What is Mexico's IMMEX Program? (FAQ Edition)

In this episode of Tetakawi’s Manufacturing in Mexico Podcast – FAQ Edition, we answer a fundamental question that comes up in nearly every strategy session with executives considering nearshoring: What exactly is the IMMEX Program—and why should it matter to your team? In under five minutes, this strategic episode demystifies the IMMEX framework—Mexico’s key legal mechanism for deferring import duties in export manufacturing—and unpacks how to access it effectively. Key Highlights: IMMEX Defined: IMMEX stands for the Maquiladora and Export Services Industry Program. It allows companies to temporarily import raw materials, components, and even capital goods into Mexico without paying general import duties—provided those goods are exported within a set timeframe. Strategic Advantage: IMMEX reduces landed cost and accelerates speed to market—but only if paired with the right compliance setup, including IVA certification to defer Mexico’s 16% value-added tax. IVA Certification Explained: This certification is what enables upfront tax deferral through Annex 31. Without it, manufacturers risk tying up significant working capital. Tools for Capital Equipment: Programs like PROSEC and Regla Octava may be needed to avoid permanent duties on machinery that stays in Mexico. Compliance Obligations: IMMEX holders must maintain real-time inventory reconciliation, meet strict export ratios, and manage complex reporting to SAT—Mexico’s equivalent of the IRS. Two Paths to IMMEX: We compare the industrial and shelter modalities, including why the industrial route can take 8–12 months—and how shelter providers like Tetakawi can reduce that timeline to just weeks. Closing Thoughts: IMMEX is a powerful tool—but it’s not a plug-and-play program. It requires deep operational planning and compliance rigor. For manufacturers evaluating Mexico, understanding IMMEX isn’t optional—it’s mission-critical. Tune in to this FAQ Edition episode to understand how IMMEX can unlock real cost and speed advantages—and why Tetakawi’s integrated shelter model may be the smartest path to access it. Stay tuned for more episodes of our Manufacturing in Mexico Podcast – FAQ Edition, where we break down what executives really need to know to make confident, compliant moves into Mexico.