IMMEX Program
IMMEX Program is Mexico's Manufacturing, Maquila and Export Services Industry program, created by a November 2006 decree, that lets authorized companies temporarily import inputs and equipment without paying import duties to produce goods for export.
What it requires
Authorized companies may temporarily import raw materials and components, generally for 18 months, and machinery for the life of the program, without general import duty; VAT certification lets them offset the 16 percent import VAT with a credit instead of paying cash. They must export at least USD 500,000 a year or 10 percent of sales, run an Annex 24 inventory control system and file an annual report by May. Since December 2024, finished apparel and textiles in HS chapters 61 to 63 are largely excluded from temporary import.
Why it matters
IMMEX underpins Mexican nearshoring, so it matters to operators moving goods between Mexican plants and US distribution centers. A manufacturer can import Asian components into Mexico without duty, assemble products and ship them to US fulfillment centers, where US duty depends on origin. Since Mexico raised tariffs of up to 50 percent on many goods from countries without trade agreements, such as China, in January 2026, IMMEX status has become more valuable for exporters. Gaps in inventory reconciliation can trigger duties and penalties.
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Not legal advice.