Profeco steps in to stop blocking of smartphones bought on Mexico’s gray market

Blocking smartphones purchased on the gray market the initiative taken by Samsung, Motorola and ZTE has become an issue of great relevance in Mexico. The situation caused such a stir that Profeco (Federal Prosecutor’s Office for Consumer Protection) and IFT (Federal Institute of Telecommunications) were already aware of what had happened and, fortunately, did not have to wait long to take action. consumer protection measures. Of course, there are many victims.

In a joint statement Profeco and IFT call on participating companies to immediately suspend blocking of equipment purchased on the gray market. Therefore, Samsung, Motorola and ZTE will have to reverse their actions.

“PROFECO and IFT, in accordance with their regulatory framework and subject to compliance with their regulatory framework, call on companies that have implemented blocking measures to immediately suspend such actions. The above is intended to avoid impact on consumers and users until appropriate measures are taken and actions are considered that contribute to solving the regulatory, commercial and legal problems that the gray market brings with it.

The important point of the message is that Profeco and IFT acknowledge that there are risks around smartphones purchased on the gray market in Mexico. Of course, they make it clear that the practices of Samsung, Motorola and ZTE are not sufficient to solve this problem.

“Recognizing that imports from the so-called “gray market” can affect the quality of services provided, as well as the possibility of confirming the manufacturer’s guarantee, the Federal Agency for the Protection of Consumer Rights (PROFECO) and the Federal Institute of Communications (IFT) have carried out information campaigns to ensure that consumers and users have taken precautions due to the risks associated with their use.

However, absolute blocking of terminal equipment, as implemented, affects the rights of consumers and end users.”

Profeco recognizes the risks of the smartphone gray market

After the order to end the blockade, the next step of government agencies is form a “working group” with manufacturers to properly resolve this issue.

“Manufacturers are invited to be part of a working group that brings together various stakeholders to identify measures and implement actions to address the problems created by the gray market, while always protecting the rights of users and consumers.”

Although the intervention of Profeco and IFT was necessary, it should be understood that Your statement only protects the consumer directly, not the gray market.. Obviously, these institutions also do not agree with this type of mobile device marketing.

In fact, Samsung, in its post justifying the blockade, noted that the gray market violates numerous rules of Profeco itself, since the products are not certified to operate in Mexico. They highlighted the lack of warranty and technical specifications that may not be compatible with the country’s networks.

Of course, Profeco and IFT readings will be considered as a measure Xiaomi warning, which has already begun sending messages to owners of terminals purchased on the gray market. If a Chinese manufacturer wants to follow in the footsteps of its competitors and block smartphones, it will have to forget about it, at least for now…