Mexico: rules and approvals
In 2025 the IFT was dissolved and replaced by the Agencia de Transformacion Digital y Telecomunicaciones, within which the Comision Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones now issues Certificates of Homologation.
Mexico · industrial
Industrial Cell Phone Supplier in Mexico
The IS-04Z1 is an Ex mobile phone for people working inside classified areas at Mexican refineries, offshore platforms, petrochemical plants and fuel terminals. This page sets out how an industrial cell phone supply route to Mexico will work for the IS-04Z1, and what is and is not available before launch.
Pre-launch · certification in progress · Launching Q4 2026
Marking targetEx ib IIC T4Intrinsic safety, Zone 1 / 21 design target · certification in progress
AvailabilityQ4 2026via authorised distributors
Search topicindustrial
DeviceCell Phone
RouteSupply
WhereMexico
Short answer. An industrial cell phone for Mexico cannot be bought yet: the SAMS IS-04Z1 is pre-launch (certification in progress, no certificate issued), and the datasheet, certification schedule and safe-area evaluation units are available now.
Current position: certification in progress, nothing issued, launch targeted for Q4 2026. An operator's own vendor approval is a separate step. Certification status. Place facts reviewed October 2026.
At a glance · industrial
Checklist: industrial cell phone for Mexico
| Check | What to look for | IS-04Z1 today |
|---|---|---|
| Ingress protection | IP rating for dust and water | IP68 design |
| Fleet management | EMM and MDM support | Android 16 with EMM and MDM |
| Explosion protection | A separate certificate and marking | In progress; not issued |
| Where it applies | Mexico: Altamira, Tamaulipas, Tula, Hidalgo, Dos Bocas, Tabasco | Classified by the site operator |
Product · Mexico
The product behind this search: the SAMS IS-04Z1.
SAMS IS-04Z1
An intrinsically safe Android smartphone designed for Zone 1 and Zone 21 hazardous areas in Mexico. It is pre-launch: IECEx, ATEX and NEC 500 certification is in progress ahead of the Q4 2026 launch.
- IP68 sealed
- 4,000 mAh battery
- 50 MP camera
- Android 16
- Zone 1 / Zone 21 design target
The market · Mexico
Where an Ex phone is used in Mexico
Operators and classified areas drawn from the SAMS Mexico market guide.
Operators, EPCs and contractors
- Pemex
- The national refining system, Campeche production, pipelines and terminals
- CFE
- Power stations and their fuel handling and storage areas
- Braskem Idesa
- The Etileno XXI polyethylene complex in southern Veracruz
- Alpek and Indelpro
- Polyester and polypropylene production on the Gulf coast
- Cydsa
- Chemicals and underground hydrocarbon storage in Veracruz
- Vopak
- Chemical and petrochemical tank terminals at Altamira and Coatzacoalcos
Industrial areas and sites
- Dos Bocas, Tabasco
- The Olmeca refinery, still ramping up through 2026
- Bay of Campeche
- Ku-Maloob-Zaap, Cantarell and the Ayatsil development
- Ciudad del Carmen
- The onshore base supporting the offshore fleet
- Coatzacoalcos and Minatitlán
- Refining and petrochemicals along the Isthmus corridor
- Altamira, Tamaulipas
- The leading port for petrochemical fluids in Mexico
- Tula, Hidalgo
- Refining and power generation on the central plateau
Field notes · Mexico
More about Mexico that matters for portable equipment
Mexico: rules and approvals
Telecom and wireless products follow the PEC conformity assessment procedure, which results in a Certificate of Homologation, so older IFT references in supplier paperwork may be out of date.
Mexico: rules and approvals
Applicants are described as needing in-country testing in Mexico or at a laboratory recognised under a mutual recognition agreement, plus a local representative or importer.
Mexico: background
Pemex was formed by decree on 7 June 1938 after the nationalisation of the private oil companies, and it is still state-owned and run by the government.
The term · industrial
What “industrial” means for a smartphone
“Industrial” describes a phone built for plant conditions: sealed, drop-resistant and manageable at fleet scale through Android Enterprise. It does not by itself mean the phone may enter a classified area. Only a device with a valid explosion-protection certificate and marking may do that.
The IS-04Z1 is designed to be both an industrial Android phone (IP68, 4,000 mAh battery, 50 MP camera, Android 16 with EMM and MDM support) and an intrinsically safe one. Its explosion-protection certificates are in progress and have not been issued.
In Mexico. Contractor fleets here turn over quickly, with turnaround crews from firms such as ICA Fluor and Techint arriving and leaving at short notice. Android 16 with EMM and MDM lets a telecoms team enrol, restrict and wipe devices, with Spanish from the first screen. Charging belongs in a safe area, away from the plant fence line.
The route · supply
Sourcing the IS-04Z1 for Mexico
Supply of the IS-04Z1 to Mexico starts only after certification, through authorised distributors. Until then a buyer can request the datasheet and the written certification schedule, and arrange a safe-area evaluation unit, which puts the site on the list for the right local channel at launch.
- 01
Request the datasheet
The technical specification, marking target and conditions of use, sent by email.
- 02
Ask for the certification schedule
Which certificates are in progress, in what order, and what is still to be confirmed.
- 03
Evaluate in a safe area
Evaluation units can be used for connectivity, MDM enrolment and workflow testing outside classified areas.
- 04
Register for launch
Tell us the site, zone, gas group and quantity so the right authorised distributor can contact you.
Questions · Mexico
Frequently asked questions
Can we buy an industrial cell phone in Mexico today?
Not yet. The IS-04Z1 is pre-launch and its certification is still in progress ahead of a Q4 2026 launch. No unit goes into a classified area before the certificate covering it exists. The datasheet, the certification schedule and safe-area evaluation units are available now.
What does an industrial cell phone in Mexico cost?
SAMS has not published a price. Any figure you are offered for an uncertified Ex phone should be treated with caution; written indicative pricing is available for a defined quantity and site.
Is the IS-04Z1 an industrial phone as well as an Ex phone?
Yes by design: IP68 sealing, a 4,000 mAh battery, a 50 MP camera and Android 16 with EMM and MDM support. The explosion-protection certificates are separate and still in progress.
Which sites in Mexico does this cover?
The market guide for Mexico covers Dos Bocas, Tabasco, Bay of Campeche, Ciudad del Carmen, Coatzacoalcos and Minatitlán, among others. Site-level pages are linked below.
How will SAMS supply Mexico?
Through authorised distributors once certificates exist. Until then SAMS can send the datasheet and certification schedule and arrange safe-area evaluation units.
Do I need both homologation and NOM certification for a phone in Mexico?
Not always. Mexico has telecom homologation and NOM schemes, and which applies depends on the product. Radio products generally need homologation, while some electrical products also need NOM certificates for customs clearance. Confirm both requirements with a Mexican certification body before shipping.
Where does hazardous-area work concentrate in Mexico?
Typically Pemex offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, onshore fields and gas processing plants, refineries such as Tula, and petrochemical complexes on the Gulf coast. Each operator issues its own classification, so request the area drawing and the gas group and temperature class before specifying equipment.
Do Mexican drawings in Clase I División 1 match a Zone 1 device?
They are different systems. Mexican practice follows the American code, so Clase and División is common, while the IS-04Z1 is designed for Zone 1 and Zone 21 and has an NEC 500 route in progress. The mapping is a documentation matter, so confirm acceptance with the unidad de verificación and the plant.
Related guides
Keep exploring
More on Mexico, and on other places in Mexico.
ATEX and IECEx Mobile Phone in MexicoSame place, different guide
Intrinsically Safe Mobile Phone in MexicoSame place, different guide
IECEx Mobile Phone Distributor in MexicoSame place, different guide
Rugged Mobile Phone in MexicoSame place, different guide
Ex-Proof Mobile Phone in MexicoSame place, different guide
Hazardous Area Mobile Phone Supplier in MexicoSame place, different guide
Mexico market guideCertification route and regulators
All guides for MexicoEvery route we cover
Certification statusWhat is in progress
Enquiry · Mexico
Ask about the IS-04Z1 for Mexico
Send the site, zone and gas group and roughly how many handsets. We reply by email with the datasheet and the certification schedule.
Enquiry · Mexico
Launching Q4 2026
Planning for Mexico?
Name the site and the operator and we will send what is available before launch.