New Regulation for the Transportation of Hydrocarbons in Mexico
The federal government, through the Ministry of Energy (Sener) and the National Energy Commission (CNE), has established as mandatory the implementation of GPS satellite tracking systems, beacon and QR code in all hydrocarbon transportation units. This regulatory decision arises as a direct response to the tragic explosion that occurred on the Concordia bridge, in the Iztapalapa mayor’s office, an event that highlighted the critical vulnerabilities in the logistics and supervision chain.
Sener formalized this measure by publishing in the Official Gazette of the Federation an agreement that details the Administrative provisions for permits for the transportation and distribution of petroleum products, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and petrochemical products when carried out by means other than pipelines. The regulations came into force immediately, marking a turning point in the industrial safety policy of the energy sector.
Technical Specifications of the New Regulations
In accordance with the stipulations, all units involved in this activity – including trucks, tractor-trailers, semi-trailers and tank trucks – must permanently and visibly carry an official marking. This identification element must incorporate a unique and non-transferable QR code, issued exclusively by the CNE. The strength and visibility of these decals are key parameters; They must be manufactured with highly durable, reflective materials to ensure legibility in both day and night conditions.
The main function of this QR code is to allow immediate electronic verification of multiple critical aspects. By scanning it, the competent authorities and, to a limited extent, the public, will be able to access vital information about the legality of the unit, the validity of its permits and insurance, authorized routes and the volumes of cargo transported. This access will be carried out through the Registration, Administration and Control System for Permit Holders (SIRACP), a centralized technological platform.
At the same time, the global positioning system (GPS) requirement is equally rigorous. The units must have active and certified devices, capable of transmitting location data in real time through secure communication protocols. The geolocation records generated by these systems must be kept for a minimum period of twelve months, thus facilitating subsequent audits and investigations. The regulations are clear in stating that the omission, manipulation or malicious alteration of the tracking system will be considered a serious offense, subject to severe sanctions.
SIRACP as the Backbone of Supervision
The Registration, Administration and Control System for Permit Holders (SIRACP) stands as the fundamental tool of this new strategy. Defined by the authorities as a technological tool administered by the CNE, its design is aimed at strengthening regulatory supervision in the transportation of hydrocarbons. Its dual function is crucial: on the one hand, it provides regulatory agencies with a comprehensive, real-time view of operations, and on the other, it serves as a reliable information channel for public security authorities, with the express objective of strengthening measures to prevent and punish crimes in this area.
The implementation of this regulatory framework represents a significant effort to modernize supervision, moving from traditional and reactive methods towards a data-based, proactive and technologically robust model. The Iztapalapa tragedy, which to date has claimed the lives of 29 people and kept a dozen more hospitalized, acted as an inevitable catalyst for this transformation. The incident not only highlighted the risks inherent in transporting hazardous materials, but also the consequences of failures in the chain of control.
In a broader analysis, this measure aligns with global trends that seek to increase traceability and transparency in fuel logistics. The integration of technologies such as GPS and QR codes not only improves emergency response capacity, but also deters illegal practices such as hydrocarbon theft or route diversion, problems that have historically affected the sector. The effectiveness of this initiative will depend, to a large extent, on the rigor in its application, the oversight capacity of the authorities and the effective collaboration between the public sector and permit holders.
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