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Buying a new phone in Mexico is an adventure. Suddenly, hundreds of users saw how their newly purchased devices were blocked for no apparent reason. The explanation is
Buying a new phone in Mexico is an adventure. Suddenly, hundreds of users saw how their newly purchased devices were blocked for no apparent reason. The explanation is that these terminals were purchased on the gray market.
We explain to you What is Mexico’s gray marketHow will we detect that our terminal has been purchased or approved there and what are the effects?
The gray market is generally understood as the trade in devices from unofficial stores. They are usually imported devices rather than phones approved in Mexico. has not been reviewed by official safety regulations and distribution in the country.
It does not mean that it is different from approved mobile phones. Samsung, Motorola or Xiaomi sold on the gray market may be the exact same model as the approved one, but have not been vetted to ensure it is fully compatible with Mexican networks or in Spanish.
The Federal Consumer Protection Agency (PROFECO) is the agency responsible for the regulation and sale of devices in Mexico. Official Mexican Standard (NOM) They are rules that ensure that a product is safe and verified for its suitability for the Mexican market.
NOM is also the seal that a product is approved and does not belong to the gray market. As our colleagues at Xataka México point out, we can find it in the device boxAlong with other certifications such as China Export or European Conformity. If the NOM logo appears, we can be sure that this is a product approved for Mexico.
Image: Xataka Mexico
Mobile processors have supported multiple bands for many years. This means that the majority of Chinese mobile phones are compatible with almost all networks around the world. This has led to a boom in the gray market, as these imported terminals differ less and less from the approved ones.
There are months when smartphone share is sold in the gray market, according to data from Samsung Mexico corresponds to 20%.
The advantage is that it is often cheaper to buy on the gray market. The downside is that incompatibilities may occur at the connection level or with a charger that is not suitable for the current.
But it should be noted that it’s not all about features. Buying a terminal on the gray market means: we will not have official warranty and support from the manufacturer. If you experience problems, the brand may not be responsible since it was not purchased through official channels.
Gray market mobile phones are sold in multiple stores. From Amazon to Claro, via Mercado Libre or Liverpool. The latter explained to Xataka México that “measures have been taken to prevent the sale of gray equipment on the marketplace in order to provide buyers with certainty about the products they purchase.”
The first people interested in avoiding the gray market are manufacturers. Thus, they ensure that their mobile phones comply with all regulations. The problem started in 2022, when ZTE started blocking devices purchased from the gray market.
Users They suddenly received a notification “This equipment is not designed for Mexican networks and therefore does not work properly,” it was warned.
This was not the only manufacturer. Months later, in July 2023, Motorola also began blocking these terminals, warning them that they did not comply with NOM. A block that is not retroactive but applies to smartphones purchased on the gray market after July 27.
On October 11, it was Samsung’s turn. The company, like other brands, began sending out warnings that “the phone does not comply with regulations” by offering a 30% discount for purchasing an official device.
On October 18, Xiaomi did the same. The message was:
“Attention. Your device may not be the official version for your region. This may affect the functions of your device, such as connecting to the network of your contracted telephone operator. It is recommended that you contact your dealer for assistance.”
Image: Xataka Mexico
According to Profeco, although the blocking is enabled by the manufacturers themselves, if these terminals were purchased through an authorized distributor, it is possible to force the seller to provide a warranty.
After several weeks without a clear positioning by Profeco and the Federal Institute for Telecommunications (IFT), an official statement was issued on October 19.
According to regulation NOM-184-SFCI-2018: “Telecommunications Terminal Equipment required for the use of Telecommunications Services may be freely chosen by Consumers.” So, Users’ freedom to purchase prevails.
Profeco’s demand is clear: Manufacturers must immediately lift mobile phone blocks. Although these devices are not approved and may affect the quality of service, consumer rights are reserved.
It didn’t take long for manufacturers to react. Motorola reactivated the erratic devices. OPPO also halted plans to block the devices on Profeco’s advice. And Samsung.
Profeco and IFT’s statement ends with the statement that “appropriate measures and actions are necessary to contribute to the environment.” Addressing the regulatory, commercial and legal challenges brought about by the “grey market”. Currently, current Mexican regulation does not make the gray market illegal.
As its name suggests, it is located in a rather undefined region. There is no warranty policy under the Federal Consumer Protection Act, but they are not illegal. We will have to wait to see whether Profeco takes the initiative to change the regulation or simply lets time pass by warning of its dangers but admitting that manufacturers cannot block user terminals.
Image | Justine Camacho
in Xataka | What do we need to know when buying an imported Chinese mobile phone?
Source: Xataka
Emma Ortiz is a gadget expert and author at Div Bracket. She provides in-depth coverage of the latest and greatest in consumer technology, offering readers an inside look at the latest trends and innovations in the world of gadgets.
