Mexico's Harmonized System (HS)

The Mexican government has issued a new set of HS codes and eliminate others following implementation of the Seventh Amendment of the Harmonized System directed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to their membership. The target changes include international product codes for global trade.

U.S. exporters and Mexican importers are responsible for making necessary updates and using the correct HS code. Since HS codes establish tariff classification for goods, it is critical for U.S. exporters to be aware of their HS codes when shipping to Mexico.  The amendment consists of around 350 changes which will add some goods that will receive new HS codes, change some definitions that must be improved, and delete other codes because the products are considered obsolete.  

This change had an original implementation date of January 1, 2022, but due to the Mexican government adjustments to its secondary legal and administrative parameters, postponed the implementation until June 1, 2022. U.S. exporters should contact their Mexican clients and partners to be aware of the process and changes in the HS code system to avoid mistakes and delays at Mexican ports of entry. 

Simply put, using incorrect HS codes can unnecessarily complicate cross-border sales. During 2021, some companies experienced delays in the import process due to the incorporation of “trade identification numbers/TIN – Numero de Identificacion Comercial/NICO.

For further questions on this issue or if you encounter any problems with Mexican Customs, please contact Manuel.Velazquez@trade.gov.