Customs Administrative Procedure (PAMA)

Has your merchandise been detained by customs authorities?

Have you been notified by customs authorities of a Customs Administrative Procedure (PAMA) and are unsure how to proceed?

Are your goods being held or seized, and are you concerned about losing them or facing penalties?

Have you received an official report and are unaware of the legal deadlines or the proper way to respond?

A Customs Administrative Procedure (PAMA) initiates a formal process that may result in the seizure of goods, fines, and other legal consequences if not addressed in a timely manner.

Acting promptly from the outset is critical to protect your operations and safeguard your company’s interests.

What is a Customs Administrative Procedure (PAMA)?

The Customs Administrative Procedure (PAMA) is a formal proceeding initiated by customs authorities when potential irregularities are detected in the importation or exportation of goods.

This procedure may involve the precautionary seizure of the goods and, in certain cases, the means of transportation, while the authority determines whether there has been a violation of the applicable regulations.

A PAMA is a formal process subject to specific legal deadlines, and the manner in which it is handled from the outset may directly influence the outcome of the proceeding.

In which cases do customs authorities initiate a Customs Administrative Procedure (PAMA)?

Customs authorities may initiate a Customs Administrative Procedure (PAMA) when they detect potential non-compliance in the importation or exportation of goods.

Some of the most common situations include:

• When the goods do not demonstrate compliance with non-tariff regulations and restrictions

• When there are inconsistencies in the documentation submitted

• When an undervaluation of the goods is detected

• When the goods are subject to import prohibitions or restrictions

• When false or inaccurate documents are used

Each case must be analyzed individually, as the specific circumstances may influence the legal strategy to be followed.

Consequences of a Customs Administrative Procedure (PAMA)

Legal Defense in Customs Proceedings

Handling a Customs Administrative Procedure (PAMA) requires both technical and legal analysis from the outset, as well as a tailored strategy based on the specific circumstances of each case.

We provide legal advisory and defense in customs matters, supporting our clients throughout the entire process—from the initial review of the official report to the final resolution of the case.

Our approach is focused on protecting the company’s interests, evaluating available legal options, and defining the most effective strategy to secure the release of goods or defend against the authorities.

Experience in Customs Proceedings

“Our company received a notice from the Mexican Tax Authority (SAT) regarding a multi-million peso tax assessment. We had a general idea of how to proceed, but the specialist guided us at every stage and successfully handled the case through a favorable outcome.”

Pharmaceutical Industry Client, Mexico City

“We were confident that our tariff classification was correct; however, the Manzanillo customs authorities still seized our containers. Mr. Moreno actively pursued the release—first of the transportation equipment and then of the goods.”

Steel Industry Client

“I hired this firm after previous service experiences. The level of trust, the clarity in explaining legal matters, and the consistent follow-up on my cases make me feel confident and secure in my operations. I am very satisfied with the results.”

Maquiladora Industry Client, Chihuahua

Act promptly in the face of a customs proceeding

Timely handling of a Customs Administrative Procedure (PAMA) can make a decisive difference in the outcome of the case.

Having legal counsel from the outset allows for the development of an effective strategy and helps protect the company’s operations.