The National Council of the Export Manufacturing Industry (Index) will host the announcement that the federal government is expected to make next week regarding an IMMEX 4.0 decree.
In the short term, changes to the current IMMEX decree are urgently needed, from Index’s perspective.
The IMMEX Decree, in effect since November 2006 following the merger of the PITEX and Maquila programs, promotes Mexican exports by allowing the temporary importation of inputs and machinery without paying VAT or tariffs, thereby optimizing costs, competitiveness, and global value chains.
IMMEX 4.0 Decree
According to information from Index, the organization proposes strengthening the compliance profile of IMMEX companies. To this end, it seeks to modernize the sector’s operational framework through the use of technology that helps mitigate risks and improve performance. It also proposes conducting a re-registration process focused on companies that meet non-risk profiles. Finally, the initiative aims to streamline operations to drive growth, investment, and competitiveness.
At the same time, Salvador R. Maese Barraza, a candidate for the presidency of Index Nacional, proposed creating a law governing the IMMEX industry, arguing that a law would provide greater certainty to investors compared to a decree, which can be changed at any time by the federal government.
At a press conference, Maese Barraza stated that laws are one of the first factors that international companies consider before deciding where to invest.
The IMMEX program is based on a decree with no expiration date and has been reviewed and updated throughout various administrations.
Maese Barraza emphasized that every federal administration, regardless of political party, has scrutinized, reviewed, and adapted the IMMEX industry decree.
Upcoming Changes
The Index organization identifies five key pillars in its proposal for modernizing the program known as “IMMEX 4.0.” First, it seeks to strengthen operational compliance through the re-registration of companies and the establishment of risk profiles.
Second, it proposes implementing periodic monitoring to continuously assess the sector’s level of compliance. The third pillar proposes simplifying procedures, facilitating trade, unifying VAT/IEPS certification, and replacing permits with mandatory notifications. Finally, it aims to modernize the digital portal with a single interoperable file and promote a comprehensive plan for domestic content.