Retentions and delays in Mexican customs when importing medical devices, cosmetics, and dietary supplements, as well as any other product regulated by the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS), usually arise from critical inconsistencies in compliance with Non-Tariff Regulations and Restrictions (RRNAs). This article examines the most frequent operational errors, such as documentary discrepancies, expired permits, etc., that prevent the release of goods, offering a preventive verification framework to avoid extra costs due to storage, delays, and supply chain disruptions.
The importation process of regulated goods in Mexico demands a perfect alignment between commercial documentation and sanitary authorizations issued by COFEPRIS. When a shipment arrives at the country's point of entry, any inconsistency in the import file automatically halts the flow of operations. Goods that cannot be released at customs not only paralyze the distribution chain, but also trigger extraordinary costs for storage, container demurrage, and handling maneuvers, in addition to exposing the company to the risk of returning the goods abroad or administrative procedures. Understanding the operational causes of these interruptions is essential to ensure smooth customs clearance.
Common errors that delay the release of your goods at customs
The inability to release a shipment of health supplies, cosmetics, or dietary supplements mainly stems from failures in integrating the foreign trade file and controlling RRNAs, with the import permit being one of the most common for products where it is required:
Inconsistencies and failures in the Prior Import Permit (COFEPRIS)
Arrival of goods without authorization issued: Entering shipments into the country while the Prior Import Permit is still being processed. Mexican sanitary legislation requires that authorization be fully granted and valid at the date of entry of the goods.
Expiration of validity during transit: The Prior Permit expires before the goods arrive at customs or prior to the date of customs release.
Depletion of permit balance or quota: Attempting to clear a volume or commercial value higher than the available balance according to what was authorized in the import permit.
Discrepancies between commercial documentation and sanitary authorization
For goods to be released, the information contained in the Sanitary Registration and the Prior Permit must match the shipping documents exactly:
Differences in Holder, Manufacturer, or Supplier data: Discrepancies in corporate name, typographical errors, variations in fiscal addresses, or inconsistencies in country of origin when comparing the commercial invoice, transport document, and the document issued by COFEPRIS.
Error or misalignment in Tariff Classification (NICO): Classifying the goods on the import pedimento under a tariff fraction that does not correspond to the one covered by current sanitary regulations dictated by the Tariff of the General Import and Export Tax Law (TIGIE) and is also not covered by the sanitary import permit.
Preventive strategies to avoid delays in your operation
Pre-shipment documentary audit: Validate at origin that the commercial invoice, packing list, and quality certificates match letter for letter with valid COFEPRIS authorizations and other documents.
Continuous control and monitoring of authorized goods volume according to the import permit: Implement a traceability system for goods volume and permit validities to apply for extensions or new authorizations weeks prior to shipment.
Prior confirmation of tariff classification and RRNA: Review the technical sheet and product composition before making the international purchase, ensuring all applicable non-tariff regulations are met according to its tariff classification before clearance in the country of origin.
Conclusion
Ensuring the timely release of goods at customs is not about reacting when a shipment is detained, but about preventing documentary failures right from logistics planning.
Implementing rigorous controls regarding non-tariff regulations and restrictions ensures agile foreign trade operations, predictable costs, and continuous product availability in the Mexican market.
Key recommendations for the importer:
Implement a compliance checklist per product code: Verify validity and correspondence of the Prior Permit or Sanitary Registration before authorizing container dispatch at origin.
Establish an early technical review protocol: Analyze complete import files days in advance of arrival to identify and correct any discrepancies in time.
FAQ
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The Prior Import Permit must be valid and active on the entry date of the goods into national territory (as recorded on the import pedimento). If it expires before arrival, the shipment cannot be legally cleared through customs using that document, and a new authorization or permit extension will be required.
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If the shipment contains a quantity or commercial value lower than the total covered in the COFEPRIS Prior Permit, the goods can be released without issue. Only the quantity actually declared on the import pedimento will be deducted, leaving the remaining balance available on the permit for future operations (provided it remains within its validity period). The restriction only applies in reverse: when the shipment exceeds the available balance or quota.
Written by:
Dulce Ángel
Logistics Analyst at Insumos para la Salud, S.A. de C.V., with experience in coordinating international operations and regulatory compliance for the chemical and healthcare supplies sector. She has training in process optimization methodologies under Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt level).
About IPS
Our team provides specialized consulting services in tariff classification, import permit management, and regulatory compliance to support your foreign trade operations.
To learn more about our services, contact us at info@insumosparasalud.com
