A Basic Guide To The Notice of Crossing

In Mexico, fostering innovation in the logistics industry has been a challenge, especially when it comes to new processes, and considering the lack of resources and infrastructure that many carriers face, in particular the owner-operator. However, as part of this initiative, Mexico's Customs Agency (ANAM) announced the implementation of a new electronic customs system, the Notice of Crossing, which came into effect on August 1st, 2022. The system seeks to improve infrastructure, and modernize and streamline the clearance of goods.

It consists of an electronic document linked to the customs documentation that will be presented when clearing the goods. The new scheme replaces the Operation Document for Customs Clearance (DODA) that was previously provided by the carrier at the time of transit through customs.

‍How long is it valid for?

During this first phase, the Notice of Crossing will be valid for 7 calendar days. However, the requirement to present the goods to customs will continue for the term established in the corresponding regulations for each type of operation.

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TAG

The TAG is the device required for the Notice of Crossing, which replaces the Technological Device (Unique Identification Badge), and contains the precise and unalterable information of the goods that are dispatched. 

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In order for the TAG to be placed correctly, guaranteeing its legibility, proper functioning, and visual identification, you should take into account the following: 

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• Zone 1 (upper center) is the most appropriate for the placement of the sticker in order to maximize its performance. 
• Zone 2 (upper corners of the windshield) is suitable for sticker placement; TAG performance is considered adequate. 
• Zone 3 (central zone and lower corners of the windshield) is the least recommended for the placement of the sticker, since its performance is less optimal than zones 1 and 2. However, its placement is acceptable, in cases of existing interference from other devices in the more suitable zones.

Challenges

As part of the adjustment period to this new scheme, problems began to arise when it was detected that the information from the customs declarations modulated through the Notice of Crossing was not reflected in the Integral Customs Operation System (SOIA) of the SAT. This meant that the declarations that exceeded the established deadlines were getting blocked. 

In turn, this caused delays, and many customs declarations that had already been paid for had to be repaid or rectified, to avoid blockage. For this reason, the Confederation of Customs Brokers Associations of the Mexican Republic (CAAAREM) recommended to continue using the previous scheme, DODA or PITA to avoid further issues. 

Conflict with the SAT

Regarding this issue, the Head of the Mexican Tax Authority (SAT), Raquel Buenrostro Sánchez, issued a statement in which she talked about how the establishment of the Notice of Crossing was carried out without coordination with the SAT, which explains the current friction. As a result, she asked to suspend the operation of the AVC in order to ensure coordination between both bodies (SAT and ANAM) and, if necessary, make adjustments.

Suspension

As a result of the statement made by the SAT, and the lack of both, adaptation and organization, ANAM published a press release on its official website, informing of the suspension of the new scheme until September 19, 2022. Its purpose was to give the SAT time to make the corresponding changes to its systems.

You may be interested in: New Regulations in Mexico Shake Up The Supply Chain Industry

Despite the challenges faced throughout the adjustment process, the Notice of Crossing has brought to light why digitalization is no longer optional, with the new SAT regulations and the Bill of Lading Supplement also hugely impacting the industry this year. At the same time, it highlights an industry-wide need for more training sessions during transitional periods, in order to minimize errors and help foresee potential infrastructural gaps in the implementation of new processes.

We hope this helps clarify what you need to know about the new customs system, so that you can keep hauling without worries. If you have questions about how to prepare for the new SAT regulations click here. 

Happy hauling!

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