Amendments to the LIGIE and IMMEX Decree: Changes to tariffs and import restrictions

On 19 December 2024, a decree was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation amending the General Import and Export Tax Law (LIGIE) and the Decree for the Promotion of the Manufacturing, Maquiladora, and Export Services Industry (IMMEX Decree). These changes aim to temporarily increase the General Import Tax (tariff) on certain goods and adjust import restrictions under the IMMEX programme.

Key changes:

  1. Tariff increases:
    • The tariff on 138 tariff items in the apparel sector will rise to 35%. These items correspond to chapters 61, 62, 63, and 94 of the LIGIE.
    • The tariff on 17 tariff items in the textile sector will rise to 15%, applicable to items in chapters 52, 55, 58, and 60 of the LIGIE.
  2. IMMEX programme restrictions:
    • Approximately 300 tariff items have been added to Annex 1 of the IMMEX Decree, prohibiting their import under the temporary import regime.

Key considerations:

  1. Goods included in Annex 1 of the IMMEX Decree can still be imported under a definitive import regime, provided the corresponding tariff is paid.
  2. Products originating from countries with which Mexico has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) may continue to benefit from preferential tariff rates, potentially as low as 0%, if the required documentation is provided.
  3. The decree will take effect on 20 December 2024 and remain in force until 22 April 2026.

Implications for businesses:

It is essential to assess the financial and operational impacts of these changes:

  • Companies importing goods in the affected sectors should review their supply chains and explore alternatives, such as sourcing from domestic suppliers or countries with FTAs.
  • IMMEX companies, particularly those operating as maquiladoras for income tax purposes, must evaluate the potential effects of the prohibition on temporary imports for goods included in Annex 1 of the IMMEX Decree.

How can we help?

At Forvis Mazars, our experts in foreign trade, customs, and tax advisory services can:

  • Calculate the financial impact of the tariff increases.
  • Provide guidance to IMMEX companies to mitigate the effects on operational and foreign trade workflows caused by these changes.

Contact us to ensure your business is prepared to address these new challenges!

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