I'm moving goods without complemento Carta Porte — what are the fines?
Moving goods within Mexico requires a CFDI with the Carta Porte complement, issued before the trip — it proves legal possession of the cargo during transit. Without it, you're looking at two layers of fines (2026 figures, INPC-updated via Anexo 5 RMF 2026): $450–$670 MXN per CFDI for not issuing the document with its complement (CFF Art. 84 fr IV inc d), and $1,000–$19,280 MXN if you're stopped and can't show/carry it during verification (Art. 84 fr XI). Ignore the old "$14,710 max" figure floating around online — that's the 2022 amount.
When it's mandatory
| Who | Document |
|---|---|
| Carrier (transportista) transporting others' goods | CFDI tipo ingreso (for the freight service) + Carta Porte complement |
| Owner moving their own goods | CFDI tipo traslado + Carta Porte complement |
Required for land, sea, and air transport of goods/merchandise within national territory, issued before the trip begins. A commonly cited exception: short hops on federal highway segments under 30 km.
The fine structure (2026)
| Violation | Legal base | 2026 fine |
|---|---|---|
| Not issuing the CFDI with Carta Porte complement | Art. 83 fr VII → Art. 84 fr IV inc d | $450–$670 per CFDI |
| Not carrying/showing it when inspected in transit | Art. 83 fr XII → Art. 84 fr XI | $1,000–$19,280 |
| Not issuing CFDIs at all (broader) | Art. 84 fr IV inc a | $22,300–$127,530 (+ 3–15 day closure on repeat) |
Note these are fixed peso amounts updated by INPC (Anexo 5), not UMA multiples. Transporting goods domestically without the CFDI + Carta Porte can also trigger a contraband presumption (CFF Art. 103 fr XXII–XXIII) — the cargo itself is at risk, not just your wallet.
Frequently asked questions
I'm just moving my own furniture across town. Carta Porte?
If it's your own goods, the traslado + complement is the compliant form. For genuinely local, short moves many people risk it — but the legal requirement doesn't have a "it's just my stuff" exception.
Who gets fined — the driver or the company?
Both can be exposed: the carrier for the missing transport document, and the goods can be seized under the contraband presumption. Drivers should never depart without the complement in hand (digital is fine).
Does the complement replace the CFDI?
No — it's a complemento to the CFDI. You need the base invoice (ingreso or traslado) plus the Carta Porte data. One without the other fails inspection.
Sources
- https://sovos.com/es/blog/iva/facturacion-electronica-en-mexico/
- Anexo 5 RMF 2026 (DOF Dec 28, 2025) — Art. 84 fine amounts
- CFF Arts. 29, 29-A, 83 fr VII/XII, 84 fr IV d)/XI, 103 fr XXII-XXIII
- SAT — https://www.sat.gob.mx