墨西哥IMMEX / Maquiladora计划带来的机会

IMMEX stands for the Maquiladora, Manufacturing, and Export Services Industry. It’s a program which first started in the mid-1960s (then known as the maquiladora program) to attract foreign direct investment into Mexico. The IMMEX program allows for temporary importation of goods, machinery, and materials part of the manufacturing process without accruing the value-added tax (VAT) of 16%, so long as they’re exported within the set timeframe.

The terms “IMMEX” and “maquiladora” are often used interchangeably. However, a maquiladora is defined as a factory in Mexico run by a foreign operator exporting its products back to its home country. Whereas, IMMEX refers to the program which maquiladoras operate under.

Compliance under the IMMEX program requires an established length of stay, certain sales commitments, and annual reports. Temporarily imported raw materials may remain up to sixteen (16) months before needing to be exported. Manufacturers must also commit to annual sales abroad totaling at least $500,000 USD, or the peso equivalent, or 10% of total invoices. Those holding IMMEX certification are also responsible for submitting an annual electronic report of total sales and exports from the immediately preceding tax year.

For foreign operators setting up a new IMMEX program, there’s a lengthy application process. Certified copies of the appropriate documents must also be registered with the proper organizations. This includes an active federal taxpayers registration, maquiladora contract and purchase orders, a letter detailing the production process and services referenced in the program application, and more.

Registering with the IMMEX program is advantageous due to the tax benefits. All temporarily imported goods, materials, and equipment are exempt from the 16% VAT. However, manufacturers awaiting IMMEX approval are subject to these taxes until officially certified. The application process can take weeks, if not months, before approval is granted, which adds significant costs to the manufacturing process.

Operating under the IMMEX program can be especially challenging for those manufacturing in Mexico for the first time. It’s time-consuming, plus there’s a learning curve to understanding the full scope of documentation and compliance required. The paperwork is extensive, and the smallest mistake can cause the process to start over.

Rather than enrolling as a standalone entity unfamiliar with Mexico’s IMMEX requirements, it’s easiest to work with a shelter company. A shelter is already part of the IMMEX program (and has all other permits and certifications necessary to operate), so there’s no delay, miscommunication, or potential for incomplete applications to be concerned about.

Working with a shelter partner like IVEMSA is beneficial for several reasons. With a team of experts well-experienced in handling the startup process and administrative functions, as well as what’s needed for compliance, it speeds up the production timeline. IVEMSA has IMMEX certification, and all other permits needed to operate in place, which means tax savings are implemented from day one.

Additionally, IVEMSA has the software in place to track imports and put together the reporting as required by the IMMEX program. When manufacturing in Mexico, it’s smart to have a local shelter to guide the process and take on all the administrative tasks needed to get production up and running quickly and efficiently.