Regulatory checklist for Mexico-U.S. cross-border logistics

In 2021, Mexico continued to be the United States' main trading partner, so streamlining the transportation of merchandise between the two remains a priority for the region. 

To this end, the inherent regulatory needs and issues must not be lost sight of, keeping up to date with customs regulations on both sides for importing and exporting products. 

Here it is a checklist of the latest regulatory updates for Mexico-U.S. cross-border logistics:

Latest Mexico-U.S. cross-border regulatory updates

Returned U.S. merchandise

U.S. Customs and Border Protection will now require a manufacturer's affidavit and an importers' goods statement for goods returned under the HTS U.S. code 9801.00.10. 

Participating Government Agencies (PGA): APHIS (Animal, Plant, Health, Inspection Services/U.S. Department of Agriculture) will now require the inclusion of data as genus, species and subspecies, and an entry rejection is expected if invalid data is provided in these fields. 

Mexican Technology Integration Project (PITA) 

This project will streamline customs processes and modernize 60 checkpoints for cargo clearance of goods transiting Mexico's borders. It will include 52 passenger vehicle checkpoints at border crossings and 310 video surveillance monitoring points with nationwide coverage of the Mexico Tax Administration System (SAT) offices. 

PITA customs clearance requires eight steps to be completed: 

1. Customs Broker - Captures data in MATCE (Foreign Trade Tax Administration Models). 
2. Customs Broker - DODA (Operational Document for Customs Clearance)/PITA  
3. User - Select ACTIVE NI.
4. Vehicle: represented by the MSA (Master Service Agreement) module.
5. PITA: read the badge and the MSA is activated, the results are displayed on the PITA screen, the padlock is opened. 
6. Vehicle - In case of free customs clearance or conclusion of customs examination, it must be presented at the exit lane. 
7. PITA - Read the name tag, check for an electronic file that was generated at the entrance and make a request into MATCE (Foreign Trade Tax Administration Models). 
8. PITA: depending on the result, the lock will open, and the information will be shown on the lane displays. 

Nuevo Laredo Customs Implementation 

Mexican importers must ensure that their carrier and driver partners have a valid PITA credential to avoid delays.

The Bill of Lading must come with the CFDI (Digital Tax Receipt by Internet) for merchandise transfer, when in Mexican territory, whether by land, sea, air, train, or federal highways, as of January of this year. 

Taxpayers must incorporate the transfer CFDI, the income CFDI and the Bill of Lading Complement to evidence possession of merchandise (and combat smuggling). 

Non-compliance will result in fines and delays at the docks, as cargoes will not be able to leave Mexico. 

In addition to relying on customs brokers, this checklist will help you comply with applicable trade laws to keep shipments moving.