Businessmen in the fashion sector, one of the most impacted by imports of products from Asia through digital platforms, expressed uncertainty about the government’s ability to ensure compliance with the new regulations for the entry of goods into the country.
The National Chamber of the Textile Industry (Canaintex) and the National Chamber of the Footwear Industry (Canaical) requested that the Ministry of Economy incorporate effective sanctions and tracking mechanisms in the new regulation that it is developing for electronic commerce imports.
The federal government is preparing to issue an agreement that will regulate the number of shipments, traceability and commercial information on consumer protection in products imported through electronic commerce platforms using courier and parcel services.
Inventory renewal
Canaical also argued that these online sales platforms constantly upload new products, quickly rendering those already purchased by consumers obsolete.
In the case of footwear products, there are two standards. One is NOM-020- SCFI-1997, which requires companies to provide the final consumer with the information required of national manufacturers regarding labeling, to specify the origin of the merchandise; the materials used in production, to avoid any allergies; and the care instructions that end users must follow.
The other is NOM-113-STPS-2009, which requires compliance with all tests to safeguard consumer safety.
In the case of textile and clothing products, it is important for Canaintex to inform the final consumer of the corresponding size of each product in national sizes, the composition of the textile fibers to avoid any allergies, as well as the care instructions that end users should take with the products they purchase.
Both Canaintex and the National Chamber of the Clothing Industry (Canaive) have emphasized that the so-called “fast fashion” products marketed by platforms such as Temu or Shein at very low prices are causing damage to the national industry.
As of August, the leather and skin industry has accumulated a 15% decline in terms of activity, while the clothing branch has contracted 7.1%, the textile inputs branch has fallen 6.2% and the production of non-clothing garments has been reduced by 5.2 percent, according to figures from the Monthly Indicator of Industrial Activity (IMAI).
New requirements for importing via e-commerce
. Comply with the Mexican Official Standards regarding commercial information.
. Merchandise imported through a customs declaration and simplified procedure may not exceed 10 imports per month, either per recipient or consignee.
. E-commerce platforms must collect the RFC or CURP of recipients or consignees, in addition to their delivery address.
. These platforms must also share the RFC or CURP collected with the companies responsible for the transportation and delivery of the products sold.
. The data collected will be treated and protected in accordance with current regulations, although this will not be necessary in the case of foreign individuals without residence in Mexico.
. The platforms must include a clear notice indicating that the merchandise is imported.
. Provide the necessary spaces for sellers to include commercial information about the product in accordance with the Federal Consumer Protection Law.
. Implement a customer service mechanism that includes returns and conflict resolution, guaranteeing the protection of consumer rights.