Quality Solutions (QA/QC) & NOM Consulting in Mexico

Pro QC International provides quality solutions and NOM consulting throughout Mexico.

With over four decades of experience, we have developed and manage a comprehensive network of skilled and knowledgeable professionals throughout the region and globally that are flexible to assist with both short and long-term projects.

From our testing laboratory and offices in Monterrey, we represent clients located in the region that are sourcing abroad and benefit from our cost-effective expertise where suppliers are located. We also represent clients located outside of the region that want on-site, local expertise to test product or evaluate suppliers and/or shipments in Mexico.

Our quality engineers and auditors offer applicable industry experience related to medical devices, electronics, automotive, consumer retail, textiles/garments, and more. Available with little notice, our resources are deployed where you need them, when you need them.

Specific to Mexico, our team is specialized in assisting organizations with the Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM) consulting and the certification process. We help determine what NOM requirements apply to your product, represent you as an agent, organize testing in an approved lab and submit testing results to an applicable certification body. We manage NOM certification so your products reach the market quickly and avoid any associated penalties related to the NOM requirements.

Whether it’s assisting with identifying and developing suppliers, or evaluating product quality on-site or in our ISO 17025 certified testing lab in Monterrey, we offer a partnered approach to solutions.

Our Services in Mexico

Contact Us

Our Local Office:

Jose Benitez 2211, interior 24 CP 64030, Colonia chepevera Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico

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Our Coverage in Mexico

  • Monterrey
  • Mexico City
  • Tijuana
  • Juarez
  • Durango
  • Puebla
  • Sonora
  • Chihuahua
  • San Luis Potosi
  • Veracruz
  • Guadalajara
  • Coahuila

Our Quality Control Services in Mexico


Quality Resources
Quality Resources

– Quality Control (QC) Product Inspection
– ISO 17025 Testing & NOM Consulting


Supplier Qualification & Development
Supplier Qualification & Development

At Pro QC, we also work closely with clients and their suppliers to improve their system, processes and manufacturing capabilities.


Global Solutions
Global Solutions

Pro QC offers the services detailed below as well as the possibility to schedule service requests and access our reports through our secure database.

Quality Resources

Quality Control (QC) Product Inspections

  • First article
  • In-process
  • Pre-shipment
  • Metrology

Pro QC’s quality engineers inspect product at different stages in the production process. ANSI Z1.4 sampling is generally employed to evaluate workmanship, functionality, packaging, labeling, etc. We review and check against existing client specifications, and can assist in development of criteria as necessary.

Quality inspectors use Pro QC’s standard report forms, or we can use those that are provided by the client. Detailed photos are provided, with all information available online within 24 hours of completion.

Pro QC’s local resources often reduce costly travel and/or eliminate the need to allocate internal resources. Our quality professionals are on-site representing client interests and evaluating product to further ensure it meets expectations.

Our inspectors have experience in the following industries:

  • Automotive
  • Hardware
  • Housewares
  • Furniture
  • Energy / Solar
  • Consumer Electronics
  • Textiles & Garments
  • NACE Coating Inspection Program (CIP) Certified Level I, II, and III

ISO/IEC 17025 Product Testing & NOM Certification Consulting

Pro QC’s testing laboratory in Monterrey is accredited by ISO/IEC 17025 and EMA (Entidad Mexicana de Acreditación). The lab specializes in Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-046-SCFI evaluations of measuring instruments (tape measures), but offers additional general capabilities for other products as well.
Samples can be collected on-site during inspections or as requested.

Our testing services include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Metrology (CMM, etc.)
  • Lifecycle
  • Performance
  • Functionality

Where services are not provided, we work with trusted partners to extend competitive pricing and seamless management.

What is Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM)?

The Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM) certification is a set of regulations and standards that are required by the Mexican government. Every product that enters Mexico must meet the requirements outlined in NOM.

Organizations are often challenged to work through complex and somewhat ambiguous process requirements related to obtaining applicable NOM certification. Delays in reaching the market and costly fines can result if executed incorrectly.

When an organization wants to export products to the market in Mexico, Customs can advise if a Norma Oficial Mexicana certification is required. One or more NOMs could be applicable, and it is the responsibility of the exporter to identify and comply to the certification requirements.

To identify the applicable NOM(s), a product specification, applicable HS code and photographic documentation are required.

Once the applicable NOM certification requirements are identified, testing labs must be identified that are qualified by certification bodies to execute the specialized testing requirements. One or more testing labs could be necessary depending on the requirements. Lead times are often extensive, and costs can be considerable.

An agent must be identified to coordinate samples required by the NOM certification body and the facilitation with the labs as applicable. There are several certification bodies that issue NOMs for various types of products. For example, Asociación de Normalización y Certificación A.C. (ANCE) and Organismo Nacional de Normalización y Certificación de la Construcción y Edificación (ONNCCE) are two certification bodies that issue NOM certificates for tape measures. These agencies receive and check the testing reports from the lab(s) and issue the certificate(s).

It takes approximately 3-4 weeks for the certification body to issue NOM certificates that are valid for one year. It is the responsibility of the exporter and their respective agent to ensure testing is completed and applications submitted without lapse.

If you need assistance in obtaining NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana) certification, identifying a qualified agent, or evaluating test options, contact us. Pro QC helps by providing proactive consulting throughout the process of getting NOM approval. Our knowledgeable team reduces your cost and saves time.

For more information regarding our testing capabilities and the NOM certification process, contact us at: info@proqc.com.

Get a quote

Supplier Qualification & Development

Supplier Qualification

When new suppliers are considered, we offer an Initial Supplier Evaluation that provides a one-day on-site assessment covering the primary QMS components and general capabilities.

  • Management
  • Engineering
  • Quality Control / Quality Assurance
  • Incoming Receiving Inspection
  • Manufacturing
  • Packaging
  • Non-Conforming Materials
  • Corrective Action
  • Inspection & Test Equipment

More in-depth assessments related to the industry, such as IATF 16949 or ISO 13485 are also available. Social accountability (SA8000), security (C-TPAT), and other components can be incorporated as well.

Example reports are found here: https://proqc.com/services/sample-reports/

Pro QC can also represent you on-site to evaluate a supplier using your organization’s existing qualification criteria and reporting requirements.

Supplier Development

At Pro QC, we work with clients and their suppliers to improve their system, processes and/or product manufacturing capabilities. Example projects include:

Vendor (Supply Chain) Compliance

We assist to ensure supplier compliance with final audits required by major retailers and/or associations. Example compliance requirements we work with include Walmart, BJ’s, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Dick’s Sporting Goods, etc.

Continuous Improvement

We conduct regular 80/20 evaluations of QC data with continuous improvement initiatives developed and executed.

Certification Preparation

We assist to ensure compliance prior to the final audit. Applicable industry standards include IATF 16949, ISO 13485, ISO 9001, etc.

Contact us for additional information regarding our customized approach to improving your supplier’s performance.

Get a quote

Global Solutions

Product Quality

At Pro QC, we understand how critical product quality is to your business. We offer first-article, in-process and pre-shipment inspections to identify quality problems at each stage of production. Our product quality offerings also include sorting or rework service along with functional and performance testing at our labs in Ningbo, China and Monterrey, Mexico.

System Audit & Compliance

Supplier audits provide visibility into the supplier’s management system, processes, and products. These assessments are essential to ensure your suppliers qualifications and capabilities as well as their compliance to the required standards for your industry or jurisdiction. Our services also include pre-audits, corrective action plans or formal audit preparation.

Supplier Management

Our Supplier Management solution is for suppliers that fail to meet quality or performance objectives. We first identify the root-cause of the quality issues and then produce a corrective action plan. Implementation of the corrective actions and conducting regular on-site reviews will ensure your supplier exceeds your expectations and achieves sustainable improvement.

Vendor Compliance

Pro QC ensures suppliers comply with mandatory compliance terms set by major international retailers. International retail standards usually include a responsible sourcing & vendor code of conduct. We develop and monitor corrective action and preventative action plans and regularly follow up with suppliers for retailers such as Walmart, Lowe’s and many more.

Get a quote

Quality Resources

Quality Control (QC) Product Inspections

Pro QC’s quality engineers inspect product at different stages in the production process. ANSI Z1.4 sampling is generally employed to evaluate workmanship, functionality, packaging, labeling, etc. We review and check against existing client specifications, and can assist in development of criteria as necessary.

Quality inspectors use Pro QC’s standard report forms, or we can use those that are provided by the client. Detailed photos are provided, with all information available online within 24 hours of completion.

Pro QC’s local resources often reduce costly travel and/or eliminate the need to allocate internal resources. Our quality professionals are on-site representing client interests and evaluating product to further ensure it meets expectations.

Our inspectors have experience in the following industries:

  • Automotive
  • Hardware
  • Housewares
  • Furniture
  • Energy / Solar
  • Consumer Electronics
  • Textiles & Garments
  • NACE Coating Inspection Program (CIP) Certified Level I, II, and III

ISO/IEC 17025 Product Testing & NOM Certification Consulting

Pro QC’s testing laboratory in Monterrey is accredited by ISO/IEC 17025 and EMA (Entidad Mexicana de Acreditación). The lab specializes in Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-046-SCFI evaluations of measuring instruments (tape measures), but offers additional general capabilities for other products as well.
Samples can be collected on-site during inspections or as requested.

Our testing services include, but are not limited to, the following:

Where services are not provided, we work with trusted partners to extend competitive pricing and seamless management.

What is Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM)?

The Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM) certification is a set of regulations and standards that are required by the Mexican government. Every product that enters Mexico must meet the requirements outlined in NOM.

Organizations are often challenged to work through complex and somewhat ambiguous process requirements related to obtaining applicable NOM certification. Delays in reaching the market and costly fines can result if executed incorrectly.

When an organization wants to export products to the market in Mexico, Customs can advise if a Norma Oficial Mexicana certification is required. One or more NOMs could be applicable, and it is the responsibility of the exporter to identify and comply to the certification requirements.

To identify the applicable NOM(s), a product specification, applicable HS code and photographic documentation are required.

Once the applicable NOM certification requirements are identified, testing labs must be identified that are qualified by certification bodies to execute the specialized testing requirements. One or more testing labs could be necessary depending on the requirements. Lead times are often extensive, and costs can be considerable.

An agent must be identified to coordinate samples required by the NOM certification body and the facilitation with the labs as applicable. There are several certification bodies that issue NOMs for various types of products. For example, Asociación de Normalización y Certificación A.C. (ANCE) and Organismo Nacional de Normalización y Certificación de la Construcción y Edificación (ONNCCE) are two certification bodies that issue NOM certificates for tape measures. These agencies receive and check the testing reports from the lab(s) and issue the certificate(s).

It takes approximately 3-4 weeks for the certification body to issue NOM certificates that are valid for one year. It is the responsibility of the exporter and their respective agent to ensure testing is completed and applications submitted without lapse.

If you need assistance in obtaining NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana) certification, identifying a qualified agent, or evaluating test options, contact us. Pro QC helps by providing proactive consulting throughout the process of getting NOM approval. Our knowledgeable team reduces your cost and saves time.

For more information regarding our testing capabilities and the NOM certification process, contact us at: info@proqc.com.

Get a quote

Supplier Qualification & Development

Supplier Qualification

When new suppliers are considered, we offer an Initial Supplier Evaluation that provides a one-day on-site assessment covering the primary QMS components and general capabilities.

  • Management
  • Engineering
  • Quality Control / Quality Assurance
  • Incoming Receiving Inspection
  • Manufacturing
  • Packaging
  • Non-Conforming Materials
  • Corrective Action
  • Inspection & Test Equipment

More in-depth assessments related to the industry, such as IATF 16949 or ISO 13485 are also available. Social accountability (SA8000), security (C-TPAT), and other components can be incorporated as well.

Example reports are found here: https://proqc.com/services/sample-reports/

Pro QC can also represent you on-site to evaluate a supplier using your organization’s existing qualification criteria and reporting requirements.

Supplier Development

At Pro QC, we work with clients and their suppliers to improve their system, processes and/or product manufacturing capabilities. Example projects include:

Vendor (Supply Chain) Compliance

We assist to ensure supplier compliance with final audits required by major retailers and/or associations. Example compliance requirements we work with include Walmart, BJ’s, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Dick’s Sporting Goods, etc.

Continuous Improvement

We conduct regular 80/20 evaluations of QC data with continuous improvement initiatives developed and executed.

Certification Preparation

We assist to ensure compliance prior to the final audit. Applicable industry standards include IATF 16949, ISO 13485, ISO 9001, etc.

Contact us for additional information regarding our customized approach to improving your supplier’s performance.

Get a quote

Global Solutions

Product Quality

At Pro QC, we understand how critical product quality is to your business. We offer first-article, in-process and pre-shipment inspections to identify quality problems at each stage of production. Our product quality offerings also include sorting or rework service along with functional and performance testing at our labs in Ningbo, China and Monterrey, Mexico.

System Audit & Compliance

Supplier audits provide visibility into the supplier’s management system, processes, and products. These assessments are essential to ensure your suppliers qualifications and capabilities as well as their compliance to the required standards for your industry or jurisdiction. Our services also include pre-audits, corrective action plans or formal audit preparation.

Supplier Management

Our Supplier Management solution is for suppliers that fail to meet quality or performance objectives. We first identify the root-cause of the quality issues and then produce a corrective action plan. Implementation of the corrective actions and conducting regular on-site reviews will ensure your supplier exceeds your expectations and achieves sustainable improvement.

Vendor Compliance

Pro QC ensures suppliers comply with mandatory compliance terms set by major international retailers. International retail standards usually include a responsible sourcing & vendor code of conduct. We develop and monitor corrective action and preventative action plans and regularly follow up with suppliers for retailers such as Walmart, Lowe’s and many more.

Get a quote

Quality Solutions Overview

Click on the current stage of your sourcing or product development journey below to explore our related quality solutions.

 
Development & Planning
1. Design
2. Product Development
3. Supplier Selection
4. Supplier Qualification
5. Pre-Production Validation
6. Production Planning
7. Incoming QC
8. Production and Assembly
9. Packaging
10. Shipping
Production & Delivery
Development & Planning
Production & Delivery

1. Design Stage

The product development life cycle begins with idea generation, concept development, and market testing. For example, the E-Bike handlebar is designed with the form, fit, and function in mind that best serve the market/user’s requirements and the overall aesthetics of the final bike.

Although Pro QC do not actively get involved in this stage, a postmortem investigation with many of our client often reveals the following challenges.

Supplier Risks & Challenges:

Misalignment between the buyer, supplier sales department, and factory production department on critical design requirements
Advance product quality planning was not factored in early enough
Difficulties in transitioning from a prototype supplier to a mass manufacturing supplier

2. Product Development

In this stage, the engineers will refine the design and define the engineering specifications of the handle such as material properties, dimensions, weight, and other requirements while satisfying different product and safety compliances. This is also the stage where engineering prototypes (engineering build) are made to rigorously test the form, fit, and function of the product.

Pro QC’s Quality Solutions:

First Article Inspection (FAI)
Supplier Development Services
Resident Supplier Quality Resourcing

Supplier Risks & Challenges:

Poor communication of the technical details between buyer and factories
Misalignment on the new product’s specifications
Misalignment on design/engineering revisions
Supplier’s production capability is unable to meet the design requirement

3. Identify Potential Suppliers

Once the component specifications are defined, the procurement department will begin to identify a list of suitable suppliers that can potentially meet their requirements in terms of capabilities, cost, capacity, and quality.

Pro QC’s Quality Solutions:

Onsite Supplier Verification
Financial Credit Check

Supplier Risks & Challenges:

Lack of experience and due diligence in new supplier region
Communication challenges
Concern about supplier scams
Low confidence supplier’s trustworthiness
Concerns over supplier’s financial viability

4. Supplier Qualification

Once a list of trustworthy suppliers has been identified, an evaluation of supplier reliability is recommended to ensure they can produce at a consistent level of quality. A world-class organization usually has a comprehensive supplier qualification program to identify and mitigate the risks associated with quality, safety, on-time delivery, cost, and compliance.

Pro QC’s Quality Solutions:

Global Supplier Audit Programs
Supplier Quality Audit for Potential Suppliers
Quality Management System Audit
Social & Ethical Audits
Supply Chain Security Audit
Environmental Audit

Supplier Risks & Challenges:

Suppliers are not as capable as they initially claimed
Supplier lacks effective and systematic quality assurance practice
Supplier is ISO 9001 certified, but the underlying principles are not implemented in practice
Mass production quality does not match prototype quality
Buyers want to sell to big retailers, but their suppliers do not yet comply with the retailer’s supplier code of conduct
Supplier violation on labor law, ethical and environmental compliances
Goods held in customs due to supply chain security malpractice

5. Pre-Production Validation

Before commencing volume production, it is crucial to validate the factory’s equipment, staffing, production methods, capacity, and quality control plan for each product line. This is an important stage to prevent critical failures, costly mistakes, and loss of time due to changes and rework.

Pro QC’s Quality Solutions:

Engineering Build (EB) and Quality Build (QB) Audit
First Article Inspection (FAI)
APQP/PPAP Audit
Manufacturing Process Audit or VDA 6.3 Process Audit

Supplier Risks & Challenges:

Factory not ready for mass production
Shipment delays due to critical failure, poor quality, and resource constraints
An exponential increase in defective products
Product recall
High Cost of Poor Quality
An exponential increase in the cost of change after mass production commences

6. Production Planning

Production planning is an administrative process that involves ensuring that sufficient raw materials, components, staff, and other outsourced processes such as secondary processing are procured to create finished products according to the specified schedule.

Pro QC’s Quality Solutions:

Order Expediting

Supplier Risks & Challenges:

Production delay due to poor material procurement planning
Production delay due to inadequate production staffing
Poor sub-supplier management

7. Incoming Quality Control

Incoming quality control is required when all the procured material and components arrive at the factory. This is the first step in controlling the production process and resulting product quality. Understanding how a factory manages its incoming material and its supply chain is a very good indication of its commitment to quality. (The saying goes: Garbage in, garbage out.)

Pro QC’s Quality Solutions:

Incoming Inspection
In-Process Inspection
Manufacturing Process Audit or VDA 6.3 Process Audit

Supplier Risks & Challenges:

The factory does not manage the quality of its supply chain or is poor at supplier management
Suppliers turn a blind eye to defective components during incoming and still use them for production and assembly
Using sub-standard material or components (e.g., lower-quality fabric than required)
Substituting lower-cost alternatives for product components (e.g., cheaper electronic components in a mobile phone)
“Quality fade” where suppliers make small, gradual substitutions in materials and components over time
Bulk material ordered by the supplier degrades over time due to poor storage conditions

8. Production & Assembly

Upon approval for volume production, raw materials and components are processed, extruded, forged, cast, injected, machined, and assembled. It is important to note that a factory may not have all the production capabilities and may outsource certain processes to other suppliers.

Pro QC’s Quality Solutions:

First Article Inspection (FAI)
In-Process Inspection
Manufacturing Process Improvement
Quality/Root Cause Investigation (8D)
CAPA Verification
Order Expediting & Production Monitoring
End-Of-Line Testing & inspection

Supplier Risks & Challenges:

Operators are not producing according to the production control plan
Supplier is under pressure to ship goods, turning a blind eye to defective components
Lack of quality staff to enforce quality control
Poor control of re-worked material/product
Mistakes made by temporary, untrained staff/operators
Communication breakdown when the supplier is under pressure

9. Packaging

Packaging and labeling of the goods are the last steps before shipping. The smallest aesthetic defect on the packaging or missing components often leads to customer returns, and a misplaced label often leads to compliance issues.

Pro QC’s Quality Solutions:

Manufacturing Process Audit
Poka-Yoke Implementation
Pre-Shipment Inspection
End-Of-Line Testing & inspection

Supplier Risks & Challenges:

Products are poorly packaged
Human mistakes and missing components lead to customer returns
Wrong labeling leads to compliance issues and significant re-work

10. Shipping

Packaged products are being loaded by suppliers at the factory or warehouse into containers and shipped to their final destination.

Pro QC’s Quality Solutions:

Container Loading Supervision
C-TPAT Audit

Supplier Risks & Challenges:

Rough handling of goods during container loading by the factory or outsourced warehouse, leading to damaged product
Poor container loading leads to product damage during transit

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    Pro QC has been providing quality assurance, engineering and consulting services since 1984.

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    We offer quality solutions in over 88 countries and we are continuously expanding our network.

    Timely Feedback

    We offer online reporting and detailed reports within 24 hours of job completion.

    Quality Experts

    Our global engineering team has the requisite industry expertise to verify quality and conformance.

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