On 24 July 2020, Mexico has published the first amendment to the General Customs Rules for 2020 in the Official Gazette. The amendments include changes to the Comprehensive Business Certification Scheme, in the VAT, VAT Certification and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) modalities. The changes may have an impact on the operations of businesses operating under the maquiladora and other regimes or to develop economic and foreign trade activities in Mexico.

One of the key amendments includes the list of benefits for companies having the VAT Certification, such as IMMEX (Manufacturing, Maquiladoras and Export Services Industry), fiscal deposits for automakers, bonded warehouse and strategic bonded warehouses. Importers having VAT certification are classified as AAA, AA, and A. From now, VAT will not be refunded within 10, 15 or 20 days for AAA, AA, and A category company respectively. The amendment accelerated process for VAT refunds. Export companies are subject to the refund process, which is generally 40 days but can be further extended with reviews, the tax authorities may ask for additional information during that period.

Period of time (can stay in Mexico) for temporary imports of raw materials, parts and component is reduced from 36 to 18 months.  Period of time (can stay in Mexico) for virtual temporary imports of raw materials, parts and components is reduced from 36 to 6 months.

Companies with a VAT Certification only now have a 6-month term for temporary virtual importations, where AEO companies can enjoy the 36-month legal stay in Mexico for temporary virtual importations.

The benefits mentioned above are available to companies having AEO modalities. To get all the available benefits a company has to obtain and apply for the IMMEX program at first, then the VAT certification, followed by the AEO certification.