Mexico's government on Tuesday issued new rules for tank trucks transporting gasoline, diesel and LPG, as part of efforts to curb illicit fuel distribution.
The rules, published in the official gazette and effective immediately, require all vehicles operating under transportation and distribution permits to display a clearly visible QR code issued by the national energy commission (CNE), and to be equipped with an active GPS tracking system. The QR code will allow authorities and market participants to verify permit validity, product type and authorized routes.
Permit holders for gasoline and diesel or LPG distribution have 15 business days to update their information and obtain the QR codes, while they must install GPS systems within 30 business days.
Trucks must transmit GPS data every 30 seconds and maintain historical records for at least one year. Failure to comply may result in sanctions, including permit suspension, the CNE said.
The measure is aimed at curbing illicit distribution practices, including the mislabeling of US imports as petrochemicals, additives or biofuels that are exempt from the fuel excise tax and fuel adulteration, such as blending excessive ethanol or other substances to cut costs at the expense of quality.
The CNE said the new system will improve traceability and oversight, allowing authorities to confirm whether tank trucks operate legally. The QR codes will also be accessible to the public, enabling citizens to report suspicious activity.
The commission has created a new digital platform — the system for registration, administration and control of permit holders — to manage data, monitor routes and facilitate coordination with security agencies.
Fuel importers, distributors and retailers were already required to document product origin, and trucks were previously required to carry GPS devices. But until now, they were not obligated to share location data with the CNE in real time, according to one market source.
Mexico's president Claudia Sheinbaum outlined the scope of the new rules last week. The government had previously announced plans for a fuel traceability system, but had not detailed its implementation. Market participants mostly welcomed the move but warned that fuel theft remains widespread and continues to meet a significant portion of Mexico's daily gasoline and diesel demand of 1.2mn bl.
