Importing and Exporting to Mexico

Importing goods into Mexico involves several key requirements to ensure compliance with local laws and customs regulations. The primary document for clearing goods through customs is the Import Request (Pedimento de Importación), along with other essential documents, including a commercial invoice (must be in Spanish), a bill of lading, a certificate of origin, and Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM) certification which ensures they meet safety and quality standards.

Mexico also has specific pallet compliance rules. Goods transported on wooden pallets must adhere to ISPM 15 standards, which ensure the pallets are free from pests and disease. Non-compliance can lead to rejected goods. Using plastic pallets is a recommended alternative to meet these standards.

In addition to documentation and pallet compliance, imports are subject to taxes and duties. The 16% VAT (Value Added Tax) is applied to imports based on the value of the goods, including duties and freight costs. Customs duties may also apply, depending on the product type.

Certain goods, such as electronics and medical devices, face additional regulations. Electronics must have NOM certification before importation, and failure to comply can result in customs seizures. Medical devices must be registered with the Secretariat of Health before being sold in Mexico.

For businesses wishing to temporarily import items such as samples or equipment, an ATA Carnet can be used. This allows goods to stay in Mexico for up to six months without incurring customs duties.

NOM certification, short for Norma Oficial Mexicana, is a crucial set of standards and technical regulations mandated by the Mexican government. These regulations apply to various products entering the market and are designed to ensure safety, quality, and environmental protection.

Essentially, NOM certification ensures that the products consumers use in Mexico are safe and meet rigorous quality benchmarks. This includes everything from product design and manufacturing to packaging, labeling, and operation. For businesses looking to trade goods with Mexico, understanding and complying with NOM standards is not just important—it’s essential.

But here’s where it gets interesting: if you decide to tackle the NOM certification process on your own, be prepared for a time-consuming journey. It can take anywhere from two to six months to complete the process, which could lead to potential delays in your supply chain. So, timing is key. If you’re serious about entering the Mexican market, you’ll want to start this process early to avoid any unwanted hiccups.

However, there’s a shortcut you can take—working with a local compliance expert like TecEx. We already have established relationships with the Mexican certification body, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to secure NOM certification—sometimes cutting it down to under two weeks!

One key aspect of Mexican customs compliance is the NOM certifications required for certain products, such as electronics, toys, and medical devices. These certifications verify that the products meet Mexico’s safety and quality standards. Before importing these goods into Mexico, obtaining the necessary NOM certifications is crucial, and working with a local compliance expert can help expedite the process.

In addition to certification, the import process in Mexico also requires working with a qualified customs broker. A customs broker plays a vital role in facilitating the smooth importation of goods by ensuring that all relevant paperwork is submitted, that products comply with Mexico’s import regulations, and that the goods clear customs without issues.

Another critical consideration is product labeling. For any product intended for retail sale in Mexico, labels must be in Spanish. This is part of the broader regulatory framework that ensures consumers have clear and accurate information about the products they purchase. Compliance with the NOM regulations regarding labeling and packaging before importing the goods is vital, as failure to do so can result in penalties or delays in releasing goods at customs.

Fill in the form to get in touch, and our expert team will contact you with a bespoke customs compliance solution to suit your needs.