What it is a PAMA?

... the authority tells me that they are going to decree a PAMA.

In any specialized field, individuals often synthesize information due to an accumulation of knowledge. This involves summarizing the topic to effectively convey the message during discussions.

As for the PAMA, it stands for "Procedimiento Administrativo en Materia Aduanera" (Administrative Procedure in Customs Matters). The most important, importers should understand that when the customs authority notifies a PAMA, it means that this procedure involves the seizure of the goods and even the truck transportation. It is a precautionary measure, allowing the authority to obtain a guarantee against a possible breach of obligations by the importer. In other words, the merchandise will remain in Customs until the situation is clarified for the authority.

There are many reasons why the authority usually initiates a PAMA. It may be that the cargo was not entered the country through the authorized place, -think in the official US Border Crossings Into Mexico-; when the cargo had prohibited merchandise, when the importer is not accrediting the specific regulations that the merchandise must comply with when entering the country; or when trying to introduce merchandise with false documents, among other cases.

In this type of situation, the importer must be very aware because the deadline to reply are 10 working days, which begin to count from the day after notification of the initial act. Time is running out and every day that passes without doing anything, the possibility of the merchandise being recovered is further away and not only that, but there are a series of legal implications, so it's best to consult with a lawyer who is knowledgeable about customs matters.

The goods can be confiscated and held in the customs zone if the authority discovers a non-compliance during importation.