What is a DODA and how to verify it
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The DODA (Documento de Operación para Despacho Aduanero) is the QR-coded document that travels with goods presented at a Mexican customs office. Its QR code lets you look up the integration number in SAT's public validator and confirm the printed data matches the real operation.
What is a DODA?
It is the document presented at the customs booth to clear a foreign-trade operation. It puts on one page the data customs needs to identify the crossing: customs office and section, the customs broker's license (patente), one or more pedimentos, the vehicle and, when applicable, the container.
Every DODA has a unique integration number (número de integración). That number is the key to look the document up in SAT's public validator.
What data does the QR code contain?
A DODA QR code holds either a link to SAT's validator with the integration number, or a pipe-separated string with the operation data. The string contains, in this order:
- Customs section
- Customs broker license (patente)
- Total number of pedimentos
- Pedimento number(s)
- Integration number
- Vehicle plate
- Container
- Date
Who issues the DODA?
It is usually generated by the Mexican customs broker from pedimentos that have already been validated in the customs authority's electronic systems. The carrier receives it as a PDF or printout and hands it over at customs with the goods.
One pedimento or several
A DODA can cover a single pedimento or group several. The “total pedimentos” field tells you how many; when there are several, the document lists each number. Check that every expected pedimento appears.
Common errors
- License or pedimento that differs between the QR code and the printed text.
- Integration number that does not exist in SAT's lookup or belongs to another operation.
- Typos in the plate or container number.
- A PDF forwarded many times and edited along the way.
- A blurry or cropped QR code the customs booth cannot read.
How to verify a DODA
Scan the QR code with your camera or upload the image or PDF to DODA Verify. It reads the QR code, looks up the integration number in SAT's public validator and compares the QR code, the printed text and SAT's response field by field. Anything that does not match is flagged so you can review it before the truck reaches the border.
It is an automated support check. It does not replace your customs broker's review.
Frequently asked questions
What does DODA stand for?
Documento de Operación para Despacho Aduanero — the QR-coded customs clearance operation document presented at Mexican customs.
What is the DODA integration number?
It is the DODA's unique identifier, used to look the document up in SAT's public validator.
Can I verify a DODA from my phone?
Yes. DODA Verify lets you scan the QR code with your phone camera or upload a photo or the PDF. No sign-up needed.
Can one DODA cover several pedimentos?
Yes. The “total pedimentos” field shows how many it covers, and the document lists each number.
Does the check replace my customs broker?
No. It is an automated check that helps spot inconsistencies; your customs broker's review is still required.
Official sources
Related guides
DODA Verify is an automated support check. It does not replace your customs broker's review.