Last updated: October 10, 2026
The rules for e-commerce and retail goods changed on both sides of the border. For sellers with volume, individual parcel shipments are no longer the cheapest route: importing by full container or pallet, with a pedimento, and distributing from a warehouse usually works out better.
Mexico: parcels from non-FTA countries
- Since January 1, 2026, courier and parcel shipments from countries without a trade agreement with Mexico (including China) pay a 33.5% global rate on goods up to US$2,500.
- Shipments originating in the U.S. or Canada keep USMCA treatment: exempt up to US$50, 17% from US$50 to US$117 and 19% from US$117 to US$2,500.
- On formal imports, duties of 5% to 50% also apply since 2026 to many tariff lines from non-FTA countries. See textiles, apparel and footwear and importing from China into Mexico.
United States: the end of the low-value exemption
- Since August 29, 2025 the U.S. has suspended the Section 321 de minimis exemption (duty-free shipments up to US$800) for every country, and in 2026 the suspension was made indefinite.
- Low-value shipments now pay the applicable duties and need an HTS classification. Run your numbers with our calculator.
Proposal of October 8, 2026: U.S. Customs and Border Protection published a proposed rule on low-value shipments. It would change the filing requirements for informal entries (goods valued at US$2,500 or less), create a new electronic entry type for parcels arriving by mail, and require a bond for certain informal entries. It is not in force yet: comments are open until December 7, 2026. Source: Federal Register, docket USCBP-2026-0298.
The alternative for sellers with volume
- Consolidated formal import: one pedimento per container or shipment, with the right tariff classification and labeling NOMs (NOM-050 for most consumer products).
- Warehousing and distribution: receive, label, store and ship orders from one point. See warehousing and distribution.
- No importer registry: our own importer of record company imports the goods for you and delivers them to your destination.
What we review before the first shipment
- Tariff classification and duties for each product.
- Spanish commercial labeling and applicable NOMs.
- Origin of the goods (USMCA or non-FTA country).
- Route and warehouse: the Laredo border or the Port of Manzanillo.
Related guides: antidumping duties · USMCA rules of origin · all trade guides
Frequently asked questions about e-commerce and retail imports
Does the US$800 exemption still exist in the United States?
No. The Section 321 de minimis exemption has been suspended for every country since August 29, 2025, and in 2026 the suspension was made indefinite. A low-value shipment now pays the duties that apply to it and needs an HTS classification.
How much does a parcel from China pay in Mexico?
By courier or parcel service, goods from countries without a trade agreement with Mexico pay a 33.5% global rate up to US$2,500. If the product originates in the U.S. or Canada, USMCA treatment applies: exempt up to US$50, 17% from US$50 to US$117 and 19% from US$117 to US$2,500.
When does it make sense to move from parcels to a formal import?
When your volume is steady. A formal import uses one pedimento per container or shipment, each product pays the duty of its own tariff line instead of the global rate, and the stock sits in a warehouse ready to fill orders. Before the first shipment we review the classification and duties for each product.
Do I need a Mexican importer registry to sell in Mexico?
For a formal import, the importer must be enrolled in the importer registry (padrón de importadores). If your company does not have it, our own importer of record company imports the goods for you and delivers them to your destination.
What labeling does my product need to be sold in Mexico?
Commercial labeling in Spanish. NOM-050 covers most consumer products; textiles, footwear and electronics have their own standards. We check it before the goods ship, because goods without the right label can be held at customs. See NOM import standards.
Selling online or in stores in Mexico or the U.S.?
Request a quote or call +1 (956) 717-4150, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM Central.