Government Agencies Sign Pact to Curb Smuggling in Mexico

The heads of the Mexican Navy (SEMAR), the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT), and the Tax Administration Service (SAT) signed a collaboration agreement to enhance information exchange and oversight, aiming to combat the smuggling of illicit goods. 

Minister of Defense Raymundo Morales says that the initiative aims to improve security in the movement of goods across Mexico, while reducing smuggling and illicit activities. “This collaboration will help create the conditions for sustainable development with firm foundations,” says Morales.

The agreement will leverage the digital Carta Porte, a tool created by the SAT in 2022. This mechanism records detailed information on goods in transit, transport methods, participants, and origin-destination data, enabling full traceability and stronger enforcement of legal requirements.

Jesús Esteva, Minister of Communications and Transportation, highlights that precise and updated information is essential for effective planning and public trust. 

The agreement not only strengthens fiscal oversight but also supports fair and orderly trade through training and joint actions, says Antonio Martínez, Head, SAT. He points out that the electronic invoicing system issues more than 350 CFDIs per second, and since January 2022, over 1.51 billion invoices with Carta Porte complements have been generated by nearly 140,000 unique issuers.

“This agreement underscores our shared commitment to fight smuggling, prevent cargo theft, and ensure safe commerce through coordinated interagency action,” says Martínez.