Importing steel into mexico

Importing Steel into Mexico A Pillar of Compliance for Suppliers Trading with Mexico

By Brenda Cordova, Braumiller Law Group Mexico Legal Counsel and Judith Montes de Oca

Quick Answer

Importing steel into Mexico is subject to increasingly stringent compliance requirements and potentially higher duties, driven by a strategic shift in North American supply chains and heightened government monitoring. The Mexican government has reinforced its legal framework, notably with an April 15, 2024, amendment to Rule 2.2.19, which consolidates regulations for Automatic Import Notices for Steel Products (AAIPS) for goods classified under LIGIE Chapters 72 and 73. Furthermore, a proposed amendment on September 9, 2025, could increase import duties on certain steel products by 25%, 35%, or 50%, demanding greater traceability and regulatory adherence from suppliers.

The steel trade with Mexico is particularly strategic at this moment.  Companies are shifting supply chains to North America, and Mexico which has been an attractive manufacturing hub for various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, construction, electronics, household appliances, and more. This trend is driving strong demand for imported steel while simultaneously creating new export opportunities for Mexican producers.  Much of this advantage stems from the USMCA, because steel originating within the USCMA region can qualify for preferential tariff treatment when traded within the United States and Canada, provided that the applicable rules of origin are fully met. 

Nonetheless, in Mexico, steel has been facing strict rules and challenges related to origin verification, traceability, quality, and regulatory compliance.  Also, non-USMCA steel has been subject to high import duties which have significantly affected competitiveness.  Recently, on September 9, 2025, President Sheinbaum proposed an amendment to the Mexican harmonized tariff schedule law (LIGIE) to increase import duties by 25%, 35 or 50% on certain goods, including some steel products classified under chapters 72 and 73.  This amendment is currently under review by Mexican Congress, which is expected to reach a decision by the end of this year.

In addition to higher import tariffs, steel is now subject to stricter controls, greater traceability, broader coverage, and a greater compliance burden.  The Mexican government closely monitors this industry not only through audits but also during the application process for permits, notices and licenses.  The processes are complex and vary dependent on whether the operation involves importing or exporting steel in Mexico.  While these requirements are not new, they have been progressively reinforced through various amendments further tightening the applicable legal framework. 

On April 15, 2024, the Minister of Economy amended Rule 2.2.19 and other legal provisions under the Foreign Trade Rules (Reglas y Criterios de Caracter General en Materia de Comercio Exterior) regarding the so-called Automatic Import Notices for Steel Products(AAIPS – Aviso Automático de Importación de Productos Siderurgicos).  The purpose of this amendment was to consolidate the regulatory framework for the importing of steel products into Mexico. 

According to these rules, certain goods imported into Mexico, and are classified under Chapter 72 and 73 of the LIGIE, are required to comply with AAIPS.   Therefore, Mexican importers must first verify whether the specific harmonized tariff code of their product is subject to this requirement.  Examples of goods subject to AAIPS include:
  • Seamless and welded pipes
  • Sheet metal rolls
  • Hot-rolled and cold-rolled sheets
  • Slabs
  • Steel bars
  • Wire rod
  • Profiles
  • Other specified steel products
 
In addition, Numeral 8, Section II, of Annex 2.2.1 of the above Foreign Trade Rules, importers must consider the following records:
  • Mill Certificate: Required for goods classified under tariff items in headings 7206 to 7216, 7218 to 7228, and 7304.
  • Quality Certificate: Required for goods classified under tariff items in headings 7202, 7217, 7229, 7301, 7302, and 7305 to 7317.
 
The mill and/or quality certificate must include:
  • Detailed description of the goods (dimensions, technical, physical, chemical, and metallurgical specifications)
  • Country of origin
  • Name and contact information of the supplier
  • Volume of the goods
  • Other relevant identification data
 
Request for AAIPS authorizations must be submitted via the Mexican Single Window (Ventanilla Digital) and the authorizations must be communicated via email, – provided the applicant submits complete and accurate information. 

The AAIPS request should include specific information, such as the tariff code, quantity to be imported, value, origin, certificate numbers, name and address of producer, mill name, product description, unit price by kilograms, among other information.  This information must be consistent with the overall Customs records including the mill certificate and the quality certificate above.  Failure to ensure consistency may result in suspensions, delays or penalties.

Importers may also choose to register under the Steel Importers Registry which allows authorization to be granted for one or more tariff codes with a validity of over one year. 

Prior to this amendment, the Mexican Minister of Economy granted AAIPS authorizations relatively easily and fast with minimal requirements.  However, the authority observed an increasing number of imports submitted with incorrect or unreliable information.  As a result, it began reviewing applications more closely and rigorously, which has led to delays and occasional rejections, negatively affecting the industry.

For example, prior to the amendment, obtaining an AAIPS typically took 3 to 5 business days.  Under the new rules, this process can extend to up to 30 business days in accordance with regulations, even when complete and correct information is submitted.
In summary, steel is a critical commodity for key industries in Mexico.  While demand for steel has grown significantly in recent years, the Mexican government has tightened controls, increased regulatory scrutiny, created complex compliance requirements and therefore potentially higher import duties.   

Steel importers must ensure compliance with AAIPS procedures, via accurate classification, proper valuation. The correct use of Customs regimes remains a very high priority, among other foreign trade and Customs compliance requirements in order to avoid delays, and a possible suspension or penalties.  Ultimately, success in the steel trade with Mexico requires not only good fiscal business arrangements with clients and suppliers, but also a good basic knowledge and experience level with the regulatory framework and applicable process.  Companies should closely monitor any developments and proactively adjust their strategies to remain competitive in the evolving Mexican steel market.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide any legal advice; it is for informational purposes only. You should not rely on this to make a business decision.
 

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What are the Frequently Asked Questions about Importing Steel into Mexico?

1 What are the current compliance challenges for importing steel into Mexico?

Importing steel into Mexico involves strict rules related to origin verification, traceability, quality, and overall regulatory compliance. Companies also face challenges with high import duties on non-USMCA steel and increased government scrutiny through audits and permit applications, contributing to a greater compliance burden.

2 How might the proposed tariff amendments impact steel imports into Mexico?

President Sheinbaum proposed an amendment on September 9, 2025, to increase import duties by 25%, 35%, or 50% on certain steel products classified under chapters 72 and 73. This amendment is currently under review by the Mexican Congress, with a decision expected by the end of this year. If approved, it could significantly affect the competitiveness of imported steel.

3 What role does the USMCA play in the import of steel into Mexico?

The USMCA provides a strategic advantage for steel originating within the USMCA region. Such steel can qualify for preferential tariff treatment when traded within the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, this benefit is contingent upon fully meeting the applicable rules of origin.

4 What kind of government oversight and processes should steel importers expect in Mexico?

Steel importers should expect stricter controls, greater traceability, and broader regulatory coverage. The Mexican government closely monitors the industry through audits and during the application process for necessary permits, notices, and licenses. These processes are complex and vary depending on whether the operation involves importing or exporting steel.