How to Use VUCEM Step by Step: A Practical Guide for Foreign Trade Procedures

Nothing ruins an afternoon of work more than losing half an hour of data entry in VUCEM because the session closed on its own, or having a file with a misspelled name ruin an entire process.
VUCEM helps you manage foreign trade procedures online. From registration and access to submitting applications and checking their status, you can proceed without too much trouble, as long as you follow the correct order.

To use VUCEM step by step, you need your credentials, the required documents, to enter the application, sign it electronically, and track its progress within the portal.
In this guide, you’ll find each stage explained with practical instructions, as well as solutions for the most common access and submission problems. Here are the essentials:

Key Points

Prepare your data, credentials, and documents before logging in.

Enter, sign, and submit each procedure from the corresponding module.

Check the reference number and status of your application on the portal.

Requirements and Access to the Portal
To use VUCEM, you need an active account and correct tax information. Depending on the procedure, you will also need a valid e.firma (electronic signature). You must have the permits and documents corresponding to your company, activity, and foreign trade operation. If you don’t have everything on hand, it’s best not to start yet.
Required Documents, Electronic Signature, and Permits
Before logging in, gather the information for your company or the person who will be carrying out the procedure. Generally, you will be asked for:

Taxpayer Identification Number (RFC) of the individual or legal entity.

Unique Population Registry Code (CURP), official identification, and contact information, if requested by the system.

Digital certificate, .key file, .cer file, and password for the valid e.firma.

Power of attorney or authorization to act on behalf of a company or third party.

Documents specific to the procedure, such as invoices, permits, certificates, customs declarations, or customs broker information.

VUCEM allows the registration of national and foreign users, as well as profiles with different permissions. If you are acting on behalf of a company, ensure your user account is linked to the correct RFC (Taxpayer Identification Number) and that you have been authorized to submit applications.

Important: Verify that your e.firma (electronic signature) is valid and that the information is correct before starting. If the procedure requires an electronic signature, you will need to upload the files and digitally sign the application on the portal, so have everything ready from the beginning.
Registration, Login, and User Profile
Go to the official VUCEM website and select “User Registration” if you don’t already have an account. Enter your information exactly as it appears on your tax documents. Make sure the email address is valid, as you will receive activation notices and instructions there.
After registering, log in with your credentials or the authentication method indicated on the portal, and review your user profile: the associated RFC, contact information, and linked companies or third parties. Correct any errors before submitting an application.
To begin a procedure, open the “Procedures” menu and select the corresponding option, such as “New Applications.” The system shows you the available modules based on your profile and registered permissions.

Tip: Save the acknowledgments, reference numbers, and transaction numbers that VUCEM generates after each submission. Trust me, you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches if you have them on hand when something doesn’t add up later.
Submitting, Sending, and Tracking Procedures
VUCEM centralizes the submission of applications, the sending of documents, and the tracking of the progress of each procedure. To avoid errors, choose the correct procedure, review the data, and keep the acknowledgments generated by the system.
Selecting the Procedure and Filling in the Data
Log in to VUCEM with your valid e.firma (electronic signature) and select the module of the agency that will process your request. Then, identify the procedure by name, code, or category. Review the requirements, deadlines, and the type of user allowed before starting, and enter the data exactly as it appears on your official documents.
The system may request information about the importer or exporter, merchandise, country of origin, customs office, transportation, and related operations. Required fields must be completed to continue.

Before saving, carefully review:

Tax ID (RFC) and company name.

Tariff classifications and quantities.

Addresses and contact information.

Customs declaration number or reference, if applicable.

Unit of measure and declared value.

Important: Save your application frequently. If you leave your session inactive for too long, you may lose information or receive an access error, and having to re-enter everything from scratch is exactly what you want to avoid.
File upload and information validation

Scroll to Top