Following the Decree reforming the Customs Law published on November 19, 2025, New Customs Law reforms introduce penalties of up to 300% of commercial value for improper labeling.
The New Cost of Non-Compliance: 250-300% Fines
The most critical update in the Customs Law reform is the escalation of penalties. According to the new amendments, devices found to be non-compliant with Official Mexican Standards (NOM) labeling requirements are subject to immediate seizure.
However, the seizure is only the beginning. Importers now face fines ranging from 250% to 300% of the imported good’s commercial value. For high-value ICT equipment, this penalty can far exceed the potential profit margin of the shipment, turning a logistical oversight into a significant financial loss.
No More “Fixing It Later”
Previously, some flexibility existed allowing importers to address labeling issues upon arrival. The new Decree removes this leniency. Compliance is now a prerequisite for entry, not a checklist item to be completed at the border.
To avoid shipment retention, fines, or total seizure, strict adherence to the following protocols is now mandatory:
- Labeling at Origin: Product labeling must be fully compliant with applicable NOMs before the goods leave the factory.
- Verified Documentation: Shipments must be accompanied by a valid Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or a Dictamen de Cumplimiento issued by an accredited Inspection Unit (Unidad de Inspección – UVA).
- Tariff Accuracy: Tariff classifications (HS Codes) and applicable standards must be confirmed well in advance of shipping to ensure the documentation matches the physical product exactly.
