Are you wondering what you need to import goods into Mexico? What documents are required for a successful importation?
Importing into Mexico isn’t exactly simple. There are several specific requirements you need to meet, and in many cases, you'll need support from an expert—otherwise, your efforts could end in failure.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential requirements to import goods into Mexico in 2023, including the documents you’ll need, the steps involved, and the procedures you must complete.
By the end of this article, you'll have a clearer idea of how to prepare before starting your import process, so your goods can enter the country without any issues.
As of December 2022, Mexico’s total import value reached $48.339 billion USD, making it one of the country’s key sources of revenue. Importing refers to the legal introduction of goods and services produced in another country into the Mexican market. Like any international commercial activity, it must be regulated, audited, and supervised by the relevant authorities.
If you’ve been thinking about importing into Mexico and feel overwhelmed by all the procedures involved, we’re here to help you understand the key steps.
First things first: you need to be very clear about the product you want to import. Your customs broker will require detailed product information to conduct proper compliance checks. At a minimum, you’ll need to provide:
Understand how the product works—does it require electricity, batteries, or some other power source? Is it mechanical, manual, or automated?
Identify the materials that make up your product: plastic, rubber, textiles, glass, metals, etc.
Clearly state the product's use: Is it a cutting tool, a painting machine, a spare part, or a repair instrument? Is it intended for industrial use or for the general public?
Knowing the product’s packaging and labeling is critical for meeting Mexico’s labeling regulations and avoiding fines or delays.
This refers to the level of expertise or technology involved in making the product. Is it raw material or a finished good?
Tariff classification assigns a code—known as a tariff fraction—to your product for easy identification in customs systems worldwide. This classification determines the taxes you'll need to pay and identifies the non-tariff regulations you'll need to comply with.
This step is crucial. Incorrect classification can lead to customs issues, delays, and increased costs for your operation.
If you're unsure of your product’s tariff code, you can check out our product database with information on more than 900 items.
Closely tied to the previous step, non-tariff regulations depend on your product’s correct and validated tariff classification. These requirements serve as filters to ensure the safety and compliance of imported products in areas like environment, public health, and food safety.
Some of the most common non-tariff measures include:
Several Mexican government agencies oversee these regulations, including:
INCOTERMS are international trade terms that outline the responsibilities, risks, and costs shared between the buyer and the seller. They answer three key questions:
It’s vital that both you and your supplier agree on this, as it impacts your final cost and determines if you'll need to calculate additional charges—like freight, insurance, and packaging—as part of the customs value.
You may have asked this before and gotten different answers. That’s because requirements can vary depending on the type of operation. However, some documents are mandatory across the board:
This document must detail your product’s technical specs and answer the three key questions: What is it? What is it made of? What is it used for?
This document confirms the value of your goods. According to Article 36-A of the Customs Law, it includes pricing and other data relevant to the sale.
Prepared by the supplier, this outlines the weight, dimensions, and volume of each item.
As per Article 2 of the Customs Law, this is the digital declaration filed with Mexican Customs containing product data, tax information, and shipping details.
Depending on your mode of transport:
This certifies the country of origin of your goods. If there’s a Free Trade Agreement in place, you may benefit from reduced or zero tariffs.
This document authorizes your customs broker to act on your behalf. It's generated through the SAT portal and must be filed with your broker.
A translated invoice or instruction letter including supplier, importer, and goods information.
Used for imports from the U.S., this is the American equivalent of a Mexican taxpayer ID certificate, provided by your U.S.-based supplier.
Choosing the right transport method is critical for your operation. Consider:
For example, some products can’t be transported by air due to size or hazardous classification. If you’re in a rush, air freight might be your only option despite its high cost. In contrast, sea, road, or rail options are slower but more affordable.
Mexico’s General Importers Registry is a system managed by the Mexican Tax Administration Service (SAT). All individuals or legal entities who wish to import goods into Mexico must be registered in this system.
In simple terms, this registry acts as an official import permit, and only SAT can issue it to those who meet the required conditions. Article 59 of the Mexican Customs Law also states that registering is one of the mandatory obligations for anyone bringing goods into the country.
It’s a crucial step for anyone planning to import into Mexico. However, the General Registry doesn’t apply to every type of product. Some goods require enrollment in a specific sector registry, which involves a different set of procedures.
Luckily, registering is fairly straightforward and can be done entirely online through the SAT portal.
According to Article 159 of the Mexican Customs Law, a customs broker is an individual authorized by SAT—through an official license—to represent third parties in customs procedures across the various customs regimes covered by the law.
Simply put, a customs broker is the only professional authorized to officially process imports. This means you’ll need one, since only they can sign the customs declaration required to import goods.
Customs agencies, on the other hand, are legal entities authorized by SAT to carry out customs clearance procedures. However, they must be formed based on a valid customs broker license.
Partnering with a customs agency can also be a great option. These agencies work with licensed brokers and offer additional benefits, such as help with:
Last—but definitely not least—you need to understand the total amount of taxes and duties you’ll owe for each import. One key point to keep in mind: import taxes are not fixed. What you pay depends on your product, its tariff classification, your INCOTERM agreement, and any dutiable costs.
Here are the main duties and taxes:
This tax applies to both individuals and companies that import or sell goods and services within Mexico.
This tax protects the national economy and is calculated as a percentage of the customs value.
This fee is charged for the use of customs facilities in Mexico.
Applies to those who manufacture, sell, or import certain goods like alcohol, tobacco, and diesel.
These are additional charges on certain foreign goods when unfair trade practices like dumping are detected.
As you can see, importing into Mexico isn’t a simple task. There are numerous requirements, and the process can be complex. That’s why working with a qualified expert is essential.
At Aduaeasy, we support businesses and individuals with expert guidance and step-by-step assistance to ensure safe, successful import operations.