Supreme Court to Review Calica Port Concession Case After Local Judges Step Aside

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Mexico’s Supreme Court has received a request to resolve a legal dispute over the revocation of Calica’s port concession at Punta Venado, marking the first time the high court will consider the case.

Judges from the Third Collegiate Circuit Court of Quintana Roo have recused themselves from ruling on the matter, as Calica seeks to have a provision of the Customs Law declared unconstitutional. Authorities used this law to cancel the company’s concession on May 10, 2022, following a series of closures that remain in effect.

The judges stated they lack the authority to invalidate Article 144-A, Section V of the Customs Law, which allows the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM) to revoke concessions for tax violations.

“Based on the preceding reasons, this collegiate body considers that the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation should exercise its original jurisdiction to hear and resolve the matter. Therefore, after compiling the case file, we order these records to be sent to the Supreme Court for a legal ruling,” reads the judicial decision from the Third Collegiate Circuit Court.

According to a court order issued on Friday, the case file is now with Supreme Court President Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, who will decide whether to admit the appeal. Since the case originates from a federal court, the Supreme Court is expected to take it on.

“The President of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation in the amparo review 132/2026 acknowledges receipt of the digitalized records sent by the superior court,” the order adds.

Calica filed for an injunction in June 2022 with a federal judge in Quintana Roo, challenging the revocation of its concession at Punta Venado port. Through this infrastructure, Calica shipped stone material extracted south of Playa del Carmen to the United States and maintained control of the maritime facility.

In a ruling issued on June 8, 2023, the court denied Calica’s injunction. The company now seeks to nullify the contested article to regain its concession.

Dissatisfied with the outcome, Calica appealed through a review process, which the judges have now referred to the Supreme Court.