Firearms → Mexico

Illegal to bring firearms without SEDENA permit

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.

Legal reference

Federal Law on Firearms and Explosives

Leaving with this item

Mexico prohibits taking firearms out of the country without an advance export authorisation; licensed hunters and sport shooters are the main exception categories.

Practical advice

Never bring firearms or ammunition into Mexico. US-Mexico border seizures are common and penalties include years of imprisonment.

Customs authority

Servicio de Administración Tributaria — SAT (Tax Administration Service, Customs Division) · https://www.sat.gob.mx