What is IMMEX?

Introduction

The IMMEX Program is one of the most relevant instruments for manufacturing, maquiladora, and export service companies in Mexico. Thanks to it, many companies can optimize their temporary import processes, improve their cash flow, and be more competitive in global markets.

In this section, we will explain in detail what IMMEX is, how it works, its benefits, legal obligations, the existing modalities, and practical examples. This will help your company (or your readers) understand how to take advantage of this scheme and improve the visibility of your blog in search engines.

1. What does IMMEX mean?

• IMMEX is the acronym for Manufacturing, Maquiladora, and Export Services Industry. Comercio y Aduanas+2Kensa Logistics+2

• It is a special foreign trade regime in Mexico that allows the temporary importation of inputs, raw materials, components, or related goods, without the immediate payment of certain taxes, as long as these goods are transformed, processed, or repaired for subsequent export. Drip Capital+3Gobierno de México+3Logistics World+3

• In other words, the company can "bring" the inputs into the country to process them and then export the final product, with tax and customs benefits. borderassembly.com+2blog.ventusgl.com+2

2. History and legal framework

• The IMMEX regime was formally established by decree to promote foreign investment and strengthen the Mexican export industry. Drip Capital+2Lexology+2

• Replaces and consolidates previous programs such as Maquila, PITEX, ALTEX, among others. Doing Business Mexico+2Lexology+2

• Operates under the principles of the Customs Law, foreign trade regulations, guidelines of the Tax Administration Service (SAT), and other applicable provisions. Lexology+2Gobierno de México+2

3. How does the IMMEX program work?

Here it is explained step by step:

1. Authorization / registration

   The company must request and obtain authorization from the program from the competent authorities. Cofide+2Drip Capital+2

2. Temporary import

   Under the IMMEX program, the goods necessary for the production process can be temporarily imported without the immediate payment of the General Import Tax (IGI), the Value Added Tax (VAT), and, when applicable, countervailing duties.. blog.ventusgl.com+3Gobierno de México+3Lexology+3

3. Production process

   The temporarily imported inputs must be used in transformation, manufacturing, assembly, repair, or related services (when applicable) to produce goods that will be exported. Logistics World+3blog.ventusgl.com+3Drip Capital+3

4. Export of the final product

   Once transformed, the final goods are exported outside of Mexico. This is an essential requirement of the program: the operation must focus on export. Drip Capital+3Doing Business Mexico+3Logistics World+3

5. Reexportation or tax payment if not exported

   If for any reason the imported goods are not exported, they must be re-exported or the corresponding taxes must be paid.. Cofide+4siimmex.com+4blog.ventusgl.com+4

6. Control and compliance

   The company must maintain detailed control of imported goods, their usage, timelines, traceability, periodic reports to the authorities, etc.. Drip Capital+3Cofide+3Lexology+3

4. IMMEX program modalities

The IMMEX program includes various modalities depending on the type of operation the company conducts. Some of the main modalities are:

You can adjust the names or descriptions based on how your company or other stakeholders use these modalities.

5. Benefits of the IMMEX program

Some of the most notable benefits for companies that join the program are:

• Tax deferral

  The payment of the General Import Tax (IGI), VAT, and compensatory fees is deferred, which improves liquidity. Drip Capital+3Gobierno de México+3Lexology+3

• Better cash flow / working capital

  By not having to pay entry taxes immediately, resources are freed up for investment in production, technology, or expansion. blog.ventusgl.com+2Drip Capital+2

• International competitiveness

  It allows the produced goods to compete better in price and timing against foreign products. Logistics World+3Thomson Reuters México+3Kensa Logistics+3

• Customs facilitation

  More agile processes, fewer tax and customs barriers within the legal framework. Lexology+2Kensa Logistics+2

• Foreign investment attraction

  The regime encourages foreign companies to establish manufacturing operations in Mexico. Lexology+3Drip Capital+3NAPS Inc.+3

• Logistics chain optimization

  It allows importing only what is necessary, reducing excessive inventories, having greater traceability control, etc. blog.ventusgl.com+2Drip Capital+2

6. Requirements and obligations to operate under IMMEX

In order to participate and remain in the program, the company must comply with certain legal, tax, and operational obligations:

Initial requirements

• To have a legally established company in Mexico, with taxpayer registration (RFC). Cofide+2Drip Capital+2

• Be up to date with tax obligations and other legal obligations. Cofide+1

• Submit the authorization request to the relevant authorities (Ministry of Economy and/or competent body). Cofide+1

• Have appropriate contracts or agreements in place if there are associated foreign companies. Cofide+2Aduana en Mexico y el Mundo+2

Continuous / operational obligations

• Maintain accounting records and inventory control systems that allow tracking of imported goods under IMMEX. Cofide+2Drip Capital+2

• Periodic reports to authorities (SAT, Ministry of Economy, Customs). Cofide+2Lexology+2

• Strict compliance with the deadlines for temporary importation established by the Customs Law. siimmex.com+2Gobierno de México+2

• If any goods were not exported, carry out the re-exportation procedures or pay the corresponding taxes. siimmex.com+2Aduana en Mexico y el Mundo+2

• Notify any relevant changes (activity, location, types of goods, etc.) to the authorities. Cofide+1

7. Practical cases / examples

Para ilustrar, puedes algunos ejemplos ):

• Example 1 (auto parts company): Imports metal and electronic parts, assembles, tests, and puts them together in Mexico, then exports automobiles or automotive components.

• Example 2 (medical company): Brings specialized parts of medical equipment, integrates them with local components, and exports final devices.

• Example 3 (service company): A company that provides technical services to foreign manufacturers under the IMMEX program (for example, calibration, testing) in the service modality.

8. Risks, challenges, and considerations

Not everything is profit — it is important for companies to consider:

• The strict compliance with the regulatory framework: failures in reporting or control can lead to sanctions, cancellation of the program, or tax demands.

• If the goods are not exported, tax must be paid or they must be re-exported.

• Evaluate the logistics chain well so that the import and export times are feasible.

• Regulatory or policy changes may affect the program conditions.

• In some specific sectors, there may be restrictions (for example, the temporary importation of finished goods is subject to regulations).

A recent example: the government of Mexico has been paying attention to possible abuses of the program, for instance in footwear, to prevent the importation of finished products as maquila goods without real transformation. El País+1

9. Conclusion

The IMMEX program is a vital tool for many exporting companies in Mexico, as it offers tax and customs benefits that allow assembly and manufacturing operations to compete globally. However, it only works if operated with discipline, transparency, and rigorous control.

If your company is considering applying for IMMEX or making the most of it, be sure to work with experts in foreign trade, customs, and regulations to maximize its potential and avoid risks.