Key takeaways
New Standard: The newly issued NOM-019-ASEA-2024 regulates the design, construction, pre-startup, operation, and maintenance of natural gas processing facilities.
Out with the old: This Standard officially replaces NOM-137-SEMARNAT-2013 and broadens its scope beyond sulfur compound emissions control to comprehensive industrial safety, operational safety, and environmental protection requirements.
Mandatory as of March 1, 2026: Regulated parties must adapt their projects, procedures, and facilities to ensure compliance before the standard enters into force.
On September 2, 2025, the Mexican Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (“SEMARNAT”), through ASEA, published the new Mexican Official Standard NOM-019-ASEA-2024 in the Federal Official Gazette (“DOF”), setting forth updated and binding rules for the design, construction, pre-startup, operation, and maintenance of natural gas processing facilities. This new NOM cancels the former NOM-137-SEMARNAT-2013 and will enter into force on March 1, 2026, providing a six-month transition period for compliance.
The NOM-019-ASEA-2024, Instalaciones de procesamiento de gas natural establishes the technical specifications and safety requirements for the design, construction, pre-startup, operation, and maintenance of natural gas processing facilities. Key aspects include:
- Scope of application: Applies nationwide and in areas under Mexican sovereignty. Mandatory for all regulated entities that own or operate natural gas processing facilities.
- Regulatory overhaul: Cancels and replaces NOM-137-SEMARNAT-2013, expanding its focus from sulfur compound emissions control to a comprehensive framework covering industrial safety, operational safety, and environmental protection requirements.
- Stricter standards: Introduces more robust obligations for design and construction, pre-startup safety reviews, integrity management, emissions control, fire protection systems, emergency shutdown systems, and environmental monitoring, aligned with international standards such as API, ASME, ISO, NFPA, and others.
- Entry into force: The new NOM becomes legally binding 180 calendar days after publication, i.e., as of March 1, 2026, from which point all operators must ensure that their infrastructure, procedures, and safety protocols are aligned with the new standard.
Non-compliance may result in administrative penalties, including potential suspension or revocation of permits by ASEA.
Next steps
Conduct a gap assessment to identify differences between current facility practices and the new NOM-019-ASEA-2024 requirements.
Update internal procedures, manuals, and documentation to incorporate the new industrial safety, operational safety, and environmental protection standards.
Plan and implement necessary adjustments to infrastructure, safety systems, and emissions control mechanisms before the March 1, 2026 deadline.
Train relevant teams on the new technical and regulatory obligations to ensure comprehensive compliance across all operational areas.
Engage with ASEA for clarification or technical support regarding the implementation of specific provisions of the NOM.
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