Member DashboardMexico updates refrigeration unit regulations
Normas Mexicanas (NOM), the Mexican standard-setting organization, announced several updates:
- Open self-contained and remote units were added as covered products and must meet the existing NOM-003 standard for safety.
- Closed self-contained units must meet NOM-022 for energy efficiency and safety.
- A revised NOM-022 standard was published in February, public comments were accepted through August and the final new standard is expected by January 2026. Mexican labs will have 90 days to comply with the new standard. Companies will have 12 months to comply with the new regulations.
Check out NAFEM’s Global Market and Conformity Guide for links to these and other international certification requirements and resources.
Washington to further tighten lead in cookware limits in 2028
While Washington State increased the allowable lead in cookware to 90 parts per million (ppm) through Dec. 31, 2027, the allowable limit decreases to 10 ppm Jan. 1, 2028. Additionally:
- Cookware is limited to aluminum and brass items.
- Stainless steel is not covered, even if there are layers of aluminum or brass inside the stainless steel.
- The body of electronic cooking devices with removable cooking containers – such as slow cookers, rice cookers and pressure cookers – is no longer considered cookware under the law. The removable container used for cooking the food is still covered under the law if it is made of aluminum or brass.
- Items such as ranges, cooktops, refrigerators and freezers are no longer considered cookware under the law.
Members concerned about these limits are encouraged to contact advocacy@nafem.org.