Regla Octava (Mexico’s “Rule Eight”) is a prior permit from the Ministry of Economy to import inputs, parts, components, machinery and equipment through the tariff lines of heading 98.02, at a preferential duty rate, to produce the goods covered by the PROSEC Decree. The name comes from complementary rule 8 of Article 2 of the LIGIE.
How Regla Octava works
Instead of importing each input under its usual tariff line, the company imports it under a chapter 98 line, which groups goods for a production process. Applicants need PROSEC, and for temporary imports, IMMEX as well. The Ministry of Economy decides based on criteria such as supply diversification, lack or shortage of domestic production, or new projects. The permit has a limited term and can be extended. Since each permit is decided case by case, keep the evidence for the criterion you invoke, such as proof that the input is not made locally to your specification.
When Regla Octava matters for imports from China
When you manufacture in Mexico and your Chinese input has no preferential rate under PROSEC, or is not made locally to the spec you need. Example: an auto parts plant in Saltillo importing electronic components from Shenzhen with no domestic equivalent. With the 2026 duties on countries without a trade agreement in force, the difference in input cost can be decisive.
The common mistake
Applying without PROSEC, or using heading 98.02 for goods that do not enter the authorized production process. Either one voids the benefit. Since it is a technical filing, build it with your customs broker and the correct tariff classification for each input.
Want to know if your inputs qualify? Write to us and we review your supply chain from China.
Source: LIGIE, Art. 2(II), Complementary Rule 8; Ministry of Economy General Rules on Foreign Trade, Annex 2.2.2 (SE/DGFCCE 2024 presentation). Current as of October 14, 2026.
