Key takeaways
New Standard: The newly issued NOM-020-ASEA-2024 regulates the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of onshore natural gas and ethane transportation pipelines.
Out with the old: This Standard officially replaces NOM-007-ASEA-2016 and introduces stricter technical and environmental protection requirements.
Mandatory as of February 28, 2026: Regulated parties must adapt their operations to ensure compliance before the standard enters into force.
On September 1, 2025, the Mexican Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (“SEMARNAT”), through ASEA, published the new Mexican Official Standard NOM-020-ASEA-2024 in the Federal Official Gazette (“DOF”), setting forth updated and binding rules for the transport of natural gas and ethane by onshore pipelines. This new NOM cancels the former NOM-007-ASEA-2016 and will enter into force on February 28, 2026, providing a six-month transition period for compliance.
The NOM-020-ASEA-2024, Transporte de gas natural por medio de ductos terrestres establishes the technical specifications and safety requirements for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of onshore pipeline systems used to transport natural gas and ethane in gaseous state. Key aspects include:
- Scope of application: Applies nationwide and in areas under Mexican sovereignty. Mandatory for all regulated entities engaged in these transport activities.
- Regulatory overhaul: Cancels and replaces NOM-007-ASEA-2016, narrowing its scope to natural gas and ethane only (excluding associated gas and coal-related gases), and setting updated safety, operational, and environmental protection parameters.
- Stricter standards: Includes more robust design protocols, updated integrity management obligations, operational safeguards, maintenance procedures, and environmental protection measures aligned with risk-based methodologies.
- The new NOM becomes legally binding 180 calendar days after publication, i.e., as of February 28, 2026, from which point all operators and permit holders 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.
Conduct a gap assessment to identify differences between current operations and the new NOM requirements.
Update internal procedures and documentation to reflect the new technical and environmental standards.
Plan and implement necessary adjustments to infrastructure or safety protocols before the February 2026 deadline.
Train relevant teams on the new obligations to ensure company-wide compliance.
Engage with ASEA if clarification or support is needed for implementation.
References
- https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5767026&fecha=01/09/2025#gsc.tab=0
[View source.]
