With ever-growing trade and investment opportunities, automotive and aerospace manufacturers are eager to take advantage of Mexico’s globally competitive market. With its ideal location in the middle of the Americas, access to international transportation infrastructure, an educated workforce, and business-friendly government policies, Mexico is quickly becoming a major player in international trade.
But in order for manufacturers to take full advantage of Latin America’s second-largest economy, company owners and leaders will need to understand the processes and requirements to do business. While Mexico’s importing system is designed to promote trade growth, there are still a number of provisions that need to be followed in order to avoid fines, delays, or confiscation of important manufacturing materials.
El Grande Group, your manufacturing partners in Mexico, are always more than willing to provide you with the insight and legal advice needed to ensure that your manufacturing company is in good standing with federal laws.
If you will be importing goods into Mexico needed for your product, please consider the following information regarding national laws.
Mexico’s Requirements
While the laws associated with importing and exporting in and out Mexico have been simplified over the years, there are still certain aspects that can be a bit complicated. In order to ensure a seamless importing process, there are a number of requirements that should be remembered:
All importers must register and be listed with the Official Register of Importers (Padrón de Importadores).
Parties who will be importing into Mexico will need to register with the Official Register of Importers for tax purposes. This department is maintained by the Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) which maintains special sector registries and regulates the importing of 400 different kinds of items including auto parts.
On occasion, importers have encountered problems like being dropped from the registry without prior notice or explanation.
Maintain Important Documentation
One of the key Mexican import documents is the “pedimento de importación.” This document must be presented to Mexican Customs Authorities for all commercial crossings. The document must be filled out by a Mexican customs broker and is accompanied by:
- A commercial invoice (in Spanish)
- A bill of lading
- Certificate of weight and volume
- Documents demonstrating guarantee of payment of additional duties for undervalued goods (if applicable)
- Documents demonstrating compliance with Mexican product safety and performance regulations
- This document validates that your good(s) have entered the country legally.
Certificate of Origin
Items being imported into Mexico must be accompanied by a certificate of origin. In order for products qualifying under NAFTA to receive preferential treatment, a NAFTA Certificate of Origin must be presented to Mexican Customs. Goods coming from the European Union must be accompanied by a EUR.1 Certificate of Origin. This document is required in order for good(s) to be allowed through customs.
Import(s) Must Be Classified Under the Harmonized Tariff Code System (HS Code)
The Harmonized Tariff Code System (HS Code) is an internationally recognized goods classification system that is used to categorize import and export products across borders. Each product is assigned a specific code that is used to determine import requirements and tariff charges.
The Mexican marketplace offers great trade opportunities for foreign auto manufacturing and aerospace manufacturing companies. El Grande Group has the facilities, business services, and support team needed for you to expand your business operations into Mexico.
Contact El Grande Group today to learn how we can help assist you to navigate the requirements, processes, and documentation of importing and exporting in Mexico.