How often is the hydrostatic or non-destructive test done?

At the frequency set by qualified personnel appointed by the employer, which may never exceed five years (NOM-020-STPS-2011, point 13.2(a)). Later tests are carried out within the sixty calendar days before the end of each five-year period (point 13.1).

Does category I equipment need testing?

The duty to carry out pressure tests or non-destructive tests in point 5.10 refers to equipment classified in categories II and III. Category I exists only for pressure vessels; cryogenic vessels and boilers are always category II or III (point 7.1).

When is new equipment tested for the first time?

If it has a manufacturing certificate or construction-code stamp, before ten years have passed since it was issued; if not, before it is put into service, as with used equipment (point 13.1).

Must a verification unit witness the test?

No longer. The agreement published in the DOF on 19/10/2015 removed point 13.2(j), which required it for category III equipment. Verification units are still involved in issuing the opinion for that equipment (points 19.6 and 19.7).

How long must results be kept?

The standard's records are kept for at least ten years for new equipment and five years for used equipment (point 20.4).

MX · Expiry & renewal tracking

Never let a pressure vessel or boiler miss its five-yearly test

Category II and III pressure vessels and boilers in Mexico undergo pressure tests or non-destructive tests at the interval set by qualified personnel, never more than five years, within the 60 days before each five-year period ends (NOM-020-STPS-2011, points 13.1 and 13.2). The employer keeps the results.

NOM-020-STPS-2011, Pressure vessels, cryogenic vessels and steam generators or boilers - Operation - Safety conditions (DOF 27/12/2011), applies throughout Mexico in workplaces where this equipment operates; it excludes, among others, vessels used as fire extinguishers and portable vessels holding compressed gases (points 2.1 and 2.2). It was amended by agreements published in the DOF on 19/10/2015 and 24/03/2017.

The employer must classify equipment into categories I, II or III by fluid, pressure, volume or thermal capacity (points 5.1 and 7.1); cryogenic vessels and boilers only have categories II and III (points 7.1.2 and 7.1.3) and carry out pressure tests or non-destructive tests on category II and III equipment (point 5.10). The frequency is set by qualified personnel appointed by the employer and may never exceed five years (point 13.2(a)).

For new category II and III equipment with a manufacturing certificate or construction-code stamp, the first test is carried out before ten years have passed since the certificate or stamp was issued; for new equipment without a certificate or stamp, and for used equipment, before it is put into service. After that, in both cases, at least every five years, within the sixty calendar days before the end of each five-year period (point 13.1). The inspection manual also provides for tests after a repair or alteration (point 11.2.2(c)).

For category III equipment, the employer notifies the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (STPS), in writing or electronically, before it is put into service; later notices are filed ten years after the first for new equipment, or five years for used equipment, and then every five years, counted from the date the last pressure test and/or non-destructive test was satisfactorily completed, within the sixty calendar days before the end of each period (points 5.13 and 16.1, as amended on 24/03/2017).

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At a glance

Equipment that must be tested	Categories II and III (NOM-020-STPS-2011, point 5.10)
Maximum interval	As set by qualified personnel, never more than five years (point 13.2(a))
First test, new equipment with certificate or stamp	Before ten years have passed since the certificate or stamp was issued (point 13.1)
First test, new equipment without certificate, or used equipment	Before it is put into service (point 13.1)
Window for later tests	Within the sixty calendar days before the end of each five-year period (point 13.1)
Who carries out and signs off	Certified personnel for non-destructive tests; an engineer with relevant knowledge for pressure tests (point 13.2(f) and (i))
Notice to the STPS (category III)	Before operation; then after ten years (new) or five (used) and every five years, from the last satisfactory test (point 16.1, amended 2017)
Record keeping	At least ten years for new equipment and five years for used equipment (point 20.4)

The agreement published in the DOF on 19/10/2015 removed point 13.2(j), which required category III equipment tests to be witnessed by a verification unit. Since the agreement of 24/03/2017, verification unit opinions are valid for ten years for new equipment and five years for used equipment, counted from the date the last pressure test and/or non-destructive test was satisfactorily completed (point 19.7).

Who is responsible?

The employer classifies the equipment, keeps an up-to-date list and a file for each item, and decides on and carries out pressure tests or non-destructive tests on category II and III equipment (points 5.1 to 5.3 and 5.10). Tests are carried out by certified personnel for non-destructive testing, or by an engineer with relevant knowledge for pressure tests, and the results are recorded (point 13.2(f), (i) and (k)). The employer keeps the test result records (points 5.17 and 18.4) and files the notice for category III equipment (point 5.13).

If the deadline passes

Enforcement of NOM-020-STPS-2011 is the responsibility of the STPS (point 21). Test results are the basis for deciding whether equipment may remain in service (point 13.2(h)). Employers must comply with the official standards on occupational safety and health (Federal Labour Law, Article 132, section XVII), and there are sanctions for employers who do not observe safety and hygiene standards (Federal Labour Law, Articles 992 and 994, section V).

Five years is the maximum, not necessarily the interval

The standard lets qualified personnel appointed by the employer set the test frequency, capped at five years (point 13.2(a)); if your specialist set a shorter interval, record that one. For new equipment with a manufacturing certificate, the first test may wait until just before ten years from the certificate (point 13.1): in that case record the certificate date plus ten years as the first expiry. After a repair or alteration, test again and update the date (point 11.2.2(c)).

Tracking it with ExpirySuite

Add a record for each category II or III vessel or boiler and enter the date of the last satisfactory pressure test or non-destructive test plus the interval set by your qualified personnel, never more than five years, as the expiry date.
Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the expiry date and on the day; the first reminder lines up with the start of the sixty-calendar-day window before the end of the five-year period.
The testing provider or verification unit can upload the test report or opinion through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
Assign a responsible person, such as maintenance or the safety team; if equipment passes the date without a test, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.

Frequently asked questions

How often is the hydrostatic or non-destructive test done?: At the frequency set by qualified personnel appointed by the employer, which may never exceed five years (NOM-020-STPS-2011, point 13.2(a)). Later tests are carried out within the sixty calendar days before the end of each five-year period (point 13.1).
Does category I equipment need testing?: The duty to carry out pressure tests or non-destructive tests in point 5.10 refers to equipment classified in categories II and III. Category I exists only for pressure vessels; cryogenic vessels and boilers are always category II or III (point 7.1).
When is new equipment tested for the first time?: If it has a manufacturing certificate or construction-code stamp, before ten years have passed since it was issued; if not, before it is put into service, as with used equipment (point 13.1).
Must a verification unit witness the test?: No longer. The agreement published in the DOF on 19/10/2015 removed point 13.2(j), which required it for category III equipment. Verification units are still involved in issuing the opinion for that equipment (points 19.6 and 19.7).
How long must results be kept?: The standard's records are kept for at least ten years for new equipment and five years for used equipment (point 20.4).

Sources

Last checked: Oct 11, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.

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Reminders on time

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