A Crackdown on Gray Market Imports
The Mexican government has implemented a drastic shift in smartphone import regulations, closing a legal loophole that previously allowed devices to enter the country under simplified schemes. As reported by Xataka México, this measure—formalized on May 29, 2026, via an agreement published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF)—aims to combat the gray market and ensure that all equipment strictly adheres to Official Mexican Standards (NOM).
Under the direction of the Ministry of Economy, the new decree eliminates the ability to import devices via courier services without undergoing prior certification controls. Previously, consumers could purchase smartphones on international platforms like Amazon or Mercado Libre by taking advantage of regulatory exemptions intended for lower-value or less technically complex goods.
Addressing Safety and Compliance
The Ministry of Economy justified the decision by citing a "regulatory loophole" that facilitated the entry of equipment lacking proper certification. According to the agency, the absence of these controls poses a direct risk to consumers, as there is no guarantee regarding the quality, safety, or wireless compatibility of devices imported through irregular channels.
This change directly impacts cross-border e-commerce, complicating the purchase of devices that lack the backing of official distributors within Mexico. With the decree now in effect, any mobile phone entering the country must prove to customs authorities that it complies with national technical standards, regardless of the sales channel used.
This measure represents an aggressive state strategy to align mobile technology imports with national safety standards. By making this adjustment, the government seeks to shut the door on gray market devices that, until now, entered the country without proof of compliance with required technical specifications, thereby distorting competitive conditions in the national telecommunications market.
