Important Changes for Imports to Mexico

Important Changes for Imports to Mexico

In December 2024, the Mexican government introduced temporary changes to import duties and customs clearance processes. These updates affect both textile and apparel products, as well as customs clearance of express shipments. The new regulations will impact Canadian businesses and individuals exporting goods to Mexico.

What has changed?

Effective December 20, 2024
 

Temporary Increase in Import Duties

Mexico has temporarily increased import duties for certain textile and apparel products. These new duty rates will last until April 2026 and primarily impact the following products:  
 

Apparel Products

  • Coats, suits, jackets, pants, dresses, shirts, and sweaters
  • Textile accessories such as gloves, belts, and ties

Made-Up Textile Articles

  • Home goods (e.g., bed linens, blankets, pillowcases, curtains, towels)
  • Tents, awnings, needlecrafts, rags

Impact on Duty Rates:

  • Apparel products: Duties increase from 20% to 35%
  • Made-up Textile Materials: Duties increase from 10% to 15%

Find the complete list of impacted commodities by Harmonized System (HS) codes on Mexico’ Official Federal Gazette (Diario Oficial de la Federación) or here in English.

Effective January 1, 2025
 

Changes to Simplified Customs Clearance for Express Shipments

Several amendments have been made to the customs clearance process of express shipments and low-value shipments (valued up to US$2500) entering Mexico. Key changes include: 

Removal of the De Minimis Exemption for Most Shipments

  • Shipments under US$2500 will no longer benefit from duty and tax exemptions.
  • A general 19% import tax rate will now apply to low-value shipments.

Continued Benefits for Shipments from Canada
Certain Shipments from Canada will continue to receive de minimis and preferential rate:

  • Shipments valued at US$50 and less: No duties or taxes
  • Shipments valued between US$50 and US$117: No duties, but a 17% tax rate will apply.

Simplified Import Clearance Updates

  • Available for shipments valued below US$2500.
  • Shipments valued from US$1000 - 2500 must have the consignee in Mexico registered in the Padrón de Importadores (Importer’s Registry) of the Tax Administration Service (www.sat.gob.mx).
  • Goods no longer eligible for simplified import clearance (formal clearance processing required):
    • Vehicles and Parts (HS Chapter 87): Vehicles other than railway rolling stock and parts and accessories thereof, including baby carriages, bicycles, wheelchairs and accessories of motor cars, among others
    • Goods Subject to Antidumping and Countervailing Duties

Key Requirements for Shipments to Mexico

Information Required Details
Product Descriptions Generic descriptions such as ‘commercial samples’, ‘unsolicited gifts’, and ‘miscellaneous items’ are no longer accepted. Use clear and specific descriptions for your products.
Consignee Information
  • For shipments above US$1000: Ensure the consignee in Mexico is registered in the Padrón de Importadores
  • Ensure all consignee details are accurate, including: full name, address, phone number, and email address
  • Mexican Tax ID: The Federal Taxpayer Registry (RFC) and The Unique Population Registry Code (CURP)
For non-Mexican
(foreign) Nationals
 If the consignee is a non-Mexican national, the following ID numbers are acceptable:
  • Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Tax ID (e.g., Employer Identification Number)
  • Passport Number

The required information must be provided in the corresponding fields of the FedEx Express shipping solution used or on the FedEx International Air Waybill. If the required information is not provided, shipments may be subject to additional screening by Mexican Customs, clearance delays, or clearance rejection and abandonment or return to shipper, at shipper’s expense.
 

Need Assistance?

For questions or assistance, please contact FedEx Mexico Customer Service at 55.5228.9904.