VAGTC seminar on Mexico's new customs laws and tax reform

Broad tax reforms swept through one of West Michigan’s largest trading partners in 2014 — Mexico. A true tax reform has taken hold, including important changes to Mexico’s customs procedures, which have a big impact on the maquiladora industry (foreign-owned factories in Mexico where imported parts are assembled by lower-paid workers for export).

The Van Andel Global Trade Center at Grand Valley State University is sponsoring a seminar April 17 to discuss the reforms and implications they have on local businesses.

Keynote speakers include Felipe Chapula Almaraz with Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton in Mexico City, Mexico, and Scott Sneckenberger with Plante Moran in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Almaraz’s legal practice includes implementing business and customs strategies for businesses operating in accordance with numerous free trade agreements signed by Mexico. He is experienced in tax and customs law supporting international transactions. Sneckenberger has more than 16 years of experience in international consulting. He assists clients with tax planning decisions in North and South America, Southeast Asia and Western Europe. In addition, he leads the firm’s Mexico consulting practice.

Customs Compliance in Mexico
April 17
8:30 a.m.-noon
L. William Seidman Center
50 Front Ave., Grand Rapids
Register at www.vagtc.org

Topics to be covered include:
• Changes to Mexico’s customs laws in 2015
• The import process and customs clearance
• The 2014/2015 Mexico tax reform
• The tax administration service and Mexico’s customs
• Mexico’s electronic accounting and reporting requirements and implications for maquiladoras

For more information contact the Van Andel Global Trade Center at (616) 331-3811.