Mexico's SAT closes over 2,000 companies for illegal fuel sales

Mexico's Tax Administration Service (SAT) has closed 2,224 companies for selling fuel without the required permits. Additionally, 180 companies were removed from the general importers' registry for smuggling activities, specifically by using incorrect tariff classifications to import gasoline and diesel.

Authorities identified 175 companies as fraudulent invoicing entities and issued 6,483 fines to 2,032 gas stations for failing to properly maintain volumetric controls. The National Energy Commission (CNH) has also canceled 264 fuel distribution and commercialization permits, with another 307 undergoing sanction or revocation procedures.

These actions target ‘fiscal huachicol,’ which involves the undeclared entry of fuel from the United States to avoid the Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS). Officials reported anomalies totaling 61.7 billion pesos related to these practices. President Claudia Sheinbaum noted that extradition requests have been made for certain individuals with dual Mexican-U.S. citizenship residing in the United States who are linked to these investigations.