Mexico has temporarily restricted the import of dozens of petrochemicals and some unfinished refined products that the government says are used as blending components in ways that break or skirt tax and fuel theft laws.
The decree that took effect today places additional controls on the import of products including gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, jet fuel, crude oil, fuel oil, waxes, petroleum coke, chemicals and other products frequently used in blending, such as naphtha.
Companies can still import these products with an additional permit from the energy ministry's undersecretary of hydrocarbons, explaining the amount to be imported and the final use. Firms that already hold such permits for these products can continue to import, but must provide additional information to the undersecretary within 30 days.
The presidential decree published late yesterday said it "does not impede the free trade of finished gasoline and diesel that comply with applicable laws, given that the objective of this measure is to restrict merchandise used in contraband or in the alteration or adulteration of refined products."
Mexico has long struggled with rampant theft, tax evasion and contraband of refined products that has cost the country billions of dollars.
