Update, Tuesday, October 10 at 5:25 p.m.: Samsung Mexico confirmed that it will begin blocking devices purchased on the gray market starting October 11. It is important to specify that they will only disable those devices purchased since September 21 of this year. Affected consumers can obtain a 30% coupon when purchasing a terminal that is distributed through authorized channels. We reproduce his statement in full below:
“At Samsung Mexico we are committed to security and compliance with local regulations in each of the countries where we operate. Starting October 11, we will begin to block those smartphones that come from the gray market, and that have been activated as of October September 21, 2023 in Mexico. For users whose smartphones are blocked, we offer a 30% discount coupon, which can be redeemed through our official website www.samsung.com/mx or in the Samsung Shop APP , available for Android devices. The discount code will be valid until December 31, 2023”
Samsung
Original post:
In mid-September we told you that Samsung Mexico was sending warning notices to devices purchased through the gray market. These messages mentioned that the terminal did not comply with Mexican regulations. Now, however, it seems that the manufacturer is about to follow in the same footsteps as Motorola and ZTE. That is to say, lock any smartphone that has been acquired in that way.
Carlos Vassan, youtuber Mexican, shared via X (Twitter) a screenshot of a notification he received on his Samsung phone today: “Your device does not comply with Mexican regulations, so will be disabled starting October 11. We invite you to back up your information.”
The publication, of course, is generating enormous concern among those owners of Samsung smartphones that were obtained on the gray market. Many have taken to the company’s official Twitter account to demand explanations. Although their responses do not delve into the issue of blocking, they share a link to Samsung’s official website.
The aforementioned site explains, point by point, why Samsung equipment purchased on the gray market fail to comply with multiple rules established by the Mexican authorities.
“Currently, there are various online stores where you can buy smartphones, tablets, accessories, among other electronic devices. The options are multiple. Precisely in that sense, the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) published a series of recommendations regarding risks involved in acquiring electronic equipment or devices through unofficial channels,” the website begins.
Subsequently, they make it clear that it is the Profeco who determines that, although the Samsung devices obtained on the gray market are manufactured legally, they enter the country “in violation of legal procedures such as the lack of guarantee and technical specifications, product certification and labeling of the Official Mexican Standards, among others. others”, and add:
“Likewise, the products will be affected, since their operation will not be optimal, in addition to the fact that they will not have repair parts, and they could represent risks to the health and safety of consumers.”
To prevent future owners of Samsung smartphones from being disappointed, the company recommends verify the presence of the NOM024 label. Another way to check if the product complies with the regulations is simply Make sure the store makes the warranty valid in Mexico. As you surely know, one of the disadvantages of buying devices on the gray market is not having a guarantee in national territory.
Without a doubt, we are facing a controversial situation which will cause a huge debate in Mexico. Samsung has a significant market share in this country, so those affected will not be few. After all, the gray market has become the best option to find smartphones at attractive prices.