www.Mexico.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk S U P w P O R w T E D
B w Y : . M V e i s i t x
t h i e c
W o e . b D s i t e o D
S a U i n P n P o d O
R d g i T o E n D B w
B n g Y u l : o
a s B d
i t n h u e e
s f r e s i e n s
M e G o b M s i u l e e s x
i i A c d
p o i
p e n C i t .
y c
M F i n o a e n . c u i x a l k
i D c i s t o r i c t
CONTENTS
9 Mexico overview
11
Welcome from Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx (Grad) – Director General, Institute of Export & International Trade
13
Foreword from Duncan Taylor, British Ambassador to Mexico
14 Introduction from Emilio Díaz, President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Mexico and Partner at EY Mexico
16
Introduction from Yves Hayaux du Tilly, Chairman of the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain
25 Why Mexico?
19 About the Department for International Trade (DIT)
23 About this Guide
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 3 33 25 Why Mexico? 26 • Summary 27 • Geography Help available • General overview 28 • Political situation for you 29 • Economic overview
33 Help available for you 35 • Overview • Support from the Department for International Trade (DIT) 38 • Support from the British Chamber of Commerce in Mexico (BritChaM Business) 39 • Support from the Institute of Export & International Trade
41 Getting here and advice about your stay 43 • Entry requirements 44 • Money • Local laws and customs 45 • Safety and security 46 • Health 47 • Travel insurance • Contact the FCO travel advice team
51 What are the challenges? 53 • Challenges to doing business in Mexico • Business risk 56 • Intellectual Property (IP) 57 • Protective security advice
61 Sector-specific opportunities in Mexico 62 • Background • Government tenders in Mexico • Healthcare 63 • Food and drink • Infrastructure 65 • Energy
67 Preparing to export to Mexico 69 • Consultation and bespoke research 70 • Start-up considerations 71 • Direct exports and sales in Mexico CONTENTS
• Setting up a business entity in Mexico 41 72 • Online selling to Mexico • Licensing or franchising in Mexico 73 • Getting finance to fulfil an export contract to Mexico • Getting paid in Mexico
75 How to do business in Mexico 76 • Legal considerations 77 • Standards and technical regulations in Mexico 51 78 • Tax and customs considerations in Mexico
81 Shipping your goods to Mexico 82 • Complying with HMRC regulations to export to Mexico • Temporary export of goods to Mexico • Customs in Mexico • Documentation in Mexico 83 • Shipping your goods to Mexico • Posting goods to Mexico 61 • Shipping restricted, banned and dangerous goods to Mexico • Terms of delivery to Mexico • UK Export Finance
85 Business etiquette, language & culture 87 • Overview 92 • Mexico public holidays
67 75 81
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 5 Nader, Hayaux & Goebel (NHG) is a market leader in mergers & acquisitions, banking & finance, securities and capital markets, structured finance, telecom, tax, insurance and reinsurance, project finance, real estate, energy and infrastructure, restructurings and workouts, government procurement and antitrust. With fourteen partners and more than thirty associates, NHG is one of the largest groups of corporate finance experts in the Mexican market that has been working together for more than 25 years and has a well-earned reputation for providing high-quality, sophisticated legal advice.
NHG has participated in many of the largest and most challenging M&A and finance transactions in Mexico, including capital markets and private equity transactions, leverage buyouts, syndicated loans, PPPs, project financings, leasings and transactions in the insurance sector. NHG also advises clients on regulatory and government procurements matters. NHG represents leading local and international corporations and financial institutions, as well as Mexican and foreign governments and their agencies.
We are also the only Mexican law firm with an office in London and enjoy excellent working relationships with law firms in all major cities around the world.
In addition to our transactional work, we have been engaged in various occasions to participate in unique assignments such as advising the US Commerce Department in NAFTA negotiations, the US Treasury Department in the US$20 billion emergency finance provided to the Mexican Government and in numerous State legislative processes.
Mexico Office London Office Paseo de los Tamarindos No. 400-B, Piso 7 Salisbury House Bosques de las Lomas 05120 México D.F. México 29 Finsbury Circus Telephone +52 (55) 41703000 EC2M 5QQ, London Email: [email protected] Telephone +(44) 20 37401681 Email: [email protected] CONTENTS
95 Resources
95 Resources 106 Supporting organisations contact details 96 What does membership of the Institute of Export & 110 Market experts contact details International Trade mean? 113 Useful links 98 Focusing on qualifications. Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx 117 Trade shows (Grad) - Director General, Institute of Export & 120 Map of Mexico International Trade 123 Quick Facts 100 British Embassy Mexico City profile
SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 7
Mexico overview
th Mexico is the world’s 15 largest economy, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). World Bank analysts and Goldman Sachs predict that its economy could be the world’s th 5 largest by 2050. Mexico has a stable democracy and the country has considerable growth potential, with many advantages including a large, young workforce, a privileged geographical position for trade, and stable macroeconomic indicators. With a population of around 122 million, it is the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world and the second most-populous country in Latin America after Brazil.
Mexico City, the capital and one of the largest cities in the world, lies in the centre of the country together with a number of other large cities in the Valley of Mexico, a temperate region between the hot, arid deserts in the northwest and wetter regions including rainforest in the southeast.
Many large UK companies now operate in Mexico, including HSBC, GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, BAT and the InterContinental Hotels Group. British products have a significant presence in Mexico, although the UK’s market share in goods imports into Mexico has decreased overall in recent years. However, the latest data shows UK exports in services have been gaining importance.
MARKET EXPERTS
Thank you to our Market Experts
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 9 THE H T E A A
• R OVER T
O
E F
D
I A
N
R
T
T
E
L
YEARS R
A
N
N
A O T I & INTERNATIONAL TRADE
On course for success Choosing a great export training partner can really help your company take off in the export trade! We can help develop new ideas and find ways to drive down costs and produce sustainable improvements in your export business. • Membership supports all aspects of your international trade • Leading UK authority on trading globally • Tailored training to support your business needs • Expert solutions for international trade
Exporting great ideas to you. Join us today Call: +44(0)1733 404 400 email: [email protected]
www.export.org.uk Welcome from Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx (Grad) – Director General, Institute of Export & International Trade
Mexico occupies a strategic global position, being the natural bridge between Latin America to the south and the United States and Canada to the north. Mexico’s substantial population of around 122 million also makes it a rich source of business opportunities. It has long served as a gateway to the host of smaller nations in the region as well as to the fast-growing economies in South America. This Doing Business in Mexico guide will help prepare UK businesses who are looking to trade with this often overlooked market. In 2013 a set of major economic reforms took place in Mexico which opened up the market. There are now many opportunities for UK businesses in Mexico's large oil and gas supply chain, as well as opportunities in power and renewable energy, advanced engineering, healthcare, retail and infrastructure. Mexico also benefits from numerous free trade agreements (FTAs) with countries around the world, and the good news for UK business is that the EU-Mexico Free Trade Agreement has led to the elimination of all tariffs on EU-origin industrial goods. th According to Goldman Sachs, Mexico could be the 5 largest trading nation in the world by 2050 and this, combined with Mexico’s highly attractive cost structures, the scale of its domestic market, its proximity to other significant global economies in the region, and the opportunities stemming from its economic reform program contribute to its appeal to UK business as a potentially lucrative market. Small- to mid-sized companies especially may want to create a presence in the market via the selection of an agent or distributor. This will require time and effort and due diligence should be exercised in selecting a partner. Mexicans themselves tend to place considerable reliance on personal relationships rather than on business contacts so it is important for you to develop your relationships with your Mexican business partners. Similarly, whilst English is widely spoken in Mexico, there are still many who don’t speak it, so having a basic knowledge of Spanish will help you make a good first impression. Mexico represents a key growth market for British businesses and the Institute of Export & International Trade can help guide you through the intricacies of doing business in this fascinating country through our education programmes, training and practical support, our helpline and one-to-one assistance with paperwork. Why not contact us and find out how you can join? ¡Buena Suerte! Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx (Grad) Director General – Institute of Export & International Trade www.export.org.uk
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 11 LET’S USE THE POWER OF IDEAS TO CHANGE THE GAME. A new type of floodlit pitch is having a positive impact on the people of a Brazilian favela. How it’s powered could help generate renewable energy elsewhere. Laurence Kemball-Cook, a winner of Shell’s LiveWIRE scheme, developed technology that creates power from a combination of kinetic energy from the players’ footsteps and solar power. We believe today’s ingenuity could answer tomorrow’s energy challenges. Search #makethefuture on Google. Foreword from Duncan Taylor, British Ambassador to Mexico
Welcome to the Doing Business Guide – Mexico. This is a great time for British companies to be doing business in Mexico. We have a strong and warm relationship. In 2015 we celebrated a year-long promotion of the UK in Mexico and Mexico in the UK: this helped broaden and deepen our collaboration with an increasingly important global partner. Since then that relationship has been going from strength to strength.
So why Mexico? Mexico is a large country with enormous potential: with a population of over 122 million, it has the 15 th largest economy in the world (11 th by PPP) and is forecast to be the world’s 5 th largest economy by 2050. Mexico is one of the most open economies in the world, with twelve free-trade agreements covering forty-six countries, and it is in the process of implementing one of the world’s most ambitious structural economic reform programmes: including reforming education and opening up the telecommunications and energy sectors to full competition. Mexico is a young country, with a median age of just 27 and a growing middle class: the long term potential is exciting.
To appreciate the opportunities in Mexico I urge you to come and see for yourself. Perceptions of Mexico in the media are generally negative, dominated by stories about crime. The reality is very different: security is an issue, as it is everywhere, but business people who do come tend to be pleasantly surprised, even astonished by the sophistication of the market and the warmth and goodwill of Mexicans towards the UK.
Doing business in Mexico is all about personal relationships: you have to be here to succeed. So why not come and see for yourself? Daily direct flights from London to Mexico City provide easy access. My Department for International Trade team in the Mexico network stand ready to help. Our current priorities include the following sectors: infrastructure, automotive, oil and gas, defence and security, financial services, healthcare, life sciences, education and agritech.
Duncan Taylor British Ambassador to Mexico www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassy-mexico-city
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 13 Introduction from Emilio Díaz, President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Mexico and Partner at EY Mexico
Dear Readers,
It is an honour and a privilege to serve as President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Mexico. Our mission is to represent the business interests of our British and Mexican members to facilitate business between our two countries. We are a platform from which new partnerships and business opportunities are created amongst our community.
From my years of experience both personally and as a member of BritChaM, I have seen the opportunity for doing business in Mexico grow. Over the past decades, Mexico has gone from strength to strength, maintaining a stable macroeconomic environment through responsible monetary policy, establishing free trade agreements with 44 countries and opening up key sectors private and international investment. In this book you will find valuable information on the concrete opportunity for British companies in key industries such as oil & gas, renewables, manufacturing and many others. There are countless synergies between British and Mexican businesses – many still to be realised.
The British Chamber of Commerce can help your company to do this. We are a non-profit and independent organisation and have been supporting business in Mexico since 1921. Networking is of vital importance in doing business and this is especially true of Mexico. The Chamber understands the importance of relationships and creates the perfect environment to establish and strengthen them. We have over 420 members from various sectors, such as: energy, green power, legal, security, infrastructure, education, finance and many more. Members of our Chamber include major global names such as: BP, BT, Shell, Ylem Energy, PwC, HSBC, Aon Risk Solutions, EY, Gardner English, GlaxoSmithKline, Abbey Grey, Haynes and Boone, JON International, Korn Ferry, Kroll, Littler, Lloyd’s, LOC, Lockton, Marsh Brockman & Schuh, Mc Bains Cooper, Mercer, NM Rothschild & Sons, PA Consulting, PCI Healthcare, Russell Bedford, Ontier, L1 Energy and Charbonnel et Walker. We host more than 40 events per year that include breakfast-conferences, networking cocktails, and prestigious seminars. Through our events, Business Sector Groups and information generated, we promote the commercial interests of our members, serving as a bridge between the private and public sector.
We can help British companies at all stages of their journey into Mexico. Many British companies are currently in talks with distributors, potential clients and agents in Mexico, thanks to market research and introductions made by our Commercial Section. Furthermore, many companies have made use of our prestigious office and meeting room space in the BritChaM Business Centre.
While I am immensely proud of the achievements of BritChaM, I would love to see more British companies deciding to take the leap and expand their business into Mexico. Though we have at times seen the rise of protectionist instincts I am confident that the openness both our countries share will only bring us closer together.
With kind regards, Emilio Díaz President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Mexico and Partner at EY Mexico www.britchamexico.com/en/
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 15 Introduction from Yves Hayaux du Tilly, Chairman of the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain
The MexCC represents the Mexican business diaspora in the UK, and UK business with interests in Mexico, providing support to Mexicans entering the UK market and British interested in the Mexican market, contributing through its network, platform and program of events to raise Mexico’s profile in the UK as a business and trading partner, and as an investment and tourism destination, promoting business opportunities in the UK and the City of London, connecting businesses and creating opportunities to its members and partner organisations to catalyse positive changes in the bilateral business agenda.
In coordination with its strategic partners, the MexCC actively promotes business opportunities for Mexicans in the UK and British in Mexico. The MConnectingexCC and its members a rBusinesse pleased to collabo randandate with tPeoplehPeoplee IOE&IT in presenting you this second edition of IOE&IT’s Doing Business in Mexico Founded and stablished in 2011, The Mexican Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain, MexCC is a GMembership-baseduide. This Gu organizationide contri boperatingutes to as t hthethee bilateralebilateralfforts Chamber Chamberbeing m ofof aCommerce Commercede in p rbetween betweenomoti nthe theg two two Mcountries’sexico a sprivate an i nsectorssectorsvestment and export destination, assisting those that aMexCCre int erepresentsrested inentrepreneurs, expandin gcompanies to Mex ico Wein helpsuc toh strengthenventure andan increased facil ithetat bilateraling an inandva multinationalluable un dcorporateserstand lookinging o nfor t hqualitye re quircontributionements tofo dforeigno bu sandin edirectss in investments and wit h Mandex ieffectivenessco. in their network, business between MexicoMexico andand thethe the UK.UK. UK. opportunities and promotion while creating a
strong and long lasting relationship in the GGeneraleneral Manager: MilMilèneène Hayaux du Tilly MBrit-Mexexico business ibusinesss the community.s ecommunity.cond largest economy inM: L +447525846680atin Amer i cE:a [email protected] with a territory of 1.972 million square kilometres and a population of 119 million. Back 77ROHDUQPRUHDERXWRXUEHQHƓWVHYHQWVDQGROHDUQ PRUH DERXW RXU EHQHƓWV HYHQWV DQG in 1994, Mexico initiated a process to open its economy, emembershipmbraci contactng us. free-market policies that have reshaped its legal framework to facilitate 1 NNorthumberlandorthummbberland AAvenue,venue, E: [email protected] Follow us on tTwitterh @MexCC aWC2NWnCd2N p 55BW,BrWo,m LLondon,ondonote, UKtrade and inveT:s +44tm (0)20ent 787. M 257ex 75ico has the wmexicanchamberofcommerce.co.ukorld's 14 largest
Our Patrons: economy, with a GDP exceeding US $1 trillion. According to HSBC Bank's report "The World in 2050", Mexico will maintain a growth rate ranging from 3 to 5 per cent over the next 40 years and is likely to become the 8 th largest economy in 2050. Mexico has recently implemented an agenda of structural reforms to (i) further opening its economy to private, both national and foreign investment, mainly in energy and telecommunications, and (ii) improve its competitiveness, by approving mayor reforms in antitrust, data privacy, education, employment, financial services and rule of law.
Recent developments in both sides of the Atlantic have exposed the vulnerability of Mexico for having a highly concentrated trade with the US and in the case of the UK, to that with the EU. Both, Mexico and the UK, are strategically located to boost bilateral and international commerce. Mexico’s aggressive free trade policy has made it one of the most open economies in the world with an impressive network of free trade agreements giving access to trade through and with Mexico to 44 countries, and it is expected that the UK follows a similar policy post-Brexit.
It seems natural and it is expected that British businesses look into Mexico as a natural market for expansion and from there to Latin America, accessing new markets to compensate for any negative impact Brexit may have; and for Mexican business to diversify their highly concentrated trade to the US and expand into the UK and from here to other markets. There are natural areas of opportunity to grow in the bilateral relation in automotive, aviation, capital markets, creative industries, consulting and professional services, electricity, energy, food and drinks, fashion, C financial servic es, health, infrastCruc ture, man ufacturinCg, o il and gas, retail, insuran c e, te chn ology and se cu rity.
The MexCC is eager to work with the Mexican and UK Governments, their pro motion age ncies an d thei r de ve lop men t b a nks, the Cit y o f Lond on an d
pr ofe ssio nal org anisati ons such as IO E& IT, a n d our cou nte rpart, t he Briti sh Ch amber of Co mmer ce in Mexico, to help its membe rs ide ntify e x isting op portu nities and tu rn these into prof ita b le bu sines s.
Yves Hayaux du Tilly Chairman, Mexican Chamber of Commerce in Gr eat B ritain
www.britchame xico.com/en/
O O O www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 17
Department for International Trade (DIT) (formerly UK Trade & Investment - UKTI)
DIT is the British Government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in an increasingly global economy. DIT also helps overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK’s economy. DIT’s range of expert services are tailored to the needs of individual businesses to maximise their international success. DIT provides companies with knowledge, advice and practical support.
Through a range of unique services, including participation at selected tradeshows, outward trade missions and providing bespoke market intelligence, DIT can help you crack foreign markets and get to grips quickly with overseas regulations and business practice.
With headquarters in London, DIT have professional advisers around the UK and staff across more than 100 countries.
Contact DIT
Contact your local International Trade Team or Scottish Development International (SDI), Welsh Government (WG) or Invest Northern Ireland (INI) offices to find out more about the range of services available to you.
You can find your nearest International Trade Team at: www.contactus.trade.gov.uk/office-finder/
General enquiry number: +44 (0) 207 215 5000 Department for International Trade 3 Whitehall Place London SW1A 2AW
Email: [email protected]
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 19 www.Mexico.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk
Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App
View this guide online
Website and Mobile App features include:
• Latest business news • Up-to-date travel advice • Interactive ‘Supporting Organisations’ and ‘Market Experts’ profiles • Essential contact details • Listings with links to up-and-coming trade shows • Links to the Department for International Trade (DIT) support services.
Powered by About International Market Advisor (IMA)
International Market Advisor (IMA) works The guides’ contents focus on the market with British and foreign government in question, how to approach that market departments, Embassies, High and the help and support available, and Commissions and international Chambers include informative market overviews, plus of Commerce throughout the world. Our details of business opportunities, listings work helps to identify the most efficient with website links to British and Foreign ways for British companies to trade with Government support services and essential and invest in opportunity-rich overseas private sector service-provider profiles. markets. Sponsoring a ‘Doing Business Guide’ During the last ten years IMA has therefore offers a unique opportunity to worked with the British Government's positively promote your products and overseas trade and investment services to high-profile business leaders, department, the Department for specific exporters, investors and effective International Trade (DIT) [formerly business travellers who will be actively UK Trade & Investment (UKTI)], and has seeking out service providers to assist written, designed, produced, launched them in developing their business interests and distributed over one million copies of in the targeted markets. more than 100 country-specific print and multi-media based reports, guides and For more information on IMA publications, including the internationally- please visit our website: recognised ‘Doing Business Guide’ series www.DoingBusinessGuides.com of trade publications. These are composed of market and industry sector-specific, Contact IMA multi-format print and digital trade reports, together with some of the internet’s most Office address visited international trade websites - all of which are designed to advise and assist International Market Advisor UK companies looking to trade with and 1 Clough Street invest in overseas markets. These reports Buxton and guides are then distributed free-of- SK17 6LJ charge through the IMA and DIT global United Kingdom networks - over 500 distribution outlets in Email total. Further distribution takes place at global exhibitions, roadshows, conferences [email protected] and trade missions, and IMA receives daily requests for additional copies of the guides General enquiries switchboard from these networks and from businesses +44 (0) 1298 79562 considering exporting. Media enquiries Each of IMA’s 'Doing Business Guides’ is produced in three formats: a full colour, Newsdesk & out of hours glossy, paper-based brochure; a supporting +44 (0) 1298 79562 fully-interactive and updatable multi-media based website; and the website contents available as a free-of-charge downloadable smartphone/tablet app. www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 21
O C I X E
M Doing Business in Mexico
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
This guide aims to provide a route map of the way ahead, together with signposts to other sources of help.
The main objective of this Doing Business in Mexico Guide is to provide you with basic knowledge about Mexico; an overview of its economy, business culture, potential opportunities and to identify the main issues associated with initial research, market entry, risk management and cultural and language issues.
We do not pretend to provide all the answers in the guide, but novice exporters in particular will find it a useful starting point. Further assistance is available from the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Mexico. Full contact details are available in this guide.
To help your business succeed in Mexico we have carefully selected a variety of essential service providers as ‘Market Experts’.
The guide is available in 4 formats:
• website (www. Mexico .DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk) • a ‘free’ downloadable 'mobile device-friendly’ app • this full colour hard-copy brochure • PDF download/e-flipbook (please see the website for more details)
Doing Business in Mexico Guide Team:
Project Director: Craig Smith Managing Editors: Olivia Taylor / Brian Underwood Sponsorship Manager: James Clowes Creative Managers: Paul King / Claire King Creative Consultants: Twistedgifted www.twistedgifted.co.uk Production Co-ordinator: Megan Collingwood
Printed using materials from sustainable sources www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk
‘Doing Business in Mexico Guide’ published in the UK by International Market Advisor Ltd. © 2017 International Market Advisor Ltd (unless otherwise stated). All rights reserved. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
23 MEXICO
World Bank analysts predict that Mexico’s economy will be the world’s 5 th largest by 2050. It is the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world and the second most-populous country in Latin America after Brazil. y t i C o c i x e M f o e r t n e C c i r o t s i H n w o t n w o D w w w . M e x i c o . D o i n g B u s i n e s s G u i d e . c o . u k 2 5 WHY MEXICO? O C I X E
M Doing Business in Mexico
Summary General government gross debt: Area (land plus water): 58.1% of GDP 2 2 1,972,000 km (761,610 mi ) Fiscal balance: Population: -2.9% of GDP 122 million (INEGI’s last census 2015: 119.5 million) Current account balance: -2.7% of GDP / US $-27.9 billion Population growth rate (change): 1.0% Exports of goods to UK: £1,026 million Population density (people per km²): 65.3 Imports of goods from UK: £1,344 million Urban population: 79.2% Inward direct investment flow: US $30.3 billion Capital city: Mexico City Exports & imports as share of GDP: 79.5% Official language: Spanish [Source: mostly FCO Economics Unit, Apr 2017]
Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN / MEX$)
Nominal GDP: US $1,046 billion
Real annual GDP growth: 2.3%
GDP per capita: US $8,554.6
Annual inflation rate: 2.8%
Unemployment rate: 4.3%
Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App General overview Why Mexico?
Geography Mexico has a stable democracy, and a very young population with a median Located in the southern part of the North age of 27. American continent between latitudes 14° and 33°N, and longitudes 86° and 119°W, Mexico is the largest economy in Latin America after Brazil, and the world’s Mexico is a large country bordering the th USA to the north, the Gulf of Mexico to 15 largest economy according to the the east, Guatemala, Belize and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). World Bank analysts and Goldman Sachs predict Caribbean Sea to the southeast and th the Pacific Ocean to the west. that its economy will be the world’s 5 largest by 2050. The country is mountainous – a southern extension of the Rockies of North America The European Union (EU) and Mexico – and the high altitude and fertile have a free trade agreement known as the valleys give the country a wide range of Global Agreement, which helps EU goods temperatures, fauna and flora and one of gain preferential access to Mexico. The the world’s most diverse weather systems. agreement focuses on three main areas:
Mexico City, the capital and one of the • commercial liberalisation largest cities in the world, lies in the centre of the country together with a number of • political dialogue other large cities in the Valley of Mexico, a temperate region between the hot, arid • co-operation deserts in the northwest and wetter regions including rainforest in the See: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/ southeast. countries-and-regions/countries/mexico/
With a population of around 122 million, it Mexico is a member of the North American is the largest Spanish-speaking country in Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), see: the world and the second most-populous www.naftanow.org . NAFTA enables British country in Latin America after Brazil. companies to use Mexico as a low-cost manufacturing base with direct, duty-free access to the United States and Canada.
[Source: FCO Overseas Business Risk/gov.uk]
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 27 O C I X E M
Political situation This year, local politics is heavily influenced by external factors, most Mexico is a federation with a presidential importantly, the development of the system of government covering the 31 bilateral relationship with the US. states and the Federal District (Mexico Management of the relationship with the City) with powers separated into three Trump administration will be crucial for branches: executive, legislative and the federal government if they expect judicial. The President is elected for a to improve their approval ratings. At the six-year term and may not hold office a moment, President Peña Nieto’s approval second time. Congress is constituted by ratings are the lowest for any President in Senate (six-year terms) and a Chamber modern Mexican history at 12%. of Deputies (three-year terms). Nationalism is on the rise, as well as anti-American sentiment, fuelling the President Peña Nieto (PRI) took office in presidential hopes of the left wing December 2012 and in his first two years MORENA and its leader Andrés Manuel launched an ambitious reform programme, López Obrador (AMLO) as the anti- including education and fiscal reforms, establishment option for 2018. an infrastructure and transportation programme, and opening up the energy [Source: FCO Overseas Business Risk/gov.uk (26 th May 2017)] and telecoms sectors to competition. The Pact for Mexico, an agreement formed with opposition parties, in place until the end of 2013, was crucial to passing the legislation.
Despite major efforts, Mexico faces significant education issues related to the implementation of its education reform. President Peña Nieto’s administration is struggling politically with the opposition of the second largest teacher’s union in Mexico (the CNTE), and there is danger that the reform will stall significantly.
MORENA, an emergent party founded in 2015, is likely to become the third political force in 2018 and pose a serious challenge during the presidential elections. Since 2015 independent candidates have been able to run for office and could represent a threat to political parties in several states.
Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App Doing Business in Mexico
Economic overview growth of 1.7% in 2017 and of 2% in 2018, against 1.2% growth in the Latin American Mexico is an upper-middle income country region as a whole in 2017. The low growth with a population of around 122 million. expectations are the result of a fall in According to IMF forecasts GDP per capita consumer and investment confidence, for 2017 will be 19,893 PPP. However, a decrease in government revenue due wealth is distributed very unequally, with mainly to low oil prices, the depreciation 46% of the population living in poverty and of the Peso against the Dollar, and overall 38% of the national income held by the top uncertainty regarding the US-Mexico 1%. Mexico’s GDP is mainly driven by the relation. services sector, which accounted for 62% of GDP in the third quarter of 2016. In Monetary policy is responsible and terms of competitiveness, the 2016 World efficient. Inflation was low and within the Bank’s “Doing Business” index ranked limits of the Central Bank target (+/- 3%) Mexico as the easiest country to do in 2016 (with an average monthly general business with in the Latin American and inflation of 2.86%), however, it reached a Caribbean region. peak of 4.7% in the first month of 2017. The main factor driving this increase was Mexico is the biggest exporter in Latin the adjustment of energy prices, mainly of America. Mexico’s commercial structure is petrol and LP gas. Underlying inflation is defined by large intra-industrial trade, as its very low, with an average monthly rate of main exports are in the same industries as 3.06% in 2016. its main imports: machinery, electrical equipment, automobiles, mechanical With respect to the overnight rate target, inputs, minerals, oil and gas. With 12 Free the Central Bank of Mexico (Banxico) Trade Agreements covering 46 countries, raised it five times during the last year to including the US and the EU, Mexico is try to counteract inflationary pressures one of the most open economies in the caused by the Mexican Peso weakening world. Nevertheless, Mexico’s main trading (due to capital flight, currency speculation, partner remains the US, where around and reduced investor confidence), which 81% of Mexican goods and services are was accentuated by Donald Trump’s vic - exported (2016). Despite only 2.7% tory in the US election. At the beginning of of Mexican products being exported to 2017, Banxico raised the reference interest Canada, it is Mexico’s 2 nd largest rate again from 5.75% to 6.25%, to avoid exporting destination, whilst the UK further depreciation of the currency and accounts for less than 1%. control inflation.
The Mexican economy is highly dependent on US demand for imports (mainly manu - factured goods) and economic activity has decreased since 2010 mainly as a result of falling international demand for Mexican goods – in 2010 growth reached 5.5%, by 2016 it was 2.3%. The IMF predicts annual
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 29 O C I X E M
In addition, the depreciation of the Mexican Financial inclusion Peso was mainly driven by recent volatility According to the 8 th report on financial in emerging markets caused by the inclusion published by the CNBV decision of US FED to continue a QE (Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores) monetary policy, and Donald Trump’s the National Policy of Financial Inclusion victory in the US election. However, as it is having important results one year away has been mentioned, the pass through to from the evaluation goal set by the domestic prices has been limited for most authorities. According to the poll, from 2016. 2012 to 2015, 12.7 million adults were financially included which sets the total There has been an increase in debt-to- at 52 million Mexicans (68% of the GDP since 2014, especially due to the population) who possess some kind of mentioned collapse in oil prices. However, financial product. with the tax reform of 2014, non-oil revenue has increased and non-manda - Likewise, the percentage of municipalities tory expenditures have decreased, so net that now have to at least one access point public debt as a proportion of GDP in 2016 increased from 68.9% in 2015 to 72.5% (46.2%) continues to be low compared in 2016. This change in the available to international figures – for example UK infrastructure is the result of the banks (85%), US (81%), Spain (65%). Addition - belonging to the G7 (BBVA Bancomer, ally, the tightening of public expenditure is Santander, Citibanamex, Banorte, HSBC, expected to continue during 2017, making Scotiabank and Inbursa) increasing their it possible to achieve a surplus for the first participation in rural municipalities in time in the last ten years. 15.2% from 2015 to 2016.
International reserves are currently around It is important to note that the main source US $174 billion and represent an important of this growth comes from the number of shield against exchange rate volatility. people having to own a bank account or Current account deficits are more than do some kind of transaction in a specific compensated for by large capital account branch or via digital banking (2.22% surpluses. This, added to huge reserves, increase), while the overall amount of prevents Mexico from suffering a balance Mexicans owning some kind of credit of payments crises or a sudden stop. product decreased in 3.33% as a result of people trying to avoid indebtedness. Mexico has considerable growth potential; World Bank analysts and Goldman Sachs [Source: British Embassy Mexico City predict that its economy could be the Economic Report (June 2017)] world’s 5 th largest by 2050. Mexico has many advantages, including a large, young workforce, a privileged geographical position for trade, and stable macroeco - nomic indicators.
[Source: FCO Economic Overview/gov.uk (May 2017)]
Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App Doing Business in Mexico
Benefits to UK businesses • organic chemicals Benefits for UK companies exporting to Mexico include: • industrial and scientific machinery
• market about the same size as the • insurance and pension services whole of western Europe with a population of 122 million [Source: DIT/gov.uk]
• Mexico and the EU have a free trade In addition: and a double taxation agreement rd • In 2016 Mexico was ranked 123 out • largest economy in Latin America after of 176 countries in Transparency Brazil International’s latest Corruption th Perceptions Index (the UK ranked 10 ): Trade between the UK and Mexico www.transparency.org/news/feature/ In 2014-15 trade between the UK and corruption_perceptions_index_2016 Mexico was worth US $3.2 billion. Many th large UK companies now operate in • Mexico is ranked 47 out of 190 in the Mexico, including HSBC, GlaxoSmithKline, World Bank’s 2016 Ease of Doing th AstraZeneca, BAT and the InterContinental Business index (the UK ranks 7 ): Hotels Group. www.doingbusiness.org/rankings
British products have a significant • The World Economic Forum’s Global presence in Mexico, although the UK’s Competitiveness Report 2016-17 ranks st market share in goods imports into Mexico Mexico 51 out of 138 (the UK is th has decreased overall in recent years. ranked 7 ): http://reports.weforum.org/ global-competitiveness-index/country- However, latest data shows UK exports in profiles/#economy=MEX services have been gaining importance. Contact a DIT export adviser at: The top UK exports to Mexico include: www.contactus.trade.gov.uk/enquiry/topic for a free consultation if you are interested • power generating machinery and in exporting to Mexico. equipment Contact UK Export Finance (UKEF) about • road vehicles trade finance and insurance cover for UK companies. You can also check the current • medicinal and pharmaceutical UKEF cover position for Mexico. See: products www.gov.uk/guidance/country-cover- policy-and-indicators#mexico. • beverages [Source: DIT/gov.uk] • essential oils and perfume materials
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 31 Guanajuato Skyline Aerial View
MEXICO
BritChaM Business offers a variety of services to help British companies create a presence in Mexico and win business. BritChaM Business can offer market entry support services alongside physical space in their Business Centre. w w w . M e x i c o . D o i n g B u s i n e s s G u i d e . c o . u k 3 3 HELP AVAILABLE FOR YOU & INTERNATIONAL TRADE
The Art of Export Choosing a great export training partner can really help your company take off in the export trade! We can help develop new ideas and find ways to drive down costs and produce sustainable improvements in your export business.
Our main aim is to help you achieve your export and international trade goals. If you do well, we do well.
THE H T E A A Join us today
• R OVER T
O Call:
E +44(0)1733 404 400 F
D
I A N
R email: [email protected]
T
T
E
L
YEARS R
A
N
N A O T
I www.export.org.uk Help available for you
Overview Support from the Department for International Trade (DIT) The UK Department for International Trade (DIT) provides tailored support packages Business opportunities for companies who are: UK companies are set to benefit from a unique new five-year programme presenting • first time exporters (FTEs) real-time export opportunities that you can apply for online. This is part of a move • small- and medium-sized enterprises to get 100,000 additional companies (SMEs) exporting by 2020.
• medium-sized businesses (MSBs) ‘Exporting is GREAT’ is part of the UK See: www.gov.uk/government/ Government’s GREAT campaign, and organisations/department-for- presents live export opportunities to UK international-trade/about/about- businesses across a range of media our-services for further information. outlets and digital channels. Hundreds of these export opportunities, with a potential In addition, the British Chamber of total value of more than £300 million, are Commerce in Mexico can assist with hosted on: www.export.great.gov.uk . business matching and referrals, market studies, events and advice, and the ‘Exporting is GREAT’ provides business Institute of Export & International Trade advice and expertise to support you at can help with a ‘Technical Help for every step on your exporting journey, from Exporters Helpline’, professional recognition, initial interest to selling in-market, and continuing professional development includes a year-long roadshow travelling (CPD), discounts, communications, the UK, giving face-to-face assistance to networking events, special interest potential exporters, and using the latest groups (SIGs) and a job board. technology to connect these businesses with live export opportunities. See: www.britishbusiness.mx/services and www.export.org.uk/page/Membership _Benefits for further information.
The following details are a selection of services available to help you:
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 35 O C I X E
M Doing Business in Mexico
Events and missions DIT webinars Taking part in overseas exhibitions is The DIT webinar service runs hundreds an effective way for you to test markets, of free hour-long internet events covering attract customers, appoint agents or topics, sectors and countries around the distributors and make sales. DIT's world, helping you shape your export plan. Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) These events allow you to interact with the provides grant support for eligible SMEs experts in specific sectors and countries to attend trade shows overseas. and allow you to ask questions to enhance your knowledge. Participation is usually as part of a group, a great advantage for inexperienced To see upcoming DIT webinars, please businesses, and is usually led by one visit: www.events.trade.gov.uk and search of DIT's Accredited Trade Associations for webinars. (ATOs). ATOs work with DIT to raise the profile of UK groups and sectors at key exhibitions. Other DIT services DIT assists new and experienced The DIT calendar of events has some exporters with information, help and advice 400 core events and missions, and 1,000 on entering overseas markets such as opportunities across the TAP ‘Trade Mexico. These services include: Access Programme’ and the English national regions. • An Export Health Check to assess your company’s readiness for DIT Events Portal exporting and help develop a plan of The DIT Events Portal provides a single action calendar view of all DIT events and missions, and has been developed to • Training in the requirements for trading provide companies with more detailed overseas information on each event in order to help them decide on the most appropriate event • Access to an experienced local to attend. The calendar can be filtered and International Trade Adviser searched by sector and/or market. • Help to grow your business through There are also detailed events websites online exports which include more information about the event and also allow users to register for • Specialist help with tackling cultural an event. issues when communicating with Mexican customers and partners The DIT Events Portal is your central hub for business and networking opportunities. • Advice on how to go about market Search for future events and missions, research and the possibility of a grant register online and network with fellow towards approved market-research delegates. See: www.events.trade.gov.uk . projects
Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App • Ongoing support to help you continue The programme enables you to: to develop overseas trade, and look at dealing with more-sophisticated • arrange a free meeting through your activities or markets local DIT office to get expert international trade advice and support, • Information, contacts, advice, and access to DIT’s global network of mentoring and support from DIT staff contacts. See: www.contactus.trade. in the UK and their network of staff in gov.uk/office-finder Mexico • meet a Digital Trade Adviser (where • Support to participate in trade fairs in relevant), to help you develop and Mexico implement an international online strategy • Opportunities to participate in sector- based trade missions and seminars • set up on e-marketplaces quickly and also identify new e-marketplaces • Access to major buyers, local around the world government and supply chains in Mexico • access better-than-commercial rates to list on some e-marketplaces, • Advice on forming international joint including lower commission fees and ventures and partnerships ‘try for free’ periods. See: www.gov.uk/ guidance/e-exporting#preferential • Exploratory visits to Mexico rates
• Alerts to the latest and best business • access the ‘E-Expertise Bank’, a opportunities. community of over 175 B2B/B2C service providers offering free advice. To find out more about commissioning any See: www.gov.uk/guidance/e-exporting of these services, contact a DIT Export #eexpertise Adviser at: www.contactus.trade.gov.uk/ enquiry/topic for a free consultation, or see • join DIT’s mailing list for opportunities further details at: www.gov.uk/government/ to hear from industry experts, network organisations/department-for-international- with like-minded individuals and find trade/about/about-our-services out about e-commerce trends
Open to Export DIT E-Exporting Programme Open to Export is DIT’s free, online advice DIT’s E-Exporting Programme aims to help service for UK companies looking to grow UK companies get their brands to millions internationally. It offers free information of global consumers and grow their and support on anything to do with business through online exports. DIT’s exporting and hosts online discussions E-Exporting Programme helps UK via its forum, webinars and social media companies who are: where businesses can ask any export question, and learn from each other. • new to selling online Open to Export can be accessed at: http://opentoexport.com/ • already selling online, but need help with specific issues
• experienced in online sales, but are looking to sell on multiple platforms globally www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 37 O C I X E
M Doing Business in Mexico
In-market support from DIT Support from the British Chamber If you already export, and have decided of Commerce in Mexico (BritChaM Mexico is part of your business strategy, Business) you are advised to contact the DIT team in Mexico City prior to your visit, to discuss Founded in 1921, the British Chamber your objectives and what help you may of Commerce in Mexico is a non-profit need (see the ‘Resources’ section at the organisation promoting foreign direct end of this guide). They can provide a investment along with export based range of Mexico-specific services for economic growth between Mexico and you, including the provision of market the United Kingdom. They are a politically- information, validated lists of agents/ neutral organisation, independent of both potential partners, key market players or the Mexican and British Governments. potential customers; establishing interest from such contacts; and arranging in- Through events, seminars, business sector market appointments for you. In addition, groups and industry-specific reports, they they can also organise events for you to promote the commercial interests of their meet contacts in Mexico, or to promote members, also offering high-quality event your company and your products/services. programming and creating ongoing networking opportunities. DIT staff in Mexico can provide research, contacts, focused business advice, deliver BritChaM Business offers a variety of events, arrange visits or offer a more services to help British companies create strategic level of support. Once our a presence in Mexico and win business. advisers understand your requirements, BritChaM Business can offer market entry they can provide the specific information support services alongside physical space and support you need. This can include in their Business Centre. Their market- relevant market research, contacting entry support services include: target customers or partners on your behalf, providing economic or political • initial advice, usually through a phone advice, helping you to raise your profile call, on how to enter the Mexican in the local market, promoting your market and feasibility in addition to business and products through events some additional information on key in-market or providing assistance with points that is simple to find – this overcoming barriers. The residence can service usually has no cost be used for launching of products or for breakfasts with potential clients. The team • list of ten contacts of potential partners is focusing on the following high value or clients that meet company criteria opportunity sectors: energy, defence, who have been sent promotional infrastructure, automotive, education, materials and provided feedback healthcare, life sciences,food & drink, and agritech, but is happy to offer advice on • meeting agenda with five companies, other sectors. including use of Chamber facilities
[Source: DIT/gov.uk] • use of large meeting room
Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App • market research on competition, Members get free access to our regulation/barriers, prices in market, experts via a technical helpline. etc. See: www.export.org.uk/page/Export _Helpline • accompany to meetings for translation support • A voice for your ideas and concerns. We represent your point of view and • attend meeting on behalf of company feedback to government, HMRC and other influencing bodies on issues that • background check suppliers/providers impact you, plus participate in Institute (three references, ensuring registered responses to central government with and not blacklisted with tax office) regard to proposed legislative changes
• attendance to Chamber events – • A complete range of international trade charged at BritChaM member rate if qualifications, from those that have no company is a member of Chamber in experience, up to those who wish to the UK qualify themselves to take a business degree. The Institute's qualifications • can offer other tailored services upon are widely recognised as providing request – including product launch both employers and employees with events, marketing support, etc. the necessary international business practice linked to satisfying career For more information on how the British planning and development. See: Chamber of Commerce in Mexico can help www.export.org.uk/page/qualifications you, or on becoming a member, contact • A range of short courses giving you BritChaM Business: www.britchamexico. the skills and expertise you need to com/en/trade-services. gain a competitive advantage in the [Source: British Chamber of Commerce in challenging and complex world of Mexico] export, import and international trade. See: www.export.org.uk/page/Training Courses Support from the Institute of Export & International Trade • An extensive events programme to help you share information and Raising the profile of international trade connect at every level in the qualifications and experienced members, international trade community whether is only part of how IOE&IT membership is it is sector specific or regional. See: www.export.org.uk/events/event essential for any individual or business _list.asp involved with global trade. • Inclusion in surveys to research the Importantly, the IOE&IT also offer access attitudes and changes to world trade to a unique range of benefits and services specific to international trade: For more information on how the IOE&IT can help you, or on becoming a member, • Help with any export issues you come contact the IOE&IT at: www.export.org.uk/ across. Our team of experts can help page/about. with questions on documentation, export controls, Bribery Act, customs [Source: Institute of Export & International Trade] & VAT procedures, regulatory and compliance issues, insurance issues, payment terms, transport and logistics.
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 39 a m r o f e R t c i r t s r i D l a i c n a n i F y t i C o c i x e M
MEXICO
Tourists are not allowed to undertake voluntary (including human rights) work, or activity, or any form of paid employment. If you wish to carry out this type of work you must get the correct visa from the Mexican Embassy before you travel. You cannot enter Mexico on a tourist visa and then change it for a work visa. w w w . M e x i c o . D o i n g B u s i n e s s G u i d e . c o . u k 4 1 GETTING HERE AND ADVICE ABOUT YOUR STAY
Getting here and advice about There have been reports of bogus your stay immigration officers operating within international airports. You should always Entry requirements refuse offers of help and head directly to the immigration office. Passport validity Unless otherwise stated, this information Tourists are not allowed to undertake is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ voluntary (including human rights) work, passport. Your passport should be valid or activity, or any form of paid employment. for the proposed duration of your stay in If you wish to carry out this type of work Mexico. you must get the correct visa from the Mexican Embassy before you travel. Visas If you are visiting Mexico as a tourist you You may need a visa to undertake certain do not need a visa, but you do need adventure or eco-tourism activities like a tourist card, which you can get free caving, potholing or entomology, especially of charge on arrival by completing an if they involve any scientific or technological immigration form available at border research. The Mexican authorities may crossings or on-board flights to Mexico. define scientific or technological research Immigration officials at the port of entry activities far more broadly than other may ask to see proof of your departure countries. If you are in any doubt, check plans from Mexico before allowing you with the Mexican Embassy in London at: entry to the country. https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/reinounido/ index.php/en/ well in advance of your If you are crossing the border into visit and ask for written confirmation if Mexico from the US, there will not be necessary. an immigration officer at the port of entry, but you will need to identify the nearest It is no longer possible to switch immigration office and clear your immigration status in-country. You cannot immigration status before you continue enter Mexico on a tourist visa and then your journey into Mexico. The immigration change it for a work visa. You must apply office can usually be found close to the at the Mexican Consulate of your normal border area, and customs officials at the place of residence in plenty of time before border should be able to tell you where to you are due to travel. find it. If you fail to clear immigration at this point, it is often more complicated to do so once you have left the border area.
You need a tourist card to leave the country. If you lose your tourist card you can get it replaced at the immigration office at any international airport in Mexico. The cost of a replacement is $295 Mexican Pesos, which is payable at a bank.
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 43 O C I X E M
Travelling to Mexico via the US Local laws and customs If you are travelling to Mexico via the US, even if you are only transiting, check the The Mexican Police have the authority US entry requirements with the US to ask for proof of legal status in Mexico Embassy in London. If you do not have and, on occasion, have detained British the correct authorisation you will not be nationals without documents. You should allowed to travel to or transit through the carry photocopies of the relevant pages of US. See: https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/ your passport and of the stamped ‘Forma Migratoria Múltiple’ (FMM) given to you on Importing meat or dairy products arrival in Mexico at all times. If you are a You cannot bring meat or dairy products resident you may be asked to provide your into Mexico from the EU. residency card issued by the Mexican Government. UK Emergency Travel Documents UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) If you are travelling between states or near should be valid for a minimum period of six international borders, you may be stopped months from the date of entry into Mexico by Mexican immigration authorities for and are accepted for entry, airside transit immigration checks. You will need to be and exit from Mexico. able to provide your passport and FMM slip. Copies are not accepted. If you are Money unable to produce these documents, you may be detained, held at an immigration The local currency is the Mexican Nuevo holding centre, and ultimately deported. Peso, known colloquially as ‘Peso’. It is easier to exchange US Dollar travellers’ Do not become involved with drugs of cheques and notes into local currency than any kind. Penalties for drug offences are Sterling. UK debit and credit cards are severe. Convictions carry sentences of up widely accepted for payment and in ATMs. to 25 years. It is not usually possible to exchange cash at hotel receptions – this can only be done Although civil unions between same-sex at banks and bureaux de change. partners are now legal in Mexico City and the state of Coahuila, homosexuality in [Source: FCO Travel Advice/gov.uk] Mexico is generally tolerated rather than accepted. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may be frowned upon.
Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App Doing Business in Mexico
Mexican law on surrogacy is under The Mexico City Command and Control development. Assisted human Centre (Centro de Atención a Emergencias reproduction, including surrogacy, might y Protección Ciudadana de la Ciudad de only be recognised in some Mexican México) has information and advice on states. If you are considering a surrogacy safety in Mexico City, see: www.caepccm. arrangement in Mexico, you should df.gob.mx (site not in English). Monitor familiarise yourself with the relevant laws their twitter page ‘Safe City’: https://twitter. and regulations and make sure you will com/ciudad_segura/ for up-to-date meet all legal requirements to take the information and advice on accidents, road newborn child out of Mexico before blocks, demonstrations etc. in Mexico City. you start the process. You should seek independent legal advice before entering Travelling around into any surrogacy arrangement. For more Mexico receives more British tourists information see the UK Government’s a year than any other Latin American guidance on surrogacy overseas, at: country. There were 513,800 British www.gov.uk/government/publications/ nationals that visited Mexico in 2016. surrogacy-overseas. Most victims of crime and violence in Mexico are Mexicans involved in criminal [Source: FCO Travel Advice/gov.uk] activity, but the security situation does pose risks for foreigners. Be alert to the existence of street crime as well as more Safety and security serious violent crime like robbery, assault and vehicle hijacking. In certain parts of Violence Mexico you should take particular care to Drug-related violence in Mexico has avoid being caught up in drug-related increased over recent years. The violence violence between criminal groups. is concentrated in specific areas, and some regions are almost completely spared. Make sure you research your destination thoroughly.
Outbursts of politically-motivated violence can occur across the country, with a recent increase in the states of Guerrero and Mexico City.
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 45 O C I X E M
Seek advice from local contacts, avoid UK health authorities have classified travel off-the-beaten-track, stay abreast of Mexico as having a risk of Zika virus media coverage of events in the areas, to transmission. For more information and or through which, you intend to travel, and advice, visit the National Travel Health ensure that trusted contacts are aware Network and Centre at: http://travelhealth - of your travel plans. Be aware of your pro.org.uk/country/147/mexico#Other_risks. surroundings at all times and of the risks of travelling to certain areas. You should Not all hospitals will agree to deal directly include security measures in all of your with medical insurance companies. You travel plans and register on Facebook should be prepared to pay for treatment or follow FCO on Twitter @UKinMexico. yourself up front and then seek a refund. There is no evidence to show British nationals will be specifically targeted, Make sure you have adequate travel although there is a risk of being in the health insurance and accessible funds to wrong place at the wrong time, and a cover the cost of any medical treatment heightened risk for women in some areas. abroad and repatriation.
You should check the FCO Travel Advice Drink only boiled or bottled water; and for the latest security advice on regional avoid ice in drinks. travel, driving in Mexico, crime, terrorism risks and natural disasters, at: www.gov.uk/ On arrival in Mexico City and other high- foreign-travel-advice/mexico altitude areas, you may feel a lack of energy, shortness of breath or headaches. [Source: FCO Travel Advice/gov.uk] The factsheet: http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/ disease/12/altitude-illness includes advice on how to reduce the risk of altitude Health sickness and what to do if you develop symptoms. Visit your health professional at least four to six weeks before your trip to check There have been cases of cholera in whether you need any vaccinations or the state of Hidalgo. th other preventive measures. On 10 August 2016, Public Health England advised Cases of Chikungunya virus have been people planning to travel to the Riviera confirmed in Mexico. For more details Maya coast in Mexico to be aware of the about this outbreak, see: http://travel - risk of infection from a food and water bug, healthpro.org.uk/factsheet/27/ Cyclospora, following an increase in chikungunya. You should take steps to reported cases. See: www.gov.uk/ avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. See: government/news/cyclospora-outbreak- http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/38/ linked-to-mexico. insect-and-tick-bite-avoidance.
Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App Doing Business in Mexico
If you need emergency medical assistance Travel insurance during your trip, dial 060, 065, 066 or 068 and ask for an ambulance. In Mexico City, Take out comprehensive travel and you can also use the emergency buttons medical insurance before you travel. See on CCTV cameras visible across the city FCO foreign travel insurance: www.gov.uk/ which will immediately connect you to the guidance/foreign-travel-insurance. emergency services. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred Contact the FCO travel advice team to a medical facility for treatment. This email service only offers information Country-specific information and advice and advice for British nationals planning to is published by the National Travel Health travel abroad. Contact: traveladvicepublic Network and Centre on the TravelHealth - [email protected] Pro website: http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/ countries , and by NHS (Scotland) on the If you need urgent help because FitForTravel website: www.fitfortravel.nhs. something has happened to a friend or uk/destinations.aspx. relative abroad, contact the consular assistance team on: +44 (0)20 7008 1500 Useful information and advice about (24 hours). healthcare abroad is also available on the NHS Choices website: www.nhs.uk/ If you are abroad and need emergency NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/Pages/ help, contact the nearest British Embassy, Healthcareabroad.aspx . Consulate or High Commission. See: Make sure you have adequate travel www.gov.uk/world/organisations health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment [Source: FCO Travel Advice/gov.uk] abroad and repatriation.
[Source: FCO Travel Advice/gov.uk]
FCO travel advice If you are travelling to Mexico for business, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) website has travel advice to help you prepare for your visits overseas and to stay safe and secure while you are there. For advice please visit the FCO travel section pages on the gov.uk website: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 47
s o r e r r e u G
, o c x a T f o y t i c l a i n o l o C
MEXICO
For tax purposes, all Mexican importers must apply and be listed in the Official Register of Importers (Padrón de Importadores), maintained by the Secretariat of Treasury and Public Finance (SHCP). w w w . M e x i c o . D o i n g B u s i n e s s G u i d e . c o . u k 5 1 WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES? InternationalInternational businessbusiness cancan bebe difficultdifffffiicult
For 49 years we’ve helped British companies succeed in global markets. Let us help you.
JoinJoin us.us.
VVisitisit wwww.britishexpertise.orgww.britishexpertise.org EEmailmail [email protected]@britishexpertise.org TTelephoneelephone ++4444 ((0)0) 2200 77824824 11920920 What are the challenges? Contact the DIT team in Mexico at: www.gov.uk/world/organisations/depart - Challenges to doing business in ment-for-international-trade-mexico#con - Mexico tact-us , for more help and advice on doing business in Mexico. Challenges when doing business in or with [Source: DIT/FCO/gov.uk] Mexico include:
• open and competitive market, so be sure of your product’s unique selling Business risk point (USP) Rule of law and human rights • takes time to build and maintain Despite a number of initiatives to address relationships with clients and security, justice and human rights distributors problems, Mexico’s human rights situation remains of concern. Since 2006, the • language barriers mean that military has played a leading role in public interpreters may be required security and there is a high rate of impunity for crimes including human rights • legal requirement to label products in violations. Mexico ranked second-to-last, Spanish after the Philippines, in an international study of impunity in 59 countries carried You should hire a broker or local lawyer out by researchers at the Universidad to help you deal with the necessary de las Américas Puebla (University of formalities in Mexico. The Embassy the Americas Puebla—UDLAP). See: can provide a list of local lawyers, see: www.sinembargo.mx/20-04-2015/1318873 www.gov.uk/government/publications/mex - (site in Spanish). ico-list-of-lawyers. The Mexican National Institute of Statistics For legal enquiries, also visit Nader, and Geography estimates that 93.7% of Hayaux & Goebel at: http://nhg.com.mx/ crimes in 2015 was either not reported or not investigated. In Mexico there is an You should ensure you take the necessary average of four judges per 100,000 steps to comply with the requirements of inhabitants in Mexico (below the global the UK Bribery Act. See: www.gov.uk/ average of 17 per 100,000), every judge government/publications/bribery-act-2010- receives approximately 500 new cases per guidance. year. 43.3% of Mexico’s prison population have not been sentenced. Read the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Overseas Business Risk report for Mexico, at: www.gov.uk/govern - ment/publications/overseas-business-risk- mexico
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 53 w v c A a p c w L 2 t f i M a h o h H A e n C M o w s f m c p h w o l I v r p a w n a h a o n i i o r e h i r g n u a 0 n i f t n o r o e f d g m o o i o u o a e i t g c i e c
t l
e e e o g d l m e l n t i v p t M h d b b 1 d / t w r e l e o l l k l r m l g l e h s h
l
x x n j a e e d a e l l n i r a e l v b s s r t
l o 7
q e -
o w d
e e e
i l i i n i s 7 o e t a n d n r p o t s C e c i o c e c a c s o v : t e u
u c g i l e /
r / e
” a
I n a x o t i p i i e c
a f o a s t MEXICO , 2 i u n a n / a - f n
, t o n s t o r a i o s h
s
n f s u i f a
i c t a l n n e r
t n m y
n w 0 t c t n
r v s i e i t i g f d n t . e O y l t h e t n
. i r e o a l e h f
r d e
e
i c s o o
e / t
1
d
i f t
n e P
v o o t c y e a a C r h U a e i g d n l u e e e h u I r
h n e
n n
l
7
e e u
g n x p c t r f g e r a t s d B e
. h t
a n c d
e n o o h
r c
n k t h s o r
/ o t s , o n u r
t r e a
a o d A e n .
m t t h e l
i o a e
j r j e n a e i i r , o e
j e - r o s
e u o M n t s t 8 o c g
e
n u
r a S i a e a i s c i y m r
r s t p r m n t “ r
g a e n e o d e s b s o a
n
c g a n e i s g t d w u c e n
n e e t f z t u g i h r t s s x n u . R o
s i t u n h n
e
f a i a o c h o e i l
t
o c n s e a x n l c i a r f f t t
i t
a u 8
l p e e n o o d t n i u c t s i i
c o r a f t
h
a i o f u : t a n s i g e r i o g e c a a t d r t
e a o
i d d m o u
o t
h l
u n o / n i o h n m t a e w n i i
h y d o f o r o n r t 2 i r n n
d n
a r r n s . a
n t d i
o e d n o
w l
e 7 a
V i t
e e o
l n n
w d c 0 - 1 i g t e c c e s T b m a a
t s i t g
l
u
u i r a 8 t s t e p c n i o i
o h
s e t m 1 o b , (
0
r . i e e a l w o r t s h d s
a p
f r o C
’ I o r
s e e a r r t
g m m e t r s s 7 o n e t p L
I p
b i
s e e r o h m k r o e . i
s n
r w n t v n n O r e d o
o
i a u w / r c n i a O
o g l e
r k t f y p 2 c
s e J
n 0 s u
e s t t t t s
i a e F c n e a o m g e w r r e r e l / a n
n o i e c u s e 0 h n
2 ) i l y
t t
r p g t i t
v r n r n c M n s r f a
r h a i o , o
l c a - e u n n i a n 1 o . n e
/ n i k a e c
f
e a n o e o 2
t d c e t a l c o a t
l u m t p n t e a r s s 6 m
e h
a e o s
l e o s r n i a n a n e n 0 d
l e r m W c a r o l t a . o t
s y n /
j s e b x n e o a d
w
m i t ,
r t o t 2
t 1 2 e w e a
n s n a r o
i
B t i r i t t i d y i h
o v n
m b o o o o e f n i i i c u 0 h y 6 t 0 s n y a M c e d n
g o
i u n r
/ e i e u e l m t . o n l o . n n b u r s r 1 e e g o f 1 1
o r e
i
e h o
h n
n n r e n n a v c i r d s a c p f a I
. .
e 5 s e
h n r 7 7 m e
t
r
t t a
t i e s i m a t a t n t u g
n i r t H e t e T
s l o g n s i . .
i / i y
w o e m
h i a i r t t l m o
l . u R l d m l a e d
g m
r
/ a g e h e - i I S e t a o
d t e i l a s i s n t u s
a n e s n s o
h t e r
v e
u
i u e o e h
t o p n a n h e s t r a
o
i s
t s e p m
z t s a r m o e s n l d s a
o h n o c l o e e l
u : s
s f a d i - y r d a t t t -
l d o w n l o a 1 w ( T O [ a m M f M I y w s M g M t H S P p t a d f t d A o o c T c i D i r T d n n S o n h h o h 1 u o e o a a 6 d e u
e f f h h h e r t w i u i
e d r o r d e e n r e
e e e e e 3 r t s
i t u c n s m t l 3 v o b v
e g e e h n a l e m u a q i h e h r
u s x x x x x E c e 8 c w g u e i r e f M
p l e
r s
c l a
r c n e l i u i i i i i a o e
c x r m e
a F t n e r c c i c e c c c c c r s . a h l p o e a
i i c e n e o g d o i .
a g m p n s e e
i s o e
o o o o o o
t n n
c i s r l b f t r p / u a y f p i o n e
u i l : e l s t x p s i r e n m i -
r
. . t e o i o s
e i m
i e g
o t i b
n r e n F i a e m v R
a n u
n i
7 r s s c a y o S c e r n u e 2 s a t r r h . o l e e f C e n i
o a e l t 0
a e i u a i
i s g m a o a
t
f s d e 0 l r e r t c r g a b o j x n o o i e l d
O t n u % e r i e l e k l
n i n n l
r M n c 1 y e i e
a
h a c l y o d i f a i e w o n s - e c c a r s /
c c g c
g
o
t 4 s i : t g t b
t i O n u c
. O G t n f i n
m e s o a o
t r s e t o s s s s
u o n
i m i B
w s i o e i t m d t r i c d
i
v
o k a
s o v
.
d h b l s f m f o
n i i a
t p a p D a
a a v u c f o n e
s l m w
i a o n n M u
i i r t a a v i l f v w n u r l e a n n n c t r r f s
m h g l e t a o e a r
d r o e r s b w e e s l f t e h u d M n a e r e i u e d d e y c f o e i
e a r
y e n i
o
t n e r e c
m r e n a . n
m i n
1 e
s x
m
f h m
A d n a t
g t y e e e T u m P D w o c m o i c c
a i
y n g e i d 3
n
s t u
m
f 2 c o x s x i p r p i o t i r m . o u i
t e l r
n e i e
d n
e 3
a g
a e o e f o o n t r 0 t s i v o B o o d f B t p m n r c a h e r g m o t i s
r i
h
v i . n w i
i i 1 d m n y e n f u r n i a d t g u t t o e a b w c
n u
l n
e e g r i p t e t e
6 s c a . g o m c l i i t e e n k /
e n i n e h t o y n
s n f l e a
a i e c i a r o
- o n F t
o c n / s n v l . ’ d
d
e i A i r i
r e i g 2 e i d f a s s
n s n s n d a m n n r e n d v 2 g r
e u o
o G l
r a
0 a
d m
t s
y i i
s e H t e U
t e 0 a d l r G l r r s a r w h e d r h
m M d e a o c 1 b e v o
s a o t e l v l 1 i s e n e r a n e u s h e N e i o i
y h v m s p l i 7 o - o h n r e i e s R o u c e s 3 d i v
g t d
s m e v a i w
e s i m e
u i d i F p o k s l l e R c b
n x e n i i ) G o
I t e a n
o r s a s l n i d c n u t e m
s o o a h s C m
i n a i l v n
o l t t k p e - t p c t f t o a u r o
h s d d h i s
d n t
i o i o l /
b o i
O u
o 3 r p o e e o r m
o p g t m i M t p s o o i
i e
a P r d a l i i e n y n 1 t . 6 o f o d R s n o v o r t m
e ’ i n u
s
c a i v u s n
e e s e
s e o 4 . M v
r e f
n s n s i e
l
t
i e t k . t e / g g
,
d a t n f 0 x
i d u g , , s e i c h
o a e
l n n h
c i k t - i
a
h e b c e o s n i s t ] e t n t s s e n t o d : . . You should also be aware of the global risk Numerous British businesses report of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which successful business operations in Mexico could be in public areas, including those that are free of corrupt practices or at least frequented by expatriates and foreign have managed to find ways to avoid this travellers. preventing them doing business. Mexico is modernising its legislation against [Source: FCO Overseas Business Risk/gov.uk] corruption, most recently with the creation of the National Anticorruption System. Bribery and corruption Bribery is illegal. It is an offence for British There will now be one independent body nationals or someone who is ordinarily with the authority to co-ordinate cross resident in the UK, a body incorporated in government efforts against corruption. the UK or a Scottish partnership, to bribe It will give the Superior Auditor´s Office anywhere in the world. the powers to run ‘real time’ audits and to monitor resources transferred from the In addition, a commercial organisation federal government to states. The Ministry carrying on a business in the UK can be of Public Administration and Court for liable for the conduct of a person who Administrative Justice will be strengthened; performs services for it – like an employee the latter will be entitled to sanction both or agent – but is neither a UK national or government officials and companies resident in the UK or a body incorporated involved in corruption. All public servants or formed in the UK. In this case it does are also required to declare their assets not matter whether the acts or omissions and interests, although these will not be which form part of the offence take place in made public. the UK or elsewhere. rd Mexico ranked 103 out of 138 countries rd In 2016 Mexico was ranked 123 out in the Irregular Payments and Bribes rd of 176 countries (103 in 2014) in indicator of the 2016-2017 WEF Global th Transparency International's latest Competitiveness Index (down from 99 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). See: position in 2014-2015). See: www.wefo - www.transparency.org/news/feature/ rum.org/reports/the-global-competitive - corruption_perceptions_index_2016. ness-report-2016-2017-1
Bribery and corruption are a significant It is important to develop close business problem in Mexico and there have been relationships with your potential clients high profile allegations involving the but this should not be confused with President and his inner circle, but there corruption. A Mexican business partner have been important improvements in or agent will be well-placed to advise you recent years. Mexico signed the 2016 on normal business practice, as will UK London Anti-Corruption Global Agreement. companies already in the market. You There are currently ten former Governors should familiarise yourself with British being investigated, one in jail and another bribery legislation which, since 2002, also being prosecuted. applies to UK registered companies and UK nationals committing acts of bribery Government tendering guidelines are wholly outside the UK. being strengthened to reduce the risk of corruption in the awarding of contracts, but this can lead to the lowest bid winning without consideration of quality and also there are of course loopholes that many exploit.
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 55 O C I X E
M Doing Business in Mexico
Visit the GAN Business Anti-Corruption Lack of IPR protection can affect a wide portal at: www.business-anti-corruption. range of industries including, but not com/country-profiles/mexico which exclusively; film, music, software, provides a variety of advice and guidance pharmaceutical, literature and the clothing about corruption in Mexico and some basic and textile industries. Solutions to the effective procedures you can establish to problem are often difficult to implement protect your company from them. Also due to lack of resource, lack of read the information provided on the UK communication between law enforcement Government’s bribery and corruption page agencies, slow court systems and a lack at: www.gov.uk/anti-bribery-policy. of deterrent sentences, and insufficient planning and co-ordination among industry [Source: FCO Overseas Business Risk/gov.uk] sectors and government agencies.
The protection of IPR is also further Intellectual Property (IP) complicated by Mexico’s extensive poverty. Black markets provide a Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), as significant source of employment in intangible assets, are a key factor in the the informal sector. competitiveness of your business in the global economy. IPR can protect your Illegally reproduced goods, sold at a innovation from competitors and can also fraction of the cost of their legitimate be an important source of cash flow counterparts, also give consumers with through licensing deals or selling IP. IPR limited resources access to otherwise infringement can lead to loss of business, unattainable items. Some government revenue, reputation and competitive leaders are reluctant to crack down on advantage unless you take steps to piracy out of fear that this could lead to protect your IP both in the UK and abroad. social unrest – although the fact that this is recognised as an issue and needs to Scope of Mexico’s IPR problem be addressed is in itself a positive step Both Mexican and international companies forward. IPR is one of the major pillars to claim loss of sales and weakening of be discussed in the ongoing renegotiation brands due to counterfeit products, which rounds of the EU-Mexico Global Agree - the Mexican Government has recognised ment, expected to be signed by the end as an issue. of 2017.
Despite federal government enforcement IPR protection in Mexico efforts, Intellectual Property Right (IPR) Under NAFTA and the WTO Agreement abuses across Mexico’s industrial sectors on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual continue. Anti-piracy efforts remain Property Rights (TRIPS), Mexico is obliged particularly weak at state and municipal to implement certain standards for the government level, and losses to Mexican protection of intellectual property as well and international companies due to as procedures to address infringements trademark counterfeiting, copyright piracy, such as piracy and counterfeiting. and patent infringements lie in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App The Attorney General’s Office (PGR) 2012 Mexico became the first government is responsible for investigating and body in the world to earn BSA’s Certification prosecuting IPR crimes. The Mexican in Standards-Based Software Asset Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) is Management for Organizations, a program the government agency responsible for known as CSS (O). The credential administrative enforcement of IPR. demonstrates the Mexican Government’s commitment to promoting legal software However, Mexican IPR laws are use by implementing internationally- often poorly understood by both law recognised best practices for maintaining enforcement agencies and there is a compliance with software licences. lack of expertise in the court system. This can make taking cases through the Copyright legal system a long drawn out process Enforcement efforts by the Mexican which with it brings prohibitive costs. Government are improving (see below), however levels of piracy are still high, Mexico has a comprehensive set of IPR which it is claimed by industry sources, laws and an increasing number of seizures has resulted in closure of legitimate and arrests, but even so, the extent of IPR copyright-related businesses. Counterfeit violations in Mexico remains significant. It sound and motion picture recordings are is unclear if this is because of insufficient widely available throughout Mexico, where enforcement measures but what is piracy has shifted from traditional formats encouraging is that the Mexican authorities to optical discs (CD, DVD, and CD-ROM) have recognised this as an issue and are and internet piracy. looking into how their IP framework can be improved. More information can be found at the International Intellectual Property Alliance. Trademarks See: www.iipawebsite.com In April 2012, the Mexican Congress adhered to the Madrid Protocol of the For further UK Government guidance, see: World Intellectual Property Organization, www.gov.uk/intellectual-property-an- providing certainty for international overview. companies looking to register their marks for use in Mexico. This was the first [Source: FCO Overseas Business Risk/gov.uk] instance of a Central or South American country signing up to the protocol and is a big step forward in bringing Mexico in Protective security advice line with the international IP community. In December 2009, IMPI and INTERPOL Business disputes started efforts alongside WIPO, ICC, INTA The vast majority of British businesses and OMA to address cross-border piracy have not been prevented from operating in trade. As a result, in 2011, the Mexican Mexico by the security risks although many Customs Agency and the Mexican Mexican and foreign businesses choose to Industrial Property Institute (IMPI) hire private security. launched a new trademark scheme to identify pirate products and facilitate The UK Centre for the Protection of customs procedures. National Infrastructure (CPNI) also provides protective security advice to Software businesses. See: www.cpni.gov.uk. In the same theme, IMPI, the Mexican [Source: FCO Overseas Business Risk/gov.uk] body responsible for protecting industrial property rights, has signed agreements with the Business Software Alliance. In
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 57 Grupo Atalaya is Mexico’s leading strategic risk consultancy
We help foreign and domestic companies navigate security, reputational, regulatory and political risks, in order for them to capitalise on the vast business opportunities that Mexico has to offer.
We specialise in the analysis, prevention clients ranging from small private firms and mitigation of strategic risks that may to blue chip companies operating endanger the profitability, reputation, across sectors as diverse as oil and gas, personnel and assets of firms with power and renewable energy, logistics, operations or interests in Mexico. infrastructure, manufacturing, banking, Our multidisciplinary team has advised mining, FMCG and construction. www.grupoatalaya.com.mx
ServiCeS
Our mission is to translate information regarding the risks surrounding our clients into intelligence that facilitates strategic and operational decision-making.
We distinguish our offering by providing bespoke solutions and services that best fit your organisation’s risk profile.
• Due diligence & background screening • Corporate investigations • Stakeholder mapping and engagement strategy • Market entry advisory • Security consulting • Surface-risk assessments • Social impact and community relations
London 8 Northumberland Avenue, WC2N 5BY +44 (0) 2036 33 3532 / [email protected]
Mexico City Jaime Balmes 11 Torre D piso 6, Col. Los Morales Polanco +52 (55) 261 49522 / [email protected] MEXICO
It is recommended that you work closely with a partner to assist with preparing bid documents. Although not essential, it can help to also have an office in Mexico to increase your chances of achieving government contracts. w w w . M e x i c o . D o i n g B u s i n e s s G u i d e . c o . u k 6 1 SECTOR-SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES IN MEXICO O C I X E
M Doing Business in Mexico
Sector-specific opportunities in Mexico Healthcare
Background Health provision is a high priority for the current administration. The total healthcare You should carry out as much market spend in 2016 was US $130 billion. It is research and planning as possible before growing at more than 8% year on year. exporting to Mexico, using both desk Healthcare spend is at around 6.5% of research and visits to the market. You GDP and is split 50/50 between the public need to determine if there is a market for and private sector. your product or service and whether your pricing is competitive. Mexico has an increasing elderly population. Government initiatives for the DIT’s trade specialists can help you prevention and management of chronic identify local representatives for your diseases are being implemented. The products in Mexico. See: www.gov.uk/over - highest rates of illness in Mexico are for seas-customers-export-opportunities . chronic degenerative diseases; diabetes, cardiopathies and cancer. DIT provides free international export sales leads from its worldwide network. Find Some of the areas of opportunity for UK export opportunities in Mexico at: companies are: https://opportunities.export.great.gov.uk . • medical equipment
Government tenders in Mexico • training for doctors and nurses
It is recommended that you work closely • e-health and telemedicine with a partner to assist with preparing bid documents. Although not essential, • medical informatics it can help to also have an office in Mexico to increase your chances of Mexico has a favourable regulatory achieving government contracts. environment and increasing access to healthcare is expected to boost the Mexico’s Comisión Federal de industry in coming years. Competencia Económica (COFECE) at: www.cofece.mx/cofece/ingles is the Contact: [email protected] ; Mexican anti-trust commission charged and [email protected] for more with supervising, promoting, and information on the opportunities in the guaranteeing free access and competition healthcare sector. in the markets.
If a public tender gives preference to a supplier, a complaint can be filed with COFECE before the contract is awarded.
Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App Food and drink Infrastructure
Over 42% of Mexico’s population are Mexico spends about 3% of GDP on middle class and in recent years the food infrastructure. It ranks 57 th out of 138 and drink sector has grown faster than the countries in terms of infrastructure retail sector. competitiveness according to the Global Competitiveness Report for 2015 to 2016: • Processed food production reached http://reports.weforum.org/global-competi - over US $141 billion in 2015 and it is tiveness-report-2015-2016/ expected to reach US $179 billion by 2020. A National Infrastructure Plan (NIP) has been set up which will invest £65 billion • Mexico’s market of processed foods of public and private funding in: will reach US $170 billion by 2020 with a projected per capita consumption of • construction and modernisation of US $1,350. highways
• With a population of 122 million, • supplying new passenger trains Mexicans consumed about US $155 billion worth of processed food • expansion of the port of Veracruz products. • airport improvements • Fast food and cafés/bars showed the most growth over the 2008-2012 The new Mexico City International Airport, period with 3.4% and 2.6%, worth US $13 billion, is Mexico’s largest respectively. infrastructure project to date. It is expected that the Mexico City Airports Group will • Over the forecast period of 2013 to launch 40 public tenders from 2016. 2017, fast food will remain the best performing category in terms of sales UK companies ARUP and Foster + growth (6.8%), followed by pizza Partners have already won the contracts consumer foodservice (6.2%). for project master plan and design of the terminal building. Currently the airport is • Sales of sugar confectionery observed at the ground preparatory stage. There are a growth in 2015 of 1% in terms of opportunities in: current value. • alternative financing schemes such as Contact: [email protected] Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) for more information on the opportunities in the retail sector. • project and cost management
• master planning
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 63 THE H T E A A
• R OVER T
O
E F
D
I A
N
R
T
T
E
L
YEARS R
A
N
N A O T I
& INTERNATIONAL TRADE www.export.org.uk
We can help develop new ideas and find ways to drive down costs and produce sustainable improvements in your export business. • Membership supports all aspects of your international trade • Leading UK authority on trading globally • Tailored training to support your business needs • Expert solutions for international trade
Exporting great ideas to you. Join us today Call: +44(0)1733 404 400 email: [email protected] • feasibility and demand studies • enhanced / improved oil recovery
• structural design and engineering • asset integrity management
• architectural design There are also plenty of opportunities in midstream, particularly around the design, • cargo handling services construction and maintenance of natural gas pipelines. The Federal Commission of • security, design and implementation of Electricity is increasing pipeline infrastruc - green/sustainable technologies ture by releasing public tenders. Particular opportunities are reckoned within two • specialised tier 2 / tier 3 services and specific projects: a subsea pipeline that equipment will transport natural gas from Texas to Veracruz, Mexico and a project for supply - Contact: [email protected] for ing gas to the Baja California Peninsula. more information on the opportunities in the infrastructure sector. Power and renewable energy Energy reform aims to promote investment in clean energy and reduce fossil fuel Energy dependency in electricity generation. 35% of power generation is expected to come Oil and gas from clean energies by 2024. After the sweeping energy reforms passed in December 2013, the Mexican oil and The government has created a market for gas industry has opened up to private clean energy certificates (CELs). Whole - investment. sale electricity users will be obliged to use 5% of their total consumption from clean Onshore and offshore shallow water energy sources. This will boost clean blocks in the Gulf of Mexico been awarded energy use for electricity generation, to several companies, including a particularly in energy intensive industries. consortium involving Premier Oil, a UK independent operator. Further interest from Mexico’s first long term electricity tender UK oil and gas companies is expected resulted in contracts being granted to when licences to explore and produce in solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind projects. Mexico’s deepwater areas and PEMEX Mexico is currently developing a renew - partnerships (‘farm-outs’) are auctioned. ables subsector capabilities map and creating international research and Around half of Mexico’s prospective oil innovation centres. reserves lie in deep waters. Opportunities for UK expertise include (but are not There are opportunities for UK companies limited to): with expertise in all clean energy technologies. • training Contact: [email protected] ; • project consultancy and [email protected] for more information on the oil and gas sector and: • financing [email protected] for the renewable energy sector. • Front End Engineering Design (FEED) [Source: DIT/gov.uk] • subsea and deepwater capabilities
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 65 o c i x e M
, y t i C o c i x e M n i s e t r A s a l l e B e d o i c a l a P
MEXICO
If you want to establish a business relationship that goes beyond exporting, you will need to carry out further research. A thorough evaluation of your potential partner may be time consuming and expensive, but doing so will greatly reduce the risk of serious problems in the future. w w w . M e x i c o . D o i n g B u s i n e s s G u i d e . c o . u k 6 7 PREPARING TO EXPORT TO MEXICO
Preparing to export to Mexico
Your aims Consultation and bespoke research • Do you wish to buy from Mexico, sell Visit great.gov.uk at: www.great.gov.uk/uk to Mexico or both? for guidance on how to research overseas markets as well as a range of other • Do you wish to establish your own important issues for exporters. company presence in Mexico (for example through partnering with a Mexico is a large country. Each state has local company, establishing a Mexican its own cultural practices and preferences. subsidiary, registering as a foreign Different regions have different industry company, or licensing, franchising, clusters. Therefore regional plans and direct or indirect exporting)? good local research are likely to be needed, using both desk research and • Do you need to be involved in Mexico market visits. at all? You should determine whether: • Do you see Mexico as part of a wider plan including e.g. other Latin- • there is a market for your product or American markets? service Your company • your pricing is competitive • What are the unique selling points for • to localise your product your product or service? • to adapt your business model • Do you know if there is a market for your product in Mexico? The questions listed on the right should help you to focus your thoughts. Your • Do you know if you can be competitive answers to them will highlight areas for in Mexico? further research and also suggest a way forward that is right for your company. • Are your competitors already in You may then want to use this as a basis Mexico? If so, what are they doing? for developing a formal Mexico strategy, although this may not be necessary or • Do you have the time and resources to appropriate for all companies: handle the demands of communication, travel, product delivery and after-sales service?
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 69 O C I X E
M Doing Business in Mexico
• market knowledge
Your knowledge • experience in attending and getting the most from overseas trade shows • Do you know how to secure payment for your products or service? • advice and support from trade experts
• Do you know where in Mexico you Visit the DIT events portal at: h ttps:// should start? events.trade.gov.uk/ to find upcoming events and missions in Mexico. • Do you know how to locate and screen potential partners, agents or Find out more about marketing your goods distributors? and services for Mexico, at: w ww.great. gov.uk/uk. • Have you carried out any Mexico- specific customer segmentation, and Contact the DIT team in Mexico at: do you know how to best reach www.gov.uk/world/organisations/depart- potential customers in-market? ment-for-international-trade-mexico#con- tact-us, for events and company launches It is unlikely that you will have the answers at Embassy locations. to all these questions at the outset and these ‘knowledge gaps’ should form the basis for further research and investigation. Start-up considerations Some of these questions will require quantitative research in your sector, while If you are thinking of exporting to Mexico, others involve more contextual and cultural an agent or a distributor can help. considerations. Talking to other people in your industry and regularly visiting Mexico The most common forms of operation in will give you access to the most current Mexico are: advice, and such experience can often lead to new insights and form the basis • supply chain operations for further research. • representative offices
There are a number of trade shows held • joint ventures in Mexico each year – these can be useful to test product viability in the market. The • shelter operations Department for International Trade (DIT) Tradeshow Access Programme at: w ww. • subcontracted manufacturing gov.uk/guidance/tradeshow-access- programme, provides funding in the form • assistance from Mexican Federal and of grants for eligible businesses to attend State Governments overseas trade shows. The funding helps your business gain:
Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App Contact the DIT team in Mexico at: • marketing ability www.gov.uk/world/organisations/depart - ment-for-international-trade-mexico#con - It may be best to appoint a series tact-us , for help in finding partners, of agents or distributors to cover different distributors and tax advisers before enter - regions in Mexico. ing into agreements, as the tax and legal obligations of each business structure can DIT’s trade specialists can help you differ. identify local representatives for your products in Mexico. See: www.gov.uk/ Consult local lawyers and translators to overseas-customers-export-opportunities. avoid costly mistakes and ensure you start out in the way that is best suited to your sector of activity. The Embassy supplies Setting up a business entity in Mexico lists of lawyers and translators on the website. Visit: https://www.gov.uk/world/or - The Mexican General Law of Mercantile ganisations/british-embassy-mexico-city . Organizations (or Civil Code) regulates business entities. You may contact Nader, Hayaux & Goebel for legal enquiries: www.nhg.com.mx , or Some of the most common types of AST Language Services for translation: businesses are: www.astlanguage.com • Sociedad Anonima (Corporation) ("SA") You should conduct due diligence checks once you have chosen your method of • Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable entry into the market. (Corporation with Variable Capital) ("SA de CV") If you want to establish a business relationship that goes beyond exporting, • Limited Liability Partnership (Sociedad you will need to carry out further research. de Responsabilidad Limitada) ("S de A thorough evaluation of your potential RL", or “S de RL de CV” if having partner may be time consuming and variable capital) expensive, but doing so will greatly reduce the risk of serious problems in the future. • Civil Partnership (Sociedad Civil) ("SC")
• Civil Association (Asociación Civil) Direct exports and sales in Mexico ("AC")
Direct exports means you supply your products direct to the customer. You handle all the logistics of marketing, selling, sending overseas and getting paid.
Appointing a local agent or distributor is the most common method. You should look closely at their:
• local business reputation
• financial resources
• regional coverage
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 71 r a N a n c t a y y ( y p y d O T w A H h E b o y c e C b a T h C w F p o n “ o o o o o a o o t n a n r e a u v - r t i r h
i s - a w a h i h g n
: n e i e o f o t c r u u u u x e u m o t i
d t d p s t u o e y t y e o n h h h p i
d l i x a g w o i a o
r
r r , . r s i
- e c r
o a c m c c c c n e m
e t n o
s
p r
i d t r e m t . h n G t u s p n o n t e h n a u k o h o h i 2 e e s p
r o o e b o i MEXICO
e o a e S r r v u d g a s r
a m m x r o n o t 0 a u a g s r
s o
o a n e
p c e w l r p t i e n s t t
e l - d o s o 0 r a : s o n a
c i d
i & u n
e m e t / o r s e o n a o s F
e a c u s o e . s s 6 / d t g i e l c u t d
r e t a
s ” r i
t n g b n r l
o n l e l e e r m a n G c - a u
a ) a g o a l s o t c
e e x l
o 2 , , o s
i
p r d
. e
t s l o n b
t i m i t i n l r n t r p t
o a l a e e e s g i n 0 n w b i e s u e l a g h I
i
a b n f d l i t l g t l o i e t j t i d n i
n
n 1
u g p i t e y n n a g r
e e : s r h t i a g t n w e M
i l r
b í
e
t y o i g 2 t a
D a s i g
e h r n s w
a t i f l / t c . e r
t o M c i w h e a - i s d .
o
- . e
r i l n
s a t t i c
t
g I T o e M
e t f w t o n e h
r I . i l , i d T i p m h x t
a y h a c l c e : v n r a
r f s h c i I M
n g q
a e e w - n i r e e ’
e n i o y h e i c n w x v t c
s o t a m i f t V o l
u i n s
c s i g x a
i o y r t a b e
i . a e t o o
e E n n t r c w e f b a g e
i i i E t .
d i s h t a r r e n l x k s m n g s n
c -
p s e o o i . r c u g o e e f a C w
g f g - e a y s t i i o
n r o
r M a o -
m o t m h E c s e v i o i s i i s o a i o
s o t t g . l s o n
r e . s t r . o a n p
i n
e o
f t e w x
o i t u n v i e i v
n a e n f o
a t
o h b a i s p r o s l h l i M
p i
o . i n a k e i p c
- p t n n t f u n d r u n e e . g l e m t g h a
i o n b o / e g t e c s
n o p
t 3 e s
e k a g
t e n n y .
i
c a r s e w e s c t o W , t í v
c e p r C 5 x , s l u t e r - o
s a t t
l o s
o s i s b t a e o r i
h t i r o l .
w d n s i r n
o u o c y N
e e e
r s v t d
m i .
s - m ( o i t t i
g i i n o m v
m b n h t r
f y a e S n b g r s a a t e e i f s h – n
u f e m m , m
r
e . e u l n
h n s a E d
h x n x m e M m
a a
M a c s 7 f r r M i t t i c n / e p p e e a s
r t ) n n e i s
t t t t t 5 o i e e a x o . e u e i m e r c n u o r r s n v
c v - e
, % a
o f x d l m D S x r / y s e d r r t
h e x e e a - a d i e t v a
i
i c
e e I c
t i o
n t n i T s c e o o t o n h o e d n h t o d - f / g e : e
. d o w n l o a o F h d V f F I U n ( i F P w F l f M i f H c L F d n a n r n r r s o p o e o a a a r o r r i r i r s i o t
r
i t e s c a a a a t o t e M t u g e p s t m n n n r h e w e i h x e n
n n n p t r t n e r i o c c c f
f
n e s i n e e n n e u t c u c c c c e t n t h h h s r h
h
x r a x a
h h h h t v r o s l e r o E t i i i y
u f e t i e s
s s t i t e c t i i i i r c
i , h a c t f y i s s s s i n n
i n
i e e e
r o o o r s o n M o r e
c i i e e e i a , g i n n n (
r g e e n n
n t
, g h . r i I s
n g i t
l n e o t
g A A
q
M e a a
a i t h a .
e E
M i s o c r a d x y r n o
u s l g l s s e o n r h i g h
P n c r i e n u f f f
n i F s r s o c r w d
r o o
i ) . i t g e I e a n
s f a s o m o a e . a s r b )
M r r r i l e a t t
r e
, n n
c c t s m i
n a h r a . M i s c i x m m n l a
y e o i i
y g
n e S e a a r h m a / a a I
c t
e x e n
o n e r
c t t
) : p n (
f e t h f i i i A
e a x
a l . a s i r s c o o n r h o w r
n o e e i i p a r b i l o s t p s o c n n t t
n o i n k i : w
s e s t r n t e s d e
o , i p
g u e .
e w n
a a e
c
b i o w u
a , m n T - t t m n s F f
t t c h w e
a t n c o s s . : : o i e e h g a t u g
n i
t a r
e
r i w w h s t o n s r e f i o r i
s m o
n d r e r m e i i t t i
. f t
, w e n t a n n t b h o f
s e M
a p i I a w t r
b
n s
. f
e
r w n
h o c s E t : m . M t n
a e e e c i / c
h h d s o e
f . o / w n y t h x t c
t
o f x e e e i u
m o
t h r n r c
i g t t i M h o m / e x a c o r
s s o h
e
h i f v l m m e o r g a i n i i t i t r e e b
. n f s l c r i h
d n M m i t c n q i
i i B x p f s h h g o a e t n a e .
u m i t i ) e x -
r l c r
e . s . i i o
x c t a e r
( i i r e i s s n n c a g h i d o t t s / . e - Doing Business in Mexico
Getting finance to fulfil an export Your contract will specify the terms for contract to Mexico payment. If there is any dispute you will need to go through the Mexican legal th Globally, Mexico ranks highly, 5 out of system for resolution, which can be slow 190 economies, in the World Bank’s and costly. “Doing Business – ease of getting credit” report 2017. See: www.doingbusiness.org/ Payment risks in Mexico data/exploreeconomies/mexico. UKEF helps UK companies get paid by insuring against buyer default. To make it easier to fulfil an export contract and grow your business, schemes are You may have difficulty accessing foreign available to UK companies selling products exchange. Be confident you will get paid and services to Mexico. Contact your bank for your export contract. Speak to one of or specialist financial organisation for UKEF’s export finance advisers at: assistance. www.gov.uk/government/publications/ find-an-export-finance-manager for free UK Export Finance (UKEF) has significant and impartial advice on your insurance risk capacity to support exports to Mexico, options or contact one of UKEF’s approved see: www.gov.uk/guidance/country-cover- export insurance brokers at: www.gov.uk/ policy-and-indicators#mexico. Contact one government/publications/uk-export- of UKEF’s export finance advisers at: finance-insurance-list-of-approved- www.gov.uk/government/publications/find- brokers/export-insurance-approved- an-export-finance-manager for free and brokers. impartial advice on your finance options. Currency risks when exporting to Mexico Getting paid in Mexico If you have not fixed your exchange rate you have not fixed your price. You should It can be difficult to collect from Mexican consider whether the best option for you is buyers in cases of non-payment. Access to agree terms in Sterling, US Dollars or to credit in Mexico is limited and costly. Mexican Pesos in any contract. You should You should be cautious when negotiating also consider getting expert financial contracts. advice on exchange rates (sometimes called FX). You may wish to talk to a specialist about finance, including how to get paid in Mexico. This could be a bank ( HSBC: www.empresas.hsbc.com.mx/es-mx ), accountants or you can contact the DIT team in Mexico at: www.gov.uk/world/or - ganisations/department-for-international- trade-mexico to help you find a local financial adviser.
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 73 y t i C o c i x e M
, t c i r t s i D s s e n i s u B e F a t n a S
MEXICO
Certain products, goods, processes and services must comply with Mexico’s standards agency, Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM) regulations, before products can go on sale in Mexico. The main types of NOMs cover security, labelling and emergencies. w w w . M e x i c o . D o i n g B u s i n e s s G u i d e . c o . u k 7 5 HOW TO DO BUSINESS IN MEXICO t s P H w • • • L o h A • R Y a e C S f - o o o i r a g n o
e r e g e w o o : r g b f o v r t u - - g e n c n w e a e i w t i m e l
n h e : p e w r T F C ( m e i w ( a e t a r s n e n
a . e C e
v i e e w n c r n l d o n e t t c h n w o i i m MEXICO v x
c g e x e t e s o O l o - t s r
c t h d o h g w e e m /
t p p b i u v w r e a s e
c n u o c
g o e u o a
c s F d N e r r y w l t a t i o m . o n o r n a . o r o m n i l o t n u l i E
o n e o c d
t o f a a . f m t m t
t p I m t e t m t g e s i A - h o e t n
n o
C e . r
l s d b t s
r b d o m o s c i p i e m t h s s g I v
s o n i m e c d E e e h n a a
r e u v e
.
e e i r t t t a
r g t o
U t e . e e . s t g i s w ) e / i u , t e s T w m
s o u i s i r ,
. i n o k t s r - n r e
n K H t m k l i t o i g h s n k - a e w i e e t
a m n
n x g o m e 2 i u l u f /
o e - a c e t e e c x m o g a n ) h e l a n t i t e e e v s a y e o
f m g n o e r o n e i V s n
( v o e e s e n c a s
t r n m s a -
v d w n E i s a d i r e e . h o t r
o
t u s i t l
e h a r
n t l
s -
m c f n
S m
f P n M x u i e i i ( a o r r r r
e g r m t o n t I e e
e s n e e e
r
d u r s P o & - h e n n t o
m c g g m u
e e
v n M h ( r t P x c t o
o i t i u s I e u k h : n n G i p e i e s i o F e c
A t c m c e
l -
l e w t
r c
a a a
e m i n a o T a
M i o o i ) n x W n : s t n i t s w t
t n e t c i )
c o f e h i b p e
/ o i e
w
, o c o
E p d b e w M a d
r s a e e l C n x w r l y o n u h - e b l n o i
. s f m n i
- m n e g o
c c o s b i l a h p g m s
c : s g x e o o b m . r a l n i e r l i h
a i c e i i t e o n f . e c S t c s d a x e e
p
h t i
a s t e e a o i o h i e
s o e c e
c t t r n a i n ) s e i e i m n c t o a c o i n . e : t . t
- l
n i
i s d t o o s s
n n
/ d o w n l o a P I o t E g e F c s b T a g n s Y Y C w I F c g _ C C L b c C c b d n h f o t t o e o
e r u x n o y 2 u e e o o i i h a e x
o w o o o a e y n n t e t p n u
r n e w i y v 0 i
u u t e w r p r m n h o p t r d d r d d t
a e e w c h r o t t n e t t i r U 1
r
s o s f u r s h a a r e i u
w x
m s n c c e u p . n i e r t r o o o o o 6 / u c K
c
i r n n p r h
h p o t n a f p t n a e g a
p f
l u i u l # u n t e a o m o
e C s c c o o n m t
u m r t
t g r t l - r i B t t t t s i a e t l i
f i
. e e i o s e r u t e o o
n a o i i s i o m e t e c
t o m w i t e o o t e c i r . o . / l n
l
n l e t b t o n u o m c r i
i b d o o h - s r n s n t e b
n S h n a
a o d l e n y s r e a m M e P
e i g f e a
t
n e e m s i
r e
t e l ’ r
/ o x . . r c t i g l ’ s a y . o v I t p k r e m
/ p r y l s h n c n o
p n e o r h o i a c i y
i e n
u e n
s
l n r t e e s b M o d :
o y a
x t l o 2
D o
a M d
M s b i t g A p e p n u
s a c r w
e / i r b i r 0
U n
i e w l c l
t o r n c r r e r
M c o
e
c e i e x e t / o 1 o u d o w f c l e k o x t o l K i t r g i i o n n o
x i
x i u c n 6 t
d a p u b i e s c
i i o f A
w h n a c s
m
s
y i i e r e c t
g u t - t e a l x c s f a c n
o e C
g t
p i i i o o . g c o n o g o n t : 1 M i c o t n l
t p n o
c .
h
m
r u B r r u e p r n o c n t e n g u w i 2 , c a l a
d o e n s e
e y
i / E e s r u _ t s
s e
3 a d t t i n w ,
g
r t
b
i x n a e u
w / s T e n p i c w s s r u r t e s t a n b u d e : i g k e w g m o o e
. e
r i p c - p i i t g r l n g M o f e a w l l q i t t a
: . n l r l i e o t c o a h o e s
g b
l o e u
c n i u t n w w a o i o e
s r t r
- u r i o e n e o e s h t s e i o M e e e s
m , n x
r w w p l v r
p d s p x o g e
e n
i n x e i o
y t . c e p y c p .
t i s w a f
h
u m s p c c d g - v i i
n e i o o x l o , n o a r 1 , n e y k . y o
e
o e n e
i u e . g n s r
. c c 7
/ a y
r
r v M o t c c n
n o M e s t t s o
6
t m . - - e e r c : c u _ t v r e ’ 2
g e s e s v a s .
y k i u e u t 0 n /
x x i s
n o / o c s n k 1 d i i a
c e f t c
/ 0 e r s o o y - x Standards and technical regulations You should consider taking out product in Mexico liability insurance if you manufacture or supply a physical product that is sold or Certain products, goods, processes and given away for free. See: services must comply with Mexico’s www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/prod - standards agency, Norma Oficial Mexicana ucts/business-insurance/liability-insur - (NOM) regulations, before products can ance/product-liability-insurance/ go on sale in Mexico. The main types of NOMs cover security, labelling and Packaging and labelling your products emergencies. See: www.dof.gob.mx/ for Mexico normasOficiales.php (site not in English). Mexico’s labelling requirements are often different from the EU’s. Special labels may Health certificates need to be attached to products going to All suppliers into the healthcare sector Mexico even if the products are already must have local representation. labelled in Spanish.
Products for Mexico’s healthcare market NOM-50 is the Mexican standard which require a ‘Sanitary Registration’ issued by refers to the commercial information a the Comisión Federal Protección para la foreign company has to provide. The label contra Riesgos Sanitarios (COFEPRIS), must include a description of the goods see: www.cofepris.gob.mx/Paginas/ and other information including: Idiomas/Ingles.aspx. These products must have a Mexican company or individual • importer name responsible for them, as the registration is issued in the name of the distributor. • exporter name The main documents required for product registration are a: • declaration in Spanish that the goods have been made in the UK (Hecho en • certificate of free sale issued by the Reino Unido) NHS • number of items • certificate of quality • importer’s ‘Mexican Registro Federal • letter of appointment of distributor de Contribuyentes’ (tax identification number) These three documents must be in Spanish and translated by a legal • exporter’s tax ID translator. Technical information may be in English with a summary in Spanish. • whether an instruction manual is needed Contact the DIT team in Mexico at: http://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/de - • expiry date, when necessary partment-for-international-trade- mexico#contact-us for help in finding legal translators. www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 77 O C I X E
M Doing Business in Mexico
Additional advice on certification An independent intellectual property rights requirements and labelling can be lawyer can help you to determine the best obtained from Mexico’s standards agency, strategy for your company. Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM) regulations, at: www.dof.gob.mx/ See the IP section in this guide for normasOficiales.php (site not in English). more-detailed information on IP in Mexico. Contact the DIT team in Mexico at: Be aware that packages may receive http://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/de - heavy handling and be left in the open partment-for-international-trade- air for longer than anticipated, so you must mexico#contact-us , for details of local legal take into account the Mexican climate. professionals who can give you advice on protecting your IP in Mexico. Protecting your intellectual property (IP) in Mexico Trademarks, designs, patents and Tax and customs considerations copyright are the principal forms of in Mexico intellectual property protection available under common law. They are all governed Contact the DIT team in Mexico at: by legislation. The common law also http://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/de - provides protection against a person partment-for-international-trade- passing off goods or services as those mexico#contact-us , to help find local tax of another, as well as protection for advisers before entering into confidential information or trade secrets. agreements in Mexico.
th Globally, Mexico is ranked 78 out of 128 Double taxation agreement countries for Intellectual Property Rights The UK and Mexico have signed a double (IPR) in the 2016 International Property taxation agreement, ensuring the same Rights Index Report. See: income is not taxed in more than one https://internationalpropertyrightsindex.org/ country. See: www.gov.uk/government/ country/mexico. publications/mexico-tax-treaties.
The Mexican Intellectual Property Institute Value added tax (VAT) (IMPI) at: www.gob.mx/impi (site not in VAT, known as IVA in Mexico, is levied on English) regulates the use of patents, most EU goods at 16%. trademarks, advertisement and business names in Mexico. If you are registered for value added tax (VAT) you can zero-rate the VAT on most Businesses are generally encouraged goods you export to Mexico. You will need to learn more about IP issues relevant to to get evidence of the export within three their specific industry sector and to months from the time of sale. consider defensive measures early in their plans to enter the Mexican market.
Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App Find more information on VAT in non-EU markets and zero rating conditions at: www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-exports- dispatches-and-supplying-goods-abroad.
Excise duty in Mexico You should check you have paid excise duty on any alcohol, alcoholic drinks, energy products, electricity or tobacco products you send to Mexico.
Company and corporate tax in Mexico The non-resident company’s rate is 30% with no additional taxes on remittance of profits. The corporate income tax (IRPJ) rate is 25%.
The Mexican Tax Administration Service (Servicio de Administración Tributaria) has further information about tax in Mexico. See: http://www.sat.gob.mx/Paginas/Ini - cio.aspx (some detail in Spanish only).
Contact the DIT team in Mexico at: http://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/de - partment-for-international-trade- mexico#contact-us , for details of professionals who can provide advice on taxation in Mexico.
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 79 MEXICO
Goods may only pass to and from Mexico at authorised locations. Goods must be presented to the customs authorities together with the relevant documentation. w w w . M e x i c o . D o i n g B u s i n e s s G u i d e . c o . u k 8 1 SHIPPING YOUR GOODS TO MEXICO p s U m S M M C C T S F H d P a e Y a o C Y p Y s S w T i t t y t a S m h o o y e e o o e e s
f u c x o o o i y y r e e K M o i o u n c
e
e e e t s o p
l m u t r m g s t c b u u u p s s h r e l n p o s m s e a d
a x x - t c v R i o l r T o E t t l
o e
: a m a t a m i i i p r t m e e
- s m m c p y e i
f c c c a r c o i r p o c i C m w U o b r r l r u o a m m m t o a a o MEXICO o o d y p c o a m e s t p d t u u l m r r r r
n . w
, u d
t - .
u t y r l
o - m t t o p
o s
e a s s t i i
f
e m i h o
o a a a ( ( f o
e S o t r i o w o s a . u t t f o r s i y i N H h n x e
m r r d
n r t r t n a
l n Y
o d e .
m d s
t : : e r o T - l e y p
g g M a E T a i t h o
s t r e s C t e r . o e o e h w w y a / u s
i
o y o n p a e e w /
T S l S x - H e
o u e : d c e y n r - w g o r
w w a v a
e p k
d i p o x c , s t ) l u
w
x i
d f h o M h . d
a n - t n e t m m
l f i c u w o w r o
p o y y a r p t : t i e e t
e d t - w r d
u
o
k c
i R t h r d h r
i A e . . o e e k c r w u p b c l h n
t c o g g -
/ s p
o o w e ( s e e e t x H T C
x l t e r s o a e o g H w C a t a o o a . h c c / t
p
. o p
- A t x r g
n S d a
H k
g g r v v
n 6 e e V u M N w a P T t o o m o c p a
g i . . o o e n o o ) y 0 ( - d n a a r m i u u r l C . r f o a t
A n a s R t a
s y d v g
s o t i t 0 g
f u r r k k i e g o s r t
g o i c a . g
) m i s
e d o d i d - C - t t r A / / f u a x a . p # o o n e r
g f g t c o t s e
e m n v s e y
a i k
p t n o d
r l
n o , - o o l i C o t .
s i o C h
r
o a f o t c / k 6 s h u t o d n m i i a i d y o g n . e a v o n s n e d l l c s u e t u 0 e k r
i a a
l s d - e u a g t
s z o t t
c i e y s
s r - / s o 0 s
s o i s E s r
W s r i t l i
e g c t l o i u o t d a d - o
t r e g u s f f n -
h s
h - t x o e l d - y o a i M c u u o l n t a a n i n l o o e d i m e u a a o p i l f m i x
o l d r o u
r n s n
i
a T
o i b
r s e t o
c n o t e p n i t d e e M
t n
g s g a c s i n s h d e s x - a y u ) r s o g o s n - i s u o e
- s r
t e s f f
i e i o t t t
r C
y i c - u t i n M t
a i k s i n o / f
c
t / o x t u f e e f o o t - l - o y i r s a e d
a o - d n i e t
i x u . c i e c t f a
r e s t n e f a x p t n i r o m o . n o d o g - k i o e n c n d e - e - r t t o d t
- d o w n l o a T c b U ( I b c F T t P p t U a D c t C Y T G t m d e R c I d S ( d f o e r e m C S u h o u
r a r t e x e o a h o h h a e S s u o e
o y g m
m u o e H t I s a n p s a p s
f u d e r e e e g c g o F c s o h e M a
s k s
t t e r t o u $ p p o
e
r
C r t
i o o i u a u t t d ) e g e t u e w M d n a e t e s
d r h t o 1 o o e r
. h m m
a c P s h r e n t l m
v g t t o a x
t i n t
e , r r x f
a e m e i e a l t
. p o a o o 0 d t
t s o a a c s l ) r o s s m e a i e r
p o d r x e
r . e c p n l
f r n 0 u
/
v r r S
.
s i / u e s a
b d d i u
w i o n o a S d y i o e o a . c l
g s e 0 m c l
p y u e d P t y
y
e r
r f t e ) i t
r a y e i h e l 0 o t e , e p
e n t x M
a k e
i
o
f e I I o a t
h e h n o t d t M e e . o y a d x R m o a s o /
t a a o 8
n f ( n s
n a M
f
o
: o i t d p u
)
s i n t s C
k r l
c E
e o % h a t l T p p , d h o t s t s w u
s s o l b s e o
l e a o e D h t x t e n n u
y i r o m
e h c .
.
h r r
s s i m m b w e
c s i x e
t a n n
l c t s
e a o r c d
i S o e c , y p e e
i p i a e t r a t i
s e e u
w t o l a n / t e , o i e u c g e u
s
i a o a x
e f i
i
n s p c a e e m s o A n n n o g i
l r
. r a t o o l s p l m s n e i u d M s e g e x e e s l n t d d s n _ t
x o
l t p o o s o e s a : c a
r e . M v n
o m
t d
e / s s
e u o e ( y i
B d e m t p r r u u e w i t a n t c m t P
o
d . n t c n . s
d a x e o
A s d f
r s
s g u n a e f t r w s
G h e l a e a _ s o i i x . s o
i u t p f o u l o t n , s c c
a i o o a
d d
n
l
i
w r
n p
o s i i m i t c g o b d a i d e a o m a n r n n m r n
h r c n
r e o . e a b
o v . o ó t
n u t p d
e o s d e
t o m : P e h a
S d / s n M e y h o
c n c t a a p
a c L i
r w h s e t f . s s u
a r e p u d e x i
i e t r
l t / O i e t
s d o o y
e T
. c m h b P o w n y
/ a m t s
O m g s x i E h t
e n r u
G h e l m m
d n o a f i s w t i o i p i ( t n e e o f c
t
s n h c u i
o
A i
g i f i o I s b o
p s . f n e
n r t
i o N g r s M s
r c F v o i M
n d . o h r o M n g s e t i a t
l m p i a t / s a m i i a
u a u
e r e
a
s l n i b
e o i o g l e f t t r a r l x u g h x r e s
a i s e e x e n g o h x a s / n i e h / / e n c i : . l i i n t n c a y c n
c o o . d ) o s o . e . f . • commercial invoices (in Spanish) Shipping restricted, banned and dangerous goods to Mexico • completed pedimento (import/export form) There are very few prohibited items in Mexico. An up-to-date list can be found • Bill of Lading at the Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT), at: www.sat.gob.mx/aduanas/ • compliance documents where pasajeros/Paginas/Mercancia_no_ appropriate ingresa_Mexico.aspx (detail not in English). • Certificate of Origin Special rules apply if you are shipping • EUR1 (Movement Certificate). See: dangerous goods to Mexico. See: www.londonchamber.co.uk/lcc_public www.gov.uk/shipping-dangerous- /article.asp?aid=105 goods/what-are-dangerous-goods . Find out more about export restrictions Although not obligatory, use of a local on products into Mexico in the EU’s Market customs agent is recommended, as Access Database: http://madb.europa.eu/ Mexican Customs are very strict about madb/indexPubli.htm. proper submission of documents.
Contact the DIT team in Mexico at: Terms of delivery to Mexico http://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/de - partment-for-international-trade- Your contract should include agreement mexico#contact-us , for details of local on terms of delivery using Incoterms. agents who can help. See: https://iccwbo.org/resources-for-busi - ness/incoterms-rules/ or visit: www.gov.uk/ guidance/international-trade-paperwork- Shipping your goods to Mexico the-basics#international-trade-contracts- and-incoterms. If you are not knowledgeable about international shipping procedures you can use a freight forwarder to move your UK Export Finance goods. A forwarder will have extensive knowledge of documentation The government can provide finance or requirements, regulations, transportation credit insurance specifically to support costs and banking practices in Mexico. UK exports through UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the UK’s export credit agency. Find freight forwarding companies to help See: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ you transport your goods to Mexico via the uk-export-finance. British International Freight Association (BIFA) at: www.bifa.org/home , or the For up-to-date country-specific information Freight Transport Association (FTA) at: on the support available see UKEF’s www.fta.co.uk. cover policy and indicators for Mexico at: www.gov.uk/guidance/country-cover- policy-and-indicators#mexico. Posting goods to Mexico [Source: DIT/UKEF/gov.uk] Find out about sending goods by post to Mexico, at: www.royalmail.com/mexico.
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 83 s a r e v a l a C n a c i x e M s o t r e u M e d
́ a i D
MEXICO
English is widely spoken in Mexico but there are still many who do not speak it. Having a basic knowledge of Spanish will help you make a good impression. w w w . M e x i c o . D o i n g B u s i n e s s G u i d e . c o . u k 8 5 BUSINESS ETIQUETTE, LANGUAGE & CULTURE THE H T E A A
• R OVER T
O
E F
D
I A
N
R
T
T
E
L
YEARS R
A
N
N A O T & INTERNATIONAL TRADE I
Moving in the right direction • The leading UK authority on all aspects of international trade • Exporting excellence through education • Expert solutions to your export needs • Maximising your profit from International Trade
Our main aim is to help you achieve your export and international trade goals. If you do well, we do well. Join us today Call: +44(0)1733 404 400 email: [email protected] www.export.org.uk Business etiquette, language & culture
Overview
English is widely spoken in Mexico but Timings can be flexible, so it may be there are still many who do not speak it. difficult to arrange more than one or two Having a basic knowledge of Spanish will meetings in a day. Breakfast meetings are help you make a good impression. Be not uncommon, and lunch is usually taken aware too, that people from the USA late. Both are considered important are ‘North’ Americans (not Americans) – relationship-building opportunities. Mexicans are also ‘Americans’. Relationships are most important. You As in most Latin American countries, should show long-term commitment to Mexican companies are organised along Mexico and your Mexican contacts – keep hierarchical lines, with most key decisions in touch between contracts or projects. made at the most senior levels.
Typically the management style in Mexico is paternalistic, with hierarchical business structures. Key decisions are made by a small number of individuals at the top, so you need to ensure you are dealing with the right people, and that you send people with a similar level of seniority.
Smart, business attire is more formal in Mexico than in Europe, and the use of professional titles is common. If titles do not exist then you should use Señor (Mr), Señora (Mrs) or Señorita (Miss) – followed by the family name.
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 87 > Clear, consistent content is vital to making your business understood overseas. So don't leave it to chance.
> Well-known companies we already work with include: Serco, Experian, Intertek, IKEA and Caterpillar
> For a structured approach to translation, please read the article that follows
T: 0115 9705633 | E: [email protected] | www.astlanguage.com If you're reading this guide, the chances are you're either a seasoned exporter, or you're committed to investigating new export opportunities for your business. Whichever category you fall into, you'll have a good idea of the huge investment in time, effort and resources which is required for export success.
Your priority will be to get your product or service to market, and it's a fact of life that procurement of peripheral resources such as translation is often left to the last minute. In this article we'd like to demonstrate to you how building translation into the early planning stages of your export campaigns can pay dividends.
The internet, mobile connectivity and social media mean that now more than ever before customers, be they B2B or B2C, are buying goods and services within the context of a connected world of instant communication.
Buying decisions carried out in In non English-speaking markets, isolation of wider and constantly all of the above can be achieved changing sector, economic or by working with a reliable and social contexts are a thing of the professional translation partner. past. This means that increasingly any product or service has to be So how can really good translation supported with professional help build your export success: technical, marketing or other contextual content. • clear and accurate foreign- language branding and As examples of this, exporters need content will motivate foreign their technical documentation to customers to buy from you be easily assimilated, their marketing content to be compelling, and • consistent and harmonised their website to be informative messaging helps to convey and and memorable. Human resources reinforce your company's values departments on the other hand and ethos need sensitive localisation of policies & procedures in line • corporate and operational with local legislation, corporate risk through poor quality guidelines and house style. After all communication and an international expansion strategy misunderstanding is eliminated or company restructuring could easily be undermined by insensitive • overall brand integrity and internal communication. reputation are enhanced The following components are cost savings – with company key to a successful translation wordings for products, processes, project, and show how AST titles and descriptions translated can make the process of consistently. internationalising outward-facing and internal communications Terminology management simpler, more professional and more cost-effective: The key words used to describe your company’s products, Rigorous selection of translators services and processes support your brand and identity. This is AST’s ISO9001 certified and equally true in your foreign ISO17100 compliant processes language communications. mean that the company has Unfortunately, once translated it approved sector-specialist is often easy to lose control of key translators whatever the terms, leading to uncertainty as language and deadline to whether the translations are requirements, with experienced having the desired impact. proofreaders to give the text AST’s terminology management precision and professionalism to prevents this. Glossaries are really focus the reader’s attention. maintained in multiple languages and client terminology is checked Translation memory technology in each language by industry sector experts. As the glossary Client-facing documents grows it can be reused with each produced periodically often new project, so client content is contain sections which stay the always on-message and brand same and sections which need integrity consistent. updating. Similarly company websites and technical data or So there’s really no need for you manuals can contain identical to leave the “softer” aspects of paragraphs and sections. your export campaign to chance. Translation Memory technology Using a professional translation is used in this situation to identify company like AST provides a duplicate and legacy text. guarantee that your international The duplicates are logged and content will be clear, consistent reused – leading to reduced and effective. Whatever the turnaround times and resulting language. > YOU NEED YOUR SALES, TECHNICAL AND WEBSITE CONTENT TO BE TRANSLATED BY EXPERTS!
> We’re recognised as a UK leader for translating high profile, client-facing documents
> All our translators are rigorously selected so your text will be translated by the best people in the business
> We ensure you get premium quality translations every time, on time and within budget
No matter how urgent your assignment we can translate it.
T: 0115 9705633 | E: [email protected] | www.astlanguage.com O C I X E
M Doing Business in Mexico
Mexico public holidays 2017
Date: Day: Holiday: Area notes:
Aug 15 Tuesday Assumption of Mary Observance Sep 15 Friday Shout of Dolores Observance Sep 16 Saturday Independence Day National holiday Oct 12 Thursday Columbus Day Observance Nov 1 Wednesday All Saints' Day Observance Nov 2 Thursday All Souls' Day / Observance Day of the Dead Nov 20 Monday Revolution Day Memorial National holiday Nov 26 Sunday Christ the King Day Observance Dec 8 Friday Feast of the Immaculate Observance Conception Dec 12 Tuesday Day of the Virgin of Bank holiday Guadalupe Dec 24 Sunday Christmas Eve Observance Dec 25 Monday Christmas Day National holiday Dec 28 Thursday Day of the Holy Innocents Observance Dec 31 Sunday New Year's Eve Observance
Mexico public holidays 2018
Date: Day: Holiday: Area notes:
Jan 1 Monday New Year's Day National holiday Jan 6 Saturday Day of the Holy Kings Observance Feb 5 Monday Constitution Day National holiday Feb 14 Wednesday Valentine's Day Observance Feb 14 Wednesday Ash Wednesday Observance Feb 24 Saturday Flag Day Observance
Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App Date: Day: Holiday: Area notes:
Mar 18 Sunday Oil Expropriation Day Observance Mar 19 Monday Benito Juárez's Birthday National holiday Memorial Mar 21 Wednesday Benito Juárez's Birthday National holiday Memorial Mar 25 Sunday Palm Sunday Observance Mar 29 Thursday Maundy Thursday Bank holiday Mar 30 Friday Good Friday Observance Mar 31 Saturday Holy Saturday Observance Apr 1 Sunday Easter Day Observance Apr 30 Monday Children's Day Observance May 1 Tuesday Labour Day / May Day National holiday May 5 Saturday Cinco de Mayo / Observance Battle of Puebla May 10 Thursday Mother's Day Observance May 10 Thursday Ascension Day Observance May 15 Tuesday Teacher's Day Observance May 20 Sunday Whit Sunday Observance May 31 Thursday Corpus Christi Observance Jun 17 Sunday Father's Day Observance Jul 1 Sunday Mexican general election National holiday Aug 15 Wednesday Assumption of Mary Observance Sep 15 Saturday Shout of Dolores Observance Sep 16 Sunday Independence Day National holiday Oct 12 Friday Columbus Day Observance Nov 1 Thursday All Saints' Day Observance Nov 2 Friday All Souls' Day / Observance Day of the Dead Nov 19 Monday Day off for Revolution National holiday Day Memorial Nov 20 Tuesday Revolution Day Memorial National holiday Nov 25 Sunday Christ the King Day Observance Dec 1 Saturday Inauguration day National holiday Dec 8 Saturday Feast of the Immaculate Observance Conception Dec 12 Wednesday Day of the Virgin of Bank holiday Guadalupe Dec 24 Monday Christmas Eve Observance Dec 25 Tuesday Christmas Day National holiday Dec 28 Friday Day of the Holy Innocents Observance Dec 31 Monday New Year's Eve Observance
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 93 MEXICO
Taking part in overseas exhibitions is an effective way for you to test markets, attract customers, appoint agents or distributors and make sales. DIT's Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) provides grant support for eligible SMEs to attend trade shows overseas. w w w . M e x i c o . D o i n g B u s i n e s s G u i d e . c o . u k 9 5 RESOURCES
What does membership o f the Institute o f Export & International Trade mean?
To most the Institute of Export & Int ernational Trade simply plods away providing much needed qualifications to professionalise the industry however, did you realise that our helpline is one of the busies t and bes t in the indu stry? It’s all part of membership and, if you need mo re than a phone call, we can put together a project to fulfil your needs. 2015 saw the l aunch of o ur T echnical Help for Exporters that recognises the volume of legislation and r egulation that covers our industry and gives you the comfort of knowing that if you don’t know, you know someone who does!
Innov atio n is ke y to t he succe ss of the the forums and Special Interest Institute an d ne w idea s i nclude our Groups, and those who attend our New Exporte r pa ckage. Th is allows a training courses or study with us, business to enter a ne w marke t secure enables us to represent the industry at in the knowledge that they have an government levels in both the process understanding of how they will operate and delivery of policy for international and comply with any specific trade. These views also help us to regulations and s tan dards . Practical ensure that the training programmes help and assistance is always are effective and pertinent to the available from the Inst itute so a n y in dus try needs. Our Diploma in World additional training can be tailored Customs Compliance and Regulation to the business and the te am t hat is testament to the way we listen to our needs the knowledge. me mbers’ needs. This was driven by Nissan, Adidas, John Lewis and many The work of the IOE&IT als o e xtends others and will neatly dovetail into any to representing membe rship views. AEO work ensuring that quality Knowledge gained from our members’ standards are met at manager and feedback, those who get involved with junior staffing levels.
www.export.org.uk
Sta r ting in 193 5 , the In s titute c ommitted our young people at an earlier stage. itself to building competence and We need to engage the next generation growing confidence for businesses in thinking about how world trade trading in goods and services, which works and how it will be great for at the time, was a far reaching remit. British businesses. They need to know Over the years this remit has seen us how items arrive in the shops which, in develop from simply providing training turn, will begin to spark ideas. As these in short course format over a day, or young people join companies they will perhaps two, into a fully-fledged Ofqual bring a fresh outlook that all things are Awarding Organisation that operates possible especially if you operate specifically to deliver inte rna tional g l obally. trade education.
This status allows our individual Why not call us and get involved? members and corporates alike to be It has never been more important that sure that they are part of a quality we act as an industry to help – we organisation with plans for growth need experts and commitment to integrated with a sustainable future professionalising international trade for the global prosperity of UKPlc. from businesses large and small – help your institute to stay ahead of Part of our work includes mapping the curve. existing qualifications to roles and produc ing tr aining needs analyses to ensu re staffing progression and Institute of Export con tinuity. The need to upskill our & International Trade workforce to match those of our Export House competitors is a key element vital for Minerva Business Park, Lynch Wood, growth. Our focus is on recognising Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, that Intern atio nal trade needs specific PE2 6FT, UK kn owledge, coup led with a strong Telephone: +44(0)1733 - 404400 belief that we must start to talk to Fax: +44(0)1733 - 404444
Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx (Grad) – Director General, Institute of Export & International Trade
Focusing on qualifications. A focus on qualifications - but why do we need them?
I’d like to tell you about my story, it’s ok it won’t take too long but I think it’s similar to a lot of people that work in international trade.
I left school with no ambition to do anything other than help my mum make ends meet. I wanted to be a seamstress but we couldn’t afford the material for the interview so I went into an accounts department at a large pharmaceutical company. Luckily for me they recognised a hard worker and asked me to work in various departments. After a year they asked me which one I like the best and without even thinking I said “international”, and that was my career set out for me.
Working in international trade I found that So I spent the next two years, two nights a I needed to understand so many different week at night school honing my skills and things - from how trade agreements building a knowledge and understanding of impacted a sale to the legal aspects of all aspects of the trade I had entered “by trade and how different systems worked in the back door”. Finally, exhausted but with terms of contract and disputes. Getting paid a full understanding of how planning and brought about a whole new set of issues control worked, I passed and became a and this really made me learn and think Graduate Member of the Institute of Export & about the implications of offering credit and International Trade, suffix MIEx (Grad) in 1991. how it can be used to your advantage. Well, many things have changed since Things I learnt about logistics and the then, as after many years of working in paperwork that was needed to support a international trade, I took over at the helm, trade were empirical and slowly I became steering the qualifications and the Institute sure of my knowledge. The problem was, towards a better place. We have now that when I wanted to move on to the next gained Ofqual Awarding Organisation status company, I had nothing to show I had that for the qualifications and have worked hard knowledge. It was frustrating to find that the on ensuring we are ready for the next 80 knowledge that I had accumulated over 11 years of representing the industry and years wasn’t evidenced in any way and that standing as guardian of professional no-one knew exactly what I knew. I was standards in international trade. lucky enough to get my next job with a well-known Japanese computer company OFQUAL* awarding status is hard but it made me realise that if I wanted a earned and we are proud to be the only career, I needed to get qualified. professional body operating in this international trade environment. IOE&IT Qualifications in brief a. International Physical Distribution www.export.org.uk/page/qualifications b. Selling Services, Skills and Software Overseas Level 1 Young International Trader c. Or one of: (Available electronically) Level 2 International Trade Logistic i. Doing business & communicating Operations ** in Arabic speaking markets Level 3 Certificate of International Trade ii. Doing business & communicating Certified International Trade in Spanish speaking markets Adviser iii. Doing business & communicating Level 4 Advanced Certificate in in German markets International Trade iv. Doing business & communicating Level 5 Diploma in International Trade in Chinese markets Diploma in World Customs v. Doing business & communicating Compliance and Regulations in Russian markets Level 6 Foundation Degree jointly delivered with ***Anglia Ruskin The series of modules above carry University language skills training, the focus being Higher Apprenticeship in on basic business language needed and International Trade - the first business culture so far. Finally, eBusiness internationally will be Our courses at level 3 onwards are launched summer 2016. delivered online using a blended learning technique which involves the support of an The Diploma in International Trade - expert tutor for each topic. The IOE&IT level 5 is equivalent to the second year of online campus offers a range of learning a degree and is accepted as entry level for:- tools, from power-point presentations and videos to online chats and forums for the BSc (Hons) in Management Practice - students. The Institute has a success rate International Trade with Plymouth University of 95% in helping our students through -Online 24 months these academic programmes. MSc International Trade, Strategy and The Advanced Certificate in International Operations with Warwick University - 36 Trade - Elective modules have been added months part residential to the level 4 Advanced Certificate syllabus. In addition to the three core modules of Business Environment, Market Research & Marketing and Finance of International www.export.org.uk/page/qualifications will Trade, students can now choose a fourth give you more detail and a contact who will elective module from: talk you through your options.
*The OFQUAL Register of Regulated Qualifications contains details of Recognised Awarding Organisations and Regulated Qualifications in England (Ofqual), Wales (Welsh Government) and Northern Ireland (Ofqual for vocational qualifications and CCEA Accreditation for all other qualifications). ** International Trade Logistic Operations is delivered through our approved centres *** Anglia Ruskin University is Entrepreneurial University of the Year The British Embassy in Mexico City develops Get an emergency travel document and maintains relations between the UK and You can apply for an emergency travel Mexico. Their work covers a range of issues document if you are abroad and your including a range of British interests in passport has been lost or stolen, damaged Mexico, working together through a number or expired, and you cannot get a new or of bilateral programmes, including political, replacement passport in time to travel. commercial and economic activities of interest to both countries. If you are due to travel in the next 24 hours, contact us as soon as possible. Apply online They also provide services at our Embassy for an emergency travel document if you: in Mexico City and our Honorary Consulate in Cancun. Our DIT offices in Monterrey, · are over 16 years old and Guadalajara and Tijuana support British companies trading in Mexico and Mexican · are a British citizen and companies investing in the United Kingdom. · have previously owned a British Services for British nationals: passport
Urgent assistance Contact us to apply for an emergency travel If you are in Mexico and you urgently document if you are: need help (e.g. if you have been attacked, arrested or lost your passport), call – (0052) · over 16 years old but have not owned 55 1670 3200, or if you are in the UK and a British passport before or concerned about a British national in Mexico, call 020 7008 1500. · not a British citizen or
Get or renew a passport · applying for a child under 16 years old The British Embassy cannot help with passport enquiries. Contact Her Majesty’s Once you have contacted us, you will be Passport Office if you need help. See: advised to book an appointment for an www.gov.uk/government/organisations emergency travel document at the British /hm-passport-office Embassy Mexico City.
If you cannot get a new or replacement Notarial and documentary services passport in time to travel, you may be able We may be able to offer notarial services, to get an emergency travel document. See: including administering an oath, affirmation www.gov.uk/emergency-travel-document or affidavit or making a certified copy of a document. See the full list of notarial and documentary services we provide: www.gov.uk/guidance/notarial-and- documentary-services-in-mexico Legalisation services For more information on the services we can The British Embassy in Mexico City does provide, see 'Support for British nationals not provide legalisation services. Read our abroad: A guide': www.gov.uk/government/ notarial and documentary services page for publications/support-for-british-nationals- more information on legalisation: abroad-a-guide www.gov.uk/guidance/notarial-and- documentary-services-in-mexico Consular fees We charge fees for some of our services. Ask the UK Government to get a UK See the full list of consular fees in Mexico: document legalised (certified as genuine): www.gov.uk/government/publications/ www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised Mexico-consular-fees
Local service provider lists We provide a list of: Contact us
· medical facilities: www.gov.uk/ British Embassy Mexico City government/uploads/system/uploads/ British Embassy attachment_data/file/421404/List_of Río Lerma, No. 71, _medical_facilities_in_Mexico.pdf Col. Cuauhtémoc, CP. 06500 Mexico City Please note that inclusion in this list does not Mexico constitute official endorsement by the British Consulate or the UK Government. Switchboard: +52 (55) 1670 3200
How else we can help General enquiries: In addition to the services listed above we [email protected] can also: Consular enquiries: · provide information about transferring [email protected] funds Office hours: · provide appropriate help if you have Monday to Thursday: 8:00am to 4:30pm suffered rape or serious assault, are a Friday: 8:00am to 2:00pm victim of other crime, or are in hospital Website: · help people with mental illness www.gov.uk/government/world/ organisations/british-embassy-mexico-city · offer support and help in a range of other cases, such as child abductions, missing people and kidnapping
· contact family or friends for you if you want
· make special arrangements in cases of terrorism, civil disturbances or natural disasters or other crises abroad
www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 101
0H[&&%HQHðWVDOVRLQFOXGH
• Awareness: The MexCC works in raising the awareness on Mexico Business Opportunities due its knowhow on the country’s culture, business, geography and political state. Bespoke workshops can ILVMMLYLK[VNLULYHSVYZWLJPÄJI\ZPULZZTPZZPVUZ
• Representation: As the voice and representative body of Mexico-British private sector and following [OLNYV^[OVMV\YJVTT\UP[`HUKTLTILYZOPWK\L<2»ZPU[LYLZ[MVYKVPUN)\ZPULZZPU4L_PJV;OL 4L_** YLPUMVYJLZ [OL JYLH[PVUZ VM ZLJ[VYPHS JVTTP[[LLZ IYPUNPUN [OL [OL VWWVY[\UP[` [V L_JOHUNL PKLHZKL]LSVWYLWVY[ZUL^UL[^VYRZHUKPUÅ\LUJLWVSPJ`THRLYZIV[OPU[OL<2HUK4L_PJV
• Institutional relations and recognition: The MexCC collaborates with key institutions and VYNHUPZH[PVUZ^P[OIV[O.V]LYUTLU[Z[OLPYYLZWLJ[P]L,TIHZZPLZHUKWYVTV[PVUHNLUJPLZHZ^LSS HZ^P[OV[OLYWYP]H[LZLJ[VYHUKHJHKLTPJPUZ[P[\[PVUZPU4L_PJVHUK[OL<2ILPUNYLJVNUPaLKHZ [OLH\[OVYP[H[P]L]VPJLVM[OL4L_PJHUWYP]H[LZLJ[VYILMVYL[OLPU[LYUH[PVUHSI\ZPULZZJVTT\UP[`PU London.
• Intelligence: )LJH\ZLWYVTW[S`PU[LSSPNLUJLUL^ZKH[H¯PZJY\JPHSMVY[OLI\ZPULZZKLJPZPVUTHRPUN [OL4L_**^PSSILSVVRPUN[VRLLWP[ZTLTILYZ\WKH[LKPUHU`UL^VWWVY[\UP[`JOHUNLZVYPUMVYTH[PVU \ZLM\SMVY[OLTHUK[OLPYZ[YH[LNPLZMVY[OLILULÄ[HUKNYV^[OVM[OLPYI\ZPULZZHUKZ[YLUN[OVM[OL bilateral relationship.
• Communication:4L_**VMMLYZVWWVY[\UP[PLZ[VW\ISPZOVWPUPVULKP[VYPHSZYLWVY[Z¯[VZOV^ [OLTLTILYZHYLHZVML_WLY[PZL]PHV\Y4L_PJV>LLRS`5L^ZZOHYLK[VHYHUNLVMTVYL[OHU Z\IZJYPILYZ;OYV\NOV\YTVU[OS`W\ISPJH[PVU>OH[»ZVU4L_**^LWYVTV[L[OLL]LU[ZHUKVMMLYZ [OL4L_**HUKP[ZTLTILYZOH]L[VVMMLY;OL4L_**PZ[OL[Y\Z[M\SPTWSLTLU[H[PVU[VJVTT\UPJH[L HIV\[`V\YJVTWHU`PU[OL)YP[4L_I\ZPULZZJVTT\UP[`HUKIL`VUK
• Event production:;OL4L_**WYVK\JLZHYV\UKL]LU[ZH`LHYHUKWHY[PJPWH[LZPUH[SLHZ[ TVYL HYV\UK [OL <2 \WKH[PUN [OYV\NO [OLT VU YLSL]HU[ PUMVYTH[PVU YLN\SH[PVUZ UL^ I\ZPULZZ VWWVY[\UP[PLZ¯;OPZL]LU[ZJYLH[LHZWHJLMVYUL^JVUULJ[PVUZZ[YLUN[OLUZI\ZPULZZYLSH[PVUZHUK ILJVTLZ[OLJYHKSLMVYUL^WYVQLJ[ZHUKQVPU[]LU[\YLZ0UYLSH[PVU[V[OLTLTILYZJH[LNVYPLZ[OL 4L_** JHU HSZV WYVTV[LZ P[Z TLTILYZ ^P[O ZWVUZVYZOPW VWWVY[\UP[PLZ HUK HZ ZWLHRLYZ PU WHULS discussions or roundtables and workshops, offering an array of exposure and visibility increasing the opportunities to recruit new clients.
• Networking beyond:;OL4L_**PZHTLTILYVM[OL*V\UJPSVM-VYLPNU*OHTILYZVM*VTTLYJL *-**HUK*V\UJPSVM0ILYV(TLYPJHU*V\U[YPLZ*0(*PU<2JYLH[PUNL]LU[ZIL[^LLU\ZHUKMLLKIHJR YV\UK[HISLZ[VJVU[PU\LPTWYV]PUNHUKIYPUNPUN`V\IL[[LYZ\WWVY[;OL4L_**HSZVOHZZ[YH[LNPJ partnership with there Mexican and british organisations boosting the intelligence we provide and UL[^VYRMVYP[ZTLTILYZ[VILULÄ[
• Corporate Responsibility:I`ILJVTPUNHTLTILYVM[OL4L_**`V\H\[VTH[PJHSS`L_LYJPZL`V\Y ZVJPHSJVYWVYH[LYLZWVUZPIPSP[`I`OLSWPUN\ZWYVTV[LHUKZ\WWVY[V[OLYZ^P[OV\YKHPS`^VYR
;OL4L_**L]LU[ZHUKJVTT\UP[`HYLSLHKLYZWYVTV[PVU+VPUN)\ZPULZZPU4L_PJVHUK[OLJYLH[PVUVMH OLHS[O`HUK[Y\Z[M\SI\ZPULZZJVTT\UP[`
;VSLHYUTVYLHIV\[V\YTLTILYZOPWJH[LNVYPLZILULÄ[ZHUKL]LU[ZWSLHZLJVU[HJ[\ZI`ZLUKPUNHULTHPS [VJVU[HJ['TL_JJJV\R
Joining the MexCC is the strategic decision to support you start doing business in Mexico. 0H[&&(YHQWV To maintain our members informed on the developments in Mexico in the UK, the MexCC creates a ZLYPLZVML]LU[Z^P[O\WKH[LZYLÅL_PVUHUKIYLHRPUNUL^Z^OPSLZ[YLUN[OLUPUN[OLUL[^VYRPUNVMV\Y membership community expanding the tools for business strategic decision making.
MexCC’s most relevant events
4L_PJV+H`!;OL4L_PJHU*OHTILYVM*VTTLYJLPU.YLH[)YP[HPUPUJVSSHIVYH[PVU^P[O[OL;OL,TIHZZ` VM4L_PJVPU[OL (UU\HS.HSH+PUULY (^HYKZ!4L_**»Z(UU\HS.HSH+PUULY (^HYKZOHZILJVTL[OLTVZ[YLSL]HU[ ZVJPHSL]LU[MVY[OL)YP[4L_I\ZPULZZJVTT\UP[`PU3VUKVU+\YPUN[OLJLSLIYH[PVUH^HYKZHYLNP]LU[VH 4L_PJHUHUK)YP[PZOJVTWHU`PU[^VJH[LNVYPLZLU[YLWYLUL\YZHUKPU[LYUH[PVUHSSLHKLYZ[VHJRUV^SLKNL HUKYLJVNUPZL[OLZ\JJLZZVMHULU[YLWYLUL\YPHS4L_PJHUI\ZPULZZPU[OL 3L_ 4L_! KLZPNULK [V MVZ[LY JSVZLY YLSH[PVUZ IL[^LLU [OL ,UNSPZO HUK 4L_PJHU SLNHS WYVMLZZPVUZ <2 SH^`LYZ TLL[ ^P[O SLHKPUN JVSSLHN\LZ MYVT 4L_PJV [V KPZJ\ZZ YLJLU[ KL]LSVWTLU[Z JOHSSLUNLZ MVY ^VYRPUNPU[OLQ\YPZKPJ[PVUHUKVWWVY[\UP[PLZMVYJVSSHIVYH[PVUIL[^LLU)YP[PZOHUK4L_PJHUSH^ÄYTZ ;LJO4L_!KLZPNULK[VMVZ[LYJSVZLYYLSH[PVUZIL[^LLU[OL0;-PU[LJOJYLH[P]LPUK\Z[YPLZ¯^LKPZJ\ZZ YLJLU[KL]LSVWTLU[ZPU[YVK\J[PVUZVM\WJVTPUNWYVQLJ[ZHUKTVYLIYPUNPUNL_WVZ\YLHUKSVVRPUNMVY better opportunities of collaboration. 0UZ\YHUJL+H`!)YP[PZOHUK4L_PJHU0UZ\YHUJLHUK9LPUZ\YHUJL<2\UKLY^YP[LZPU]LZ[VYZHUKPUZ\YHUJL JVTWHUPLZNL[[VNL[OLY[VKPZJ\ZZYLJLU[KL]LSVWTLU[ZJOHSSLUNLZHUKSVVRPUN[VPTWYV]L[OLIPSH[LYHS relationship, opportunities and collaboration. )\ZPULZZ)YLHRMHZ[ 9V\UK[HISLZ!VYNHUPaLKHSVUN[OL`LHY[OHURZ[VV\YJSVZLYLSH[PVUZOPWHUK:[YH[LNPJ 7HY[ULYZ^LLUYPJO[OLHNLUKHVM[OLMVYLPNUTPZZPVUZHUKV\YZLJ[VYPHSJVTTP[[LLZ )LZWVRL ;YHPUPUN HUK -VVK +YPURZ!4L_PJV»ZJ\SPUHY`PZILJVTPUNVULVM<2»ZMH]V\YP[LMVYLPNUJ\PZPUL/H]PUN`L[[VKPZJV]LY [OLWV[LU[PHSVU4L_PJV»Z]HYPL[`MYVTJYHM[LKILLY[VHY[PZHUHSMVVKMYLZOWYVK\J[ZJVMMLL T\JOTVYL¯ 6\Y:LJ[VYIYPUNZL_JP[PUNVWWVY[\UP[PLZ[V[OLTHU\MHJ[\YLYZYL[HPSLYZL_WVY[ZHUKPTWVY[ZKPZ[YPI\[PVU SVNPZ[PJZHUKYLN\SH[PVUZ9LHZVU^O`4L_**Z\WWVY[ZHUKWYVTV[LZKP]LYZLL]LU[Z MLZ[P]HSZHSVUN[OL `LHYOLSWPUNV\YTLTILYZPKLU[PM`[OLJOHSSLUNLZHUKVWWVY[\UP[PLZ 5L[^VYRPUN +YPURZ! ,UQV`PUN HUK KLSPNO[PUN V\Y 4L_PJHU MH]VYP[LZ MYVT V\Y - + PUK\Z[Y`;OL 4L_** VWLUZ[OLKVVY[VTLL[^P[OUL^WYVZWLJ[Z[VUL[^VYR^P[OHUKJYLH[LZ`ULYNPLZPUMVYTHS VJJHZPVUHS 0U[LYUH[PVUHS;HZ[PUN>PUL:WPYP[Z )LLYZ!(UL_JS\ZP]L`LHYS`UL[^VYRPUNL]LU[MVYHUH]LYHNLVM N\LZ[Z MYVT [OL I\ZPULZZ JVTT\UP[` PU 3VUKVU -VYLPNU *OHTILYZ VM *VTTLYJL PU 3VUKVU *-** THRL[OPZL]LU[HUL_[YHVYKPUHY`PU[LYUH[PVUHSUL[^VYRPUNVWWVY[\UP[`^P[O[OLWLYMLJ[L_J\ZL[V[HZ[LH ZLSLJ[PVUVMKYPURZMYVTV\YKPMMLYLU[JV\U[YPLZ 3H[PU(TLYPJHU5L[^VYRPUN7HY[`!3H[PU(TLYPJHU*OHTILYZVM*VTTLYJL*V\UJPSZHUKVYNHUPZH[PVUZ QVPULK[VIYPUNHUHUU\HSL]LU[MVYI\ZPULZZL_LJ\[P]LZMYVT<2HUK3H[PU(TLYPJHPU3VUKVU Our Patrons : S N O I T The Institute of Export & International A Trade S I Export House N Minerva Business Park A Lynch Wood G Peterborough R PE2 6FT, UK O G Tel: +44 (0) 1733 404400 N I T Website: www.export.org.uk R O P P U In the past five years, we have provided: S • £14 billion worth of support for UK exports; • direct support for more than 300 customers supported directly, with many thousands more benefiting through export supply chains; • nearly 2000 individual guarantees, loans or insurance policies. UK Export Finance is the operating name of the Export Credits Guarantee b s Department (ECGD). UK Export Finance is the UK’s export e t For more information and to arrange a credit agency, serving UK companies of free consultation with an Export Finance all sizes. We help by providing insurance Adviser, visit www.gov.uk/government/or - to exporters and guarantees to banks ganisations/uk-export-finance to share the risks of providing export finance. In a ddition, we can make loans New business enquiries: to overseas buyers of goods and services Telephone: +44 (0)20 7271 8010 from the UK e . Email: [email protected] British Expertise 23 Grafton Street, London W1S 4EY Tel: +44 (0)20 7824 1920 Fax: +44 (0)20 7824 1929 www.britishexpertise.org E + 0 E T M M b c M o E B U O D I D C ( R E 0 M f D e o y n 6 m m r n K e i i e t y e e e e t o i h l n I 5 t y q p o t p o T x x x x i a a e h e t 0 s D L u u a i i a i p i d a ) i i n c c c e r h c 0 l l e i : c e r : : w p i r r o a o q h r o t r i t i t E p e u o C e e : n m n m : u i a m s n k r c a s C m f i o v e t r m o a e t t q : r u e i e l r l i e b . r t y n t a + u c n a n N m m y , s a C a d t o i 5 i r r t t f : o s k a e i i o e n u 2 f s e e f s o . e t m + r n t a 7 p o i s s y a ( o r t u 4 m 5 t 1 e @ r e c w n f I h 4 5 c f o n t x o I o h t i ) t n i r t i f t e ( n r r c h r i i e 0 1 a e c d t c m o e e I t r ) 6 d o h n h e i @ 2 n r n o 7 e i D i t n n 0 n i a s f c s 0 . e o f I q g g a t c T 3 7 r g M i r n u s n o t o m b 2 2 u o i i i t . . e a r n o u e 0 1 i g g t y a d x t s a a 0 5 n o o a i t e i a i o i m l c a n v v o d 5 , b T o n . . e l n d y u u 0 o r i a s T r n o C k k 0 w a a u e l s u r 0 d i n t M s w T a t i y e t d s m n r d h e w e a ( e a e x a d d U . i d y M c e K v o e i ) c x e i c o . D o i n g M 4 M 6 C N C U A J 4 E E T E T E G U w E T 1 I B D S o o 4 6 t n B h v n m m n o o o K K u e h e o - u K w e s r 1 2 e C e t q q l l u m r l x a n . . a a 2 e e x e r F 4 7 1 e . D D u u w i l s d A b B M t i i t c 3 r o a p 0 9 G l 7 l l i i G o e e e o i : : . G n r r y a o m r 0 n u i d h o i i r n i p p l u u o ó G S s e e l 6 u a t 2 : g ó e r o o a n i e k k r m h a a s s s L e a a t i u , m h s i n j t r I n t t i : : h n i r r a e y d n J n r r i S a o r e s e t t c f a a + + e e g S r b a t m m o d T z G u n a P : . a d d 5 5 z b e l t a @ r u i n 1 a + M r e e e u e e 2 2 t a l u M l e e l p a 0 a l 4 d m m o n n i d s i o 3 ( d e e 1 m j M o r 4 4 8 t t e a i r e e 3 o n t e r 0 í 1 Z f f r y a a x x n í ( O e . o o a 3 4 n G ) 0 u c i i . r 1 s c c r r 6 u 9 f 8 ) n k J o a f 0 o o s i 3 5 I I k 3 a o e c 1 . r n n 2 g @ @ u . 0 5 z 5 l e t 2 c i t t u a s k 6 e e o A 4 S 9 f f i c c c d r r G 3 m 8 5 u o d n n o o e 5 3 r , a . . v a a 7 s g g 7 5 M r t t i 9 . o o c s i i 9 c o o 5 e í v v o o a n n . . x 6 u u 1 m r i a a M 2 c k k 0 ( l l o I 7 o M T T n r r A t a a e d d ) r r e e e y SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS S N O British Chamber of Commerce Mexico I (BritChaM Business Mexico): T A S Andrés Bello 10, P-10 I N Col. Polanco Chapultepec A México DF 11560 G México R O Tel: +52 (55) 5280 1765 G N British Chambers of Commerce: I London office. 65 Petty France T R London SW1H 9EU O P Tel: +44 (0)20 7654 5800 P Fax: +44 (0)20 7000 1373 U S Inquiries and appointments at: E-mail: [email protected] www.mexicanchamberofcommerce.co.uk Mexican Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain 1 Northumberland Avenue London - WC2N 5BW - UK Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 5:30pm Tel: + 44 (0) 2078 725 775 Contact: Milène Hayaux du Tilly General Manager E-mail: [email protected] Language Services: AST Language Services Ltd Unit 8 Ayr Street Nottingham NG7 4FX Tel:+44 (0)115 970 5633 Fax: +44 (0)845 051 8780 Email:[email protected] www.astlanguage.com S T Airline / Corporate Travel Services: R E P AEROMExICO x E 26-28 Hammersmith Grove T London W6 7BA E Tel: (call centre): 0800 977 5533 (UK) K Tel: 1 800 855 474 (Ireland) R A M Email: Commercial team: [email protected] Call Centre: [email protected] Website: www.aeromexico.com Nieves Rodriguez Country Manager UK & Ireland Strategy / Risk Consultancy Services: Grupo Atalaya Jeronimo Mohar Tel: +44 (0) 2036 33 3532 Mexico City: Jaime Balmes 11 Torre D piso 6 Col. Los Morales Polanco Tel: +52 (55) 261 49522 Email: [email protected] London: 8 Northumberland Avenue WC2N 5BY Email: [email protected] www.grupoatalaya.com.mx Bank / Financial Services: HSBC México Paseo de la Reforma 347 Col. Cuauhtémoc CP 06500 Mexico City E-mail: [email protected] www.empresas.hsbc.com.mx/es-mx S Corporate Lodging / Hospitality: T R E IHG ® P x E Book online: www.ihg.com T or call: E for UK: 0800 40 50 60 K for Mexico: 01 800 00 999 00 R A Address: M Mexico City Office Santa Margarita 108, Col. Del Valle, Delegación Benito Juárez, C.P. 03100 Ciudad de México, México Law / Legal Services: Nader, Hayaux and Goebel Mexico Office Paseo de los Tamarindos No. 400-B, Piso 7 Bosques de las Lomas 05120 México D.F. México Telephone +52 (55) 41703000 Email: [email protected] London Office Salisbury House 29 Finsbury Circus EC2M 5QQ, London Telephone +(44) 20 37401681 Email: [email protected] Case Study: Shell in México Ave. Paseo de las Palmas 425, 3rd floor Mexico City, Mexico 11000 Phone: +52 55 50895700 Email: [email protected] Website: www.shell.com/mx Getting UK businesses ready to sell overseas What is Open to Export? Open to Export is the online community helping UK businesses get ready to sell overseas. Backed by Government and business, we are a not for profit social enterprise dedicated to helping UK companies grow through export. For more information visit opentoexport.com Doing Business in Mexico Useful Links World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): Country information: www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ BBC Website: text.jsp?file_id=288514 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/country_ profiles/default.stm Standards and technical regulations: British Standards Institution (BSI): FCO Country Profile : www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/ www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Export Control Organisation (ECO): Culture and communications: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ ICC – The international language export-control-organisation association: www.icc-languages.eu/links/156-the- Intellectual Property Office: national-centre-for-languages-cilt www.gov.uk/government/organisations /intellectual-property-office Customs & regulations: HM Revenue & Customs: National Physical Laboratory: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ www.npl.co.uk hm-revenue-customs Trade statistics: Economic information: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC): The Economist: www.uktradeinfo.com/Statistics/BuildY - www.economist.com/topics ourOwnTables/Pages/Home.aspx Trading Economics: National Statistics Information: www.tradingeconomics.com www.gov.uk/government/statistics/ announcements Export control: Export Control Organisation: Office for National Statistics: www.gov.uk/guidance/beginners-guide- www.ons.gov.uk to-export-controls Trade shows: Export finance and insurance: British Expertise Events: British Insurance Brokers www.britishexpertise.org/bx/pages/bx.php Association (BIBA): www.biba.org.uk EventsEye.com online database: www.eventseye.com UK Export Finance (formerly ECGD): www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ DIT Events Portal: uk-export-finance www.events.trade.gov.uk Intellectual Property: Intellectual Property Office: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ intellectual-property-office www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 113 H H c i w B w B w B B w B w N w N h T w T w F w F w I T ( I n w n n B a t r r r C C r r r r r e e w H w H w w w w w w w w s t t t a a a i i i i i w r r p e e t t t t t a a u O O i e w S w S w w w w w w w w v v v i i i i i t s r r s s s s s w C l l r a e e e n n t t ...... a : h h h h h h h T F C ( n f t g g f t b b b . / b l l l h a a i r i h b S n / H MEXICO t f c c r h o o r r r o a t h a F E C C C r h a t t f . e r a i i i r c c a a o i i o c e t t t s v v r v i e d a o o r o M x o h h i i i t e b v e o . . o r r a a s s s r . a e i a v v n n u u p i s e e u e t u a a f i t c h h h m d n l r l a i g e l l a a k k B h e t h k a c l n m m t a a e e c c / h c : a . h n l / / l l . b r / P e e b u h c o n v s g b o h h m x N P t b b b : T F u : i i a r e s : e a r T d u r p u a i s l r e e o r H g r s : r o x s i l l o a g ) r o i e e n m a n t a . r r a d e / : a i w h n S a l e s n i : ( : r c d e n t n d a o b v s t . h h A d s s E i e e s i c c o l t . n e f i s e s . p / e e : a t s s s o h : n o f c e C e l V r . r / s r s s . i u s g r a e C I o M . s n u i o . p n o g n o s . k l m b / e . a o a k o m x f s c o o e r i / r o t t d g r n m x u i F r o t x i g a m r o g t e / d / r i a e i a b h m b . t c n a n . s / u i e d i i u o x H e o r g n r a t e k r i E i / k n ) t n c n c e l p ( W r c : / n M : e c e - a a c a h t g e : o e t l r g a e M t i a l o h u b i e m x ( s v e B n - n s i s h c e x s t i / C ) o r t b l i . - i e c a C ) e x : o s . s a ) p p : n h x d p d o w n l o a T f w E h E w D w D w D w C w C h O h M w I w I w I w F d d i I I n o n n n n n d t t e e t r o x x w I w e w e w B w e w w w w w p d t a r t t t s s d f a T p p e p r p p e p p r t p p n e t t u I r u w w w w w w w w w w a d e h : i i : : r a a k i o o t t a a t / e n s g ( / / s n s e i / . . . . . u u . . . . . r e e / / r r C g r r m g g g c c e i e i g r r t - e t n t o e a t t m o t t t t r t t r t e t r n m m ( b p i o o o e e x x o f o m m i o i - p x u n t B d a I a r f a A x c i f i n p p O v v v v n o p e o e . c g e e & d . . l o o p e e r l E o . . . . o c o i - o o c f r o e i t n n u u u u . n n E b s S f f o t e n n u m c r g o i x r r r C a r t s a t k k k k t t . g t g t t E D & r d e t t M h r t t p o e o m - - r . . i t / / / / m r b l e o . f f / a n g o G e f f s i g g g g e x o e I u a i v u o o e n o o M r r T o m t : s r r . r p u o o o o r r x e ( t i k r r x e R g u e g r r a t P o e t ) b C - - o o p v i v v D n a m c : t d : g k d i b a . I B t p E g e r i n p e e e u n r o P w t n i i l a o y o a o u t n a o t o y e r u A t r r r r . k e r t N t n e e t i n g n s . . o n n n r e & t n a s n e T o t e ( . s A a a r i c o a g m m m I r c w i B n b : c g u n o r ) n n I e l l p v o r r ( g : / t n e t a E / e a f e e e e y a I a . i h i / m B m p . o n o u t s s e a t B n n n I s u m t - e i F S D d s n i e u k - a o o l s / t t t o k r r t e / / / - u m e : s ) i d f h , n n ) o o o n e t o f : x : n x i i b i E a a r r r s a n e n f c p O . d g g g / t l h h n l e : e e N i - o i n a a a f o t T t e ( s r f r r I a d m n n n I i g n t n a r r s c M i t e a i i i g y a n d d i e s s s o x i d F y - l g a a a n u e : a P n e ) t t t s & n : a i i i M u o o o t ( d r l b D n n n y e - l i s s s ) I x . : T h / / / i c ) t m : o Organisation for Economic Co-operation Federal Institute of Telecommunications and Development (OECD): (IFT): www.oecd.org www.ift.org.mx (site not in English) Overseas business risk: International Franchise Fair (Mexico): www.gov.uk/government/collections/ www.fif.com.mx (site not in English) overseas-business-risk Mexico City Command and Control Transparency International: Centre (CDMX): www.transparency.org www.caepccm.df.gob.mx (site not in English) Trade Tariff: www.gov.uk/trade-tariff Mexican Disaster Prevention Centre: www.cenapred.gob.mx/cgi-bin/popo/ UK Visas: reportes/ultrepi2.cgi www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ uk-visas-and-immigration Mexican Embassy in London: https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/reinounido/ World Bank Group economy rankings: index.php/en/ www.doingbusiness.org/rankings Mexican Franchise Association: World Economic Forum Global http://franquiciasdemexico.org.mx/ (site Competitiveness Report: not in English) www.weforum.org/reports/the-global- competitiveness-report-2016-2017-1 Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI): www.gob.mx/impi (site not in English) Mexican websites: Mexican Ministry of Civil Protection: Aduanas de Mexico (Mexican www.gob.mx/proteccion-civil Tax Authority): (site not in English) www.sat.gob.mx/English/Paginas/ default.aspx (site not wholly in English) Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM): www.dof.gob.mx/normasOficiales.php British Chamber of Commerce in Mexico: (site not in English) www.britishbusiness.mx/britcham Servicio de Administración Tributaria: Centro de Atención a Emergencias y www.sat.gob.mx/English/Paginas/ Protección Ciudadana de la Ciudad default.aspx (site not in English) de México: www.caepccm.df.gob.mx/ (site not in Tourism Promotion Council of Mexico: English) www.visitmexico.com/en Comisión Federal Protección para la contra Riesgos Sanitarios (COFEPRIS): www.cofepris.gob.mx/Paginas/Idiomas/ Ingles.aspx Commission for Economic Competition (COFECE): www.cofece.mx/cofece/ingles www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 115 Doing Business in Mexico Trade shows A trade show is a method of promoting a business through the exhibition of goods and services, an organised exhibition of products, based on a central theme, where manufacturers meet to show their products to potential buyers. Taking part in overseas exhibitions is an effective way for you to test markets, attract customers, appoint agents or distributors and make sales. DIT's Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) provides grant support for eligible SME firms to attend trade shows overseas. Participation is usually as part of a group, a great advantage for inexperienced businesses, and is usually led by one of DIT's Accredited Trade Associations (ATOs). ATOs work with DIT to raise the profile of UK groups and sectors at key exhibitions. For more information, visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/tradeshow-access-programme. IOE&IT’s events: www.export.org.uk/events/event_ list.asp 10 Times (formerly Biz - TradeShows.com): https://10times.com/mexico British Expertise Events: www.britishexpertise.org/bx/page s/bx.php EventsEye.com online database: www.eventseye.com DIT online events search facility: www.events.trade.gov.uk www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 117 Simon Chicken – Event Director of Going Global Live: Europe’s leading event for expanding your business overseas Hi Simon, can you tell us about how Going Global Live started? The Prysm Group had been running The Business Show for 10 years. TheBusiness Show is Europe’s largest event helping UK based companies grow domestically. It became apparent that many of our 20,000+ visitors were looking to expand internationally. There was a need, and there was a gap in the market, so we launched Going Global Live at ExCeL in November 2014, and we’ve Why is it important for SMEs to done 2 events each year ever since. attend the event? Going Global Live takes place twice a Research has shown businesses are 11% year, in May and November. For more more likely to survive if they export their information including event dates, visit the products, Great Britain is currently in a website at: www.goinggloballive.co.uk fantastic position where we have good trade deals in place and British products What can people expect to find at are in high demand. At Going Global Live Going Global Live? we put all the suppliers and services Think of it as a trade show and conference. companies will need to meet in order for Visitors who come to the event will get up them to achieve international expansion, to date advice from world leading experts all under one roof. Trying to meet with all on the most attractive markets and over - of these people would take years to seas opportunities, and be able to speak arrange and do, at the event you can do it to suppliers & service providers who can in 2 days! If you are serious about taking help with the challenging project of your business to the next level, the event international expansion. is a must attend. If you were to start trading in a new market, which country would that be and why? Iran. This is a massive market which is just opening up, and I would want to get there before my competitors. More importantly, I need an excuse to put a trip to Shiraz on business expenses. A city that is famous for poetry, roses and wine needs to be visited. I’m guessing the food is unbelievable too. Finally, what are you aims going forward? We’ve reached a point where the event has firmly established itself. Visitors leave our events with advice and knowledge they need to grow their company’s further, however we still feel the event can reach a whole new height. So we’re expanding the team and increasing the size of the exhibition. The show has the potential to be four times the size it is now, in terms number of exhibitors, seminars, and visitors at the event. Doing Business in Mexico www. Mexico .Doing Business Guide .co.uk 121 O C I X E M Disclaimer Whereas every effort has been made to In particular, none of the report's contents ensure that the information given in this should be construed as advice or Guide is accurate, neither International solicitation to purchase or sell securities, Market Advisor (IMA), the Institute of Export commodities or any other form of financial & International Trade (IOE&IT), the British instrument. No liability is accepted by IMA, Embassy in Mexico, the British Chamber of IOE&IT, the British Embassy in Mexico, the Commerce Mexico (BritChaM Business British Chamber of Commerce Mexico Mexico), the Mexican Chamber of (BritChaM Business Mexico), the Mexican Commerce in Great Britain (MexCC), UK Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain Export Finance (UKEF), Department for (MexCC), UKEF, DIT, or the FCO for any International Trade (DIT), or the Foreign loss or damage (whether consequential & Commonwealth Office (FCO), accept or otherwise) which may arise out of or in liability for any errors, omissions or connection with the report. No warranty is misleading statements and no warranty is given, or responsibility accepted as to the given or responsibility accepted as to the standing of any individual, firm, company or standing of any individual, firm, company other organisation mentioned. or other organisation mentioned. Contains public sector information licensed The purpose of the Doing Business Guides, under the Open Government Licence v3.0. prepared by International Market Advisor (IMA) is to provide information to help recipients form their own judgments about making business decisions as to whether to invest or operate in a particular country. The report's contents were believed (at the time that the report was prepared) to be reliable, but no representations or warranties, express or implied, are made or given by IMA, the IOE&IT, the British Embassy in Mexico, the British Chamber of Commerce Mexico (BritChaM Business Mexico), the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain (MexCC), UKEF, DIT or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) as to the accuracy of the report, its completeness or its suitability for any purpose. www.export.org.uk & INTERNATIONAL TRADE Spreading the word We can help develop new ideas and find ways to drive down costs and produce sustainable improvements in your export business. • Membership supports all aspects of your international trade • Leading UK authority on trading globally • Tailored training to support your business needs THE H • Expert solutions for T E A A • R international trade OVER T O E F D I A N R T T E L YEARS R A N N A O T I Join us today: Call: +44(0)1733 404 400 email: [email protected]