Importing goods and customs clearance in Mexico

If you want to ship your goods to Mexico then you have to get them through customs and formally import them. This article describes a number of important aspects.

Please note that if you need help, there are various parties available to support you.

Shipping your products

If you sell physical products, you need to get them delivered into Mexico. Depending on the country you are in, this may be a challenge.

First of all you may have to pay import duties or settle VAT. There are certain thresholds for both of these charges, e.g. while importing in the EU you don’t have to pay import duties on any shipment worth less than € 150.

There may also be non-financial bariers, like certifications or approvals to be obtained. Especially for food, cosmetics or medicine this may be the case. Check this in advance, even before you invest in your marketing.

Container terminal where goods are cleared through customs

Importing goods

Importing goods into Mexico involves compliance with regulations set by the Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT) and Aduanas México (Mexican Customs). These authorities oversee import duties, documentation, and regulations. For official guidance, visit the SAT Customs Portal – English.

General Import Process

  1. Customs Declaration
    • File an Import Declaration (Pedimento de Importación) electronically through the Mexican Customs platform, Ventanilla Única (VUCEM).
    • Required documents include a commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, and import permits if applicable.
  2. Import Duties and VAT
    • Duties depend on the product’s HS code. Use the Mexican Tariff Information System to calculate rates.
    • VAT (Impuesto al Valor Agregado, IVA):
      • Standard rate: 16%.
      • Reduced rate: 0% for essential goods such as basic food and medicines.
  3. Additional Non-Financial Requirements
    • Certain goods, such as electronics, chemicals, and food products, may require compliance with Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOMs), Mexico’s technical and safety standards.
    • Use the Access2Markets portal (Access2Markets) for specific product requirements.
  4. Inspection and Clearance
    • Customs inspections may occur. Processing time is typically 1-3 days if all documents are in order.
  5. Release of Goods
    • Once cleared, goods can be transported to their destination within Mexico.

Service Providers for Assistance

  1. Grupo T21 Logistics – t21.com.mx
  2. Transplace Mexico – transplace.com
  3. DHL Mexico – dhl.com
  4. Logis Mexicana – logis.com.mx
  5. OCASA Logistics – ocasa.com.mx

Importing Small Parcels

For small parcels, major couriers like DHL, FedEx, UPS, and Estafeta serve Mexico efficiently. Typical shipping costs for a 2kg parcel:

  • From the USA: $20-$40 (MXN 350-700) for economy services.
  • From China: $30-$50 (MXN 525-875) for economy shipping.

Express options (2-5 days) are available at higher costs. Rates depend on the courier, service level, and destination. Check directly with providers for accurate pricing.

Customs looks at three things

Whatever you ship, customs checks the same three things. The classification: the HS code that sets the duty rate. The customs value: the price plus, depending on the Incoterm, transport and insurance. And the origin, which can lower the rate under a trade agreement.

On top of that come the registrations: an importer number or EORI, a VAT registration or a local importer of record, and product certificates for food, cosmetics, medical devices and electrical goods.

VAlidate the HS-codes you use for shipping

Almost every country or trade block in the world has its own detailing on the international HS-code list. With our report you strongly reduce the risk on misclassifications, delays and higher custom duties than expected.

Tell us what you want to ship and where to and we ask you all relevant questions to get to the most likely code.

Get your HS code VAlidation Report for only € 39

Importing into Mexico in three steps

Step 1

Classify and check

Determine the HS code for every product, look up the duty rate, and check which certificates or approvals the country asks for before you ship anything.

Step 2

Arrange papers

Make sure there is a registered importer, and prepare the invoice, packing list, transport document and, where it lowers the duty, a certificate of origin.

Step 3

Ship and clear

Let a customs broker file the declaration, pay duties and import VAT, and keep the documents. Customs audits can go back several years.

Import and customs in other countries

More about Mexico