Mexico flag Mexico: Buying and Selling

International convention and customs procedures of Mexico

International Conventions
Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Party to the Kyoto Protocol
Party to the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
Party to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal
Party to the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer
Party to the International Coffee Agreement
International Economic Cooperation
Mexico is a member of the following international economic organisations: IMF, North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), OECD, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), ICC, G-3, G-15, G-20, G-24, WTO, among others. For the full list of economic and other international organisations in which participates Mexico click here. International organisation membership of Mexico is also outlined here.
Non Tariff Barriers
Since joining GATT in 1986, Mexico has reduced the number of products subject to import license. For those products still regulated, a permit must be obtained from the Ministry of the Economy. There are still a large number of specific conditions for textile products. Approximately 10% of imported goods are checked in detail, especially automobile, chemical, pharmaceutical, metallurgical and agricultural imports. Though origin regulations may allow goods to benefit from the reduction of duty taxes, rules have become more rigorous since Mexico signed onto NAFTA.
Customs Duties and Taxes on Imports
The average MFN tariff rate for Mexico reached 5.8% in 2019. See this paper on customs duties in Mexico from the WTO for more information.
Customs Classification
Mexico uses the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System - generally referred to as the 'Harmonised System' - that was developed by the World Customs Organisation. 
Import Procedures
For tax purposes, all Mexican importers must register and be listed with the Official Register of Importers (Padrón de Importadores), maintained by the Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP). The basic Mexican import document is the Import Request (Pedimento de Importación).

In order to apply the correct taxes/duties, the importing agent must present the import declaration, a commercial invoice, a bill of lading, a proof of exemption, and a certificate establishing the origin of the goods, documents demonstrating guarantee of payment of additional duties for undervalued goods if applicable (see the Customs Valuation section of this guide), and, if applicable, documents demonstrating compliance with Mexican product safety and performance regulations (see the Standards section).
All commercial imports into Mexico, whether they are temporary or permanent, can be executed by a qualified and authorized Mexican customs broker.

In the case of the textiles, apparel, and footwear sectors, the importer must be registered in the Padrón for textile, apparel, and footwear products. The main goal of the program is to protect local industry against counterfeiting from Asia.

Mexico has developed 'Sectoral Promotion Programmes' (PROSEC) that seek to reduce or eliminate tariffs on several sectors.

In addition to complying with all applicable standards, foreign manufactured medical devices and healthcare products must have a legally appointed representative or distributor in Mexico that is registered with the Secretariat of Health.

Importing Samples
Companies wishing to bring samples, equipment, displays or any other items to Mexico on a temporary basis may use an ATA carnet, since the country joined the international carnet system in 2014.
Mexican Customs allows ATA Carnets and their goods to remain in Mexico for up to 6 months. An extension can be requested prior to the expiration of the 6-month period.
 

To go further, check out our service Import controls and Export controls.

 
For Further Information
Mexican Customs Agency official website ( in Spanish)

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Latest Update: March 2024

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