Mexico’s IMPI, the SACM and Concanaco Servytur announced working groups to improve transparency in copyright fee schedules and collection practices for businesses that play music (cafés, restaurants, bars). The move follows complaints from northern chambers—especially Ciudad Juárez—and aims to provide clear compliance mechanisms, public rate disclosure, and a direct channel with the private sector.

What was agreed—and why it matters

• Nationwide disclosure of the official rate tables (DOF/INDAUTOR) and applicable criteria to eliminate discretion in charging.
• Recurring roundtables with an improvement agenda (without halting legal enforcement) to provide legal certainty for businesses.
• Ongoing inspections by IMPI to ensure fair royalties and protect creators.

This follows weeks of tension with business chambers alleging excessive or arbitrary fees; stakeholders now emphasize public, clear rules going forward.

What business owners should know

• Who must pay: Any venue that publicly communicates music for commercial purposes (ambient sound, events, etc.).
• How fees are calculated: SACM uses a Copyright Unit (UDA) with an updated value; public references help estimate payments and avoid surprises.
• Reported range: cafes paying roughly MXN $620–$2,400/month, depending on size/usage—figures cited in the press around the announcement.

Expected benefits

• Transparent pricing: public rate tables and agreements; less discretion.
• Simpler compliance: clear licensing guidance to avoid penalties.
• Ongoing dialogue: periodic meetings to resolve sector-specific questions.

Status as of Sept 24, 2025: first roundtable held; continuing schedule announced, with nationwide publication of rates and criteria.