Thursday 17 April 2008  OFFICIAL JOURNAL  (Section One)  
 
MINISTRY OF THE ECONOMY  
 
Mexican Official Standard NOM -015-SCFI -2007, Commercial Information – Toy Labelling.  
 
In the margin, a seal of the National Coat of Arms stating: United Mexican States. 
Ministry of the Economy.  
 
 The Ministry of the Economy, acting  through the General Directorate of 
Standards, based on Articles 34, paragraphs XIII and XXXI of the Organic Law of the 
Federal Public Administration; 39, paragraph V; 40 paragraph XII; 47, paragraph IV; 
51 of the Federal Law of Metrology and Standardisati on; 19, paragraphs I, XIV and 
XV of the International Regulations of this Ministry, and  
 
WHEREAS  
 
It is the responsibility of the Federal Government to take the necessary 
measures to ensure that products marketed within national territory meet the required  
standards concerning the provision of commercial information in order to achieve 
effective protection for consumers;  
 
 On 22 October 2004, the National Advisory Committee on Standardization for 
User Safety, Commercial Information and Trade Practices appro ved the publication of 
the Draft Mexican Official Standard PROY -NOM -015-SCFI -2004, Commercial 
Information and Toy Labelling, which appeared in the Official Journal of the 
Federation on 9 February 2007, to enable interested parties to submit their comments;  
 
 During a period of 60 calendar days from the date of publication of the said 
Draft Mexican Official Standard, the Declaration of Regulatory Impact referred to in 
Article 45 of the Federal Law of Metrology and Standardisation was available for 
consultati on by the general public, and during that period interested parties submitted 
comments on the contents of the said Draft Mexican Official Standard which were 
studied by the working group, resulting in modifications leading to the Draft NOM;  
 
 On 28 Novembe r 2007, the National Advisory Committee on Standardization 
for User Safety, Commercial Information and Trade Practices unanimously approved 
the said standard;  
 
 The Federal Law of Metrology and Standardisation provides that the Mexican 
Official Standards a re the appropriate instrument for consumer protection matters;  
 
The following Mexican Official Standard NOM -015-SCFI -2007, Commercial 
information – Toy Labelling is hereby issued.  
 
 Mexico, D.F. on 29 February 2008. The Director -General of Standards. 
Franc isco Ramos Gómez.  Initials.  
 
 
 
 
 
 Thursday 17 April 2008  OFFICIAL JOURNAL  (Section One)  
 
MEXICAN OFFICIAL STANDARD NOM -015-SCFI -2007,  
COMMERCIAL INFORMATION – TOY LABELLING  
 
 
 
PREFACE  
 
The following companies and institutions have contributed to the preparation of this 
Mexican Official Standard:  
 
− ADMINISTRACIO N GENERAL DE ADUANAS, SAT  
− ALMACENADORA DE DEPOSITO MODERNO, S.A. DE C.V.  
− ALGARA, S.A. DE C.V.  
− ASOCIACION NACIONAL DE NORMALIZACION Y CERTIFICATION 
A.C.  
− ASOCIACION MEXICANA DE LA INDUSTRIA DEL JUGUETE, A.C.  
− ASOCIACION NACIONAL DE IMPORTADORES Y EXPORTADORES  DE 
LA REPUBLICA MEXICANA, A.C.  
− ASOCIACION NACIONAL DE TIENDAS DE AUTOSERVICIO Y 
DEPARTAMENTALES, A.C.  
− CAMARA DE COMERCIO DE LA CIUDAD DE MEXICO  
− GRECARGO, S.C.  
− GRUPO ALMACENADOR MEXICANO, S.A. DE C.V.  
− HASBRO DE MEXICO, S.A. DE C.V.  
− KAY INTERNATIONAL, S.A. DE C.V.  
− MATTEL DE MEXICO, S.A. DE C.V.  
− MEGA GRUPO INDUSTRIAL, S.A. DE C.V.  
− PROCURADURIA FEDERAL DEL CONSUMIDOR.  
− PRODUCTOS INFANTILES SELECTOS, S.A. DE C.V.  
− MINISTRY OF THE ECONOMY  
General Directorate of Standards . 
 
CONTENTS  
 
Chapter  
 
Purpose  
 
Field of app lication  Thursday 17 April 2008  OFFICIAL JOURNAL  (Section One)  
 
 
References  
 
Definitions  
 
Commercial information specifications  
 
Instructions, warnings and warranties  
 
Monitoring  
 
Bibliography  
 
Agreement with international standards  
 
1.  Purpose  
 
The purpose of this Mexican Official Standard is to establish th e commercial 
information which must be displayed by toys marketed within the territory of the 
United Mexican States.  
 
2.  Field of application  
 
 This Mexican Official Standard is applicable to all toys made from any 
material, including ones operated by cel ls, batteries and/or any other power source, 
marketed within the territory of the United Mexican States.  
 
 This Mexican Official Standard is not applicable to replica firearms, to which 
NOM -161-SCFI -2003 applies (see Chapter 3, References).  
 
3.  References  
 
 This Mexican Official Standard is complemented by the following Mexican 
official standards in force now or ones which may replace them in the future.  
 
 NOM -008-SCFI -2002, General Measurement Units System, published in the 
Official Journal of the Federat ion on 27 November 2002.  
 
 NOM -161-SCFI -2003, User safety-Toys -Replica firearms -
Safety  specifications and testing methods, published in the Official Journal of the 
Federation on 20 October 2003.  
 
4.  Definitions  
 
 For the purposes of this Mexican Official Standard, the following definitions 
shall apply:  
 
4.1  Accessory  
 
 An article which is used as a supplement to the toys.  Thursday 17 April 2008  OFFICIAL JOURNAL  (Section One)  
 
 
4.2  Warning  
 
 A legend recommended by the manufacturer, stating that the toy must be used 
with care, the wording of which is discreti onal and must appear on the toy, in the 
instructions or on the packaging, and must be legible.  
 
4.3  Trader  
 
 A natural or legal person who acquires toys produced in this country or 
imported for distribution and/or sale within the territory of the United M exican States.  
 
4.4  Consumer  
 
 A natural or legal person who acquires or enjoys the use of toys as the final 
recipient.  
 
4.5  Disguise  
 
 Attire or an accessory which is used to temporarily alter the consumer’s 
appearance for amusement purposes.  
 
4.6  Cont ainer and/or packaging  
 
 Any container or wrapping in which the product is sold to the consumer.  
 
4.7  Label  
 
 Any sign, tag, inscription, image or other descriptive, graphic, written, printed, 
stencilled, marked, embossed or engraved material affixed to o r placed on the toy, its 
container, or, if the nature of the toy prevents this, its packaging.  
 
4.8  Manufacturer  
 
 The natural or legal person responsible for converting the input materials into 
toys.  
 
4.9  Percussion caps  
 
 An explosive capsule which ign ites when struck or rubbed.  
 
4.10  Warranty  
 
 A document in which, when offered, the national manufacturer, importer 
and/or trader responsible for the toy undertakes to see that it will work during a 
specified period, should any defect of manufacture or of  the materials used become 
apparent (see 6.4).  
 
 
 Thursday 17 April 2008  OFFICIAL JOURNAL  (Section One)  
 
4.11  Instructions  
 
 Written or graphic information recommended by the manufacturer alone, 
explaining how the toy should work, be used, assembled or put together correctly, and 
which may contain warnings on  how to handle the product safely and reliably.  
 
4.12  Input material  
 
 The raw material, parts and components which can be converted into toys.  
 
4.13  Toy  
 
 Any product or material which is clearly designed, intended or manufactured 
for use for recreation al or entertainment purposes, and which can be used or enjoyed 
actively or passively.  
 
4.13.1  For the purposes of this Standard, the following types of toys are cited as 
examples but do not constitute an exhaustive list:  
 
4.13.1.1  Water toy  
 
 One which i s conceived, designed and built for use in water.  
 
4.13.1.2  Scientific toy or experimental equipment  
 
 One designed for entertainment purposes but which is also instructive, 
educational or vocational -educational, combining mental and manual skills and 
orientated to a particular science or any of its branches, with appropriate instructions 
for its use.  
 
4.13.1.3  Sporting or recreational toy  
 
 One which is conceived, designed and built in imitation of those used in sports 
for physical exercise by the consum er. 
 
4.13.1.4  Lounge toy  
 
 One designed to develop mental agility and ingenuity and encourage 
competitiveness.  
 
4.13.1.5  Educational toy  
 
 One designed to stimulate creativity, skill, imagination and concentration 
ability, and to develop ideas and memory . 
 
4.13.1.6  Functional toy  
 
 One which performs, or simulates performance of, the function of products, 
appliances or installations intended for adults, and is often a scale model.  
 Thursday 17 April 2008  OFFICIAL JOURNAL  (Section One)  
 
4.13.1.7  Rideable toy  
 
 One which the consumer can ride and is self -propelled and/or driven by 
electric, electronic or mechanical means.  
 
4.13.1.8  Small parts and components  
 
 Ones which, without being compressed, can be placed entirely and in any 
orientation inside the test cylinder for small parts and accessories according to the 
specifications shown in Figure 1.  
 
4.14  Improper use  
 
 Conditions to which the consumer might subject the toy which are not 
considered normal or appropriate use, such as improperly dismantling, hurling, 
throwing and in general using the toy for a p urpose other than that for which it was 
designed or stated by the manufacturer.  
 
4.15  Normal or proper use  
 
 Ways of using or handling the toy established by the manufacturer, custom or 
style or which are obvious from the features of the toy itself.  
 
5.  Commercial information specifications  
 
5.1  General requirements concerning commercial information  
 
5.1.1  The information concerning the toys must be true. It must be presented in a 
manner which will not mislead or deceive the consumer concerning the natu re and 
features of the toys, and in all cases must comply with the requirements of the Federal 
Law of Consumer Protection.  
 
5.1.2  Obligatory commercial information  
 
 Products which are subject to the application of this Mexican Official 
Standard must carr y at least the following obligatory information, which may be 
shown on any surface of the container:  
 
a)  Generic name of the product, if this is not completely obvious at a glance by the 
consumer;  
 
b)  Statement of the quantity, in writing or graphically;  
 
b.1  Toys which are sold by the number of items in containers which allow the 
contents to be seen do not need to display this statement of quantity.  
 Thursday 17 April 2008  OFFICIAL JOURNAL  (Section One)  
 
 
 
 (pulg. = inch)  
 
 Figure 1 – Test cylinder for small parts and components  
 
b.2  Toys which are sold b y the number of items in containers which do not allow 
the contents to be seen but which obviously contain only one item do not need to 
display a statement of quantity.  
 
b.3  Toys which are sold by the number of items and do not conform to the 
requirements  mentioned in items b.1 and b.2 above must state the quantity in 
written or graphic form. If the statement is in writing, this must be displayed in a 
prominent and easily legible manner in a font size and style which can be read by 
the consumer, as specifi ed in item a) of point 5.1.3 of this Mexican Official 
Standard.  
 
c)  Name, title or business name and tax address of the manufacturer or party 
responsible for the manufacturer of national products. In the case of imported 
products, this information must be  supplied by the importer to the Ministry of the 
Economy or the Federal Consumer Protection Agency at the request of either of 
them.  
 
 The Ministry of the Economy or the Federal Consumer Protection Agency will 
supply this information to any consumers who r equest it if there are complaints 
about the products.  
 Thursday 17 April 2008  OFFICIAL JOURNAL  (Section One)  
 
d) A legend identifying the product’s country of origin, for example: “Product of …”, 
“Made in …”, “Manufactured in …” or similar messages, subject to the provisions 
of any international treaties to wh ich the United Mexican States may be a party.  
 
e)  Where imported products are concerned: the name, title or business name and tax 
address of the importer. This information may be added to the product within 
national territory, after Customs clearance and before marketing.  
 
f)  A legend or symbol indicating the consumer age recommended by the 
manufacturer alone for use of the product.  
 
g)  Where relevant, a statement in graphic or written form of the type and number of 
cells and/or batteries or other power source of 24 V or less which are needed for 
the toy’s operation.  
 
h)  Where relevant, the nominal electrical power characteristics of the toy when a 
voltage greater than 24 V is needed to operate it.  
 
Note:  The information contained in items g) and h) may  also be displayed 
prominently on the toy’s instructions.  
 
5.1.3  Language and terms.  
 
The mandatory information to appear on the labels of the toys must:  
 
a) Comply with the requirements of Mexican Official Standard NOM -008-SCFI -
2002, but may also be dec lared according to some other unit measurement system. 
Any information declared in a unit system other than the General Measurement 
Units System must also be declared in the latter system, in at least the same size of 
letters and/or numbers.  
 
b) Be display ed on the label of the toy or of the product containing it, when relevant, 
so that it will continue to be shown until it is purchased by the consumer.  
 
c) Be displayed in a font and size legible to the consumer. The information to which 
this section refers  must be in Spanish, but may also appear in other languages.  
 
5.1.4  Accessories made from any material, including ones operated by cell or battery 
or by any other power source, must comply exclusively with the requirements of 
this Mexican Official Standar d when sold separately.  
 
5.2  Specific commercial information requirements.  
 
5.2.1  Toys which are designed to be assembled must include assembly instructions or 
a written or graphic explanation on the packaging or in an attached document. If the 
toy is de signed to be assembled by an adult, this fact must be clearly stated.  
 
5.2.2  Slides (chutes), swings, rings and trapezes for gymnastic purposes, also ropes 
and similar toys which are fixed to a frame must be accompanied by instructions 
drawing attention t o the need to periodically check and maintain the main parts Thursday 17 April 2008  OFFICIAL JOURNAL  (Section One)  
 
(suspension points, fixings, anchorages, etc.) and stating that if these checks are not 
done, the toy could tip over or cause a fall.  
 
The instructions must also identify any parts which could pr esent a risk to the 
consumer, if the manufacturer believes this is possible.  
 
5.2.3  The instructions or packaging of toys which use projectiles must include a 
warning that no projectiles other than those supplied or recommended by the 
manufacturer must be  used, and that they must not be fired at persons or animals.  
 
5.2.4  Percussion caps used in toys must be accompanied by a warning that they must 
not be exploded close to the eyes, ears and flammable products and/or containers, or 
carried in the pockets.  
 
5.2.5  Imitation protective gear must carry a warning that it will provide no protection 
in the event of an accident, or a similar legend according to the type of product, for 
example: “This is a toy. It offers no protection”.  
 
5.2.6  Children’s skateboar ds and roller skates which are distributed as toys must be 
accompanied by a legend or graphic reference on the product or its packaging or in an 
accompanying document to the fact that they must be used with suitable protective 
equipment.  
 
5.2.7  Inflatable  aquatic toys must carry a warning on the product stating that it is a 
toy and must be used under the supervision of an adult. This warning must be 
indelible and in a colour contrasting with the body of the toy. The letters must be at 
least 1.5 mm high.  
 
5.2.8  Toys designed for attaching to parts of cots or baby buggies by means of 
threads, cords, elastic strings or ribbons must include on the product, its container, 
packaging or instructions, or in an attached document, a warning to avoid possible 
risks t o babies.  
 
5.2.9  Scientific toys must carry the following information:  
 
5.2.9.1  The labels of the individual containers of chemical substances must state the 
chemical name, commercial name, where relevant, the content in units of the General 
Measurement Units System and the concentration as a percentage.  
 
5.2.9.2  The labels of chemical products containers must be in three different colours, 
as stated below:  
 
 Blue:     alkaline products  
 Red:     acid products  
 Yellow:  neutral products  
 
 They must also st ate the main characteristic of the substance used, as decided 
by the manufacturer,  (astringent, irritant, etc.), so that appropriate measures can be 
taken immediately in the event of an accident.  
 Thursday 17 April 2008  OFFICIAL JOURNAL  (Section One)  
 
5.2.9.3  The container must state the following informatio n on one of its sides:  
 
a)   A warning that it is a scientific toy or experimental equipment which could be 
dangerous if the manufacturer’s instructions are not followed correctly.  
 
b) A recommendation to keep the instructions for correct use readily avail able.  
 
c) The consumer age recommended by the manufacturer for use of the scientific 
toy. 
 
5.2.9.4  The letters of the warning message must be at least 1.5 mm high.  
 
5.2.9.5  It must contain explicit instructions containing all the relevant care and safety  
warnings, which must include:  
 
a) “All chemical products must be handled as if toxic”.  
 
b) “If you are in any doubt following ingestion, an accident or injury, consult 
 a doctor urgently and show the che mical product and its container ”. 
 
5.2.9.6  The foll owing general safety rules must also be stated:  
 
a) “READ the instructions, follow them and keep them for reference”.  
 
b) “KEEP children aged below 5 away from the area where the experiment is to 
 be carried out”.  
 
c) “WEAR eye protection during the experi ments”.  
 
d) “KEEP chemistry sets out of the reach of children aged below 5”.  
 
e) “CLEAN the table and the materials used”.  
 
f) “WASH your hands after the experiments”.  
 
g) “DO NOT USE any other materials not recommended by the manufacturer”.  
 
h) “DO NOT EA T, DRINK OR SMOKE in the experiment area”.  
 
i) “AVOID all contact with the eyes and skin, and ingestion of the chemicals”.  
 
j) “DO NOT use the original containers to store foodstuffs”.  
 
5.2.10  Disguise items must carry a warning not to wear them near a fir e. 
 
5.2.11  Tents and children’s play houses designed for occupation by children must 
carry a warning in the instructions or on the packaging that they should not be used 
near to fire.  
 Thursday 17 April 2008  OFFICIAL JOURNAL  (Section One)  
 
5.2.12  Functional toys must carry the following warning, on the packagi ng, 
container, instructions or label:  
 
“WARNING! USE UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF AN ADULT”  
 
They must also be accompanied by use instructions issued by the manufacturer and a 
statement of the precautions to be maintained by the user, stating that if these are  not 
observed the user could be exposed to the risks associated with misuse of the toy. 
They must also state that the toy must be kept out of the reach of children below the 
age recommended by the manufacturer.  
 
6.  Instructions, warnings and warranties  
 
6.1  General requirements  
 
The information contained in this section must be in Spanish, but may also be 
included in other languages.  
 
6.2  Instructions  
 
The toys to which this Mexican Official Standard applies must be accompanied by 
instructions inside or on the packaging, at the manufacturer’s discretion, at no 
additional charge. These instructions must contain clear and precise rules for normal 
use, protection and enjoyment, also the necessary warnings for safe and reliable 
handling.  
 
6.3  Warnings  
 
The f ollowing information must appear on the product, the packaging or the 
instructions, at the manufacturer’s discretion:  
 
− Precautions to be taken by the user when handling, using and enjoying the 
toy. 
− Connection or assembly instructions for it to work properl y. 
− Warnings concerning the inclusion of small parts or products in the toy 
must only be given if the toy contains these parts and is intended for 
children aged below five. Toys intended for children aged below 3 must 
contain no small parts.  
 
6.4  Warranty  
 
The warranty is optional. However, if the national manufacturer, importer or trader 
responsible for the toy is offering a warranty, this must conform to the requirements 
of the Federal Consumer Protection Law.  
 
7.  Monitoring  
 
The Ministry of the Economy and the Federal Consumer Protection Agency shall be 
responsible for monitoring compliance with this Mexican Official Standard, in 
accordance with their respective areas of jurisdiction.  Thursday 17 April 2008  OFFICIAL JOURNAL  (Section One)  
 
 
8.  Bibliography  
 
Federal Law of Metrology and Standardisation. Publi shed in the Diario Oficial de la 
Federación  [Official Journal] on 1 July 1992.  
 
Federal Consumer Protection Law. Published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación  
on 24 December 1992.  
 
Regulations of the Federal Law of Metrology and Standardisation. Publish ed in the 
Diario Oficial de la Federación  on 14 January 1999.  
 
Mexican Official Standard NOM -015/1 -SCFI/SSA -1994, “Toy Safety and 
Commercial Information – Safety of toys and school material – Bioavailability limits 
of metals on articles coated with paints and dyes – Chemical specifications and testing 
methods”. Published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación  on 2 September 1994.  
 
Mexican Standard NMX -Z-013-SCFI -1977, “Guide to the wording, structure and 
presentation of Mexican Official Standards”. Declarat ion of coming into force 
published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación  of 31 October 1977.  
 
9.  Agreement with international standards  
 
This Mexican Official Standard is not equivalent to any international standard or 
guidelines whatsoever as there were  no references at the time of its preparation.  
 
TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS  
 
ONE. -  This Mexican Official Standard shall come into force nine months after its 
publication in the Diario Oficial de la Federación . 
 
TWO .-  This Mexican Official Standard repeals Mexican Official Standard NOM -
015-SCFI -1998  - Commercial information -Toy labelling, published in the Diario 
Oficial de la Federación  on 5 March 1999.  
 
Mexico, D.F. on 29 February 2008. The Director -General of Standards, Francisco 
Ramos Gómez . Initials.