By Adina Moloman
Sources: United States- Mexico Chamber of Commerce, www.ventanillaunica.gob.mx
Improvements on Mexico Customs Regulations are expected when using the Single Window web application, which enables international cross-border traders to submit regulatory documents at a single location and/or single entity from the Mexican federal government.
The implementation of the single window system in Mexico was done last March, 2012.
By that, International traders or their customs broker submit electronically all import/export information. More common documents that can be submitted are: customs declarations, applications for import/export permits, supporting documents such as certificates of origin and trading invoices, etc.
The advantage consists in moving increasing volumes of imported and exported goods through the borders faster. This is not the only major benefit, there others such as: the electronic information related to the process of import, export or transit of goods online is entered only once; might be done from all over the world 24/7; reduces costs and time both for the users and also for the Mexican authorities; improvements in logistics and transparency of the procedures is a major benefit, eliminates paper form and there is a more improved information security, etc.
Many countries with the best practices of foreign trade have adopted the Single Window. In the case of Mexico there is a pre condition for the using of the system which is a valid electronic advanced signature (FIEL) for the users, which is easy to obtain in the Tax Administration Office (SAT).
In Mexico traders and custom brokers should follow a few basic steps: fill out an electronic form on the Single Window for Trade website (www.ventanillaunica.gob.mx); the trade application is submitted through the internet to the relevant government agencies for its analysis and approval; once as the trade operation has been approved by the Mexican authority, traders and their brokers will have to pay a tax which is collected from a bank account provided by them; the last step is when the merchandise arrives to the crossing point, when the carrier must present a summary of the shipping transaction to the customs verifier at the customs facility. The information it will be checked electronically by a custom official, in order to allow the merchandise to continue and reach their final destination.
This new electronic procedure will improve conditions for investment especially at the Maquiladora Sector and job creation in the country.
