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On 20th September 2018 the Mexican Government published the Second Resolution on changes to the General Rules of Foreign Trade for 2018 (in Spanish). Such changes along with those implemented in April, established new rules for clearing goods through Mexican Customs, and entered into effect as of 21st September 2018.
The second resolution includes the modification of 43 rules, the creation of 11 more, and the abrogation of 4 other.
What are the GRFT
The General Rules on Foreign Trade, are a set of rules regulating import and export operations in Mexico. Rules issued by the Government and the Customs Agency, in which the requirements and formalities for customs clearance are constantly updated and changed.
Familiarise yourself with 10 important changes contained in the second
resolution of the General Rules of Foreign Trade for 2018!
1. New Hydrocarbon Management Bureaus
3 new government offices appear in the Glossary of Acronyms of Authorities and Definitions:
- General Administration of Hydrocarbons (AGH, Spanish Acronym).
- Central Administration for Legal Support and Hydrocarbon Regulations (ACAJNH, Spanish Acronym); and,
- Central Administration for Hydrocarbon Programming and Planning (ACPPH, Spanish Acronym).
2. Authorised Personnel for Tariff Classification
The first resolution of the GRFT for 2018, established the creation of the Tariff Classification Board, granted with the faculty to issue technical opinions with regards to tariff classification whenever requested so by customs authorities.
The second resolution, additionally specifies authorised personnel to collaborate in the decision making process of the Board:
- Product classification specialists, that is to say, experts in the classification of goods in accordance to international product nomenclature.
- Heads of Directorates of the Mexican Tax Administration System (SAT, acronym in Spanish).
- Assistant Director Generals of the Mexican Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP, acronym in Spanish).
3. Importation of Petroleum Products
Individuals authorised to import petroleum products can also perform operations to recover abandoned goods.
Moreover, the timelines to withdraw or return abandoned goods at the customs warehouse have been changed:
- 15 days to withdraw goods in lieu of 1 month.
- 10 days to return goods against the 15-day period available as of today.
Also, two new rules related to petroleum products were created (goods classified in the tax regulations of Annexe 29):
- Products that cannot be temporarily imported under the IMMEX Programme.
- Goods that cannot be imported under the strategic bonded warehouse customs scheme (known as Recinto Fiscalizado Estratégico).
4. Customs Clearance through DODA
DODA (acronym in Spanish for Operational Document for Customs Clearance), is the document format used for customs clearance. The Operational Document for Customs Clearance consists of a QR code that allows you to conduct the customs clearance process without submitting any printed papers of permits, notices, or photo copies.
Moreover, in such operations where a printed record, notice, or request is used; it will not be necessary to submit the corresponding physical documents since it will be enough to provide the folio number issued online through the service’s website, and to record it in the register system.
5. FAST Programme
The requirements to use the FAST lanes have been changed allowing exporters to use the lanes. Now both, exporters and transporters, must get registered in the FAST programme with CBP, and present the identification card which proves register in the programme at the automated customs system.
6. IMMEX Programme
The procedure for IMMEX companies to import Diesel has been eliminated.
IMMEX companies temporarily importing sensitive goods described in Annexe II of the Decree, will be able to guarantee payment of temporary import fees of such goods, through customs guarantees or bonds issued by securities companies.
7. Precautionary Customs Seizure
It will be considered as a legal address for import request purposes, the one provided in the electronic transmission or in the corresponding notice and therefore it would not be justified to provisionally seize the location which is in compliance with the requirements set forth in Technical Sheet 104/LA, and under one of the following cases:
1. That being a different address than the one held by Customs on record, but having registered it before the Tax Registration System (RFC, acronym in Spanish) previous to the execution of the foreign trade transaction, provided that:
- The address shown in the import request was previously provided to the Tax Registration System (RFC).
- You are found and identified at the current registered tax-purposed address.
- Notification of change of address was conducted within the establish timeframe and formalities.
2. That the address is found to match but the import request results inaccurate due to imminent spelling, grammar, syntax, or digit errors.
8. Comprehensive Certification Scheme
The second resolution of the GRFT for 2018, establishes the following changes for registering under the Comprehensive Certification Scheme:
- The requirements that must be complied with by those interested parties to obtain the VAT (IVA, acronym in Spanish) and Special Tax on Products and Services (IEPS, acronym in Spanish) modalities.
- The given period to issue the authorizations for the importation of sensitive goods contained in Annexe II of the Decree and/or in Annexe 28 of the GRFT, is of 30 days.
- The different modalities covered under this scheme.
- The duties established for registering and renewal processes.
9. Annexe 10: Changes in Tariff Sections
Annexe 10, which makes reference to tariff items, includes the following changes:
- Sector 13 adds “Hydrocarbons and Fuels”, therefore including tariff sections 2207.10.01 and 2207.20.01.
- Sector 15 “Iron and Steel Products”, rules out tariff sections 7210.49.01, 7210.49.02 y 7210.49.04.
10. Creating of Annexe 29: Schemes not intended for the Hydrocarbon Sector
Annexe 29 was created, determining that the tariff sections from the Hydrocarbon Sector (jet fuel, kerosene, lamp oil, biodiesel, diesel oils and petroleum, among others), cannot be used for the following:
- Temporary import scheme for the manufacturing, processing, or repair in maquiladora or export programmes.
- Customs warehouse.
- Scheme of manufacturing, processing, or repair in the Customs Warehouse.
- Strategic Bonded Warehouse Customs Scheme (known in Spanish as, Régimen de Recinto Fiscalizado Estratégico).
Mexico is a big importer of Spanish products. Spanish gourmet products in particular are very popular in Mexico. Several large Spanish hotel chains such as Melia, Barcelo, Riu Hotels, NH and Catalonia also have hotels and resorts in Mexico. Hence, there is an almost continuous flow of food product exports aimed at Spanish clients who travel to Mexico as well as furniture and products for decorating hotel facilities. At TIBA, our hotel logistics department specialises in this type of work.
Requirements for exporting to Mexico
The basic requirements for exporting to Mexico, as with any other country, are a sales invoice for the goods and a packing list. Other types of documentation may be requested depending on the type of goods involved, e.g. medical products. However, if you want to export to Mexico, it is worth remembering that the country has its own specific requirements.
EUR-1
Currently Mexico and Spain have a free trade agreement which means that certain tariff benefits are granted with the issuance of a EUR-1 certificate.
In order to benefit from reduced tariffs, it is important that the goods declared in the EUR-1 are exactly the same as those declared in the Single Administrative Document (SAD) for export and in any other customs clearance documentation.
There are two circumstances in which the EUR-1 is not necessary:
- Where the value of the goods does not exceed €6,000 with a declaration on the invoice, for any exporter..
- Goods of any value with a declaration on the invoice, for authorised exporters only.
Register of Importers
Furthermore, the importer must be on the Mexican Register of Importers held by the country’s Tax Administration Service. The register was created to combat tax evasion, to better manage foreign trade operations and to prevent the informal economy by monitoring importers bringing goods into the country and encouraging them to comply with their tax obligations. It was also intended to detect and prevent various customs fraud practices, including smuggling, affecting both the federal tax authorities and the country’s industries.
Having a customs agent in Mexico is essential
Having a customs agent in Mexico is essential if you want to avoid additional difficulties. The Mexican customs authorities are rigorous and exacting and the smallest paperwork mistake can lead to goods being withheld with all of the resulting associated costs.
Having someone at destination to receive the goods, who is aware of all the details and is familiar with how customs operates, is crucial.
At TIBA Mexico we have an established and trusted customs agent to ensure that customs clearance is quick and efficient, saving costs and avoiding problems.
Non-tariff barriers between Mexico and Spain
These are some of the problems and difficulties, other than tariffs and taxes, involved in exporting Spanish products to Mexico:
- A lack of protection of intellectual and industrial property rights (including Protected Designations of Origin and Geographical Indications). This affects some of Spain’s most traditional products such as serrano ham, chorizo, Iberian or Pamplona salchichon, sherry and Manchego cheese. Mexico uses the expressions “serrano style”, “Pamplona style” and “Manchego style” to market products made in Mexico arguing that these terms do not refer to Designations of Origin but to the traditional ways in which the products are manufactured.
- The frequent rejection of European documentation. The slightest error in a EUR-1 delays the entry of goods, thus generating further storage costs.
- Public spending favours domestic products at the expense of foreign goods. Mexican nationals can bid for public tender contracts.
- Health and plant health barriers. For certain products, particularly food products such as ham and cheese, specific documentation and veterinary certificates are needed. These documents must be prepared according to strict instructions, if they are not, the goods are likely to be held up on arrival.
Products that cannot be exported to Mexico
Any exporter should be sure at the beginning of the process that the goods involved are approved for import into Mexico.
The Mexican authorities pay particular attention to the importation of food products. As we said earlier, Spanish products are particularly popular in Mexico. The authorities’ control over this type of product is such that not just any food exporter can export goods to Mexico. An exporter must first be registered as an approved exporter with the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture before Mexico will accept their products.
Before goods are prepared and loaded into a container, it is worth confirming with the importer’s customs agent at destination that they will be accepted. Only once you are sure that the goods are authorised to enter Mexico should they be shipped.
In addition to this requirement, it is important to know which other products cannot be exported to Mexico from Spain:
- Antiques and archaeological remains.
- Hydrocarbon mixtures.
- Crude petroleum oils.
- Other derivatives of petroleum, natural tars and asphalts.
Spain to Mexico export figures
According to figures released by the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade, ICEX, exports from Spain to Mexico grew by 23.02% in 2015 compared to 2014, with values of €4,265.69 million in 2015 compared to €3,467.28 million in 2014. In fact, last year Mexico was the biggest recipient of Spanish exports in Latin America.
The most exported products to Mexico in 2015
These were the most exported products to Mexico in 2015:
- Machinery and mechanical appliances (€734 M).
- Motor vehicles (€597 M).
- Electrical equipment and apparatus (€488 M).
- Clothing, other than knitwear (€179 M), and knitwear (€135 M).
- Aircraft (€134 M).
- Chemical products (€119 M).
- Beverages (€118 M).
- Plastic products (€116 M).
In 2015, Spain was the third biggest exporter to Mexico behind Germany and Italy.
Mexican society
Legal constraints have made the development of key economic activities difficult for many years. However, in 2013, reforms in strategic sectors such as energy and telecommunications were approved, opening up new business opportunities in the Mexican market. In fact, there is a significant demand for Spanish equipment in the wind power industry. Other sectors of interest in terms of exporting to Mexico are the automotive, electrical, electronics and infrastructure industries.
Mexico is a country of great contrasts. Broadly speaking, consumption in the country continues to rise. With 118 million inhabitants and a young population, 50% of whom are 25 or under, Mexico is a continually developing country with significant potential for growth.
You may also be interested in our Quick guide to exporting.
Mexico increases tariffs on imports from the United States of various manufacturing products such as lamps and flat steels, as well as perishable products such as pork legs and shoulders, sausages and food preparations, apples, grapes, cranberries, and various cheeses, among others.
These taxes were announced with the knowledge that the agricultural and food sectors are key factors in US policy. However, the Mexican authority has mentioned that this measure will prevail until the US government eliminates the imposed tariffs.
Mexico answers to the protectionist measures of the United States
The last June 1st, the US once again imposed tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum, among others, being 25% for steel and 10% for aluminum; thus affecting the commercial relationship between the American union and its neighboring countries, Mexico and Canada, as well as with the European Union.
That measure, considered by the Mexican Ministry of Economy as not adequate or justified under the criterion of national security, can trigger the loss of jobs and an increase in costs for aluminum dependent manufactures, such as the automotive, aerospace, electrical and electronic sectors.
Free trade agreement between Mexico and the EU
Additionally, Mexico has carried out a strategy in international politics, diversifying markets through the modernization of the Free Trade Agreement with the European Union, which will benefit especially the Spanish agri-food sector that will be able to export free pork and poultry to Mexico of customs duties.
Trade with the EU has grown 4 times since the entry into force in 2000, reaching 72 billion dollars in 2017. According to the Ministry of Economy of Mexico, the members of the European Union represent 30% of the investments that Mexico receives, 159 billion dollars (1999-2017). The European Union is the 3rd commercial partner of Mexico and the 2nd investor.
Likewise, the participation in the Integral and Progressive Treaty of Trans-Pacific Association, CPTPP was also signed. Once the latter enters into force, Mexico will have 13 commercial agreements with 52 countries around the world.
The recent reform to Mexico’s Customs Law raises a new payment for port terminals, an impact that could be transferred to their tariffs.
The last Monday Jue 25th was published in the Mexico Federal Official Gazette, the reform to the Customs Law of Mexico, where, within the various legal clarifications, the payment of the consideration for related activities is proposed.
This payment is a charge that the port terminals will have to make to the Integral Port Administrations(API for its acronym in Spanish), as well as to the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP for its acronym in Spanish), via Customs; in addition to the consideration that enters this last unit for the handling, storage and custody of foreign trade goods.
According to the private companies that operate in the ports, this modification could generate a double payment to the government,so this impact would be transferred to their rates.
Impact of the reform of the Mexican Customs Law in the maritime sector
Jaime Aguilar, General Director of the Association of Port Terminals and Operators (ATOP for its acronym in Spanish),which brings together about 90% of the terminals and port facilities that operate in the country, explained that this measure, which is merely a collection, will increase between 12 and 15% tariffs, which will directly impact domestic importers and exporters.
In article 15, section VII, of the reform to the Customs Law of Mexico it is established that:
“When in the places authorized for the provision of the services subject to the concession or authorization, services other than the handling, storage and custody of foreign trade goods are provided, the income for said services shall be considered different from the income that forms the basis of the use, as long as they do not exceed 10% of the total income associated with the respective concession or authorization. The surplus amounts will be included in the profit base, unless there is evidence to the contrary that it is income obtained from services that are not related or directly related to the management, storage and custody services object of the concession or authorization. ”
We just finished the transport of 8,6 tonnes shovels from Mexico to Cerro de Hula Wind Farm, in Honduras.
Our experts in logistics management for renewable energy projects recently conducted a ground transport service carrying shovels weighting 8,6 tonnes. After going through narrow roads, the cargo arrived its destination at the Cerro de Hula Wind Farm in Honduras, where our overweight cargo transport specialists unloaded all modules.
Honduras renewable energy industry
The potential of wind energy is estimated to be of 1,200 MW. The Cerro de Hula Energy Project was the first wind energy project in the country. It has a nominal capacity of 102 megawatts of clean energy and delivers around 340 megawatts of wind energy able to provide power to about 100,000 homes.
Since 2017, 61 per cent of the country´s energy comes from clean energy sources. This makes Honduras the first non-island country in the world to reach such a high participation rate for renewable energy in the national energy mix.
Mexico has consolidated itself as a global leader in the aerospace sector. Exports in this sector have had an annual average increase of over 17 per cent during the last nine years, and in 2016 have reached more than 7, 164 millions of U.S. dollars. And such amount continues to increase.
Aerospace industry plays a strategic role in Mexico nowadays. According to the Mexican Ministry of Economy (Spa. Secretaría de Economía), the quality of Mexico´s production is now widely recognized at the international level, placing Mexico in the tenth place on the world´s aeronautical sector by 2020.
One of the most important poles to achieve it is the binational ecosystem where the Aerospace Cluster of Baja California lies. This cluster has an estimated export value of more than 2,000 million dollars a year, of which more than 85 per cent is exported to U.S. clients, while the rest goes to Canada or European Countries.
The Baja California Aerospace Cluster
The Baja California Aerospace cluster is the largest and oldest of its kind in Mexico. With more than 50 years, it is home to 110 companies and more than 35,000 direct jobs. Over the years, its proximity with California has facilitated its consolidation with a global perspective and with world class services.
A great majority of aerospace companies based in Baja California, continue to expand their operations and to receive projects with greater value and complexity from their corporate offices; which is proof of the quality of the high degree of specialisation of its qualified workers and managers.
Such growth equity injection is estimated to be of more than 1,580 million dollars as of 2016, due to the arrival of more production lines, machinery, and equipment. Not including the cost of infrastructure and of the multiplier effect on the generation of indirect jobs in logistics, installation, testing, certifications, and training services.
Business segments in the Mexican aerospace sector
- Commercial aviation
- Defense
- Space
- Drone market
- Aircraft maintenance and repair of
- Airport logistics
The Flight Plan published by ProMexico has the objective to consolidate more initiatives that can advance the capabilities of the aerospace sector in Baja California, aimed at maintaining the lead as main international “hub” for the export of R&D aerospace industry services by 2025.
Aerospace Logistics
With the aim of responding to these changes and fostering innovation and growth, Aerospace industry in Baja California and in Mexico must continue supporting the inclusion of widely recognized logistics operators with international presence, that are able to provide specialised logistical aerospace solutions to comply with their strict conditions of operation.
Strategic partners who have adaptable logistics planning to any requirement or priority within an aerospace division are to be found, in order to optimize delivery times. In the same way, they must have procurement and supply management, warehousing, and international transport services. All these, without diminishing the need to have more flexibility, operability, and effectivity; to maintain a competitive business level, and the efficiency of the manufacturing process, as demanded by the aerospace sector.
In Mexico, all cargo is at some point transported by truck and trailer through the national motorway network, regardless of whether it is domestic or international ground transport. However, the …
On 1st January 2018, the extension given by the Mexican Government to textile products manufactured after the entry into force of the new Mexican Official Standard NMX-A-3758-INNTEX-2014 on 17 October 2017 to adapt to new labelling features, came to an end.
From the very first day of 2018, all newly produced textile garments must comply with the Standard, and only those textiles produced before its entry into force could continue to be commercialised until ran out-of-stock.
Mexican textile industry regulation updates
Mexican Official Standard NMX-A-3758-INNTEX-2014, was officially published on 16 August 2017 as a response to the need to unify and simplify clothing label symbols, so for the benefit of the final user as for laundry and dry cleaner service providers.
Such regulation, sponsored by the Mexican Ministry of Economy, overrules norm NMX-A-240-INNTEX-2009, and integrates a graphic symbol system that facilitates information about the most severe treatments that do not cause irreversible damage during the textile care process. Furthermore, it specifies the different uses of these symbols in the issuing of product labels.
Domestic treatments such as washing, bleaching, drying and ironing, as well as professional textile care treatments of wet and dry cleaning, were taken into account for its creation.
However, it excludes industrial laundry because the symbols for this category are contained in ISO 30023:2010. Though the information provided on the domestic symbols will also be of help to the professional laundering and laundry services.
New textile labelling symbols in Mexico
Among the most significant changes brought in by the new Mexican Official Standard, are the following:
- New definitions and symbols that specify drying processes: line-dry, dry flat, drip line-dry, and drip dry flat in shade.
- Change of colour in the “Do not bleach” symbol.
- The inclusion of a Saint Andrews’ cross in the “do not tumble dry” symbol.
- New point system limits to represent the process temperature (It is possible to use up to 4 points, making reference to 60C).
Moreover, NMX-A-3758-INNTEX-2014 of 16 august 2017 affects and modifies NOM-004-SCFI-2006, which regulates commercial information of textile products for Mexican manufacturers and importers.
Requirements for importing textiles in Mexico
The textile industry in Mexico is one of the most important sectors in the Mexican economy since its growth became steady in 2011. The Mexican Ministry of Finance and the Mexican Ministry of Economy promoted a sequence of tax and customs measures to prevent the importation of textiles through unfair practices such as dumping by establishing three mandatory requirements:
- Registration in the l Register of Importers of Special Sectors for Textiles.
- Provide notice of the advance automatic permit before Mexican Customs in order to conduct any operation involving the entry of foreign fibres or textiles.
- Compliance with the duties and documentation established by the Mexican Ministry of Economy for companies looking to import merchandise into Mexico.
These are just some of the factors that you should consider before expanding your textile import/export business into Mexico. Please contact us if you want more information about the regulations and procedures of the textile industry. In addition to giving you the information you need to import and export your products, our experts will provide you with the services that best suit your needs.
Contact us and we will help you get the best customs solutions for the textile industry!
Mexico has a great potential to become a world class logistics hub, and special economic zones (SEZs), provide just the right tools.
Mexico has the potential necessary to become a logistics centre that facilitates trading exchange within the country and around the world, due to the following reasons:
- The country´s strategic location as a neighbour of the largest and most dynamic economy in the world.
- With a 3,000 kilometres border and 11,000 kilometres of coastline along the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, combined with good port infrastructure; Mexico has 16 ports, including four international ones (like the port of Veracruz, which was recently expanded).
- A reasonable level of highway connectivity.
- 12 trade agreements with a total of 46 countries, with access to the main economies of the world in Asia, Pacific, Europe, and North and Central America.
Nonetheless, logistics connoisseurs think that there is still a road ahead. It proves necessary to strengthen the connection between a series of elements that need to work together, such as: competitiveness, operating efficiency, cost reduction, infrastructure, technology, planning, trade flow analysis, etc.
Special Economic Zones
Special Economic Zones of Mexico are in geographically defined in zones that provide natural and logistical advantages that enable their making into highly productive areas.
These SEZs seek to close gaps by creating new industrial development poles that attract investment and provide multiple benefits to companies who decide to join in, such as:
-
- 100 per cent income tax (Spa. ISR) relief during the first 10 years.
- Zero per cent value added tax (Spa. IVA) on the purchase of items in Mexico.
- Tax incentives of 25 per cent on employee training expenses.
- A tax credit for employer contributions for those who already have a business within the SEZs.
- Elimination of payment of duties for those purchasing property in the SEZs.
All of these benefits, in addition to a special customs regime, a simplified regulatory framework, and world class infrastructure.
Mexico currently has 5 zones located in Coatzacoalcos, Lázaro Cárdenas, Puerto Chiapas, Salina Cruz and the Yucatán. However, more Special Economic Zones are
According to the Commission for Special Economic Zones (Spa. CZEE), each region specializes in one or more sectors based on the current and potential advantages they provide. As an example, Salina Cruz focuses on the textile industry, machinery, equipment, and renewable energy. While in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz you find petrochemical, plastics, chemical, and agro industrial industries. In Puerto Chiapas, you find pulp and paper, electrical and electronic, textile, and agro industrial industries. And the one in Lázaro Cárdenas, specializes in the automotive, metal mechanic, mining, steel, chemical, electrical, and construction sectors.
On the other hand, Campeche and Tabasco, emphasise in the chemical, plastics, machinery and equipment, metals, and agro industrial segments; each of which present their own logistics needs to transport their products and raw materials, especially those involving over dimensional cargo, bulk liquids or temperature sensitive products like perishable items.
If you are interested in expanding your business and would like to import into Mexico, you should know that the Mexican Ministry of Finance and Public Credit requires individuals and companies who would like to introduce merchandise to Mexico for commercialisation purposes to register in the Register of Importers.
This register was created with the aim of controlling foreign trade operations in Mexico, and helping the Tax Administration System (Spa. Sistema de Administración Tributaria, SAT) prevent tax evasion through the identification of customs fraud and smuggling.
Registration in the Register of Importers is easy and free, and can be done online through the SAT web site. In order to get your registration authorised, you need to be up-to-date on your tax duties, and be able to proof that you are registered in the Mexican tax registration system (Spa. Registro Federal de Contribuyentes, known as RFC). You should also have a SIEC passcode (Passcode that is assigned to each tax registration number to comply with tax duties), and the two files of your tax e-signature known as FIEL (.ce – .key).
While completing the “Application to register in the Register of Importers” (Spa. Solicitud de Inscripción al Padrón de Importadores), it is important to know that you must have all the documents related to your tax registration or RFC in hand, and that you must type in the requested information exactly as it appears in the documents. To finish the application, you shall have the patent number of the customs broker that you will work with to handle your import operations.
Who should register
All individuals who would like to import goods in a definitive manner must get registered in Register of Importers. The Regulations of Mexican Customs Law consider that individuals and income-tax exempt entities can also register, as long as they can prove that they perform a business activity in accordance with the Mexican Income Tax Law.
Register of Importers for Specific Sectors
If your cargo is integrated by products such as cigarettes, footwear, and textiles, it will be classified under a special category; so your request must be entered into the Register of Importers of Specific Sectors, and you must indicate your name or business name, your tax registration number and tax-purpose address. Also, based on the sector and the tariff fraction corresponding to your products you should indicate the address of the storage and distribution centres where your imported merchandise will be at. And finally, you must indicate the name of the sectors under which you would like to register, and after a careful classification, you must indicate the corresponding tariff fractions.
Keep in mind that your merchandise can also be considered under this special category when it directly affects the Mexican economy or the populations´ health, as it is the case of chemical, radioactive, and nuclear materials and firearms and its derivatives (machinery and pieces, explosives, Fireworks, etc.)
Knowing the outcome of the Register of Importers registration process
EThe Tax Administration System provides the outcome of your request through their web site, using your FIEL e-signature and passcode. If you need advice or need to clarify something, you can also do it through the web site. In the event your request has been rejected, you could re-submit it by reviewing and correcting mistakes as pointed out by your appraiser.
Our team of foreign trade experts counts with extensive tariff classification experience and will provide you with up-to-date advice for all your procedures and requests making sure that your merchandise has the right documentation when entering customs; optimizing transportation timeframes and preventing delays during your transit processes.
If you plan to import or export alcoholic beverages in Mexico, avoid sanctions by taking into account the new regulations that the Government of Mexico has introduced for the labelling, trade names, and hygienic handling of alcoholic beverages.
On 30 October 2017, the Official Federal Gazette published the Mexican Official Standards NOM-199-SCFI-2017, which highlights the need to include a description of physiochemical specifications, commercial information, and testing procedures when naming alcoholic beverages
This new official regulation takes the following standards as reference:
- NOM-251-SSA1-2009: establishes the minimum requirements that should be observed when processing beverages with respect to good hygiene practices
- NOM-142-SSA1/SCFI-2014: makes reference to the beverage container and commercial information.
What the new standards for alcoholic beverages regulate
These are mandatory and apply to all produced, packaged, or imported alcoholic beverages, for commercialization in Mexico. The following are the main points covered by these regulations:
1. Hygienic handling controls higiénico
Producers and packagers must:
- Maintain control systems in accordance with Official Mexican Standards NOM-251-SSA1-2009, which regulate hygiene practices for food, beverage, and food supplement processing.
- Comply with all procedures and give an adequate use to equipment and machinery, with the aim of assuring observance of quality control processes
2. Containers and packaging
To guarantee the safety of alcoholic beverage containers, you must comply with Mexican Official Standards NOM-142-SSA1/SCFI-2014:
- The capacity of each container for end-consumer sale must not exceed 5 litres.
- Bottles must have a tracking code.
3. Commercial information
All containers must comprise the following:
- A legible label in Spanish that shows the product characteristics that consumers need to know to acquire this type of products. In addition, they must comply with the provisions stipulated in Chapter 9 of Mexican Official Standards NOM-142-SSA1 / SCFI-2014, which refer to sanitary and commercial labeling of alcoholic beverages.
- The appellation of origin category will be set in accordance with the Agreement between the European Community and the United Mexican States on the mutual recognition and protection of designations for spirit drinks (1997), its original language.
- In the case of imported wines or spirits with an appellation of origin that is not regulated by this standard, regulations set forth in international treaties will apply, or when necessary, those specifications set forth in international regulations or in the standards or technical regulations from their country of origin, as long as Mexican Official Standards NOM-142-SSA1/SCFI-2014 health requirements are complied with.
- In addition to complying with labelling requirements, you must include the following:
– Trade mark on the main surface.
– Name and type of alcoholic beverage, which should not exceed the length of the Brand.
–Raw materials as commercial information on the main presentation surface of the alcoholic beverage (one third the length of its name, as applicable).
These regulations will entry into force 60 days after publication, except for the information described in Chapter 10 (Commercial Information), which will entry into force in a period of 2 years.
WindPower México 2018, included all of the value chain elements of the wind energy sector.
WindPower Mexico 2018 took place from 28 February to 1 March 2018 in the Centro Citibanamex convention centre in Mexico City. The wind energy sector enjoyed a great variety of solutions, products, and conferences about the industry´s market value chain.
On its seventh edition, WindPower México, consolidated itself as the most important wind energy sector conference and exhibition in Mexico. Its goal, which dates back to the Mexican Energy Reform, was achieved when it gave response to the need of having a specific setting where comprehensive logistics and transport solutions for the wind energy sector could be all found.
Renewable energy industry and the wind energy sector in Mexico
Mexico has advance by leaps and bounds since the Energy Reform and the wind energy sector presents great advances and innovations. In four years, the sector has had an annual average growth of 2,330 GWh , driven by the second energy auction for 2019 and the Energy Reform, which looks into securing that 35 per cent of the energy is generated from renewable sources, by 2024.
However, to best take advantage of this opportunity, it proves necessary to count with strategic and expert partners in logistics and transport services.
Strategic Alliance in WindPower for the wind energy sector.
With WindPower, you will find solutions for the wind energy sector that run from road engineering to turnkey projects; along with the provision of lifting, relocation and dismantling services.
That is why we joined the list of exhibitors of the 2018 edition, and presented our array of logistics and high quality transport solutions for the wind energy sector, thanks to our alliance with Magforce.
This alliance provided the right combination to assure a unique value proposal with a high potential for the direction of projects, providing the wind energy markets of Mexico and Latin America with the best value offer in the sector, to carry out profitable and safe operations.
We also had the opportunity to give out a lecture on the challenges of the wind energy sector from a logistics and transport focus, showing our expertise in the field, and bringing up important topics such as the 2020 wind energy investment, port and highway infrastructure, as well as costs per megawatt-kilometre and social challenges faced by transportation service providers.
We transport Mexican pork meat and kabocha squash to Japan and China
Thanks to our comprehensive logistics solutions, we transported high quality vegetables and Mexican pork meat through a 12,000 kilometres journey to the delight of Asian diners.
In 2017, our company division specialised in perishable logistics, took charge of the transport of pork meat and kabocha squash from the city of Hermosillo in the Mexican state of Sonora, to the other side of the world in Japan and Hong-Kong.
With the help of our logistics experts, we have this year developed a supply chain that integrates everything necessary to export pork and kabocha squash by air.
Both pork and squashes were all collected directly from the vendor. But as we know the importance of rightly managing cold chain processes when handling perishable goods, we also take care of product containers and packing in our own warehouses, in addition to providing you with our Door-to-Door transport services.
Warehousing was one of the most challenging points of the project and a key to preserve our clients´ merchandise frozen and subject to an unbroken cold chain that was needed to take it to its destination in the right conditions.
After the packing process, merchandise was ground shipped to the Hermosillo Airport, from where it was air shipped to Mexico City, and subsequently rerouted to Asia.
As part of our comprehensive logistics solutions we conducted the customs clearance and goods insurance procedures, while ensuring a thorough communication with all involved parties from point of origin to destination, giving them the peace of mind their goods are safe throughout the transit time.
Perishable goods transport logistics
Our perishable goods logistics allow us to handle any type of fresh or frozen freight (meats, seafood, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, etc.) from collection to national or international shipment, going through the packing, preparation, customs clearance and goods insurance procedures.
We are the only logistics intermediary for the transport of perishable goods that guarantees a professional service with meticulous attention to detail to protect your products and transport manoeuvres. If you are interested in our food transport logistics solutions contact our division of:
We joined Sandals 4 Schools, a social responsibility project that highlights the natural beauty of Mexico; while at the same time contributes to raise funds to make and distribute adjustable sandals to provide low-income children with comfortable footwear to go to school.