What is the Mill Certificate?
The Mill Certificate is an essential document for the importation of steel products into Mexico. It is issued by the steel manufacturer and certifies the company that produced the steel, as well as its technical characteristics. This document plays a crucial role in the foreign trade of steel, as it allows the verification of the quality and origin of the material, protecting both consumers and the national industry.
What is the Mill Certificate used for?
The Mill Certificate has multiple uses in the context of importing steel products:
- Quality and Origin Verification: It allows Mexican authorities to verify that the imported steel meets established quality standards and comes from a recognized manufacturer.
- Protection of the National Industry: It helps protect the national steel industry from unfair competition from low-quality imported products.
- Facilitation of Trade: It speeds up the importation process of steel products by providing crucial information about the material.
What information does the Mill Certificate contain?
The Mill Certificate must include specific information about the steel, such as:
- Manufacturer’s Name: Identifies the company that produced the steel.
- Heat Number: Allows tracing the steel back to a specific batch.
- Chemical Composition: Details the proportion of chemical elements present in the steel.
- Physical Properties: Describes the physical characteristics of the steel, such as tensile strength and ductility.
- Date of Issue: Indicates when the certificate was issued.
Relationship with the Automatic Import Notice of Steel Products (AAIPS)
What is the AAIPS?
The Automatic Import Notice of Steel Products (AAIPS) is a mandatory permit for importing steel products into Mexico. This permit aims to regulate and monitor the foreign trade of these products and to protect the national industry.
Which steel products require AAIPS?
The steel products that require AAIPS are classified under tariff headings 72 and 73 of the General Import and Export Tax Law Tariff (TIGIE). You can consult the complete list in the Agreement that modifies the one by which the Ministry of Economy issues general rules and criteria in matters of Foreign Trade.
How do I apply for the AAIPS?
You can apply for the AAIPS in two ways:
Online:
- Create an account on the Single Window platform (https://www.ventanillaunica.gob.mx/).
- Fill out the online application form.
- Attach the required documents in digital format.
- Electronically sign the application.
- Print your acknowledgment of receipt.
In Person:
- Go to the Delegations and Representations of the Ministry of Economy.
- Bring the required documents in physical format.
- You will be given an acknowledgment of receipt.
What documents do I need to apply for the AAIPS?
- Automatic import notice SE-FO-03-0842.
- Legal accreditation of legal entities (Articles of Incorporation).
- Mill or quality certificate for the goods.
- Unique registration number of accredited persons (RUPA).
- Articles of Incorporation.
- Federal Taxpayer Registry (RFC).
- Power of Attorney (if applicable).
How much does the AAIPS cost?
The AAIPS procedure is free of charge.
How long does the AAIPS process take?
- Online: 5 business days.
- In Person: 10 business days.
Where can I get more information about the AAIPS?
- On the SNICE portal: https://www.snice.gob.mx/
- On the Ministry of Economy’s portal: https://www.gob.mx/se
- At the Delegations and Representations of the Ministry of Economy.
Frequently Asked Questions about the AAIPS:
Mill Certificate and Quality Certificate:
What is the Mill Certificate?
It is a document issued by the mill that produced the steel and certifies the company that manufactured it.
What is the Quality Certificate?
It is a document issued by the manufacturer that processed the steel for the production of the product to be imported and certifies that the steel meets the required technical specifications.
Which products require a Mill Certificate?
Products classified under tariff headings 7206 to 7216, 7218 to 7228, and 7304.
Which products require a Quality Certificate?
Products classified under tariff headings 7202, 7217, 7229, 7301, 7302, and 7305 to 7317.
Is it mandatory to submit the Mill Certificate in Spanish?
No, but if it is in another language, a complete translation into Spanish must be provided.
What is the format for translating the Mill and/or Quality Certificate?
There is no specific format, but it is recommended to respect the structure of the certificate to facilitate the identification of key information.
Is it necessary to digitize the Mill Certificate?
Yes, the certificate and its translation are required documents for submitting the application.
Is it necessary for the Mill Certificate to contain a certificate number?
Yes, it is necessary for both the Mill and Quality Certificates to contain a number. However, if it was issued before April 16, 2024, it will be considered valid if it contains:
- The Heat Number.
- The Shipment Number.
- The Folio Number.
- The Order Number.
Does the Quality Certificate need to contain information about the mill?
It is not necessary, but it must contain the Heat Number(s).
References: Frequently Asked Questions
Automatic Import Notice of Steel Products (AAIPS) Ministry of Economy
