Pedimento XML

What Is the Pedimento XML?

The pedimento XML is the structured electronic format that encodes and transmits all information for a customs operation to Mexico's SAAI (Sistema Automatizado Aduanero Integral — Integrated Automated Customs System). It is the digital vehicle of the pedimento: it contains importer/exporter data, tariff classification, customs value, duties, non-tariff regulations, and every field that makes up the customs declaration.

XML structure

• Header: general operation data (customs office, section, pedimento type, key, date)
• Importer/exporter data: RFC (tax ID), name, fiscal address, importer registry status
• Line items: each product with its tariff code, description, quantity, unit of measure, commercial value, customs value, country of origin
• Duties: IGI, DTA, VAT, excise tax, countervailing duties with their respective bases and rates
• Digital documents: references to COVE, certificates of origin, prior permits, NOMs
• Electronic signatures: customs broker's seal, prevalidator's signature

Comparison with U.S. ACE entry filing

In the United States, the equivalent of the pedimento XML is the entry data transmitted to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system via the Automated Broker Interface (ABI). While Mexico uses a single XML document (pedimento) that includes all data, the U.S. system separates the process into entry summary (CBP Form 7501), electronic invoices, and supporting documents. Both systems require pre-filing validation and generate electronic receipts, but Mexico's single-document approach means a single XML error can hold up the entire declaration.

Common XML errors include: non-existent or cancelled tariff codes, inconsistency between declared value and COVE data, importer RFC not enrolled in the Importer Registry, expired or incorrect prior permits, and format errors in numeric or date fields. Modern customs software with AI-powered validation can catch most of these errors before submission.