Importing industrial machinery into Mexico is on the rise. According to Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), imports of machinery saw a 16.6% increase in January 2023. After the pandemic, Mexican companies have been sourcing equipment mainly from China.
But do you know the risks you face as an importer if you don’t seek expert guidance when importing heavy machinery? Here are 6 key steps that will help you import without setbacks.
Before you import industrial machinery into Mexico, you need to define the Incoterm that best suits your interests. This international trade term is agreed upon between the buyer and seller and helps reduce risk throughout the import process.
For machinery imports, experts recommend seven Incoterms applicable to land transport when dealing with heavy equipment. The most common term for maritime transport is EXW (Ex Works). Under EXW, the seller simply packs the goods and makes them available at their premises. The buyer assumes all responsibility for freight costs, customs clearance, and delivery.
With this Incoterm, the seller handles the initial logistics, but the importer is in charge of the rest. It's critical to evaluate if this term fits your business needs. If in doubt, consult a company specialized in importing industrial machinery.
Selecting the right supplier—whether from China or any other country—is key to a successful import process. China remains a highly attractive market due to its lower costs, especially when compared to the U.S., where proximity doesn’t always mean cheaper prices—particularly for equipment like excavators.
We recommend visiting the supplier's plant or attending machinery trade shows to build a direct relationship. Beyond that, request proof of experience, industry references, and a solid track record to avoid fraud or poor outcomes.
Once you’ve decided what equipment to import, you must define its technical specifications and identify the correct tariff classification. This step is essential to understand what taxes and regulations apply to your goods. Each machine type has a different tariff, as the Mexican government seeks to protect local industries.
Take forklifts as an example. Depending on their lifting capacity, the tariff rate varies. Both forklifts and excavators are exempt from specific import restrictions, but their General Import Tax (IGI) changes. Forklifts capable of lifting more than 7 tons have a 0% IGI, while those under 7 tons face a 15% rate.
Once you’ve hired a customs broker, confirm all the customs costs involved in the shipment. Doing this will help prevent delays and issues at the border.
Typical customs fees include: correct tariff classification, creation of the customs entry (pedimento), tax stamps, payment of import duties, determination of the customs regime, import handling fees, equipment inspection, and technical consulting.
Keep in mind that customs costs vary depending on the type of machinery. Each unit has a different CIF value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), which affects its taxable base during clearance. That’s why having a reliable customs broker is vital.
One often overlooked detail when importing heavy machinery is transit time. Knowing when the equipment will arrive and when it will be ready for use is essential for planning.
For machinery shipped from China or Europe, the estimated time from departure to final delivery is around 30 days. But don’t take that as a guarantee. Global events like pandemics, hurricanes, earthquakes, or conflicts—like the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas—can significantly disrupt international trade and shipping schedules.
Today, many Mexican companies are investing in imported heavy machinery. Some use it directly in various industries, while others serve as resellers, bringing machines from the U.S. or Asia to sell at a higher price.
Whether you're importing excavators, forklifts, lifts, backhoes, tractors, cranes, or any other industrial equipment, your product must be competitive. This means offering better functionality, durability, cost-efficiency, and performance than what’s already available in the market—regardless of its country of origin.
We advise you not to base your decision solely on price. Instead, consider the quality, warranty, and technical support provided by your foreign supplier. A cheap product that breaks down often will end up being more expensive in the long run.
At Aduaeasy, we encourage all importers to evaluate whether their investment in industrial machinery imports will pay off in the long term. Your goal should be to recover your investment and improve your profitability and competitiveness within your sector.