PROSEC:
Authorization, Compliance, and Ongoing Maintenance
PROSEC:
Authorization, Compliance, and Ongoing Maintenance
Obtain your PROSEC authorization and protect the benefit on a continuous basis. At ST STRATEGO we manage the process from eligibility assessment through to resolution, and we remain your permanent compliance team to ensure no obligation puts at risk the tariff benefit that underpins your competitiveness.
Mexico’s Sectoral Promotion Programs (PROSEC | Programas de Promoción Sectorial) are an instrument of the Ministry of Economy’s trade policy that allows manufacturing companies established in Mexico to import inputs, raw materials, machinery, and equipment at preferential ad valorem tariff rates of between 0% and 5%, regardless of the country of origin of the goods.
This means your company can import from China, South Korea, Taiwan, or any country without a Free Trade Agreement with Mexico — and still benefit from tariff rates that would otherwise reach 15%, 20%, or even 35%.
Unlike the IMMEX program, PROSEC does not require the finished product to be destined for export. Goods manufactured in Mexico may be sold on the domestic market, internationally, or both.
The program is established in the Decree Establishing Various Sectoral Promotion Programs, published in Mexico’s Official Federal Gazette (DOF) on August 2, 2002, and its currently applicable amendments.
Obtain your PROSEC authorization and protect the benefit on a continuous basis. At ST STRATEGO we manage the process from eligibility assessment through to resolution, and we remain your permanent compliance team to ensure no obligation puts at risk the tariff benefit that underpins your competitiveness.
Mexico’s Sectoral Promotion Programs (PROSEC | Programas de Promoción Sectorial) are an instrument of the Ministry of Economy’s trade policy that allows manufacturing companies established in Mexico to import inputs, raw materials, machinery, and equipment at preferential ad valorem tariff rates of between 0% and 5%, regardless of the country of origin of the goods.
This means your company can import from China, South Korea, Taiwan, or any country without a Free Trade Agreement with Mexico — and still benefit from tariff rates that would otherwise reach 15%, 20%, or even 35%.
Unlike the IMMEX program, PROSEC does not require the finished product to be destined for export. Goods manufactured in Mexico may be sold on the domestic market, internationally, or both.
The program is established in the Decree Establishing Various Sectoral Promotion Programs, published in Mexico’s Official Federal Gazette (DOF) on August 2, 2002, and its currently applicable amendments.
PROSEC Benefits for Your Company
Immediate Tariff Reduction
Import inputs and machinery at 0% to 5% rates, regardless of country of origin. No FTA required.
Applies to the Domestic Market
Unlike IMMEX, no export requirement. Manufacture in Mexico and sell wherever you choose.
Indefinite Duration
The program does not expire. It remains active through annual reporting and ongoing compliance.
Up to 24 Industrial Sectors
Automotive, electronics, footwear, toys, furniture, mining, chemicals, agriculture, and more. Verify whether your industry qualifies.
Inputs and Machinery Both Covered
The benefit applies to both raw materials and inputs, as well as to machinery and equipment incorporated into the production process.
Compatible with IMMEX
Many companies operate both programs simultaneously to maximize competitive advantage and logistical efficiency.
PROSEC Benefits for Your Company
Immediate Tariff Reduction
Import inputs and machinery at 0% to 5% rates, regardless of country of origin. No FTA required.
Applies to the Domestic Market
Unlike IMMEX, no export requirement. Manufacture in Mexico and sell wherever you choose.
Indefinite Duration
The program does not expire. It remains active through annual reporting and ongoing compliance.
Up to 24 Industrial Sectors
Automotive, electronics, footwear, toys, furniture, mining, chemicals, agriculture, and more. Verify whether your industry qualifies.
Inputs and Machinery Both Covered
The benefit applies to both raw materials and inputs, as well as to machinery and equipment incorporated into the production process.
Compatible with IMMEX
Many companies operate both programs simultaneously to maximize competitive advantage and logistical efficiency.
Does Your Company Qualify for PROSEC?
PROSEC is available exclusively to manufacturing legal entities established in Mexico. To qualify, your company must meet the following criteria:
1
Be a legal entity established in Mexico with actual productive or manufacturing activity.
2
Manufacture or transform goods classified within one of the 24 authorized PROSEC sectors.
3
Demonstrate that the inputs or machinery to be imported will be used in the production process of the requested sector.
5
Hold an active RFC (Mexican tax ID) and be current on all tax obligations with the SAT.
6
Be enrolled in the SAT’s Importers’ Registry (Padrón de Importadores).
7
Hold a valid e.firma (advanced electronic signature) at the time of filing the application.
The 24 covered sectors include, among others: automotive and auto parts, electronics, footwear, toys, furniture, mining and metallurgy, chemicals, agriculture, textiles, steel, paper and cardboard, and various other manufacturing industries. If you are unsure whether your activity falls within any sector, the first step is to request an eligibility assessment from our team.
Does Your Company Qualify for PROSEC?
PROSEC is available exclusively to manufacturing legal entities established in Mexico. To qualify, your company must meet the following criteria:
1
Be a legal entity established in Mexico with actual productive or manufacturing activity.
2
Manufacture or transform goods classified within one of the 24 authorized PROSEC sectors.
3
Demonstrate that the inputs or machinery to be imported will be used in the production process of the requested sector.
4
Hold an active RFC (Mexican tax ID) and be current on all tax obligations with the SAT.
5
Be enrolled in the SAT’s Importers’ Registry (Padrón de Importadores).
6
Hold a valid e.firma (advanced electronic signature) at the time of filing the application.
The 24 covered sectors include, among others: automotive and auto parts, electronics, footwear, toys, furniture, mining and metallurgy, chemicals, agriculture, textiles, steel, paper and cardboard, and various other manufacturing industries. If you are unsure whether your activity falls within any sector, the first step is to request an eligibility assessment from our team.
Application Process Before Mexico's Ministry of Economy
The application is filed online through Mexico’s Digital Foreign Trade Gateway (VUCEM — Ventanilla Digital de Comercio Exterior Mexicano). The Ministry of Economy has a maximum of 20 business days to issue its resolution. If no response is received within that period, the positive-silence rule (afirmativa ficta) applies — although in practice we always recommend active follow-up to prevent information requests that would interrupt the deadline.
Application Process Before Mexico's Ministry of Economy
The application is filed online through Mexico’s Digital Foreign Trade Gateway (VUCEM — Ventanilla Digital de Comercio Exterior Mexicano). The Ministry of Economy has a maximum of 20 business days to issue its resolution. If no response is received within that period, the positive-silence rule (afirmativa ficta) applies — although in practice we always recommend active follow-up to prevent information requests that would interrupt the deadline.
Permanent Obligations
Obtaining PROSEC is only the first step. The real risk for many companies is not the initial authorization — it is losing the benefit through administrative non-compliance that accumulates silently. The following obligations, if unmet, trigger grounds for cancellation:
Permanent Obligation
Consequence of Non-Compliance
Submit annual operations report to the Ministry of Economy (no later than the last business day of April each year)
Temporary suspension of benefits until the omission is remedied
Maintain an inventory control system (SAP, SAE, or compatible equivalent)
Grounds for cancellation of the program
Remain current on all tax obligations before the SAT
Definitive cancellation of the program
Notify the Ministry of Economy and the SAT of any change to the registered address or plant location
Inconsistencies that may lead to cancellation
Use imported inputs exclusively in the production processes of the authorized sector
Payment of deferred tariffs plus surcharges and inflation adjustments
Update tariff classifications when the Mexican Tariff Schedule (TIGIE) is amended
Loss of benefit on non-updated classifications
The cancellation proceeding allows only 10 business days for the holder to submit evidence once the Ministry of Economy notifies the initiation of the proceeding. Without specialized advisory, that deadline is insufficient to structure an effective defense.
Permanent Obligations
Obtaining PROSEC is only the first step. The real risk for many companies is not the initial authorization — it is losing the benefit through administrative non-compliance that accumulates silently. The following obligations, if unmet, trigger grounds for cancellation:
Permanent Obligation
Submit annual operations report to the Ministry of Economy (no later than the last business day of April each year)
Consequence of Non-Compliance
Temporary suspension of benefits until the omission is remedied
Permanent Obligation
Maintain an inventory control system (SAP, SAE, or compatible equivalent)
Consequence of Non-Compliance
Grounds for cancellation of the program
Permanent Obligation
Remain current on all tax obligations before the SAT
Consequence of Non-Compliance
Definitive cancellation of the program
Permanent Obligation
Notify the Ministry of Economy and the SAT of any change to the registered address or plant location.
Consequence of Non-Compliance
Inconsistencies that may lead to cancellation.
Permanent Obligation
Use imported inputs exclusively in the production processes of the authorized sector.
Consequence of Non-Compliance
Payment of deferred tariffs plus surcharges and inflation adjustments.
Permanent Obligation
Update tariff classifications when the Mexican Tariff Schedule (TIGIE) is amended
Consequence of Non-Compliance
Loss of benefit on non-updated classifications.
The cancellation proceeding allows only 10 business days for the holder to submit evidence once the Ministry of Economy notifies the initiation of the proceeding. Without specialized advisory, that deadline is insufficient to structure an effective defense.
ST STRATEGO Comprehensive Service: From Authorization to Ongoing Compliance
At ST STRATEGO we do not simply manage the initial process. Our service model is designed to accompany your company throughout the entire life of the program, anticipating risks before they materialize and maintaining the tariff benefit as a permanent competitive lever.
Service Stage
What ST STRATEGO Does for Your Company
Eligibility Assessment
We evaluate your production structure, tariff classifications, and sector to determine viability and quantify the projected real savings.
File Preparation
We compile and validate all required documentation: articles of incorporation, tax ID, notarial certificates, plant address, tariff classifications, and description of production processes.
Filing before VUCEM / Ministry of Economy
We manage the process before the Digital Foreign Trade Gateway and the Ministry of Economy, with follow-up through to receipt of the authorization.
Sector or Classification Expansion
If your operation grows or diversifies, we manage the expansion of the program to incorporate new sectors or tariff classifications.
Ongoing Compliance Monitoring
Preventive alerts regarding the annual report deadline, TIGIE amendments, classification updates, and tax standing before the SAT.
Defense in Cancellation Proceedings
If the Ministry of Economy initiates a cancellation proceeding, we structure the response and submit the relevant evidence within the 10-business-day deadline.
ST STRATEGO Comprehensive Service: From Authorization to Ongoing Compliance
At ST STRATEGO we do not simply manage the initial process. Our service model is designed to accompany your company throughout the entire life of the program, anticipating risks before they materialize and maintaining the tariff benefit as a permanent competitive lever.
Service Stage
Eligibility Assessment
What ST STRATEGO Does for Your Company
We evaluate your production structure, tariff classifications, and sector to determine viability and quantify the projected real savings.
Service Stage
File Preparation
What ST STRATEGO Does for Your Company
We compile and validate all required documentation: articles of incorporation, tax ID, notarial certificates, plant address, tariff classifications, and description of production processes.
Service Stage
Filing before VUCEM / Ministry of Economy
What ST STRATEGO Does for Your Company
We manage the process before the Digital Foreign Trade Gateway and the Ministry of Economy, with follow-up through to receipt of the authorization.
Service Stage
Sector or Classification Expansion
What ST STRATEGO Does for Your Company
If your operation grows or diversifies, we manage the expansion of the program to incorporate new sectors or tariff classifications.
Service Stage
Ongoing Compliance Monitoring
What ST STRATEGO Does for Your Company
Preventive alerts regarding the annual report deadline, TIGIE amendments, classification updates, and tax standing before the SAT.
Service Stage
Defense in Cancellation Proceedings
What ST STRATEGO Does for Your Company
If the Ministry of Economy initiates a cancellation proceeding, we structure the response and submit the relevant evidence within the 10-business-day deadline.
Why ST STRATEGO?
More than 20 years of experience
In Legal Defense, Tax Advisory, and Foreign Trade in Mexico.
Team with a track record
In both the public and private sectors.
More than 750 companies
Served across 5 cities with direct presence.
ISO 9001 certified processes
Structure, traceability, and consistency in every file.
Simultaneous management
With IMMEX, OEA, C-TPAT, and other programs when the operation requires it.
Permanent monitoring model
We provide continuous support after authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions about PROSEC
Does PROSEC have an expiration date?
- No. The program does not expire as long as the holder complies with its permanent obligations. The primary annual obligation is to submit the operations report to the Ministry of Economy no later than the last business day of April each year. Non-compliance suspends the benefits temporarily, but they are restored upon remedying the omission.
Can I hold both PROSEC and IMMEX simultaneously?
- Yes. This is a very common and strategically advantageous combination in Mexico’s manufacturing industry. While IMMEX primarily applies to temporary imports oriented toward export, PROSEC benefits definitive imports with no restriction on the destination of the finished product. Both programs are complementary and can be structured synergistically.
What happens if the Ministry of Economy initiates a cancellation proceeding?
- The Ministry must notify you of the grounds for the proceeding and grant you 10 business days to submit evidence. If the holder successfully rebuts the grounds, the Ministry issues a resolution lifting the suspension within a maximum of three months. If the grounds are not rebutted, a definitive cancellation is issued. At ST STRATEGO we structure the defense from the moment of notification to maximize the probability of a favorable resolution.
Can I expand my PROSEC to include new sectors or classifications?
- Yes. PROSEC holders may apply for incorporation into new sectors, provided they demonstrate that they manufacture the corresponding goods. It is also possible to expand the tariff classifications within an already-authorized sector when the operation requires it.
What happens if I import under PROSEC goods that I do not use in the authorized production process?
- The holder will be required to pay the tariffs that should have been paid at the time of the original import, plus surcharges and inflation adjustments. Failure to comply with the productive purpose is a ground for cancellation of the program and may give rise to additional tax liability.
Why ST STRATEGO?
More than 20 years of experience
In Legal Defense, Tax Advisory, and Foreign Trade in Mexico.
Team with a track record
In both the public and private sectors.
More than 750 companies
Served across 5 cities with direct presence.
ISO 9001 certified processes
Structure, traceability, and consistency in every file.
Simultaneous management
With IMMEX, OEA, C-TPAT, and other programs when the operation requires it.
Permanent monitoring model
We provide continuous support after authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions about PROSEC
Does PROSEC have an expiration date?
-
No. The program does not expire as long as the holder complies with its permanent obligations. The primary annual obligation is to submit the operations report to the Ministry of Economy no later than the last business day of April each year. Non-compliance suspends the benefits temporarily, but they are restored upon remedying the omission.
Can I hold both PROSEC and IMMEX simultaneously?
-
Yes. This is a very common and strategically advantageous combination in Mexico’s manufacturing industry. While IMMEX primarily applies to temporary imports oriented toward export, PROSEC benefits definitive imports with no restriction on the destination of the finished product. Both programs are complementary and can be structured synergistically.
What happens if the Ministry of Economy initiates a cancellation proceeding?
-
The Ministry must notify you of the grounds for the proceeding and grant you 10 business days to submit evidence. If the holder successfully rebuts the grounds, the Ministry issues a resolution lifting the suspension within a maximum of three months. If the grounds are not rebutted, a definitive cancellation is issued. At ST STRATEGO we structure the defense from the moment of notification to maximize the probability of a favorable resolution.
Can I expand my PROSEC to include new sectors or classifications?
-
Yes. PROSEC holders may apply for incorporation into new sectors, provided they demonstrate that they manufacture the corresponding goods. It is also possible to expand the tariff classifications within an already-authorized sector when the operation requires it.
What happens if I import under PROSEC goods that I do not use in the authorized production process?
-
The holder will be required to pay the tariffs that should have been paid at the time of the original import, plus surcharges and inflation adjustments. Failure to comply with the productive purpose is a ground for cancellation of the program and may give rise to additional tax liability.
Request a no-cost assessment
If your company manufactures in Mexico and imports inputs, raw materials, or machinery, there is a high probability that PROSEC can represent a significant tariff savings. The first step is to determine whether your classifications and sector qualify.
Schedule a no-cost consultation
Download our institutional presentation
Request a no-cost assessment
If your company manufactures in Mexico and imports inputs, raw materials, or machinery, there is a high probability that PROSEC can represent a significant tariff savings. The first step is to determine whether your classifications and sector qualify.