Complete Guide to Customs for Importing Commercial Goods from Mexico

Did you know that over $400 billion worth of goods cross the Mexico-US border each year, but nearly 30% of first-time importers face costly delays due to customs paperwork errors? Understanding the customs import from Mexico process isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for your business’s bottom line and schedule reliability.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about importing commercial goods from Mexico, from trade agreements to documentation requirements and prohibited items. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to navigate customs procedures confidently and avoid common pitfalls that plague unprepared importers.

Understanding Mexico-US Trade Relations and Agreements

Mexico remains one of the United States’ most important trading partners, with deep economic ties strengthened by several key trade agreements that affect customs import from Mexico procedures.

USMCA: The Foundation of North American Trade

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA in 2020, serves as the cornerstone of North American trade relations. For importers, this agreement provides:

• Duty-free treatment for qualifying goods
• Simplified certification of origin requirements
• Enhanced customs cooperation between countries
• Special provisions for small and medium-sized businesses

Understanding whether your products qualify for preferential treatment under USMCA can significantly reduce import costs. To qualify, goods must meet specific rules of origin that determine if they were produced with sufficient North American content.

Sectoral Initiatives and Other Agreements

Beyond USMCA, Mexico participates in additional trade initiatives that may affect your imports:

• Information Technology Agreement (ITA) – Eliminates duties on hundreds of technology products
• Pharmaceutical Zero-for-Zero Initiative – Provides duty-free treatment for many pharmaceutical products
• Bilateral Customs Mutual Assistance Agreements (CMAAs) – Enhance cooperation between customs authorities

Essential Documentation for Customs Import from Mexico

Proper documentation is crucial for smooth customs clearance. Here are the key forms and documents required:

Primary Import Documents

Special Documentation Requirements

Depending on the nature of your goods, additional documentation may be required:

• FDA Form 2877 for electronic products
• PPQ Form 587 for plant products
• EPA Form 3520-1 for motor vehicles and engines
• ATF Form 6 for firearms and ammunition

Pro tip: Maintaining a digital documentation management system can help ensure all your paperwork is accurate, complete, and readily available when needed.

New Customs Regulations Effective January 2025

Mandatory Tax ID Requirements

As of January 1, 2025, Mexico has implemented significant changes to its customs processing requirements. The most notable change is that the Importer of Record (IoR) or the Consignee’s Tax ID (RFC – Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) must now be included on all import declarations, regardless of value or transport mode.

This regulation represents a significant shift from previous practices where:

• Low-value shipments could use the carrier’s Tax ID
• Some shipments could omit the Tax ID entirely under simplified entry processes

Impact on import procedures from Mexico (Customs)

This change, mandated by Mexico’s Tax Administration Service (SAT) and published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación, aims to enhance customs efficiency and ensure tax compliance. Importers and consignees must register for their RFC through the SAT portal to avoid shipment delays or rejections.

Customs Classification and Valuation in Import from Mexico

Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Classification

Proper classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule is critical for determining:

• Applicable duty rates
• Eligibility for preferential treatment
• Whether special permits are required
• Application of quotas or other restrictions

Misclassification is one of the most common errors in customs import from Mexico procedures and can result in penalties, delays, or overpayment of duties.

Customs Valuation Methods

US Customs uses several methods to determine the value of imported goods:

1. Transaction Value – The price actually paid or payable for goods
2. Transaction Value of Identical or Similar Merchandise
3. Deductive Value – Based on the resale price in the US
4. Computed Value – Based on production costs plus profit
5. Fall-back Method – Used when no other method is appropriate

Accurate valuation is essential for proper duty assessment and compliance with customs regulations.

Import Restrictions and Prohibited Items

Restricted Imports

The following categories of goods require special permits or licenses when importing from Mexico:

• Agricultural products (subject to USDA inspection)
• Food products (FDA regulated)
• Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
• Electronics with radio frequency technology
• Vehicles and engines (EPA and DOT regulations)
• Textiles and apparel (subject to quota restrictions)

Prohibited Items

These items are generally prohibited from import:

• Certain agricultural products that may harbor pests
• Counterfeit merchandise or items that violate intellectual property rights
• Illegal drugs and narcotics
• Some cultural artifacts and pre-Columbian art
• Certain wildlife products protected under CITES
• Products made with forced or child labor

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Navigating Mexican Export Controls

Mexico also maintains its own export controls which may affect your imports:

Mexican Export Documentation

• Pedimento de Exportación – Mexican export declaration
• Factura Comercial – Commercial invoice in Spanish
• Certificado de Origen – Certificate of origin for preferential treatment
• Permiso Previo – Prior permit for controlled goods

Mexican Customs Agencies

Understanding the role of Mexican authorities can help facilitate trade:

• Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT) – Mexico’s tax and customs authority
• Secretaría de Economía – Regulates commercial policies and trade agreements
• COFEPRIS – Regulates health, sanitary, and phytosanitary measures

Compliance with Non-Tariff Requirements

Beyond tariffs, imported goods must comply with:

Technical Regulations and Standards

• Consumer product safety standards
• Labeling requirements (English language labeling is required in the US)
• Environmental standards

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Requirements

Food products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and cosmetics imported from Mexico must comply with FDA regulations regarding:

• Registration of food facilities
• Prior notice of food shipments
• Good manufacturing practices
• Labeling requirements
• Food safety standards

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regulations

The EPA regulates the import of:

• Vehicles and engines
• Pesticides and chemicals
• Toxic substances
• Ozone-depleting substances

Best practices for efficient customs clearance when imports from Mexico

To minimize delays and ensure customs compliance when importing from Mexico:

Pre-Import Planning

• Confirm HTS classification before shipment
• Verify all documentation requirements
• Conduct supplier compliance audits
• Consider participation in trusted trader programs like C-TPAT

Working with Customs Brokers

A licensed customs broker specializing in Mexico trade can:

• Prepare and file customs entries
• Calculate duties and taxes
• Respond to CBP inquiries
• Advise on regulatory compliance

Leveraging Technology

Modern customs management relies on:

• Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) for electronic filing
• Pre-arrival processing to expedite clearance
• Tracking systems for shipment visibility
• Compliance software to ensure regulatory adherence

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Documentation Errors

• Incomplete or inaccurate information on commercial invoices
• Missing certificates of origin
• Inconsistencies between documents

Classification Mistakes

• Using incorrect HTS codes
• Failing to update classifications when products change
• Not considering whether multiple classifications apply

Valuation Issues

• Not including all costs in customs value (assists, royalties, etc.)
• Improper transfer pricing between related parties
• Failure to declare post-importation price adjustments

Special Considerations for Latin American Markets

When importing from Mexico for distribution in Latin America:

Regional Trade Agreements

Mexico has free trade agreements with many Latin American countries that may offer advantages for regional distribution strategies.

Customs Transit Procedures

For goods transiting through multiple countries, understanding transit procedures can help avoid duplicate customs processing.

Cultural Considerations

Business relationships are highly valued in Latin American trade. Building strong partnerships with Mexican suppliers can facilitate smoother customs processes.

Navigating customs import from Mexico requires attention to detail and regulatory knowledge that evolves continuously. Rather than managing this complex process alone, partner with Latin American Cargo for comprehensive international shipping solutions.

Why Partner with Latin American Cargo?

Our team of customs experts specializes in US-Mexico trade and can ensure your shipments move smoothly across borders. From documentation preparation to classification assistance and regulatory compliance, Latin American Cargo provides end-to-end support for importers of all sizes. Latin American Cargo offers:

• 25+ Years of Experience: Specialized in freight forwarding across the Americas.
• Cost-Effective Solutions: Competitive rates via land, sea, or air.
• Compliance Assurance: Avoid delays with expert customs brokerage.

Ready to streamline your Mexico-U.S. shipments? Contact Latin American Cargo today for tailored logistics solutions.