MEXICO
Mexico has a complex customs system that requires additional setup for new customs brokerage customers, a process that typically takes 2–4 days. For this reason, we strongly recommend that, whenever possible, the consignee use their existing customs broker to clear the cargo, and allow Exfreight’ s agent to handle the final delivery. This approach helps speed up customs entry and reduces the risk of storage delays.
In addition to the initial setup for new importers, Mexico also requires an import license for all imported goods. If the importer does not already have this license, they must apply through the local tax authority, SAT. Depending on the commodity, approval can take another 2–4 days. Certain products—such as textiles, footwear, and artwork—require a special import license, which can take even longer to obtain.
To help avoid storage fees due to potential customs clearance delays, we recommend contacting our customer service team for any shipment going to Mexico. This allows us to verify that the Mexican importer holds the necessary import license and has the required documentation ready so a customs entry can be submitted without delay.
Documents required for Mexico customs clearance as follows:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Items claiming duty free status under USMCA require certificate of origin or specific qualifying statements on the commercial invoice.
Your commercial invoice must include the currency of the values listed. It should also include unit value and number of units sold. Identifying the HTS code on the invoice is also helpful in classifying the item properly with the local customs office.
A schedule B # or HTS code is required for every shipment prior to export.
If the value exceeds $2500 value, please also provide a completed SLI to ExFreight or complete the export declaration on the ExFreight website.
If your booking is Full Container (FCL), a VGM form must be completed before documentation cutoff date.
Please provide a scanned copy of the documents to ExFreight prior to freight departure.
Shipments to a military base may require additional fees and paperwork if the base requires an exclusive truck for delivery or bonded delivery.
The following commodities may require additional paperwork and or special import licenses:
- Medicines
- Cotton Fiber
- Insecticides/Pesticides
- Food
- Cosmetics
- Tobacco products
- Medical devices
- Human drugs or medicines
- Veterinary products or medicines
- Alcohol
- Electronics
- Chemicals
- Products made of wood
- Firearms
- Vehicles & trailers (including RVs) Plants and Seeds
Prohibited items:
- Counterfeit items, currency etc.
- Pornography
Important: Exercise independent care before relying on information contained herein. Although we strive to ensure all information is correct and current, ExFreight assumes no liability for detrimental reliance on this information. Trade requirements may change with little or no prior notification, de-facto requirements in certain countries vary from official regulations, and particular shipments and/or importers may have special destination customs arrangements. We encourage you to check with the importer or its customs agent in the destination country for specific importation requirements for specific products and circumstances. Additional resource www.trade.gov
