Deadline for Mexican Textile Importers to Register Extended to March 1

A petition filed June 3 alleges that certain passenger vehicle and light truck tires from China are being sold at less than fair value and also benefit from countervailable subsidies. The alleged dumping margins range from 45.25% to 60.15%, and 41 countervailable subsidy programs are alleged.

Under measures announced by the Mexican government in December 2014, textile and apparel importers must register on the sectorial importers’ registry before they may import goods classified within chapters 50 to 63 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of Mexico. Registration was opened on Jan. 1, and failure to register by the March 1 deadline could lead to a denial of entry for a company’s imports, along with the resultant costs and supply chain delays.

Other new rules now being implemented by the Mexican government could have a significant impact on textile and apparel importers companies as well.

Minimum reference prices for textile and apparel goods will enter into force on Feb. 2. If importers declare a customs value for a shipment below the reference prices they will have to guarantee the difference in duties by using a bond.

Another new requirement now in effect is that importers must notify Mexican Customs at least five working days in advance of any textile and apparel import operation to give authorities time to evaluate whether the goods are undervalued.

These and other measures being imposed for textiles and apparel are similar to those Mexico put in place for footwear in 2014.

For more information on the new textile, apparel and footwear requirements and how they may affect your import operations, please contact Mirsha Saynes at (866) 455-0548 or Elise Shibles at (415) 489-1403.