Overcoming Common Challenges When Importing Goods to Mexico: How to Save Time and Reduce Costs
Explore our Pre-Customs Clearance Inspections for Mexico (Previo en Origen)
Importing goods to Mexico can be challenging and costly. Logistics costs for cross-border trade in Mexico can rise by as much as 30% due to port delays, inspections, and administrative inefficiencies. While these costs might not be obvious right away, over time, they erode profit margins and complicate supply chain planning.
The root causes? Outdated infrastructure, port congestion, and a fivefold increase in customs inspections after the military took control of customs operations. Together, these issues have made Mexico’s import process less predictable and more expensive for businesses of all sizes.
In this blog, we’ll uncover the most common port-related challenges and explain how implementing a Previo en Origen (PEO) can save your business valuable time, reduce storage and administrative costs, and help you regain control over your logistics.
Mexican Ports: Inefficiencies and Challenges
The main challenges businesses face when importing into Mexico include:
Outdated Infrastructure: Mexico’s ports are under immense pressure. Despite rising trade volumes over the past 30 years, Mexico is still in the process of developing the infrastructure needed to reach the level of a global logistics leader. According to Omar Terans, an experienced customs agent with HP Enterprises—a customs, logistics, and port conglomerate—ports such as Veracruz and Ensenada are planning new terminals to handle increased import and export traffic. However, timelines remain uncertain due to political and logistical challenges.
Port Congestion: Port congestion in Mexico has become a major bottleneck for importers. One of the nation’s most active ports, Manzanillo, located on the Pacific coast, regularly faces delays of 7 to 8 days, equivalent to 72 to 120 extra hours of wait time. For importers, every extra day means additional costs — from storage to missed delivery windows.
Increase in Customs Inspections: One major contributor to port inefficiencies is the military takeover of customs operations. Originally, around 4% of shipments were subject to inspection; that number has now jumped to 25%. The shift has prioritized security, resulting in slower processing times. Combined with facilities in need of modernization and increasing trade demands, this new inspection regime has overwhelmed many importers and customs brokers.
Delays and Bottlenecks: How They Impact Your Bottom Line
The financial implications of these inefficiencies are substantial.
Fees: Importers receive 8 free days of storage at ports, but once that window closes, fees can quickly climb to $150–$290 per day.
“These fees apply even on non-working days — including holidays, weather delays, or customs office closures — meaning importers pay whether the port is operating or not,” Terans explains.
Import Declarations: Errors in import declarations can also trigger additional taxes, fines, and delays. For example, if the quantity of goods listed doesn’t match what’s in the container, importers must navigate extra paperwork and fees. In Mexico, customs brokers carry a heavy legal burden — they are held responsible if goods are incorrectly declared or not inspected thoroughly.
"Declaration errors are surprisingly common, especially when shipments are rushed or documentation is incomplete. In one example, a toy company received over 100 containers per week ahead of peak season, but more than half had mismatched documents, missing packing lists, or even undeclared extra cargo. It was technically a mess. These discrepancies not only caused delays but resulted in steep storage fees and administrative penalties,” Terans recalls.
Logistical Costs: These issues collectively raise logistical costs by up to 30%, driving up product prices and contributing to inflation for the end consumer. Perhaps more critically, they weaken trust between importers, brokers, clients, and authorities — trust that is essential for a smooth and scalable supply chain.
Previo en Origen (PEO): How to Reduce Costs, Storage Time, and Risk of Delays
One proven way to overcome these challenges is through Previo en Origen (PEO) — a pre-shipment inspection process conducted at the origin point, before goods are loaded and shipped to Mexico.
Importers should allow at least 21 days before the shipment departs to properly conduct the PEO. By starting the PEO inspections 21 days in advance, importers gain time to correct errors, verify documentation, and ensure that containers are correctly packed and labeled. This process is coordinated closely withcustoms brokers, who provide standard operating procedures (SOPs) for how items should be reviewed based on product type and risk category.
“In practice, the customs broker works hand-in-hand with inspection teams to issue specific SOPs tailored to each shipment type. This means counting and measuring every box, verifying documentation, and ensuring compliance with strict customs expectations — before goods ever leave the origin point,” says Terans.
PEO also includes detailed item registration and container condition checks, minimizing the chance of discrepancies upon arrival in Mexico.
How a Major Apparel Brand Benefited from QIMA's PEO:
A major apparel brand relied on QIMA’s PEO to protect a confidential World Cup shipment from exposure and costly delays.
Sensitive items, including the official Mexico national team jerseys, were packed under tight confidentiality requirements. Without PEO, the product visibility risk was high — port staff could have seen the products, jeopardizing the brand's launch plans.
By using PEO, the brand avoided visibility leaks, reduced revision risk, and saved a substantial amount in potential storage and administrative fees.
Beyond Cost Savings: The Strategic Value of PEO
Beyond the immediate financial benefits, PEO delivers a strategic edge:
Faster customs clearance: Customs authorities receive a full inspection report, which may result in a lower likelihood of additional inspections.
Greater accuracy and compliance: Fewer errors in declarations and permits mean fewer fines and less legal risk.
Improved collaboration: With brokers and logistics providers aligned from the outset, delays due to miscommunication are reduced.
Enhanced security: PEO minimizes the risk of cargo theft and tampering by limiting who interacts with the shipment.
Reputation management: Well-handled shipments contribute to a company’s credibility with customs, brokers, and authorities.
QIMA: An Expert Partner for Fast, Compliant Customs Clearance in Mexico
With a reliable provider, PEO isn’t just a pre-check; it’s a strategic asset that reduces inspection rates, reinforces documentation, and accelerates clearance.
QIMA’s inspection teams:
Align with broker SOPs
Register all cargo details at origin
Provide clear documentation for customs
Are recognized by shipping lines and authorities
With over 15 years of PEO experience, QIMA helps importers into Mexico move faster and stay compliant. We've worked with leading Mexican retailers and nearshoring companies to cut customs delays and reduce risk. Our experts know the intricacies of Mexican regulations and streamline every step. Trained inspectors can be onsite within 48 hours, with same-day reports delivered via our advanced platform. From accurate inspections to smooth communication, QIMA keeps your supply chain moving — without costly slowdowns.
Contact us today to learn more about how Previo en Origen inspections can help you import to Mexico more safely, efficiently, and without overspending.
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