Introduction to the Collaboration
The Mexican Secretariat of the Navy (Semar), the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT), and the Tax Administration Service (SAT) have signed a collaboration agreement to exchange information from the Digital Cargo Letter. This partnership aims to strengthen efforts against smuggling.
Understanding the Digital Cargo Letter
The Digital Cargo Letter was introduced in 2022 to record detailed information about goods or merchandise being transported within the national territory. It includes data on transportation means, individuals involved, origin, and destination of products.
Purpose of the Agreement
This collaboration enables the establishment of control mechanisms for inspection, verification, and surveillance of compliance with legal provisions related to goods and merchandise transportation. This ensures full traceability and reinforces fiscalization acts.
Context of the Agreement
The agreement signing comes amidst a reform to the Customs Law sent by the Executive to the Union Congress two weeks ago. The reform aims to increase customs revenue and establish stricter controls against smuggling of merchandise, including “huachicol fiscal” (illegal fuel diversion).
This agreement follows the recent detention of ten Navy members allegedly involved in a fuel smuggling ring.
Reactions from Key Figures
The Navy Secretary, Admiral Raymundo Pedro Morales, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, emphasizing improved security conditions for merchandise movement in the country. He highlighted avoiding smuggling, illicit acts, and fostering sustainable development.
SICT Secretary Jesús Antonio Esteva Medina stressed the importance of interinstitutional work for advancing integral mobility planning and innovation.
SAT Head Antonio Martínez Dagnino highlighted that the agreement facilitates Digital Cargo Letter usage through joint training actions to ensure fair and orderly commerce.
Who Needs the Digital Cargo Letter?
Obligations:
- Physical or legal persons wishing to transport goods or merchandise nationally, either by their means or through transport services.
- Those transporting hydrocarbons, petroleum products, medicines, imported or exported goods.
Vehicles Required to Emit CCP:
- Unit trucks (8-10 wheels)
- Truck and trailer combinations (14-22 wheels)
- Articulated tractor-trailers (10-22 wheels)
- Semi-trailer tractors (18-30 wheels)
Services Subject to CCP Emission:
- Courier and package delivery
- Fund and value transportation
- Local transport
- Towing services
- Charter services
- Maritime transport (ferry)
- Consolidated cargo
Exemptions:
- Bicycles and motorcycles
- Passenger cars (four wheels)
- Unit trucks (six wheels) when the distance does not exceed 30 km on federal highways
Failure to obtain the CCP may result in fines or other penalties, including cargo confiscation.
