On July 29th, the Decree approving the Protocol replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement (TLCAN, for its acronym in Spanish) with the Treaty between the United Mexican States, the United States of America and Canada (T-MEC, for its acronym in Spanish) was published in the Federal Official Gazette (DOF, by its acronym in Spanish).
The Protocol is composed of 34 chapters, their exhibits, and Parallel Agreements in relation to the following matters:
- Essential vehicle safety devices.
- Effective market protection in accordance with Article 20.49 (biologics).
- Use of different names or varieties to refer cheese produced and distributed in Mexico and the United States.
- Definition of the scope of the term “prior users”.
- Consultation process as a result of the imposition of a measure which the United States may adopt under section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act.
- Dispute resolution mechanisms in regard to measures which the United States may adopt under the aforementioned regulations with respect to passenger vehicles, light trucks, and commercial vehicles.
With the T-MEC's publication in the DOF, Mexico concludes the constitutional ratification process. However, in order for the T-MEC to become effective, the corresponding ratification processes are still pending both in the United States and Canada.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.