# Carta Porte: who needs it and what happens without it

> The Carta Porte 3.1 supplement to the CFDI: who has to issue it, what data it requires, how it ties to your import customs entry, and the penalties.

Source: https://www.freightspot.com/en/resources/help/carta-porte-quien-la-necesita · Updated: 2026-07-26 · Category: Freight & shipping · Publisher: FreightSpot

The **Carta Porte supplement** — Mexico’s e-waybill — is an annex to the CFDI (the electronic invoice) that documents to the tax authority (SAT) any movement of goods within Mexico: what’s moving, from where, to where, in what vehicle, and who’s driving. If your imported cargo moves from the port to your warehouse, this applies to you — even if someone else contracts the trucking.

> **In 2026 the extensions ran out.** The version-overlap and grace periods are behind us: the current version is **3.1**, validations are stricter, and both the SAT and the National Guard check and fine on the highway. Electronic audits on correct usage have intensified.

## Who has to issue it?

- **If you’re the carrier** (you provide the transport service): you issue a **revenue CFDI** with the Carta Porte supplement.
- **If you move your own goods** in your own vehicles: you issue a **transfer CFDI** with the Carta Porte supplement.
- **If you hire a trucker**: they issue the supplement, but you must **verify it exists and is correct** — the goods are yours, and so is the risk of the truck getting held.

It applies to moves by **road (federal trucking), ocean, air and rail** within Mexican territory.

## The part that matters to the importer: the customs entry goes inside

When the goods being moved are **imports**, the supplement must include the number of the **customs entry (pedimento)** that proves their legal status in the country. It’s the link between your trade operation and the domestic move — and one of the most-checked data points.

## What it requires (the fields that fail most)

- **Origin and destination with precise locations** — the SAT wants exact coordinates and zip codes; approximate addresses get rejected.
- **Description and product code** of the goods being moved, with weight in kilograms.
- **Vehicle data**: plates, vehicle configuration and the SICT permit where applicable.
- **Driver data**: tax ID (RFC) and license.
- **Insurer and liability policy** number.
- **Hazmat** declared where applicable, with its code.

## What happens if it’s missing or wrong

- A **fine** for not issuing the CFDI with the supplement, or issuing it with errors.
- The **truck held** at a highway checkpoint until the move is substantiated.
- The goods can be presumed to be of **illicit origin**, with everything that drags along.
- The transport expense becomes **non-deductible** for tax purposes.

## What to actually do

- If you hire trucking, **ask for the CFDI with the supplement before the truck leaves** — not after the trip.
- Verify the **customs entry number** is captured for import cargo.
- Confirm **origin and destination** match the actual route; last-minute changes mean correcting the CFDI.
- Keep the supplement in the **operation’s file**, next to the customs entry and the BL.

**At FreightSpot, trucking comes with its Carta Porte done right from the start** — not a document you have to chase. [Quote your move](https://www.freightspot.com/en/contact) and cross it off your list.

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Need to move cargo or sort out a filing? [Contact FreightSpot](https://www.freightspot.com/en/contact) · Tel. +52 55 5351-8362 · hello@freightspot.com