Mexico proposes new levy on electronic devices for copyright

Mexican authorities, including the Secretaría de Cultura and the National Institute of Copyright (Indautor), are developing a proposal to implement a fee on electronic devices capable of storing or reproducing copyrighted content. This mechanism, informally referred to as the “moche digital,” would involve a charge of up to 2% of the device's value.

The proposed levy would apply to products such as cell phones, tablets, computers, screens, and USB drives. The justification for the fee is based on the concept of “compensatory remuneration for private copying,” which targets devices with storage capabilities regardless of whether the user actually engages in copyright infringement.

While the formal obligation would fall on producers and importers, industry estimates suggest the cost could be passed on to consumers. The Sociedad de Autores y Compositores de México (SACM) is also involved in the proposal. A similar initiative was rejected by the Chamber of Deputies in 2021, but the current approach seeks to establish the mechanism through regulations rather than direct legislative changes.