This confusion has caused several delays in crossing U.S. rice and plywood shipments into Mexico. The problem seems to lie with the Mexican banks approved to open the customs accounts, Banamex, Bancomer and Bital. The banks are reportedly sending out conflicting information on how to open the accounts. Apparently, only trust fund accounts can be used at this time, even though at least one bank offers direct deposit accounts and lines of credit. The UDI is currently valued at around 2.86 pesos or three U.S. cents.
Rice is one of the products affected by the policy change.
Rice, wine, beer, pasta, wood products and apples are a few products affected by the estimated price scheme and consequently, the Customs Cash Account system. Private sources stated that importers costs would increase as a result of the new regulation. The Cash Account system replaces the system where importers posted a bond to guarantee the difference in duties and taxes if the declared value of an imported good was less than the Government of Mexico s official reference price. The Mexican financial institutions designated to accept deposits are Banamex, Bancomer and Bital. Deposits can be made in cash, with a line of credit or a trust account.