New measures regarding the importation of textile products into Mexico were published on Dec. 19, 2024, in the Federal Official Gazette (Diario Oficial de la Federación or DOF). These include a 35 percent increase in tariffs on finished goods and a 15 percent increase on textile inputs. The aim is to protect the national industry from alleged unfair competition practices.
The measures prohibit the temporary importation of these products under the Manufacturing, Maquila and Export Services Industry (Industria Manufacturera, Maquiladora y de Servicios de Exportación or IMMEX) program, which allows, among other things, a deferral of tariffs upon the entry of said goods into the country.
The primary measures outlined in the Decree are as follows:
Primary Measures
Increase in Import Tariffs
- temporary 35 percent increase in import tariffs on 138 Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes that classify finished products
- temporary 15 percent increase in import tariffs on 17 HTS codes that classify textile products
- valid once the Decree comes into effect and until April 23, 2026
Elimination of the IMMEX Scheme for Textile and Apparel Products
- Goods classified in Chapters 61, 62, and 63 and Subheadings 9404.40 and 9404.90 of the Tariff of the Law of General Import and Export Taxes are included in Annex I: Goods that cannot be temporarily imported under the IMMEX Decree.
- This will not apply to Subheadings 6117.90, 6217.90, 6302.91, 6302.93 and 6302.99, which classify fabric cuts for garment making. Therefore, these products can continue to be temporarily imported under the IMMEX program.
In accordance with the Sole Transitional Provision, the decree will enter into force the day after its publication – that is, today, Dec. 20, 2024. Although no specific actions are mentioned regarding current IMMEX programs with authorizations for the importation of these goods, it is recommended to prepare for the necessary adjustments to comply with these measures and avoid any irregularities.
