The Mexican government has established a new automatic import notification system for 42 aluminum products (tariff lines).

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, this measure may delay customs clearance if the required information is incomplete.

Automated Import Notification for Aluminum

Between January and July 2025, aluminum exports from Canada to the United States totaled $4.938 billion, representing a year-over-year decline of 13%. Meanwhile, Mexico’s sales to the same destination fell by 20%, reaching $403 million. Globally, U.S. imports of this metal reached $11.89 billion, recording a slight annual decrease of 1%.

On April 2, 2026, Mexico published a new Automatic Import Notification for aluminum products. The measure applies to both definitive and temporary imports. Additionally, it includes unwrought aluminum, bars and rods, plates and sheets, profiles, tubes, and related accessories. 

The Mexican government requires information including the tariff code, the customs value excluding freight and insurance, and the unit price in U.S. dollars per kilogram. It also requires the country of smelting, the country of casting, the country of origin, and the exporting country. Furthermore, it requests the supplier’s name and a complete technical description in Spanish. 

Although the Mexican government has published the regulation, it will not take effect until the submission of information through VUCEM is enabled. This system is Mexico’s single window for foreign trade. In addition, the Ministry of Economy must issue the official notice of activation.

Trade Impact

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, this measure increases traceability requirements for aluminum entering Mexico. It also supports efforts to address potential transshipment to third countries. 

For U.S. exporters, the immediate risk is operational, not tariff-related. Shipments could face delays if the exporter’s documentation does not match the information that the Mexican importer must subsequently submit through VUCEM.

U.S. companies selling primary or semi-finished aluminum products to Mexico should begin harmonizing commercial invoices, origin data, technical descriptions, and supplier records.

The regulation does not provide for an explicit USMCA exemption, so North American origin alone does not exempt companies from the compliance requirement.

Notice to Exporters: The Department of Commerce urges U.S. companies to prepare for new import regulations in Mexico. It is crucial to verify whether your products are among the 42 affected tariff lines and to coordinate with customs brokers and compliance teams. Before the system takes effect, ensure that data regarding smelting, casting, origin, and technical descriptions are accurate and consistent.