Also known as: Integrated automated customs system, SAAI M3
The Mexican Tax Administration Service's (SAT) technology platform that electronically processes all customs operations in Mexico, including customs entry reception, duty payment, random inspection mechanism activation, and merchandise control in bonded facilities.
SAAI (Sistema Automatizado Aduanero Integral) is the technological backbone of Mexican customs. Administered by SAT (Mexico's tax authority), this system electronically receives and processes all import and export customs entries, validates declared information, calculates duties, activates the random inspection mechanism (traffic light system), and generates official records for each operation.
SAAI is established in Articles 36, 36-A, and 38 of Mexico's Customs Law (Ley Aduanera). Electronic filing of customs entries through SAAI has been mandatory since 2012 (SAAI M3, the current version).
Customs brokers connect to SAAI through authorized pre-validation software. Before transmitting a customs entry to SAAI, it must pass pre-validation that verifies data structure and consistency, reducing rejections and expediting clearance.
Customs Declaration (Pedimento)
The official document filed with Mexican customs that covers the entry or exit of goods from Mexico, prepared and submitted by a licensed customs broker.
CustomsPedimento Pre-validation
A mandatory electronic verification process that validates pedimento data against customs system rules before official submission to the customs authority.
CustomsAutomated Selection Mechanism
Mexico's random and risk-based system that determines whether goods will undergo customs inspection (red light) or be released without inspection (green light).
RegulationsVUCEM (Single Window)
Mexican government's electronic platform that centralizes all foreign trade procedures in a single digital window.