NOM-086-SCFI-2018 is Official Mexican Standard that outlines the safety specifications and test methods required for new national and imported radial tires used on motor vehicles. It ensures compliance with safety principles by regulating key characteristics like load capacity, tread wear indicators, tire dimensions, and more.
This article explains the scope and key compliance requirements for NOM-086-SCFI-2018, allowing you to sell automobile tires on the Mexican market with confidence.
For background information, see: What Is NOM Certification for Mexico?
The Official Mexican Standard NOM-086 defines safety specifications and test methods that new national and imported radial tires must meet to be marketed in Mexico. It applies to the following categories of tires:
Motor Vehicle Tires: Radial tires for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 4,536 kg (10,000 lb) or less.
Heavy-Duty Radial Tires: Radial tires exceeding a GVW of 4,536 kg (10,000 lb) with speed symbols T, H, V, W, Y, or Z, corresponding to load capacities such as normal, standard, extra, reinforced, light, B, C, D, or E, which are marketed as final merchandise and not as part of a motor vehicle in the United Mexican States.
The standard does not apply to the following types of tires:
Racing Tires: Tires designed for racing motor vehicles.
Agricultural and Industrial Tires: Tires specifically manufactured for agricultural or industrial vehicles.
Snow Tires: Tires with a tread depth greater than 14.3 mm (18/32").
Special Trailer Tires: Trailer tires for special trucks (ST).
Motorcycle, Tricycle, and Quad Bike Tires: Tires for motorcycles, tricycles, and quad bikes.
Temporary Use Tires: Tires designed for temporary use, like space-saver spares.
Diagonal and Diagonal Belted Tires: Tires with diagonal or diagonal belted construction.
Run-Flat Tires: Tires designed to roll without air pressure (run-flat tires).
Special Use Tires: Tires for recreational vehicles (go-carts, golf carts, mountain vehicles) or military vehicles.
Source: Sections 1.1 and 1.2 of NOM-086-SCFI-2018.
NOM-086-SCFI outlines the essential safety specifications and testing methods that radial tires must meet to be sold in Mexico. The standard emphasizes conformity across various aspects of tire design, performance, and labeling to ensure safety.
The standard classifies tires based on load capacity and other features:
Load Capacity: Tires are categorized using the Load Range (LR) system, with initials B, C, D, and E or numbers 4, 6, 8, and 10 to indicate equivalent layer capacity. They may also be marked as normal, standard, extra, reinforced, or light loads.
Load Index: The load index on a tire indicates the maximum weight that the tire can safely support when properly inflated. They are defined in Table A.2 (Appendix A) of the NOM.
Identification Key: Each tire has an identification key providing a comprehensive description of the tire's application, size, speed rating, and load index.
NOM-086 requires radial tires to undergo a series of rigorous tests to ensure compliance:
Dimensional Tests: The tire’s section width and overall diameter must meet the specified tolerance ranges in Appendix B.
Resistance of Bead to Rim Disassembly: The tire's bead must withstand specified forces when mounted on a rim. Tests are categorized by section width, and forces range from 6.7 kN to 11.1 kN.
Penetration Resistance: Tires are tested for burst resistance per Tables A.3 and A.4 in Appendix A.
Performance Tests: The standard prescribes high-speed and low-inflation pressure tests to ensure tire integrity under various conditions.
Certification is mandatory, and conformity assessments are carried out by approved certification bodies like QIMA-NYCE. Key elements of the conformity assessment include:
Testing and Certification: Testing laboratories issue reports following periodic tests, which serve as the basis for certification by accredited bodies.
Surveillance and Verification: The certification body conducts annual verification, including random sampling during the certificate’s final year, to confirm continued compliance.
Radial tires must contain specific commercial information visible and molded on one side:
Identification Key: Unique code to identify the tire model.
Type and Origin: The word "radial" or "R" and the country of origin.
Load Capacity: As specified by the load range and load index.
Official Password: As defined by NOM-106-SCFI-2017.
Imported tires must also include the importer's Federal Taxpayer Registry.
By adhering to the detailed specifications and passing the rigorous testing methods, manufacturers and importers can ensure their products comply with NOM-086-SCFI standards and are safe for the Mexican market.
For seamless compliance with the NOM-086 standard, rely on QIMA-NYCE. Our comprehensive NOM certification services include laboratory testing, document review, and the issuance of official certification marks once your tires meet all NOM-086 requirements. Our unmatched expertise guides you through the entire certification process, ensuring you can confidently achieve market entry and maintain full legal compliance.
To learn more about how we can assist you with NOM 086 certification or to start the certification process, please learn more about our NOM certification services or contact us today to book.
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