Key takeaways
Simplification of procedures: CONAGUA published an Agreement incorporating various procedures into the Digital One-Stop platform for water-related proceedings.
New processes enabled: (i) modification of concession title or permit; (ii) interruption of expiration of water rights related to unused volumes; and (iii) txtension of concession titles, allocations, and/or discharge permits.
Resolution deadlines: CONAGUA must issue resolutions related thereof, within 60 business days and may only issue one request for additional information to the applicant.
Effective date: The Agreement will enter into force on October 8, 2025 (the fifth business day following its publication).
On October 1, 2025, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (“SEMARNAT”) published in the Federal Official Gazette (“DOF”) the “Agreement establishing simplification measures and incorporating certain procedures into the Digital One-Stop Platform for water-elated processes” (the “Agreement”), aimed at streamlining the provision of services and procedures, maximizing benefits for individuals, in line with the National Law to Eliminate Bureaucratic Procedures and the commitments set forth in the National Water Plan 2024-2030.
On October 8, 2025, the Agreement incorporating certain procedures into CONAGUA's Digital One-Stop Platform for Water-related Processes (Ventanilla Digital Única de Trámites del Agua, or “VEDUTA”) will enter into force. The Agreement establishes key simplification and digitalization measures for the submission, resolution, and follow-up of specific administrative procedures.
The procedures covered include the modification of concession titles or permits, the notice to request the interruption of expiration of water rights for unused volumes, and the extension of concession titles, allocations, and/or discharge permits. These procedures must now be submitted electronically through VEDUTA, signed using the Advanced Electronic Signature (FIEL), except in the case of individual agricultural users, who may use a scanned handwritten signature in digital format.
CONAGUA will have a maximum of sixty business days to issue a resolution on applications submitted through VEDUTA and may only issue one request for clarification or additional information, which must be addressed within ten business days following the filing of the application.
The Agreement will enter into force on October 8, 2025. During its vacatio legis period, deadlines for the submission, processing, and resolution of these procedures will remain suspended. Industrial and mining water concessions are excluded from these simplification and digitalization measures.
Next steps
Companies holding water concessions or discharge permits should review which of their procedures will need to migrate to the VEDUTA platform and ensure that their legal representatives have an active Advanced Electronic Signature (FIEL). It is also advisable to verify that internal documentation (such as corporate powers of attorney and technical supporting files) is updated and ready for digital submission once the Agreement enters into force.
For projects that plan to request extensions, modifications, or interruption of expiration of rights in the coming months, it is recommended to anticipate document preparation to avoid delays during the transition and suspension period.
References
1. https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5768880&fecha=01/10/2025#gsc.tab=0
[View source.]
