How to Qualify for IMMEX and Start Importing Duty-Free

Last Updated on April 17, 2025

So, You Want to Manufacture in Mexico? Here's How to Qualify for IMMEX

If you're eyeing Mexico as your next move in manufacturing, you've probably heard about the IMMEX program. Maybe in a webinar, a meeting. But what does it actually take to qualify for IMMEX—and why is that so significant now, especially with tariffs on the rise in places like China?

Let’s break it down without all the bureaucratic fluff. This is your real-world guide to getting started.

Wait—What Is IMMEX, Exactly?

Think of IMMEX like a golden ticket—but for manufacturers. The acronym stands for Industria Manufacturera, Maquiladora y de Servicios de Exportación, but you can just call it IMMEX.

As long as they're exported within the set timeframe, IMMEX allows temporary imports of goods, machinery, and materials to be made as part of the manufacturing process without attracting value-added tax (VAT) of 16 percent. This is as long as the goods are used in products exported outside Mexico. That’s huge.

And no, it's not too unbelievable to be true. It’s a government-supported program designed to make Mexico more competitive in global manufacturing. With the right paperwork and operations, you will be able to get your materials into the country tax-free.

Why IMMEX Matters More Than Ever

Here’s the thing: U.S. companies are in a tough spot. Trade tensions with China haven’t exactly cooled, and tariffs are piling up like overdue invoices. Meanwhile, Mexico sits right next door, offering access to affordable labor, robust infrastructure, and—thanks to the USMCA—tariff-free trade within North America.

That’s where the IMMEX program shines. It bridges the gap between cost savings and compliance. It lets you bring in materials, assemble or process them in Mexico, and then export them—especially to the U.S. or Canada—without getting slammed by customs duties.

That’s not just smart-it's a survival strategy.

What You Need to Qualify for IMMEX

Now the million-dollar question: how do you qualify for IMMEX?

Here’s a simplified checklist.

• Be a registered legal entity in Mexico (either a Mexican company or a foreign-owned one with a local branch).
• Demonstrate export activity—you’ll need to export at least 10% of your sales annually.
• Have a valid tax ID and clean compliance record.
• Submit a Program Request to Mexico’s Ministry of Economy (Secretaría de Economía).
• Provide a detailed list of raw materials, components, or equipment you plan to import duty-free.
• Show proof of ownership or lease of a physical facility in Mexico.
• Comply with electronic invoicing and inventory tracking.

It’s paperwork-heavy, sure—but totally doable if you work with someone who’s been through it. And yes, you’ll need a solid customs broker and legal advisor in Mexico. That’s just the nature of the beast.

Don’t forget the USMCA

Quick side note, but a vital one: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) plays a huge role here. It replaces NAFTA, and it locks in a framework where goods manufactured in Mexico (under the right conditions) can be shipped to the U.S. and Canada tariff-free.

So if you qualify for IMMEX and also meet USMCA origin rules, you’re in a sweet spot: import tax-free, manufacture cost-effectively, and export without duties.

Normally, USMCA-qualified goods enter the United States duty-free, avoiding standard Most Favored Nation tariffs. But now, with IEEPA in play, USMCA compliance also means exemption from the newly imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports. This represents a significant cost savings for businesses that rely on cross-border supplies, assemblies, or materials. - ArentFox-Schiff

That’s why so many companies shift operations from Asia to Mexico. The numbers don’t lie.

Tangent Time: Why Timing Is Everything

A little real talk: if you're considering moving operations to Mexico, this is the window. Infrastructure is booming, industrial parks are expanding, and labor shortages haven’t hit as hard as elsewhere (yet). But that’s changing fast.

Also, the IMMEX application process takes time. From gathering documents to getting final approval, you’re looking at anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on your setup and who’s helping you.

So no, you can’t wake up one day and be up and running in Mexico by next week. But if you start now, you could be fully operational this year.

What If You're Not an exporter? (Yet)

Some folks ask, “What if we’re not exporting anything—can we still get in on this?”

Short answer: probably not.

IMMEX is designed for companies that manufacture export goods. If your final customers are within Mexico, the program doesn’t really apply. That said, there are hybrid structures and shelter services that can still reduce your costs, even if IMMEX itself isn’t a fit.

So it's not one-size-fits-all, but there are still ways to make Mexico work.

One last thought.

Mexico’s IMMEX program isn’t some secret workaround—it’s a key pillar of the country’s economic model. And the sooner you qualify for IMMEX, the sooner you can start importing materials duty-free and competing more aggressively in the North American market.

It’s not always simple, but it's worth it.

---

FAQs on How to Qualify for IMMEX and Start Importing Duty-Free

What’s the first step to qualify for IMMEX?
You’ll need to establish a legal business entity in Mexico. Once you’ve done that, you can start preparing the necessary documentation for your IMMEX application.

How long does it take to get IMMEX approval?
On average, 4 to 12 weeks—though it depends on how complete your application is and how experienced your advisors are.

Can a U.S. company apply for IMMEX directly?
Not exactly. You’ll need to form a Mexican entity or partner with a shelter company that already holds IMMEX certification.

Does IMMEX cover all imports?
No. It covers raw materials, components, and equipment used in manufacturing for export. Consumer goods or items for local sale aren’t covered.

How does IMMEX differ from USMCA?
IMMEX is a Mexican government program that waives import duties. USMCA is a trade agreement that eliminates tariffs on qualified exports between Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. They work best when used together.