Mexico Tariff Increases

On December 18, 2024, Mexican authorities published key changes to the Tariff of the Law of General Import and Export Taxes and the IMMEX (Manufacturing, Maquiladora, and Export Services Industry) Program.

Stricter IMMEX Restrictions: The Mexican government has expanded the list to 302 tariff lines of products that cannot be imported under the IMMEX program. The IMMEX program allows duty-free temporary imports for export production.

These measures seek to address the failure of some IMMEX Program companies to return temporarily imported goods as required. The Mexican government refers to the failure to re-export the products as “technical smuggling,” indicating abuses by some IMMEX-certified companies regarding VAT payments.

These measures will take effect the business day following publication in the Official Gazette (Diario Oficial de la Federación) and remain valid until April 23, 2026.

U.S. exporters should be prepared for increased compliance requirements and potential cost implications once these measures take effect.

The official government notice, including the complete list of HS Codes impacted by this regulation, is available here: https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5745788&fecha=19/12/2024#gsc.tab=0

U.S. Commercial Service in Mexico can assist U.S. exporters in resolving customs-related issues. For further questions on this issue or if you encounter any problems with Mexican Customs, please Ask Manny, contact: Manuel.Velazquez@trade.gov