Last updated: October 12, 2026
An aircraft part is worth its traceability. If the serial number on the invoice does not match the part, or a certificate is missing, the shipment stops even when everything else is right. This guide covers what to check when moving aerospace parts, materials and tooling between Mexico and the United States through Laredo.
What crosses at Laredo
- Into Mexico: raw material (aluminum, titanium, composites), components, tooling, molds and machinery for plants in Querétaro, Nuevo León and the Bajío.
- Into the United States: finished aircraft parts, harnesses, machined parts, interiors and repaired units.
- Round trip: parts sent out for repair, calibration or testing that come back.
Mexican side: what gets checked
- IMMEX temporary imports. Most plants bring in materials and tooling temporarily. Every entry and exit has to reconcile with the inventory control system. See IMMEX logistics and Annex 24.
- Tariff classification. Mexico’s tariff schedule has specific treatment for goods used to build aircraft and aircraft parts when the company holds the aviation authority’s approval. Confirming the classification before shipping avoids overpaying or amending later. See tariff classification.
- Export controls. Mexico requires a prior permit from the Ministry of Economy to export certain dual-use goods and technologies. The exporter needs to know whether its product is on those lists.
- Repairs. Parts that leave for repair and return move under a temporary regime with a deadline. If the deadline passes, the operation gets harder and more costly.
U.S. side: what gets checked
- Export controls (EAR and ITAR). Many aerospace parts and technologies are controlled. The exporter determines the classification and obtains the license when one is required. We file the Electronic Export Information (EEI) with that data.
- Civil aircraft. Parts for civil aircraft can enter the United States duty free when they meet the requirements of the civil aircraft trade agreement. It has to be declared correctly.
- Repaired goods. USMCA allows goods that left for repair or alteration to return duty free when the operation is documented as such. See USMCA rules of origin.
Documents that travel with the part
- Commercial invoice with part number, serial or lot number, and true value, including no-charge and warranty parts.
- Packing list with weight and dimensions per package.
- Certificate of conformance and, where it applies, the airworthiness approval tag (for example, FAA 8130-3).
- Export control classification and license number, if there is one.
- USMCA certification of origin if the goods qualify.
- Safety data sheets for resins, adhesives, paints, batteries and other hazardous materials.
See in one minute what is missing with the pre-crossing document check.
Hazardous materials and oversize freight
Resins, adhesives, paints, solvents and lithium batteries are hazardous materials, and at Laredo they cross at the Colombia bridge. See hazmat through the Colombia bridge. Fuselage sections, wings and large tooling need permits, route and schedule planned ahead.
How we handle it at Eilan
- One team on both sides. U.S. and Mexican customs at Laredo, Nuevo Laredo and the Colombia bridge, for more than 30 years.
- Checked before the crossing. Serial numbers, certificates and classification are matched before the truck is dispatched.
- Warehouse in Laredo. 200,000 sq ft to receive, inspect, transload and store. See the Laredo 3PL warehouse.
- Manufacturing experience. See customs broker for IMMEX manufacturers.
Frequently asked questions
Who decides whether a part needs an export license?
The exporter. It knows the product and its end use. The customs broker declares the classification and license the exporter provides.
Does a warranty or no-charge part need a value on the invoice?
Yes. Customs requires a true value even when no payment is made. Declaring zero or a token value is a frequent cause of holds.
My plant is in Chihuahua. Do you cross there?
Our strongest operation is at Laredo, Nuevo Laredo and the Colombia bridge. Tell us your route and we will tell you how we can work it.
Let’s talk about your operation
Tell us which parts or materials you move, where they ship from and where they go. Contact us or call +1 (956) 717-4150, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM Central. More guides in trade guides.
General information guide. Requirements depend on the product, its use and the operation.