessment procedures1. | Not specified. | ||
| NOM-024-SCFI-2013 | Commercial information (packaging, instructions, warranties)1. | Ongoing compliance. | DGN/SE |
| NOM-008-SE-2021 | Units of measurement for labeling1. | Ongoing compliance. | DGN/SE |
Summary Answer
Mexico’s NOM-035-ENER-2024 (published 20 August 2025) establishes energy efficiency requirements for unit-type air conditioners with cooling capacities of 19,050–70,340 W, including minimum SEER/EER limits, test methods, and mandatory labeling2, 1. Compliance is enforced by CONUEE and requires adherence to supporting standards (NOM-024-SCFI-2013 and NOM-008-SE-2021)1. While the standard is now final, its entry into force date remains unspecified1. Manufacturers, importers, and distributors must ensure products meet these requirements prior to market entry1. For updates, consult the Directorate-General of Standards (DGN) or CONUEE1.
Sources
- ↩ Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade – Notification – Mexico – Unit-type air conditioners https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=Q:/G/TBTN25/MEX542.pdf&Open=True
- ↩ Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade – Notification – Mexico – Unit-type air conditioners – Addendum https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=Q:/G/TBTN25/MEX542A1.pdf&Open=True