Mexican Customs Law changes set to take effect shortly.

In June of this year, changes to the Mexican Customs Law that was first published in the Official Journal of the Federation, or the Diario Oficial, on December 15, 1995 will be implemented. The updated law will go beyond the scope of the original law by clearly specifying Mexican Customs law changes that are related to the electronic information transmission, as well as the implementation of electronic data processing.

One-Stop-Shop International Trade Window (VUCEM)

Digital filing of customs data will be mandatory, and will flow from companies doing business internationally through Mexican Custom’s electronic system. Notifications back to businesses by Customs will be executed electronically, as will be Mexican Customs’ audits. A central role in the implementation of the Mexican Customs Law changes will be played by what is known in Spanish as the “Ventanilla Unica de Comercio Exterior,” (VUCEM). A rough translation of VUCEM to English would be the “One-Stop-Shop International Trade Window.”  VUCEM has been in use for several years, and, in simple terms, is a tool that enables companies to submit standardized information to one entity for the purpose of fulfilling all of the requirements that are related to the importation, exportation and transit of goods.

Easier, faster and more efficient

Because of the Customs Law changes that are based on recent  Mexican Customs reform, and the use of the “Ventanilla Unica,” importers and exporter will be able to correct information that has been erroneously submitted to Customs personnel in an easier, faster and more efficient manner. Importers and exports that correct information in a timely manner will not be fined. The VUCEM system will also provide a user friendly manner in which to update and correct that status of temporarily imported goods for which the specified period of information has lapsed.

Mexican Customs Law changes that will be effective in June will also provide details on the reporting of information on manufacturing inputs and outputs, as well as on the control of goods. This is in addition to information governing the conduct of international commerce by air, by land, by sea or by rail, and the transhipment of goods, and their storage in bonded warehouses. Information to be released by the Mexican government in June will also define the terms of compensation for goods that are disposed of, donated or destroyed.

When the information regarding Customs Law changes is disseminated at mid-year, specific aspects of issues related to contributions, countervailing duties, non-tariff trade barriers to international trade and other regulations that affect both importers and exporters will be made public.

Exemptions that will be included under the changes to the Mexican Customs Law of 1995 include those related to diplomatic personnel, as well as consular and special missions. Also exempt will be some ranch supplies and household goods.

In addition to items that relate to the import and export of goods into and out of the country Mexican Customs Law changes soon to be released will provide information related to Customs indemnification, as well as will define the functions and the role of the country’s Tax Administration Service (SAT) in the conduct and regulation of foreign trade.