What documents you need when shipping to Mexico

When shipping to Mexico typically the importers uses a customs broker (private sector service provider) to obtain the release of the goods.

The customs officer shall provide importers with all necessary information on applicable customs duties and non-tariff rules. When shipping to Mexico the entry of the customs is accompanied by:

1. The commercial invoice :  if the customs value of the goods is determined by the transaction value and exceeds 300 USD, or its equivalent in another foreign currency (the invoice is issued in Spanish). A  translation can be done on the back or in the invoice body);
2. Bill of lading approved by the carrier;
3. Documents proving compliance with import restrictions and non-tariff requirements;
4. Certificate of Origin: proof of the country of origin and, where applicable, the exporting country; and
5. The certificate of guarantee of the payment of additional sums that may arise if the declared value is lower than the estimated price set by the Minister of Finance and the public loan for the undervalued goods.

Of course all of these depends on type of package you are shipping to Mexico.

Customs Info, Duty and Tax Information, and regulation for packages shipping to Mexico

The Guarantee Certificate Payment of additional amounts, if the specified value is lower than the estimated price set by the Minister of Finance and Public Borrowing may arise for undervalued assets.

Customs information, fees and charges information, and shipping related regulatory package in Mexico

For tax purposes, all Mexican importers must register and be listed in the Importers’ Register (Padrón of Importadores), managed by the Secretariat for Finance and Public Credit (SHCP), which also holds special segment registers. This is only for commercial purpose, as individual you can buy in US and ship to Mexico through a couriers service. You can alway find the cheapest shipping to mexico here.

To import more than 400 different products (including agricultural products, textiles, chemicals, electronic equipment and auto parts), Mexican importers to apply the SHCP must be included in these records.

Applicable products in North America must use the certificate of origin under NAFTA to obtain preferential treatment. This should be done by the exporter and must not be validated or formalized.

The Mexican tax authorities carry out tax audits of certain exporters of sensitive sectors. The Mexican customs law is very strict with regard to the corresponding submission and preparation of customs documents.

Mistakes in writing can result in fines and even the confiscation of contraband. Therefore, the services of a customs broker may still be required for the import process.

As customs agents are sanctioned, if they violate customs laws, they interpret some very restrictive Mexican rules and standard.

What Products are prohibited when shipping to Mexico?

The following is prohibited or restricted:

Narcotics

Live fish

Predators of all sizes

Images depicting children in humiliating or ridiculous ways

Used clothing that is not part of your personal luggage

Firearms and ammunition.

There are additional requirements for medical devices and healthcare products. First, the products must comply with the applicable standards.

Secondly, products made abroad must have a legally appointed representative / dealer in Mexico.

Third, the products must be registered with the Health Department before being sold in Mexico. With the exception of blood, blood products and organs, almost all medical products can be imported to Mexico, provided they comply with applicable regulations.

Export to Mexico: the challenges

US exporters must be aware of certain obstacles when exporting to Mexico. None, however, is insurmountable.

With careful planning and assistance from organizations such as the US Commercial Service, exporters of all sizes can be successful in the Mexican market. According to the Mexican Trade Guide, the challenges include:

Due to the size and diversity of Mexico, finding a single distributor or representative for this huge market can be difficult.

The Mexican legal system, which is fundamentally different from the American system. US companies should contact a legal adviser before concluding a trade agreement in Mexico.

The Mexican banking system has shown signs of growth after years of stagnation, but interest rates remain relatively high. In particular, for small and medium-sized enterprises, despite the efforts of the Mexican government to improve access to capital, it may be difficult to obtain financing at affordable prices.

Mexican customs regulations, product standards and labor laws can cause problems for US companies.

The ongoing violence involving criminal groups has led to growing insecurity in parts of Mexico, including some border areas.

Shipping to Mexico: The possibilities

In many situations, the potential benefits of shipping to Mexico outweigh the challenges that exporters face. Exporters must identify and use business opportunities while developing a risk minimization strategy.

According to the Mexican Trade Guide, the government’s current reform and development platform promised to develop at national level strategic public infrastructure and industrial development with a total investment of $ 586 billion. Dollars in traffic, water, energy, health, urban development, communication and tourism. There are still many business opportunities for interested US exporters.

Due to the common Western and Hispanic culture of both countries, it is relatively easy for American manufacturers to market and sell their services and products in Mexico.

The most promising sectors of Mexico are:

Agriculture

Food sector

Automotive parts and services

Aerospace

Educational services

Energy

Environmental engineering

The franchise

Housing and construction

Packaging equipment

Plastics and resins

Safety equipment and services

Transport infrastructure equipment and services

Travel and tourism services

Factors that affects shipping to Mexico cost?

Shipping price to Mexico

This is calculated according to the actual weight. For example, shipping a 10-pound box of 12 x 8 x 6 inches would not be equivalent to shipping the same box with 24 x 12 x 12-inch weight.

Mexico Shipping address

It is important to know if your receiver is located at a business or private address. Couriers usually charge a housing supplement, because the delivery of the shipment for the deliverer is a detour to the professional route.

Type of shipping service offer to Mexico

If you choose an express service instead of a ground service for your shipment, the shipping price will of course be higher. However, choosing these options allows you to choose the appropriate service to satisfy your customer.