Carta Porte version 3.1 has been mandatory since July 17, 2024 per the SAT. In 2025 alone, more than 45,000 fines were issued for errors in this complement, from $17,020 to $97,330 MXN per CFDI. About 90% of these errors are easily preventable.
SAT Fines in 2026
Incorrect Carta Porte fines run from $17,020 to $97,330 MXN per CFDI. Goods may also be deemed of illicit origin, leading to vehicle detention and possible criminal charges.
45K+
fines issued in 2025
$97K
maximum fine per CFDI
72 hrs
average vehicle detention
What Is Carta Porte 3.1?
Carta Porte is a mandatory SAT complement that must be embedded in the CFDI when goods move inside Mexico. Version 3.1, effective since July 2024, adds required fields and tighter validations.
According to SAT (Carta Porte), Carta Porte supports traceability, fights smuggling, improves tax collection, and formalizes freight moves in Mexico. It is essential for tax compliance on over-the-road shipments in Mexico and CFDI billing for transfers.
Tax documentation for freight in Mexico. Source: Unsplash
Mandatory Carta Porte 3.1 Fields
Carta Porte 3.1 requires detailed data in three main categories. Every field is mandatory and must pass SAT validation. Per the official SAT portal, omitting any required field triggers fines.
Transport Information
- Mode (road, air, sea, rail)
- Carrier data (RFC, name, tax address)
- Operator/driver data (RFC, federal license)
- Vehicle data (plates, SCT permit, unit type)
- Civil liability insurance (new in 3.1)
Goods Information
- Detailed product description
- SAT product code (current catalog)
- Quantity and unit of measure
- Gross and net weight
- Value of goods
Route and Locations
- Origin: tax address, GPS coordinates (within 500m)
- Destination: tax address, GPS coordinates (within 500m)
- Distance traveled
- Estimated departure date and time
The 7 Most Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
These seven errors most often trigger SAT fines. Knowing and avoiding them can save thousands of pesos and legal headaches. ANTP studies show about 90% are preventable with proper validation.
Incorrect or Inactive Operator RFC
Fine: $17,020 - $97,330 MXN
The operator (driver) RFC must be active with the SAT and match their official ID exactly.
Consequence
The SAT may treat the shipment as goods of illicit origin.
How to Avoid It:
- Validate all data before generating the CFDI
- Use systems that automatically validate RFCs and permits
- Train staff on version 3.1 requirements
Declared Weight vs. Actual Weight
Fine: $17,020 - $51,060 MXN
Weight on the Carta Porte must match actual weight. Discrepancies over 10% trigger issues.
Consequence
SAT audits and possible roadside detention of goods.
How to Avoid It:
- Validate all data before generating the CFDI
- Use systems that automatically validate RFCs and permits
- Train staff on version 3.1 requirements
Locations with Incorrect Coordinates
Fine: $17,020 - $97,330 MXN
Origin and destination GPS coordinates must match registered tax addresses.
Consequence
Mismatch between the declared route and actual facility locations.
How to Avoid It:
- Validate all data before generating the CFDI
- Use systems that automatically validate RFCs and permits
- Train staff on version 3.1 requirements
Missing Cargo Insurance Information
Fine: $17,020 - $51,060 MXN
The carrier's civil liability insurance is now mandatory and must appear on the Carta Porte.
Consequence
The Carta Porte is incomplete and cannot legally cover the move.
How to Avoid It:
- Validate all data before generating the CFDI
- Use systems that automatically validate RFCs and permits
- Train staff on version 3.1 requirements
Expired or Incorrect SCT Permits
Fine: $17,020 - $97,330 MXN + vehicle detention
The federal motor-carrier permit must be valid and match the type of cargo hauled.
Consequence
Vehicle stopped on the road; fines for carrier and shipper.
How to Avoid It:
- Validate all data before generating the CFDI
- Use systems that automatically validate RFCs and permits
- Train staff on version 3.1 requirements
Incorrect SAT Product Catalog Code
Fine: $17,020 - $51,060 MXN
Products must be classified per the current SAT catalog.
Consequence
CFDI rejection and possible fine for incorrect data.
How to Avoid It:
- Validate all data before generating the CFDI
- Use systems that automatically validate RFCs and permits
- Train staff on version 3.1 requirements
Inconsistent Dates and Times
Fine: $17,020 - $97,330 MXN
Departure and arrival times must be logical for the route and distance traveled.
Consequence
Suspected tax fraud and possible audit.
How to Avoid It:
- Validate all data before generating the CFDI
- Use systems that automatically validate RFCs and permits
- Train staff on version 3.1 requirements
2026 Compliance Checklist
Use this checklist before every trip to ensure full Carta Porte 3.1 compliance. Per the IMCP, companies with systematic checklists cut errors by about 85%.
Before Every Trip, Verify:
Key Changes in Version 3.1
Version 3.1 introduces important changes versus 3.0. These are mandatory since July 2024 and require updated processes and systems.
Real-Time RFC Validation
NewThe SAT now validates the operator RFC at stamp time
Mandatory Geolocation
UpdatedCoordinates must be within 500m of the tax address
Cargo Insurance
NewInsurance data is now a required field
Hazardous Materials
CriticalStricter UN classification and specific permits
Key takeaways5 points
- Carta Porte 3.1 has been mandatory since July 17, 2024 under SAT rules.
- In 2025 alone, more than 45,000 fines were issued for errors, ranging from $17,020 to $97,330 MXN per CFDI.
- About 90% of Carta Porte errors are easily avoidable with proper validation.
- The seven most common errors include incorrect RFC, wrong weight, bad GPS coordinates, and missing insurance.
- Version 3.1 adds required fields: real-time RFC validation, strict geolocation, and cargo insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The goods owner or the carrier, depending on who issues the CFDI. If the carrier issues the CFDI, it must include Carta Porte. See <Link href="/blog/cfdi-transfer-guide" className="text-amber-600 hover:text-amber-700 font-medium">our complete Transfer CFDI guide</Link> for details.
Whenever goods move on federal roads in Mexico, regardless of distance. Mandatory since January 1, 2022. Applies to <Link href="/glossary/what-is-a-shipment" className="text-amber-600 hover:text-amber-700 font-medium">domestic over-the-road shipments</Link>.
Fines of $17,020 to $97,330 MXN, possible goods detention, and the SAT may treat the move as illicit origin. The vehicle can be held up to 72 hours per <a href="https://www.sat.gob.mx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-amber-600 hover:text-amber-700">SAT rules</a>.
Yes. Version 3.1 adds mandatory fields (insurance, stricter real-time RFC checks, geolocation within 500m) and is required since July 2024. Version 3.0 is no longer valid.