Firearms → 🇲🇽 Mexico

Full details

Mexico strictly controls firearms under the Federal Law on Firearms and Explosives. Import without a SEDENA (Secretariat of National Defense) permit is a serious federal crime. Even a single round of ammunition can result in imprisonment. US travelers have been jailed for inadvertently bringing firearms across the border. Enforcement in Mexico carries fines from MXN 10,000 to MXN 10,000,000 and imprisonment up to 15 years in aggravated cases under Código Penal Federal Art. 194; Ley Federal de Armas de Fuego. Leaving Mexico with firearms is a separate question — prohibited: Mexico prohibits taking firearms out of the country without an advance export authorisation; licensed hunters and sport shooters are the main exception categories.

ENFORCEMENT

Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.

Leaving Mexico with firearms

Export of firearms from Mexico requires advance authorisation issued before departure under Ley Federal de Armas de Fuego y Explosivos Art. 24-30; SEDENA regulations. Unlicensed firearms export is a serious criminal offence carrying substantial fines and imprisonment. Even properly licensed domestic owners require the separate export authorisation for cross-border movement, and ammunition and firearm parts (barrels, receivers) fall under the same framework. Airlines additionally require advance notice and locked-case carriage in checked baggage.

OFFICIAL SOURCES · VERIFIED 2026-08-22