China is one of Mexico’s main suppliers: machinery, electronics, components, raw materials for manufacturing and retail goods. Importing from China into Mexico is possible for companies and registered businesses, but it has more requirements and higher duties than importing from the United States or Canada. This guide covers what to check before you buy.
1. Requirements before the first shipment
- Active RFC (Mexican tax ID) and valid e.firma for the importer.
- Importer Registry (Padrón de Importadores). Required for definitive imports. Some products also require the sector-specific registry (for example steel, textiles, footwear, chemicals). See how to register.
- Customs broker authorization (encargo conferido) on the SAT portal.
- The correct tariff classification. It sets the duty rate, the regulations and the standards that apply. Classify before you buy, not when the goods are already on the water.
2. Duties and taxes: why China costs more
Goods of Chinese origin get no preferential rate: USMCA only covers goods originating in Mexico, the United States and Canada. Since January 1, 2026, Mexico also applies duties of 5% to 50% on 1,463 tariff lines to products from countries it has no trade agreement with, including China (auto parts, textiles, footwear, steel, plastics, furniture, toys and others). Rates change: confirm the current rate for your tariff line before you close the purchase.
- IGI (import duty) based on the tariff line.
- Antidumping duties (cuotas compensatorias) on some Chinese products, on top of the duty.
- 16% VAT (IVA), and IEPS where it applies.
- DTA (customs processing fee) and prevalidation.
For manufacturers: under an IMMEX program, temporary imports of inputs that will be exported do not pay IGI or VAT under the program’s terms, and PROSEC allows reduced duties for certain sectors. See IMMEX logistics.
3. Regulations and Mexican standards (NOM)
Many products must meet non-tariff regulations before they cross: Mexican Official Standards (NOM) for labeling (for example food, textiles and consumer goods) and for safety (electrical and electronic products), Ministry of Economy permits, automatic notices or health requirements. Goods that arrive without compliance are held at customs, with storage costs and delays. Review the regulations with your customs broker before your supplier ships. See our guide to Mexican NOM standards.
4. Documents to ask your supplier for
- Commercial invoice with a detailed description, quantities, unit value and Incoterm.
- Packing list.
- Bill of lading or air waybill.
- Technical data sheets and, where needed, NOM compliance certificates.
- Certificate of origin when needed for antidumping purposes.
5. Routes: where the goods enter Mexico
- Port of Manzanillo: the main ocean gateway from Asia. We clear shipments in Manzanillo; see Manzanillo customs clearance.
- Air freight: for urgent or high-value cargo, at the Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey airports. See air cargo clearance.
- Through the U.S. and Laredo: goods arriving at a U.S. port can move in-bond to Laredo and cross into Mexico through Nuevo Laredo, with a bonded warehouse in Laredo if you need to consolidate or wait for documents. See in-bond shipments.
6. No importer registry yet?
If you are not registered yet, or need to import while your registration is in process, our own importer of record company imports the goods for you and delivers them to your destination.
Importing from China regularly?
If you ship every month, our Corporate Program gives you a dedicated account executive, volume pricing and a monthly report. For a single shipment, request a quote with the product description, value, origin and port of arrival.