March 04, 2026 | ATA Carnet
Mexico Announces Immediate Operational Pause of ATA Carnet System
On March 2, 2026, the Mexican National Guaranteeing Association (NGA) formally notified stakeholders of an operational pause of the ATA Carnet system in Mexico, effective immediately as of Monday, March 2, 2026.
This unexpected decision has significant implications for businesses, logistics providers, and Carnet holders operating in and out of Mexico.
What the Operational Pause Means
According to the notification, the pause includes the following measures:
- Suspension of Issuance
No ATA Carnets will be issued for temporary exports from Mexico until further notice.
- Suspension of Registration
Foreign ATA Carnets will not be registered for entry into Mexico. This effectively halts the use of Carnets for temporary import into the country.
Together, these measures temporarily disrupt Mexico’s participation in the ATA Carnet system, creating immediate operational challenges for companies relying on Carnets for trade shows, professional equipment transport, commercial samples, and other temporary exports.
Industry Response
The World ATA Carnet Council (WATAC) leadership and Secretariat are taking swift action in response to this development. An urgent meeting will be requested with CANACO, the Mexican NGA, to address what has been described as an unacceptable unilateral decision made without advance notification or consideration of the serious ramifications for:
- Current Carnet holders
- The international guaranteeing chain
- Ongoing and scheduled temporary import/export operations
Stakeholders across the global Carnet network are closely monitoring the situation.
What This Means for Businesses
Companies planning temporary exports to or from Mexico should immediately assess the impact on upcoming shipments and events. Alternative customs procedures may need to be explored while the pause remains in effect.
Organizations with goods currently traveling under Carnet should stay in close contact with their issuing associations and customs brokers for guidance.
Next Steps
We understand the urgency and uncertainty this development creates. The WATAC leadership and Secretariat are actively working to engage with Mexican authorities and seek clarification and resolution.
