A diverse international client base in terms of both industry sector and home jurisdiction look to the international trade and customs practice at EC Rubio for a broad range of issues relating to business activity with Mexican law implications. Of particular note is the team’s strengths in anti-dumping investigations, countervailing duties and safeguarding measures, while US-related trade issues are also handled, including the increasingly important trend of nearshoring. Felipe Mendoza and Fernando Holguín are the senior contacts to note at the firm’s office in Ciudad Juárez; both maintain busy practices focused on tax and foreign trade in Mexico. The broad leadership team also includes several experienced practitioners based in Mexico City: Juan Carlos Partida, a trade remedies and customs expert; Eduardo David, who focuses on M&A; and Arturo Bañuelos, who has a broad advisory practice regarding trade matters (while also being one of the firm’s go-to litigators), are all key practice figures. At associate level, senior Luis Delgado is forging a strong practice in the sector, acting as advisory counsel on the full scope of tax, international trade and administrative law 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.
Content supplied by EC Rubio
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘We recommend Juan Carlos Partida Poblador, Arturo Bañuelos, and Jimena Acosta.’
‘Knowledge of foreign trade and its tax relationship is of great support and guidance for the company.’
‘Fernando Holguin has always been the lawyer who stands out.’
Key clients
- TE Connectivity
- CommScope
- Electrolux
- Dalkopak
- RR Donnelley
- TS Tech
- Foxconn
- Regal-Rexnord Corporation
- Avery Dennison
Work highlights
Advising Foxconn on implications and structure of a potential new project of investment in Mexico resulting from nearshoring.
Assisting TS-Tech Co with a joint venture with Liga Mayor.
Advising Founders Sport Group on a customs audit practiced by the state of Sonora.