EDUARDO IS A PARTNER OF THE FIRM BASED IN ITS MEXICO CITY OFFICE AND A MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND CUSTOMS PRACTICE.
Eduardo Sotelo Cauduro has more than 20 years of experience advising domestic and international companies on international trade, customs, and regulatory compliance matters. His practice focuses on the design and implementation of strategies to structure operations in Mexico involving import and export activities, ensuring their operational viability and compliance with applicable regulations. He also works closely with companies on a day-to-day basis, providing ongoing advice on compliance with customs and foreign trade requirements.
His practice encompasses the strategic planning of import and export operations, including the optimization of benefits available under Free Trade Agreements through the assessment of compliance with applicable rules of origin, as well as the analysis, procurement, and implementation of export promotion programs such as IMMEX and PROSEC, VAT and IEPS certifications, and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs.
He also provides comprehensive advice on compliance with customs and foreign trade regulations, including import permits, non-tariff regulations and restrictions, and Mexican Official Standards (NOMs).
He has extensive experience representing companies before tax and customs authorities in audits, administrative proceedings, and complex disputes. He regularly advises companies in audits and controversies involving compliance with obligations arising from IMMEX programs, including those related to the automated inventory control system (Annex 24), as well as matters concerning the lawful importation, possession, and use of fixed assets.
His practice also includes matters involving origin verifications under Free Trade Agreements, customs valuation, tariff classification, cancellation of VAT and IEPS certifications, suspension from importer registries, and the assessment of tax liabilities.
In mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions, he advises on customs and international trade due diligence processes, identifying contingencies, mitigating regulatory risks, and supporting the structuring of transactions in compliance with applicable regulations.
Additionally, he advises multinational companies on export controls, dual-use goods, and economic sanctions regimes, assisting them in evaluating risks and complying with regulations applicable to their international operations. He also closely monitors regulatory developments related to forced labor and other supply chain due diligence initiatives.
He is an active member of the International Law Section of the American Bar Association (ABA), where he currently serves as Vice Chair of the Rule of Law Committee of the Mexico Committee. He is also a member of the New York State Bar Association and actively participates in its International Trade Committee.
He holds a law degree from Universidad Iberoamericana. Spanish is his native language, and he is fluent in English.