‘Combining legal rigour with a practical and proactive mindset’, EC Rubio is sought after to handle complex international trade matters, particularly regarding North American trade. The practice offers comprehensive advice to foreign clients on international trade structures, alongside tax and customs implications. Further expertise includes free trade agreements, customs audits, litigation and antidumping investigations, handled by a deep bench of partners, operating across multiple offices. Team leaders in Mexico City include Juan Carlos Partida, who is experienced in trade remedies and antidumping investigations, Eduardo David, who represents foreign exporters in antidumping and countervailing cases, and Arturo Bañuelos, who acts as counsel in the design of international structures. In Juárez, Felipe Mendoza is distinguished in manufacturing operations and customs savings. Fernando Holguín holds similar expertise and also advises on free trade agreements and customs valuation. Following the integration of Fegamo y Vasaf in April 2024, the Monterrey office is led by new addition Salvador Garza Montemayor and is closely supported by David Ken Fujii. The team’s bench is reinforced by its associates, with Luis Delgado (Juárez) standing out for his contributions on IMMEX, VAT certification, and customs compliance matters.
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Profile
Work Department
Tax, International Trade, and Corporate M&A
Position
Partner
Career
Felipe Mendoza’s practice focuses on Tax and International Trade. For more than two decades, he has provided legal advice to companies dealing with foreign trade matters, including valuation, HTS tariff classification, Mexican tariff and non-tariff restrictions, determination and payment of import duties, as well as the interpretation and application of free trade agreements signed by Mexico. He has vast experience advising on compliance with rules of origin and verification procedures of origin established in treaties.
Felipe has conducted complex customs and international trade audits on Mexican companies and has assisted companies in the drafting and implementation of foreign trade compliance procedures and manuals.
Felipe also provides legal advice to companies that import, sell and distribute products in the Mexican aftermarket and continuously gives legal advice to maquiladora (with an IMMEX Program) and shelter companies regarding customs procedures and how to maximize the tax and foreign trade incentives granted by the Mexican government.
On the tax front, Felipe is specialized in the maquiladora industry, the interpretation and application of tax treaties, including the analysis of permanent establishment and taxation of residents and expatriates to avoid double taxation. Felipe is also an expert litigating resolutions issued by the Tax Administration Service (SAT, by its Spanish acronym), the Mexican Institute of Social Security and the Institute of the National Housing Fund for Workers in matters where authorities deny taxpayer refunds, or in cases where they seize assets or assess improper taxes against taxpayers.
Languages
Spanish and english.
Memberships
Member of the Foreign Trade Committee of the National Institute of Public Accountants, located in Mexico City.
Education
Law Degree, Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Chihuahua campus.
Master of Laws in International Trade Law, Arizona University.
Diploma in Mexican Taxes, Universidad Panamericana, Guadalajara campus.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The partners provide personal, exceptional customer service, always seeking solutions and providing value to their clients. They stand out for their high level of responsibility, responsiveness, speed, and professionalism. They always strive for the best and prompt service at a very reasonable cost, with high-quality advice.'
‘The attention of partner Arturo Bañuelos is first class, he is always willing and attentive to the needs of the client, always has extensive and expert knowledge of the topics whose advice is requested.'
‘Very collaborative and close to the client. Very willing to meet frequently to provide project progress reports. Excellent customer service.'
‘Juan Carlos Partida is an expert in the field of dumping. His knowledge and experience are outstanding.'
‘One of the main differentiators of this team is its ability to translate complex regulations into clear, actionable, and business-oriented recommendations.'
'The lawyers, especially Fernando Holguin, have comprehensive training that goes beyond legal compliance: they understand the logistical, tax, and commercial challenges that companies face in international operations.'
‘The team combines legal rigour with a practical and proactive mindset. They genuinely engage with their clients' challenges and offer clear, rapid, and results-oriented responses.'
Key clients
- Foxconn TE Connectivity TS-Tech Co. LTD. Commscope Regal Rexnord Corporation Avery Dennison Electrolux HNI Corporation RR Donnelley HNI Corporation Alpek Polyester México, S.A. de C.V. Indorama Ventures Polymers México, S. de R.L. de C.V. Superior Industries
Work highlights
Advised Fox Conn on its customs and international trade structures, from the Maquiladora structure with its principal, to all the assets, material structure and customs implications with all its sub-manufacturers in Mexico.