IMMEX & duty deferral, explained plainly
Duty deferral is the reason nearshoring frees working capital. Here is what IMMEX actually does, what it does not, and where U.S. duties still apply.
What is the IMMEX program?
IMMEX is a Mexican government program that lets companies import raw materials, components and finished goods without paying Mexican duties and VAT at the time of entry, provided the goods are processed, stored or re-exported. Lateral Fulfillment operates a Class-A facility under IMMEX, so brands hold inventory in Mexico with Mexican duties deferred.
How does duty deferral work?
Under IMMEX, Mexican duties and VAT are deferred rather than paid when goods arrive — duty is settled only as goods are sold or exported. Lateral Fulfillment stores inventory under the program, which keeps working capital in the business instead of tied up at the border.
Does IMMEX get rid of duties?
No. IMMEX defers Mexican duties; it does not eliminate them, and it does not touch U.S. duties. U.S. import duties still apply when goods enter the United States. Deferral applies to the Mexican side only. The benefit is timing and cash flow, not a waiver of what is owed on U.S. entry.
The mechanics in parts
Deferral
Mexican duties and VAT suspended while goods remain under the program.
Working capital
Cash not tied up in duty paid before a sale.
One registration
Brands fulfill under Lateral's IMMEX — no own program needed.
Anexo 24
Inventory control system required to hold IMMEX status.
U.S. entry
U.S. import duties apply on crossing — unchanged by IMMEX.
Compliance
Documented inventory control and audited record-keeping.
Frequently asked questions
What does IMMEX stand for?
IMMEX is the Spanish acronym for the Manufacturing, Maquiladora and Export Services Industry program. It lets qualifying companies import inputs and goods into Mexico with duties and VAT deferred, provided the goods are processed, stored or re-exported under the program's rules.
How does duty deferral free working capital?
Instead of paying Mexican duties and VAT when goods arrive, a brand pays only as goods leave the facility. Capital that would sit with customs stays available for inventory, marketing or growth. U.S. import duties still apply on U.S. entry; deferral applies to the Mexican side only.
Does IMMEX remove U.S. tariffs?
No. IMMEX is a Mexican program and has no effect on U.S. duties. When goods cross into the United States, U.S. import duties apply as they would for any import. IMMEX changes the timing of Mexican duties, not U.S. obligations.
What is Anexo 24?
Anexo 24 is the automated inventory-control system a company must maintain to hold IMMEX status. It records every unit's entry, movement and exit under the program, which is what makes the duty deferral auditable and compliant.
Does a brand need its own IMMEX registration?
No. A brand does not need its own IMMEX registration to benefit — it can fulfill through Lateral Fulfillment's IMMEX facility. That is how smaller brands access duty deferral without standing up their own program.
Is duty-deferred storage more expensive?
Storage under IMMEX is billed like other warehousing, by the footprint used. The duty deferral it enables usually outweighs any difference, because capital is not locked up at the border. Lateral Fulfillment models the net effect during quoting.
Does Lateral Fulfillment maintain Anexo 24 on the brand's behalf?
Yes. Lateral Fulfillment maintains the Anexo 24 inventory-control system required to hold IMMEX status, so a brand does not need to stand up or staff that system itself.
What certifications does the facility hold?
The facility operates under IMMEX with CIVA and OEA certifications. These govern how goods are imported, stored and exported under the program; they are not sector certifications.
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