Rafael Villanueva

Rafael Villanueva joined CHEVEZ in 2016 and was promoted to Associate in 2023. His practice focuses primarily on international trade, customs, and tax matters.

Rafael has advised domestic and multinational companies on the application, implementation, and maintenance of foreign trade programs, permits, and certifications, including the IMMEX Program, VAT and Authorized Economic Operator Certifications.

He has also participated in the strategy and defense of administrative proceedings and tax and customs litigation arising from audits conducted by the Mexican Tax Administration Service (SAT) and the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM), including desk audits, field audits, customs administrative proceedings (PAMA), tariff classification, customs valuation, non-tariff regulations, tax assessments of foreign trade duties and penalties, as well as the preparation and filing of administrative and judicial remedies challenging resolutions issued by such authorities.

Additionally, Rafael advises clients on the design and implementation of foreign trade compliance strategies and the structuring of import and export operations to enhance compliance with tax, customs, and regulatory obligations, identify potential risks, and mitigate contingencies arising from their international trade operations.

Throughout his professional career, Rafael has advised companies in the textile and footwear, chemical, food and beverage, technology, automotive, manufacturing, and mining industries, among others, providing ongoing advice regarding significant developments in Mexican tax and customs legislation, as well as the international treaties to which Mexico is a party.