How to Link COVE and MVE in VUCEM: Step-by-Step

Understanding COVE vs. MVE: Who files what

COVE (Comprobante de Valor Electrónico) and MVE (Manifestación de Valor en Aduana) are two separate documents filed by different parties. The customs broker files the COVE using their VUCEM digital seal — it's the digitized version of the commercial invoice. The importer files the MVE using their e.firma (FIEL) — it's the valuation declaration. Both are required and must reference each other.

Step 1: The customs broker creates the COVE

Your customs broker uploads the commercial invoice to VUCEM and creates the COVE using their VUCEM Digital Seal (not to be confused with COVE-only seals). VUCEM returns a COVE number (Número de Acuse de Valor). The broker must share this number with the importer because the MVE must reference it.

Step 2: The importer creates the MVE referencing the COVE

Log in to VUCEM with your e.firma and navigate to the MVE module. When creating a new MVE (Format E2), Section 5 asks for the COVE reference number. Enter the exact COVE number provided by your customs broker. VUCEM will validate that the COVE exists and is active. If the COVE number is incorrect or doesn't exist, the MVE filing will be rejected.

Step 3: Verify the linked data matches

After entering the COVE reference, verify that the goods declared in the MVE match those in the COVE. The product descriptions, quantities, and values should be consistent. VUCEM doesn't always perform automatic cross-validation, so manual verification is important. Discrepancies between COVE and MVE can trigger a customs audit.

Step 4: Sign and obtain the MNVA number

Sign the MVE with your e.firma. VUCEM returns an MNVA number (Número de Manifestación de Valor). Share this number with your customs broker. The broker must include both the COVE number and the MNVA number on the pedimento. Without both references, the pedimento will fail prevalidation.

Step 5: The broker references both on the pedimento

Your customs broker enters the COVE number and MNVA number in the corresponding fields of the pedimento. The prevalidation system checks that: (1) the COVE exists, (2) the MVE exists and references the correct COVE, and (3) the values on the pedimento are consistent with the MVE. Only when all three validations pass will the pedimento proceed to payment.

1. The customs broker files the COVE (with their digital seal) and shares the COVE number.
2. The importer files the MVE (with their e.firma) referencing the COVE number.
3. VUCEM returns an MNVA number which the broker includes on the pedimento.
4. Product descriptions, quantities, and values must be consistent across COVE, MVE, and pedimento.
5. Both COVE and MNVA numbers are mandatory on the pedimento since October 2026.

Automate the linking with Camtom

Camtom's MVE module automates the linking process: when your customs broker creates the COVE through Camtom, the COVE number is automatically passed to the MVE preparation screen. The importer reviews, signs with their e.firma, and the MNVA number flows back to the pedimento in TIM — all without manual number copying.