For Italian companies interested in expanding their business in the Americas, the’export to Mexico can represent a fast-growing market and a strategic opportunity. Thanks to its favorable geographical position, free trade agreements, and continuous growth in domestic demand, Mexico offers a wide range of business possibilities. A key factor in this context is’trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Mexico, which plays a central role in bilateral economic relations, strengthening political dialogue and cooperation between the two countries in various sectors.
The trade provisions of the agreement were introduced in two phases: the first, related to trade in goods, in 2000, and the second, concerning services, in 2001. In 2016, the two parties initiated a modernization process of the agreement to address new global economic challenges. An “agreement in principle” on the trade part of the new agreement was reached in April 2018, while technical details on public procurement were finalized in 2020. Currently, the updated agreement is in the process of concluding the necessary internal procedures on both sides, with the aim of consolidating and expanding mutual trade opportunities.
Italian enterprises that intend to export to Mexico must pay attention to the proper preparation of documentation. The commercial invoice it is the first document required and must contain detailed information such as the SA code, the country of origin, and an accurate description of the goods, with any serial numbers or technical identifications, to avoid misunderstandings. Another indispensable document is the packing list, which must be attached to the shipment e must clearly specify the content, dimensions, and quantity of the exported items, thus facilitating customs operations.
Regarding the’product labeling, Mexico has specific regulations established by the standard NOM-050-SCFI-2004. It is essential for businesses to verify the current provisions for their sector, as labeling is one of the most critical aspects of import operations.
To obtain the benefits expected from the free trade agreement, it is crucial to comply with the rules of origin, which determine the “economic nationality” of the products traded. These rules are essential to ensure that goods benefiting from preferential tariffs meet certain rules of origin. The rules of origin have been defined in Annex III of the decision No. 2/2000 of the EC-Mexico Joint Council. and have undergone updates to reflect developments in customs classifications and technical specifications.
A product can benefit from preferential tariffs if it is wholly produced in the EU or Mexico, or if it is manufactured using non-originating materials, provided that these materials undergo sufficient transformations. In some cases, a certain percentage of non-originating materials may be used without jeopardizing preferential benefits. The agreement, finally, provides for flexibility measures such as bilateral cumulation, which allows materials originating in Mexico to be considered as originating in the EU and vice versa, and the tolerance rule, which permits the use of up to 10% of non-originating materials.
To take advantage of the preferential rate for’export to Mexico, importers must provide proof of origin for the products, which can be certified by a EUR.1 certificate or through a declaration of origin. The EUR.1 certificate is issued by the “Secretaría de Economía” of Mexico and must be accompanied by the four-digit tariff classification of the product. If the total amount of the products does not exceed 500 euros for small packages or 1,200 euros for personal luggage, no proof of origin is required.
Alternatively, the authorized exporter or any other exporter with an overall value of less than 6,000 Euros may issue a declaration of origin, which must be signed and contain the necessary information to identify the products.
Foreign companies can register for the Compranet system, a portal that allows participation in public tenders in Mexico. Registration requires submitting various documents, including legal deeds and tax information, in digital format, to be included in the list of accredited suppliers by the Mexican authorities.
The Mexican market offers, therefore, many opportunities, there are still some constraints that companies must consider:
The EU-Mexico free trade agreement has not only simplified trade but has also improved diplomatic and cultural relations. Global trade tensions are creating new opportunities for Italian companies to expand into a growing Mexican market, also thanks to European investments and expertise.
L’export to Mexico This therefore represents a great opportunity, but companies must be well-prepared, know local regulations, and adapt to cultural dynamics. With the right support and a targeted approach, businesses can achieve significant results in this promising market.
For more detailed information or support, our team of experts in internationalization consulting, including through the Octagona service of temporary export management, is available to support your venture at every stage of the process.
Are you interested in our service?
Fill out the form or contact us at
+39 059 9770184
Copyright © Octagona. All rights reserved. P.I. 02646871208
