If you have been suspended from the Importers' Registry (padrón de importadores), you cannot import the goods covered by the suspension for as long as it lasts, because registration is a requirement for bringing them in. The suspension takes effect immediately and the authority notifies the ground afterward. It is lifted by showing that the ground was not correctly assessed or by correcting the situation that caused it, through the procedure set out in the general foreign trade rules.
What is the Importers’ Registry and why does it matter?
Under Article 59, section IV, of the Customs Law (Ley Aduanera), anyone bringing goods into the national territory must be registered in the Importers’ Registry (padrón de importadores) and, where applicable, in the Specific Sectors Registry, both administered by the SAT, and must be current on their tax obligations. The customs authority has express power to suspend registrations in those registries (Article 144, section XXXVI).
What are the grounds for suspension?
Rule 1.3.3 of the 2026 General Foreign Trade Rules (RGCE) lists the grounds, which are in addition to those in Article 84 of the Regulations to the Customs Law (Reglamento de la Ley Aduanera). They are very different in nature, and it helps to identify them by family:
- Administrative: an e.firma that is no longer valid, missing tax mailbox contact channels, an address that cannot be located.
- Tax-related: failing to file tax returns or appearing on the definitive list under Article 69-B of the Federal Tax Code (Código Fiscal de la Federación).
- Operational: not operating for a prolonged period, false supplier data or false documentation.
- Verification-related: obstructing verification powers or failing to respond to requests while they are being exercised.
- Value, origin or classification: undervaluation established by resolution, or classification differences that affect regulations.
How is the suspension rebutted?
The suspension is immediate and the authority notifies the ground afterward. The rule itself provides that, if the grounds were not correctly assessed, the suspension is lifted immediately. To request reinstatement there is a procedure sheet (ficha de trámite) in Annex 2 and rule 1.3.4; there are also specific routes, such as acquiescence and payment (allanamiento) when a proceeding or tax assessment exists. The resolution period depends on the procedure sheet in force when the request is filed, so it is confirmed at that time.
When the ground arises from a review or a seizure, the most efficient approach is to address both fronts at once. See what to do about a customs investigation and, if your company imports from China, the page for Chinese companies in Mexico.
Updated October 2026.
This content is informational and does not constitute legal advice. Every case requires individual analysis.
Are you in this situation?
- Your customs broker told you it can no longer process your import entries.
- You found on the SAT portal that your status in the registry shows as suspended.
- You received, or expect, an official notice citing a ground for suspension that you do not recognize.
- Your e-signature (e.firma), tax mailbox (buzón tributario) or registered tax address had validity or location problems.
- The authority questioned the value, origin or supplier data in your earlier transactions.
- You have goods in transit or at port that cannot be cleared in your name.
The cost of waiting
Import stoppage
Without a valid registration in the registry, goods cannot be brought in. Each day of suspension means delays, storage costs and customers without product.
The ground worsening over time
While the underlying cause is not corrected, other consequences can accumulate, such as requests, tax assessments or new grounds. Letting it slide complicates reinstatement.
Effects on other programs
The suspension may coincide with reviews by the authority and affect certifications or programs in which you are enrolled.
Errors in the reinstatement filing
A poorly grounded request or one lacking sufficient evidence is rejected or resolved adversely, and delays reactivation.
Identifying the ground
We obtain the notice and the exact legal basis, and verify whether the ground invoked actually applies in your case.
Review of the underlying cause
We analyze the situation that triggered the suspension: e.firma validity, contact channels, address, the transactions at issue or the authority's lists.
Rebuttal strategy
We decide whether to show that the authority did not correctly assess the facts or to correct the situation, and what evidence supports it.
Filing and follow-up
We file the reinstatement request through the appropriate channel and follow up until the authority resolves.
Remedies and prevention
If the resolution is unfavorable, we assess the available remedies and adjust your compliance to avoid a new suspension.
We support importers and foreign trade companies facing suspensions from the Importers' Registry and the Specific Sectors Registry, from analyzing the ground through the reinstatement request. We work with the client's tax and foreign trade teams because the cause often originates in tax compliance, not only customs compliance.
Your questions, answered
What is a suspension from the Importers' Registry?
It is the measure by which the customs authority temporarily suspends the effect of your registration in the Importers' Registry (padrón de importadores) or the Specific Sectors Registry. It is based on the power in Article 144, section XXXVI, of the Customs Law (Ley Aduanera); the grounds are in Article 84 of the Regulations to the Customs Law (Reglamento de la Ley Aduanera) and in rule 1.3.3 of the 2026 General Foreign Trade Rules (RGCE).
Why can my registration be suspended?
The grounds are numerous and of different kinds: e.firma or tax mailbox problems, not being located, not operating for a prolonged period, false documents or data, failing to respond to requests, or appearing on authority lists, among others. Which one is invoked in your case is confirmed in the notification.
Can I import while suspended?
Not in the ordinary course, because registration in the registry is a requirement to bring goods in. If the ground applies only to one sector, the suspension may be limited to it. The specific operational situation should be reviewed with legal advice.
How is registration reinstated?
Through the reinstatement request provided for in the general rules, in which the ground is rebutted or the situation that caused it is corrected. There are specific routes, for example when a proceeding or tax assessment is pending. The resolution period should be checked against the rules in force when the request is filed.
Let us talk about your matter
Tell us what is happening and we will tell you whether it is a matter we can take on, what it would involve, and how the scope is defined.
A lawyer will review your matter and confirm the next step within 24 business hours.
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