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Medical Device Manufacturer Keeps its IMMEX Textiles Inputs Duty-Free

Prodensa secured an IMMEX exception for more than 300 textile tariff lines, so our client continues importing key manufacturing inputs duty-free.

PROJECT
Government relations and institutional strategy 
WHAT WE DID
Obtained the exemption of 300+ tariff lines
CLIENT
U.S. medical device manufacturer
TIMELINE
January 2025 - Ongoing

Background: a decree that put an export operation at risk

Prodensa's client manufactures medical devices in Mexico for export under the IMMEX Program, with about 5,000 employees. Textile inputs are essential to that manufacturing process.

On December 19, 2024, Mexico's Ministry of Economy (SE) published a decree in the Official Gazette (DOF) amending Annex I of the IMMEX Decree. Its second article banned the temporary import under IMMEX of goods in HS chapters 61, 62, and 63 and subheadings 9404.40 and 9404.90.

The measure targeted undervaluation and unfair competition in finished textiles. But it also caught their productive inputs. Without an exception, our client would have to import those inputs definitively and pay duties. That threatened the cost structure of its plants and its export commitments.

Institutional Relations Team

Prodensa Team Driving the Solution

Being a current client, Prodensa spotted the risk right away. In January 2025, the Undersecretariat of Industry and Trade issued an official letter allowing compliant companies to be provisionally exempted. The institutional relations team entered the picture.
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EMILIO CADENA CEORead full bio
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ISABEL CLAVIJO VP Institutional relationsRead full bio
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MONICA LUGO Institutional relations directorRead full bio
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EMILIO GARCIA Leader

The Narrative

Prodensa positioned the client as a medical device manufacturer, not a textile company. Medical devices are a strategic sector, textiles are a production input, not a finished product sold in the domestic market.

Institutional Outreach

Prodensa opened direct dialogue with decision-makers at the Undersecretariat of Industry and Trade Facilitation (DGFCCE) and the textile industry chamber. Prodensa's government experience, its network of contacts and is knowledge of how the authority processes these requests were decisive.

A Solid Compliance File

Prodensa documented the compliance: its VAT/IEPS certification, the customs entries (pedimentos) for the imported tariff lines and online access for the authority, among other evidence.

The IMMEX Program

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Results Obtained

The client kept its IMMEX operation running without interruption and paid no extra duties on its textile inputs.

Tariff lines exempted

300+ in chapters 61, 62, 63 and heading 9404

Continuity

Currently, 3 consecutive authorizations, February 2025 - August 2026

Exclusivity

One of only 24 companies nationwide on the exception list the SE sent to the SAT

Duty Cost

Zero additional duties on textile inputs (a significant amount; exact figure not disclosed)

Qualitative Results: legal certainty, a relationship of trust with the authority, and recognition as a compliant company in a strategic sector.

Quantitative Results: the client met its production and export commitments and kept its plants cost-competitive. It also avoided reconfiguring its supply chain or relocating processes. 

Prodensa Insights

Prodensa's recommendations

Companies hit by sudden regulatory change can protect their operation if they act early and build credibility with the authority.
  • Stay close to your regulator. Make sure the authority knows you as a compliant company that is committed to Mexico.
  • Move fast when the rules change. Exception windows are usually short.
  • Explain why you are different. Show the authority how your operation differs from the problem the measure is meant to solve.
  • Keep compliance documented. Understand the regulations clearly and keep your certifications current, such as VAT/IEPS.
  • Be transparent. Clear, well-documented compliance builds trust with the authority.

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