10 recommendations to achieve high performance in customs matters
Under the new customs environment of VAT (IVA) and special taxes (IEPS) certification and other new regulations that will govern foreign trade, customs compliance in Mexico has become a high priority, which makes us look to see if the level of compliance is optimal.
Here are 10 recommendations that will help you maintain security in customs compliance.
1. Consider as a priority – Establish the tariff rates that apply in the temporary import regime, take into account the method in how your export products are determined.
2. Internal suppliers – they must inform you in advance of the entries to be imported for their correct description and thus be able to carry out the correct tariff classification; Take into account that for capital goods, it will be necessary to obtain the identification information individually.
3. External suppliers – maintain constant communication with your customs agents to coordinate and apply the correct criteria in the following: tariff fractions, non-tariff regulations, and application criteria in order to foresee any setback for any particular regulation.
4. Non-tariff regulations – If you manage inputs that apply a non-tariff regulation, we recommend you establish a calendar according to the regulation that applies to you, such as sanitary, phytosanitary, zoosanitary, COFEPRIS, PROFEPA, and 8th rule to mention a few, monthly monitoring of balance.
5. Reconciliation – Go further, establish the mechanisms that allow you to reconcile your entries to the different warehouses in relation to what is declared in customs. Remember that what’s healthy for your operations is to rectify the possible findings that can be found to communicate it with your customs agent.
6. Validate your operations – Establish the best way to validate your entries and exits, remember that the more technology you use to do this, you will reduce the risk of human error to determine the quality and integrity of the information.
7. Internal control – Establish an internal calendar to validate your processes and procedures; Having an external expert allows you to assess deficiencies and opportunities.
8. Certifications – Remember that in the face of new regulations, altering information on pediments will be complex, so we recommend that you review the benefits that the government itself offers so that you can certify and obtain greater benefits when making corrections in entries or exits.
9. Endorse your products – If your supplies qualify for NAFTA, take into account that you must have the backup that supports your declarations, both in Mexican customs and in American customs. Make sure that your NAFTA providers have the proper endorsement to be able to issue the origin criteria.
10. Secure your past – Take into account that you must keep safe for at least the last 5 years (it is recommended to keep at least 7 years). For capital goods or imports as fixed assets, it is recommended to keep it from the start of operations of your program, remember that asset imports are activated when the IMMEX program is canceled, so it may be required at any time by the authority.
