Importing Into 🇲🇽 Mexico
De Minimis Threshold
US$50
USD $50 equivalent
Shipments below this value may enter without customs duty. VAT may still apply depending on local rules.
Mexico lowered its de minimis threshold to USD $50 as of June 2020 (from USD $200) for courier and postal imports, to protect domestic businesses from low-cost imports. The USMCA/CUSMA/T-MEC raised the de minimis for goods from the US and Canada to USD $117 for taxes and USD $117 for duties. VAT (IVA, 16%) applies to imports above the de minimis.
As of: 2020-06-01
VAT / GST on Imports
16%
Applied on the customs value (CIF — cost, insurance, freight) plus any applicable duties.
Required Documentation
| # | Document |
|---|---|
| 01 | Pedimento (Mexican Customs Declaration in SAAI system) |
| 02 | Commercial Invoice |
| 03 | Packing List |
| 04 | Airway Bill or Bill of Lading |
| 05 | Certificate of Origin (USMCA certification or other FTA CO) |
| 06 | COFEPRIS sanitary registration (for food, drugs, cosmetics) |
| 07 | SENASICA phytosanitary or animal health certificate |
| 08 | IFT homologation certificate (for telecommunications equipment) |
Requirements vary by shipment value, HS chapter, and origin country. Learn about each document type →
Restricted Import Categories
- ⚠Firearms and ammunition (strictly controlled by SEDENA — Ministry of National Defense; very difficult to import)
- ⚠Medicines and pharmaceuticals (COFEPRIS registration required)
- ⚠Food products (SENASICA/COFEPRIS registration)
- ⚠Telecommunications equipment (IFT homologation required)
- ⚠Used vehicles (complex regulations; PROSEC programs for manufacturers)
- ⚠Endangered species (SEMARNAT/CITES permit required)
- ⚠Cultural artifacts and antiques (INAH or SRE permits)
Prohibited Import Categories
- ✗Narcotics and controlled substances
- ✗Counterfeit goods
- ✗Pornographic material involving minors
- ✗Firearms and military equipment without SEDENA permits
- ✗Products from endangered species without permits
- ✗Hazardous wastes
Special Notes
- 01Mexico-US-Canada Agreement (USMCA/T-MEC) provides zero tariffs on qualifying goods between the three countries.
- 02IVA (Impuesto al Valor Agregado) is 16% standard. Border zone rate is also 16% (formerly 11% was abolished).
- 03Mexico is part of numerous FTAs including with the EU (TLCUEM), Japan, Chile, and many others.
- 04The Ventanilla Única de Comercio Exterior Mexicana (VUCEM) is the single window for trade declarations.
- 05Maquiladora (IMMEX) program allows duty-free import of materials for manufacturing/export.
- 06COFEPRIS (Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks) oversees food, drug, and cosmetic imports.
- 07Used clothing and shoes have specific import restrictions.
Documented Import Rules
Vape / E-Cigarette
🇲🇽 Mexico
Vape / E-Cigarette requires declaration / permit for personal import into Mexico.
Alcohol / Spirits
🇲🇽 Mexico
Alcohol / Spirits requires declaration / permit for personal import into Mexico.
Tobacco Cigarettes
🇲🇽 Mexico
Tobacco Cigarettes requires declaration / permit for personal import into Mexico.
CBD Oil
🇲🇽 Mexico
CBD Oil is generally prohibited for personal import into Mexico.
Cannabis Seeds
🇲🇽 Mexico
Cannabis Seeds is generally prohibited for personal import into Mexico.
Sterilised hemp seeds (food grade)
🇲🇽 Mexico
Sterilised hemp seeds (food grade) requires declaration / permit for personal import into Mexico.
Codeine (Medication)
🇲🇽 Mexico
Codeine (Medication) requires declaration / permit for personal import into Mexico.
Adderall (Medication)
🇲🇽 Mexico
Adderall (Medication) requires declaration / permit for personal import into Mexico.
Tramadol (Medication)
🇲🇽 Mexico
Tramadol (Medication) requires declaration / permit for personal import into Mexico.
Estimate duties and VAT for a specific shipment into Mexico.
Calculate Duty →