Mexico Customs Clearance Process: An Importer's Guide
Navigating the Mexican customs import process can be daunting. The complexity of the procedures, combined with the fear of delays, high costs, and compliance issues, requires thorough preparation.
According to data from Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), Mexico’s merchandise imports reached USD 625.3 billion in 2024, a 4.5% increase compared to 2023.
Here is a breakdown by type of goods:
Consumer goods: Up 3.6%, totaling $90.9 billion
Intermediate goods: Up 4.4%, totaling $472.8 billion (Source: Reporte Índigo)
Capital goods: Down 6.3% in Q3 2024, with imports totaling $15.1 billion—the largest drop since 2020 (Source: El Economista)
Top countries exporting to Mexico in 2024:
United States: $118.3 billion
China: $17.6 billion
Japan: $13.0 billion
Germany: $8.7 billion
South Korea: $6.5 billion
This article provides a step-by-step guide to the Mexican customs import process, addressing common pain points. We offer clear explanations to help you streamline your import operations into Mexico.
Key Steps in the Mexican Customs Process
Before your products can hit the shelves in Mexico, they must go through the customs clearance process. Here's a breakdown of the key steps involved.
1. Register as an Importer
To import goods into Mexico, you must be registered with the Mexican Registry of Importers, the Padrón de Importadores (note that some types of products, like machinery, do not require Padrón). This registration authorizes you to import specific goods into the country. The process involves submitting various documents to the Mexican Tax Administration (SAT) to prove your eligibility and compliance with local regulations.
2. Classify Goods
Classify your goods using the Harmonized System (HS) code. This standardized numerical method determines the applicable duties and regulations for your imports. Identify the correct HS code by understanding your product's nature, use, and material composition. Proper classification ensures accurate calculation of duties and taxes, and compliance with Mexican customs regulations, preventing delays and fines.
3. Hire a Customs Broker
In Mexico, using a customs broker (agente aduanal) is mandatory for most commercial imports. The only exception applies to low-value packages for personal use—typically small shipments sent via courier services.. A customs broker will help manage the import process, including documentation, classification, and compliance with regulations.
The requirement for importers in Mexico to use a licensed customs broker is outlined in Mexican customs law, specifically in the following documents:
Ley Aduanera (Customs Law): This is the main law that regulates imports and exports in Mexico. Article 164 states that, unless an individual or company is authorized to handle customs procedures directly, they must hire a licensed customs broker.
Reglamento de la Ley Aduanera (Regulations of the Customs Law): This document provides more detailed regulations and procedures surrounding customs, including the responsibilities of customs brokers. Under these rules, customs brokers must be licensed by the Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT) - Mexico’s Tax Administration Service.
NOM-177-SCFI-2018: This standard, which governs the "General Criteria for Customs Procedures," specifies that businesses or individuals who want to engage in foreign trade must be aware of customs procedures and, in many cases, the necessity of working with a customs broker to comply with Mexican regulations.
4. Prepare the Import Declaration (Pedimento de Importación)
The Import Declaration is the key document for customs clearance. This form includes essential information such as the shipment's weight, volume, value, origin, destination, and specific codes for the goods. A licensed customs broker’s assistance in preparing the Pedimento is crucial. They will ensure all information is precise to avoid delays and issues with compliance.
5. Gather Supporting Documentation
The Pedimento must be accompanied by several key documents to ensure smooth customs clearance. These typically include:
Commercial Invoice (in Spanish): This document provides details about the goods being imported, including their value, description, and terms of sale.
Bill of Lading: Proof of shipment that details the transport of the goods.
Certificate of Origin: Required for the goods that qualify for preferential treatment under trade agreements.
Packing List: A detailed list of the contents of each package being shipped.
Documents Proving Compliance with Mexican Regulatory Standards: Necessary for goods that must meet specific safety or regulatory standards in Mexico, such as products requiring NOM certification.
6. Submit Documentation and Pay Fees
You or your broker will submit the Pedimento and supporting documents to Mexican customs electronically. This submission process includes:
Electronic Submission: The Pedimento and all supporting documentation are uploaded to the customs electronic system for review.
Payment of Duties, Taxes, and Fees: All applicable duties, taxes, and fees must be paid at this stage. This includes import duties, Value Added Tax (VAT), and any other fees related to the shipment.
7. Customs Inspection and Clearance
It is important that Previo en Origen (PEO) is conducted in detail. If the inspection misses small issues (like incorrect documentation, misclassifications, or packaging mistakes), customs clearance could be extended due to the need for additional inspections or corrections, causing significant delays. Delays can lead to high storage costs at ports or warehouses, as well as demurrage fees. In some cases, the shipment may need to be returned or re-shipped, which adds additional transportation costs. In extreme cases, goods could even be seized or confiscated.
Incomplete or inaccurate inspections may lead to non-compliance with Mexican import laws, potentially resulting in legal actions, including penalties or restrictions on future shipments. If the goods are delayed, damaged, or not compliant with quality standards, the importer may lose customer trust, potentially resulting in lost business or reputation damage.
The customs inspection and clearance process involves several key steps:
Documentation Review: Customs officials will review the submitted Pedimento and supporting documents to ensure all information is accurate and complete.
Inspection: The physical inspection of goods verifies that the shipment matches the details provided in the documentation. This may include checking the contents, packaging, and compliance with regulations. Container loading supervision reports can provide customs officials with additional assurance that the goods were properly secured and handled.
Additional Checks: Depending on the nature of the goods, additional checks may be required, such as verifying compliance with health, safety, or environmental regulations.
Release of Goods: Once the documentation review and inspections are successfully completed, and any additional checks are passed, the goods are cleared by customs and can be released for delivery to their final destination.
Post-Clearance Procedures:
Record-Keeping: Importers and exporters must keep all relevant documentation for a specified period (usually five years) for audit purposes.
Audits and Inspections: Customs authorities may conduct post-clearance audits to ensure compliance with all regulations
How Long Does the Mexican Customs Process Take?
The duration of the Mexican customs process can vary depending on several factors, including port saturation, the complexity of the shipment, the accuracy of the documentation, and whether any inspections or additional checks are required. Typically, the process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Electronic submission and timely payment of duties and fees can help expedite the process. However, unforeseen delays can occur, particularly if there are issues with the documentation or if the shipment is selected for a detailed inspection.
Leveraging Previo en Origen (PEO) services can significantly streamline this process, saving time and costs while avoiding bureaucratic procedures.
Previo en Origen Inspections (PEO): Ensuring an Efficient Customs Clearance Process
Previo en Origen (Pre-Customs Clearance Inspection) is an import inspection process designed to expedite customs clearance in Mexico. This process, based on Article 42 of the Mexican Customs Law, allows the examination of merchandise before customs declaration to ensure accurate classification and compliance.
PEO includes:
Document Reviews
Product Condition assessments
Container Loading Supervision
Compliance Verification
Container Loading Supervision plays a critical role in this process by ensuring goods are loaded securely and accurately into containers. This minimizes the risk of damage or tampering during transit, supports compliance with shipping standards, and provides peace of mind for importers.
PEO inspections can significantly expedite the customs clearance process. By verifying documentation and product conformity before shipping, PEO inspections help prevent delays and ensure a smooth export experience. This proactive approach ensures that shipments are ready for immediate clearance upon arrival, often within 24-48 hours, reducing the lead time and mitigating the risks of delays, additional costs, and non-compliance issues.
Learn more about the PEO process: Navigating Customs in Mexico: The Previo en Origen (Pre-Customs Clearance Inspection) Process
QIMA: A Trusted Partner to Facilitate a Smooth Mexican Customs Clearance Process
QIMA offers over 15 years of expertise in Previo en Origen services, making us a reliable partner for Mexico customs support. We have extensive experience working with the biggest retailers in Mexico and companies from the nearshoring sector. Our expertise in local regulations and customs procedures in Mexico helps importers expedite customs clearance and achieve full compliance with Mexican laws. With our fast response times, you will have highly trained inspectors onsite within 48 hours of your request, providing prompt assessments and detailed same-day reports. We utilize an advanced online platform offering easy access to inspection reports and real-time insights. By choosing QIMA and our proactive approach, you streamline the import process, reduce delays, and ensure smooth customs clearance.
For more information on the requirements for importers to Mexico, read our whitepaper, The Complexities of Importing to Mexico and the Importance of a Proactive Focus.
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