Spotting Counterfeit Beverages with Help from the SAT
During the end-of-year celebrations, alcohol consumption in Mexico spikes, increasing the likelihood that people will buy counterfeit beverages. For this reason, the Tax Administration Service (SAT) has issued a warning to all consumers: it's essential to verify the authenticity of bottles before purchasing them. They should have a marbete, a label that guarantees the legality and origin of the product. Here’s how you can carry out this verification.
What is a marbete and how is it used? It comes in two forms: Physical, which is printed on paper with security features similar to those on banknotes, including special texture, unique inks, a color-changing logo, and a QR code. Electronic, which is part of the label or back label on the bottles, featuring a QR code and a serial number. How can you tell if a bottle is authentic? Check the brand, the type of beverage, the alcohol content, the size, the origin, the packaging date, and the production lot. Bottles with a green marbete indicate national beverages, while those with a burgundy one are imported.
The consumption of adulterated alcoholic beverages is a serious public health issue due to the high level of toxicity and mortality, which can reach up to 50% in some cases, according to the Ministry of Health. Therefore, it’s crucial to verify the authenticity of every bottle you buy and ensure it has the Hacienda label. The marbete is a tax and health control label that must be attached or printed on containers of alcoholic beverages of up to five liters. This label is mandatory for all manufacturers, producers, marketers, and importers, as it ensures that the products comply with tax and health regulations.
There are two types of marbetes. The SAT mentions that anyone can confirm the legality of a beverage by scanning the QR code with a smartphone that has internet access. When you scan it, the information you obtain should match the details on the bottle. Additionally, marbetes have different colors depending on the type of product. Using the marbete not only protects consumers from purchasing illegal or adulterated products but also ensures proper tax payments. This shows that the companies producing and distributing alcoholic beverages are officially registered with the SAT and the Ministry of Hacienda.
It’s essential to stay vigilant when purchasing alcoholic beverages, especially during festive seasons. Safety and legality not only guarantee a better experience while consuming but also have impacts on the economy, as compliance with regulations helps maintain tax equity and protect public health. Let’s remember that each purchasing decision can have a direct effect on our community and the country’s economic system.
