Mexico Rolls out NEEC Trusted Shipper Program for Importers, Exporters

According to an unofficial translation of Aduanas documents, the following are highlights of the NEEC:

Benefits Include Streamlined Clearance, Non-Intrusive Inspections, Etc.

In addition to the 49 benefits under the existing “Certified Companies” program (such as the use of FAST lanes, fewer secondary inspections, etc.), Aduanas states that the NEEC adds the following new benefits:

• Streamlined customs clearance
• Exclusive lanes
• Use of non-intrusive inspection technology
• Administrative simplification and facilitation
• Personalized attention and extraordinary service (which are not defined)

Must Meet Security Standards, Tax Obligations, 5 Year Import/Export Experience

To join the program, participants must submit an application, pay an application fee, and meet the following requirements: comply with minimum security standards (below); meet certain tax obligations (including being authorized to issue digital tax vouchers), have at least a five year record of import or export experience; fill out and submit the Perfil de la Empresa or Company Profile requirements; etc.

According to trade sources, those companies that are members of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) in the U.S. should not have difficulty meeting the NEEC security requirements, but must keep in mind that unlike C-TPAT, the Mexican program has a tax compliance component, is not open to those relatively new to international trade, and is more like the European Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) model in that it is meant for both importers and exporters.

Minimum Security Standards

The minimum security standards under the NEEC include:

Supply chain security plan. After carrying out an analysis that identifies the risks and weaknesses in their supply chain, the company must develop policies and documented procedures to mitigate those risks.

Physical security. The company must have mechanisms in place to prevent, detect or deter unauthorized personnel from entering the facility. All sensitive areas of the company must have physical barriers, controls and deterrence against unauthorized access.

Physical access controls. There must be physical access controls to prevent unauthorized entry to facilities, maintain control of the income of employees and visitors, and protect company assets. These access controls must include identification of all employees, visitors and vendors at all points of entry.

Business partner security. The company must have written and verifiable procedures for the selection and recruitment of business partners (carriers, manufacturers, vendors, suppliers of parts and raw materials, suppliers of services such as cleaning, security, staffing, etc.).

Supply chain controls. Control measures should be established to ensure the integrity and security of goods in the processes related to transportation, handling, customs clearance and storage of cargo along the supply chain. These procedures should ensure the integrity of shipments from origin to final destination.

Customs management. The company must have documented procedures of internal and operational policies as well as the controls necessary for the proper fulfillment of customs obligations, including oversight of the processes performed by a customs broker.

Safety of trucks, containers, etc. Companies must ensure safety of vehicles (trucks, vans, etc.), containers, railway cars, and trailers, with documented procedures for identifying, reviewing, sealing and maintaining their integrity as appropriate.

Personnel security. There must be documented procedures for recording and evaluating those seeking employment within the company and methods to periodically check current employees. There must also be ongoing training on the security policies of the company and the actions to take in case of a security failure.

Security of information and documents. Preventive measures must exist to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of information and documentation, including those used for the exchange of information with other members of the supply chain. There must be policies to protect against information misuse.

Security training and awareness. Companies must have a threat awareness program to foster awareness of the threats of terrorists and smugglers at each point in the supply chain. Employees should know the company’s procedures to address threatening situations and how to report them.

Incident management and investigation. There must be documented procedures for reporting and investigating incidents in the supply chain and the actions to be taken to prevent recurrence.

Expected to Start Reviewing Importer/Exporter Applications from Jan 2012

Aduanas is expected to start reviewing the first applications for the NEEC program in January 2012. Though Aduanas intends to expand the NEEC program over time to other entities (e.g., highway carriers and customs brokers), it is currently only being rolled out for importers and exporters.

(See ITT’s Online Archives 10122030 for summary of Mexico stating that as part of its work with the U.S. on 21st century border management, it would develop its own trusted shipper program with security standards that aligns with the U.S. C-TPAT.

See ITT’s Online Archives 11082612 for summary of CBP and Mexican customs working on a single entry concept, mutual recognition of trusted shipper security programs, etc.)