Last updated: October 5, 2026
Qualifying as USMCA-originating means duty-free trade between Mexico, the United States and Canada. In 2026 it is worth more than ever: since July 24, 2026 the U.S. applies an additional 10% tariff (Section 301) to products from 60 economies, and goods that prove USMCA origin are exempt. The agreement remains in force until 2036, with annual reviews following the July 2026 joint review. The next one is already under way: on October 5, 2026 the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) opened a public consultation on how the agreement is working, ahead of the 2027 annual review, with comments due January 12, 2027.
When goods are originating
- Wholly obtained in the region (for example crops harvested or minerals extracted in Mexico, the U.S. or Canada).
- Produced exclusively from originating materials.
- Meets the product-specific rule of origin for its tariff classification: a tariff shift (non-regional inputs must change chapter, heading or subheading when transformed), a minimum regional value content, or both.
Regional value content
- Many rules require a minimum regional value content, calculated with the transaction value or net cost method.
- Automotive: stricter rules, for example 75% regional value content for light vehicles, plus regional steel and aluminum and labor value content requirements.
- De minimis: generally, non-originating materials that do not meet the tariff shift are allowed if they do not exceed 10% of the value, with sector exceptions.
Certification of origin
- There is no official form: the producer, exporter or importer can certify, using the 9 minimum data elements set by the agreement.
- It can cover a single shipment or multiple shipments of identical goods for up to 12 months.
- Whoever certifies must keep the records that prove origin (costs, suppliers, bills of materials) for a possible verification.
See our USMCA certificate of origin guide for the 9 data elements.
What USMCA does not cover
- U.S. Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum and copper (up to 50%) apply even when the goods qualify as originating.
- Asian-origin products do not qualify just by passing through Mexico: if they fail the rule of origin they pay the general duty and any additional tariffs. See importing from China into Mexico.
- Rules and tariffs change often: confirm the current situation before each shipment.
USMCA origin on both sides of the border
As a U.S. customs broker in Laredo, Texas and a Mexican customs broker in Nuevo Laredo, we claim the USMCA preference on the U.S. entry and on the Mexican pedimento, and check that classification and certification match. For manufacturers and IMMEX plants, see our Corporate Program and Annex 24.
Related guides: Mexico tariff classification · U.S. customs bond · importing from Mexico into the U.S.
Does your product qualify for USMCA?
Send us the technical data sheet, the bill of materials and the origin of your inputs. Request a quote or call +1 (956) 717-4150, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM Central.