Opening a Factory in Mexico: The IMMEX / Maquiladora Program Explained
Baja California — Tijuana, Mexicali, and Tecate on the U.S. border — is one of Mexico's top manufacturing corridors. Under the USMCA, foreign companies manufacture for North America here through the IMMEX program.
What is IMMEX?
IMMEX (Industria Manufacturera, Maquiladora y de Servicios de Exportación) is a federal program that lets an authorized company temporarily import raw materials, components, and machinery without paying general import duty and VAT, provided the finished goods are exported.
Steps to open a factory
Incorporate a Mexican company and register foreign investment (RNIE); obtain the RFC; apply for IMMEX authorization and VAT/IEPS certification with the Secretaría de Economía; secure the facility and permits; and set up customs operations.
Galarza Legal handles the full legal setup — incorporation, IMMEX application and certifications, the plant's real estate, contracts, and ongoing corporate and customs compliance.
Galarza Legal — Playas de Rosarito · San Felipe · San Ysidro, CA · info@galarza.mx · +1 619-568-2424