Mexico NGOs Urge Stronger CO₂, Efficiency Rules in NOM-163

Civil society organizations urged the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) to ensure that the upcoming update of NOM-163-SEMARNAT-SCFI-2023—regulating CO₂ emissions and energy efficiency in light vehicles—is designed with maximum climate ambition and free from automotive industry concessions.

The Mexican Center for Environmental Law (CEMDA), the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), and El Poder del Consumidor (EPC) stressed that past versions of the standard were weakened by flexibility mechanisms that undermined their effectiveness and stalled progress in reducing transportation emissions.

“The NOM-163 must become a true climate and environmental tool. Human rights, such as a healthy environment and public health, cannot be subordinated solely to economic criteria,” said Anaid Velasco of CEMDA.

The groups emphasized that NOM-163 is a key instrument for Mexico to meet its international climate commitments. President Claudia Sheinbaum has included regulatory modernization in her “Plan of 100 Points” to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy, with the updated standard playing a central role.

Their proposals include aligning targets with the Glasgow Pact and projected fleet electrification by 2030–2035, eliminating “empty” credits and loopholes, and ensuring transparency through open data and vehicle traceability. They recommend open-access formats, standardized vehicle identification, and publication on accessible platforms to enable oversight by citizens, academia, and institutions.

“A more ambitious standard is also a matter of social justice. Low-income households are hit hardest by high fuel costs and poor air quality. Improving energy efficiency reduces emissions, lowers household expenses, decreases energy dependence, and protects public health,” the organizations stated.

They warned that achieving Mexico’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the UN climate framework will depend largely on strengthening NOM-163. Without it, meeting short-term emission reduction targets would be impossible.

“Today, most cars sold in Mexico consume more gasoline than they should, harming both family budgets and the climate. The new NOM-163 is the last call to put consumers and the environment at the center of policy—not corporations,” said Stephan Brodziak of El Poder del Consumidor.