Mexico: New Free Zone in Chetumal, Quintana Roo

On 31 December 2020, the Decree of the Chetumal Free Zone was published in the DOF, granting an incentive to companies that commercialise goods or services in that border region. This Decree will be in effect between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2024.

The incentives applicable through this Decree consist of the following:

• General Import Duty (GID) exemption of 100% on the definitive importation of certain goods in the region or on re-shipment to the rest of the country.
• Application of a credit of 100% of the Customs Processing Duty (CPF), which is generally .008 of the customs value of the goods, applicable to the definitive importation in the region or re-shipment of the goods to the rest of the national territory.

The Decree is applicable to individuals or legal entities that are located and commercialise goods or services in the Chetumal border region consisting of: food and groceries; self-service stores; clothing, jewellery and clothing accessories; pharmaceuticals, eyeglasses and orthopaedic articles; machinery and equipment; construction materials; restaurants; hotels, motels and other temporary lodging services; educational, medical and hospital services; cultural, sports and recreational services; automobile repair and maintenance services; real estate and machinery and equipment rental, in accordance with the catalogue of economic activities that the Tax Administration Service publishes through general rules.

Some of the requirements to apply for the registration as a “Company of the Region” for purposes of the Chetumal Free Zone, include:

• Being registered in the Importers Roster.
• Proving that sales are made within the Chetumal border region.
• Paying contributions other than GID and CPF.
• Being located at the tax domicile or the domicile indicated in the application.
• Not being included in the list of companies that carry out non-existent operations issued by the Tax Administration Service.

Once the registration has been obtained, the interested parties must comply with the requirements and obligations set forth, as if the registration is cancelled, it may not be requested within a period of up to two years.

With the publication of this Decree, an opportunity for growth and economic development is implemented for companies that have or wish to initiate import and commercialisation operations in Chetumal.

Read the WTS Global Customs Newsletter here.