Arrival at the border
a) Transfer and/or Reloading
Transfer or reloading of goods usually is done on the US border side and before crossing the border. To this end, a Mexican carrier has to enter the US with his truck. Usually this maneuver takes place in an authorized warehouse or cold storage, and it consists of shifting /mounting the refrigerated container carrying the goods from the US truck onto the Mexican truck. The objective is for the Mexican truck with the refrigerated container to cross the border, enter Mexico and transit in the Mexican territory without any inconvenience. This is because there is a special permit required for US truckers by the Mexican Government to drive on Mexican highways. This is done with most of the shipping companies since it is more practical for them.
It is recommended that in the warehouse or hatchery a review or inspection of the merchandise by the custom broker or customs agent can be carried out before the merchandise crosses the border to corroborate that the merchandise is physically and documentary correct.
If any US shipping company is interested in getting a permit before the Mexican Ministry of Communications and Transportation to enter with its trucks into Mexico and deliver the goods in the final destination, the following link may be reviewed: http://www.sct.gob.mx/transporte-y-medicina- preventiva/autotransporte-federal/temas-internacionales/autotransporte-transfronterizo-mexico- estados-unidos/
b) Entry into the Bonded Warehouse
Due to the sensitive nature of the goods, inspection, handling and agile and delicate transport are required at all stages
i. When the customs review is carried out before the OISA’s inspection
The trucker of the shipping company shall find the signage at the entry, and go to one of the modules according to the automated system for importation at customs, and give the person in charge of the module the pedimento for the goods in question. Then, he shall follow the fiscal route and pull over in one of the customs review platforms if the result at the module is Customs Review (Red Traffic Light). Otherwise he goes to the exit/completed module to exit the bonded warehouse towards the external verification site that has been hired to perform inspection of goods by the animal health authority (SENASICA).
ii. When OISA’s inspection takes place before the customs review
The trucker shall find the signage at the entry and show that he has an appointment with the Customs Broker at the Sanitary Verification and Inspection Point (PVIZ). Then, he will go to the bonded warehouse where the internal PVIZ is located, which has been hired to carry out the inspection of goods by the animal health authority (SENASICA). He shall pull over in the platform he is indicated, and wait for the inspection to take place. Once, the inspection is finished, he shall wait for the instructions by the Customs Broker, so he is given the pedimento covering the goods and so he can follow the fiscal route to go to the automatic-selection modules of importation at customs and to follow the steps indicated in paragraph 1 until he leaves the exit/completed module.
c) Beginning of Inspection by SENASICA
i. Mexican Foreign Trade Digital Window
The single window (VDMCE) is intended to allow individuals, through an electronic one-stop shop, to carry out applications regarding importations, exportations and foreign trade transit of goods, in accordance to the steps stated in the Decree, and given the case, those defined by the corresponding Mexican authorities for foreign trade. Through the one-stop shop, documents are managed for the release of goods, and importation processes are authorized or stopped.
Use conditions:
https://www.ventanillaunica.gob.mx/vucem/otros/CondicionesdeusoVUCEM2017.pdf
On the 14th of January, 2011, the Decree creating VDMCE System was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation.
https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5174688&fecha=14/01/2011
The VDMCE system will automatically generate four types of folio numbers, which SENASICA’s authorized inspectors will manage in the portal depending on the stage of the paperwork process:
For folio numbers with a 200 included, this refers to the entering procedure for document review. If this phase is met satisfactorily, it will trigger a Document Review Opinion letter. An example of a request folio number under document review would be: 1502200200320137033000004.
When the folio number contains a 500, this is a physical inspection request which triggers an Importation Certificate. An example of a physical inspection request would be: 1502200500120137002000113.
When the folio number contains a 600, this refers to a modification request. An example would be: 150220160012137002000001.
When the folio number contains a 700, this refers to a deferral request or renewal of a previously issued certificate. Example: 150220070012137002000001.
The folio number of a released importation certificate will be 17 digits in length. It is made up in the following way: 3 digits: Customs; 2 digits: OISA; 2 digits: inspection site; 4 digits: year; and consecutive 6 digits. Example: 23039102013002819.
For more information, consult the General Guide for the certification of goods regulated by SADER, imported for commercial purposes. Available at:
ii. Document Verification and Inspection
The role of the Customs Broker:
The Customs Broker hired by the party interested in importing poultry goods into Mexico shall verify that the goods in accordance to their tariff classification are registered in the “Agreement Setting Forth the Merchandise Classification and Codification whose Importation is Regulated by SADER, through SENASICA” as published in the Official Gazette on September 3, 2012 and its subsequent, you will find the information in the following link: https://www.gob.mx/senasica/documentos/acuerdo-que-establece-la-clasificacion-y-codificacion-de-mercancias-cuya-importacion-esta-sujeta-a-regulacion
The Customs Broker shall verify that the merchandise requirements in question are included in the module of animal health requirements for importation in the following link:
https://sistemasssl.senasica.gob.mx/mcrz/muestraComb2.jsf
The Customs Broker shall file the application before OISA to get the importation certificate.
This application shall be submitted through the One-Stop Shop on the following link. www.ventanillaunica.gob.mx/vucem/index.htm or on SENASICA’s web page: www.senasica.gob.mx or in person at the OISA where the merchandise will be crossing.
What OISA’s Staff Do:
OISA´s are the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Offices.
The OISA in question will resolve the importation certificate request through the same way it was requested.
OISA’s staff in question will verify that the application submitted to the VDMCE, contains the correct information in accordance with the goods to be imported, and it will review the following items in accordance with the Article 89 of the Federal Animal Health Act and 61 of the By-laws.
Attached documents and information shall match the data entered in the VDMCE as well as with the zoosanitary international certificate.
-
Application form.
-
Customs, OISA, inspection site, type of request, request, international animal health certificate, tariff classification, description, unit of measure, country of origin, country of departure, use, and species.
-
Domestic mobilization information, transportation, first federal verification point upon crossing. If the user does not know the information of the carrier of goods, this section can be left blank, or if there are different license plates, it shall be indicated that the listing will be attached as a document, making sure it is in the corresponding section.
-
Destination and exporter with full address. When there is more than one exporter, verify that the one with the largest volume is listed. The address of the destination often is the same as the business address.
-
Information regarding payment shall be correctly entered in the corresponding section, proof of payment and the payment key shall match the one declared, and shall correspond with the formality in question. Data entered by hired Customs Broker and to be reviewed by OISA’s staff are: bank, date, access key, amount paid and DPA reference code.
-
The number and type of presentation of the goods; the number of pallets must be declared as mentioned in the shipment, for example:
-
Presentation: Pallets.
-
Quantity: 20.
-
Type: Boxes.
Attached documents shall match the data entered and meet the requirements or measures indicated in the combinations or digitalized official letters by the Customs Broker.
iii. Verification and Physical Inspection
In order to ensure compliance with requirements for the importation of goods regulated and to guarantee the sanitary condition of goods, before the issuance of the importation certificate, SENASICA will physically inspect the goods to be imported into Mexico to make sure they comply with all zoosanitary requirements sheet (HRZ) established in the applicable legal provisions, as the case may be.
Once the Customs Broker hired by the party importing goods into Mexico has obtained the “200” folio number by OISA (which makes sure that the document review was correct), he shall request the physical inspection of the goods through the VDMCE . This will take place once there is certainty regarding the shipment crossing to avoid errors in the process.
When the regulations indicate that the goods shall arrive strapped to the entry point, and due to logistics, it is necessary to change the load from a foreign vehicle to a Mexican one, or due to the review by other authorities, OISA’s staff may consider the following:
It may verify the rupture of the strapping when, due to logistics, it is necessary to change the load from a foreign vehicle to a Mexican one, taking into account the following:
a) The person in charge of OISA shall evaluate (based on staff, operations and scheduled activities) if some staff member will do the verification of the strapping.
b) OISA’s staff will check the integrity of the strapping and that the number matches with the declaration on the international sanitary certificate issued by the Country of Origin.
c) If they match, they will break the strapping, and this will be stated on the back of the international sanitary certificate, including: date, name and signature of the person in charge.
d) The Customs Broker’s representative hired by the person interested in importing goods to Mexico will give the documents to the OISA’s staff and he shall take them to the inspection site, writing the SADER strapping number that will be given by OISA personnel in order to continue the process.
It will be verified that 100% of the boxes are well identified according to the labels or stamps that contain the information regarding the shipment.
Boxes or combos shall have visible the inspection stamp from the corresponding authority of the Country of Origin, the lot number as specified in the certificate.
They will be visually verified to detect anomalies and / or alterations in color, odor, foreign material and consistency not characteristic of the merchandise to be imported.
iv. Opinion on the Formalities
OISA’s staff shall:
1. Allow the process to continue if there were not any non-compliances during physical inspection of the goods.
2. Deny the process when: To verify the procedure of the opinion, you should go to the SENASICA commercial guide or to the section "Inspection procedure of shell egg for Import in accordance with the SENASICA´s Commercial Guide."
a) Goods do not match the one on the documentation.
b) The presence of blood, excrement and / or feather is detected in the amounts described in the section on the fertile egg inspection procedure in accordance with the SENASICA commercial guide.
c) When the rejection is for some product lot, documentation and product shall be stamped with the legend “Rechazado” (“Rejected”).
3. In case of a partial rejection of goods of a load, the formality modification may be requested as long as the return or destruction of the rejected goods is verified.
4. Verify that the transportation is clean and disinfected for the load.
v. Modification, renewal of Certificates Issued by SENASICA.
When an importation certificate issued by SENASICA shows orthographic errors and/or typos, as long as they do not compromise the safety of goods and the identification of shipments, it will not lose its validity. Thus, no modifications or corrections will be required.
A renewal (deferral due to expiration date); or modification (incorrect or missing data) of a zoosanitary health certificate, may be requested as long as the fee equivalent to 50% of the importation certificate is paid, in accordance to Article 86-A of the Government Service Charges Law in effect (Refer to the Standards Section). The replacement of the document may be requested through the VDMCE Portal. An acknowledgment of receipt will be obtained for the replacement request. If available, the pedimento will be attached, as well as the previous importation certificate issued by SENASICA, and the tariff classification resolution opinion issued by CUSTOMS AUTHORITY, and, given the case, the change of the tariff classification derived from a Customs Review.
In case of a renewal of the importation certificate issued by SENASICA, it may only be requested once and it has to be valid at the moment of request (Each Certificate is effective for 8 calendar days to be used in importation clearance).
d)Replacement or “In lieu of” Certificate
It is issued to correct minor data or typos, or in case of loss of the export health certificate, in situations, such as:
-
The original certificate did not have the required information.
-
The original certificate had incorrect information (typos).
-
The name of the consignee or importer has changed.
-
The certificate is lost or damaged.
Normally the certificates that are issued in the APHIS and AMS offices must be replaced and / or corrected in the same office that issued them.
To request a modification or replacement of the sanitary export certificate, the exporter may:
a) Apply to the USDA official at the establishment or plant where the original export health certificate was issued.
You must send an email with a free writing / letter stating and indicating the reason for the request, as well as, you must complement said request with the original certificate and its copies, except in the case that the original certificate has been lost, thus like any other document requested by USDA staff.
In the event that the original certificate is lost, the exporter must declare USDA in writing / letter to the certifying officer that the original certificate appears to be returned.
A replacement or in lieu of certificate may not be issued in cases where the problem, failure or inconsistency has been of a sanitary nature.
e) Inspection Process by the Customs Authority (SAT)
For the initiation of this process, it is understood that the vehicle with the goods had been previously presented in the automated selection module.
i. Fee Customs Clearance (Green Traffic Light)
It is the result of the automated selection process which allows to clear merchandise without a review, that is to say, once the carrier submits the pedimento to the modules and the pedimento has been scanned and a “free clearance” has been obtained, the carrier may go to the exit module of Customs to continue on to its final destination.
ii. Customs Review (Red Traffic Light)
Once the trucker submits the pedimento in the automated selection modules, the pedimento has been scanned and the “customs review” is over, he will have to go to the designated platform and pull over in one of the lanes to begin with the Customs Review by the official allocated by the Integral Automated Customs System (SAAI) by CUSTOMS AUTHORITY.
1. The verifier will visualize and get the Customs Document Number subject to Customs Review by the Review System (SIREM).
2. The verifier runs a search of the Customs Document in the remote consultation (internal) system.
3. The verifier reviews the Customs Document, matching the information of the Customs review therein contained.
4. The verifier physically inspects the goods.
5. The verifier identifies if it is difficult to identify goods, if this is the case, he continues with the process, otherwise he will move to number 6.
5.1. The verifier requests support from the Sampling Support Area (UTAM).
5.2. The sampling process for goods at Customs begin.
6. If the verifier detects any irregularity during the Customs Review, if it is the case, he continues with the process. Otherwise he will move to item 7.
6.1. The verifier informs his or her direct boss about the detected irregularity.
6.2. The verifier records in the SIREM System the incident detected.
6.3. If the verifier frames the incidence as a simple one, he/she continues with the process, otherwise he/she moves to item 6.4.
6.3.1. The verifier fills out a Record of Circumstances.
6.3.2. He initiates the simple incident settling process in Customs Review.
6.4. The verifier frames the detected incidence as a serious incidence.
6.5. The verifier fills out a Record of Circumstances indicating the facts and retention of goods, and submits the documentation to the Legal Department.
6.6. The subprocess continues in the Legal Department.
7. The verifier decides if he asks for Gamma Rays help. If so, he continues with the process, otherwise he moves to number 8.
7.1. The verifier delivers a copy of the Customs Document to the driver.
7.2. The verifier tells the driver to go to the Gamma Rays module to have the goods scanned.
7.3. The Gamma Rays operator scans the vehicle sent by the verifier from the importation platform.
7.4. The Gamma Rays operator gets the image and notifies the verifier to review the image.
7.5. The verifier based on the image scanned by the Gamma Rays operator and his own review, determines if there is any irregularity and continues with the process. If no irregularities are found, he continues with the process moving to number 9.
7.5.1. The verifier physically inspects the goods, trying to identify the irregularity observed in the image, and continues with the process moving to item 6.1.
8. The verifier decides if he requests support from the Non-Intrusive Inspection (RNI). If this is the case, he continues with the process, otherwise he moves to item 9.
8.1. He starts the X Rays review (RNI) for the importation at the border Customs point.
9. The verifier carries out the certification and releases the Customs Document and vehicle.
10. The exit module operation process in the bonded warehouse at the border Customs site starts.
iii.Transit to the Final Destination
Once the goods have been inspected (under the Red Traffic Light) either by staff from SENASICA and/or CUSTOMS AUTHORITY, or if the pedimento Customs clearance was the result of the modulation with the Green Traffic Light, the driver shall go to the final destination with the goods: a warehouse, retailer or Federally Inspected Establishment (TIF). Under no circumstance, the driver shall detour anywhere else.
At all times, the box or container transporting the goods shall remain closed unless an authority, i.e. the Navy, Army or Federal Police requests to open it for national security reasons to verify it is not carrying goods different from those declared. It is important for the driver to keep the importer informed if a circumstance like this takes place. And he shall request the authority who opens the transportation, if possible, to provide a document or report of the search.
