The pedimento is the customs declaration used in Mexico for imports and exports. Nothing crosses Mexican customs without one, and mistakes on it cost time and money. Eilan Trade Solutions is a U.S. and Mexico customs brokerage: we file the pedimento and the U.S. entry, so freight moves fast and smooth in both directions.
What a pedimento contains
- The importer or exporter and their tax ID (RFC), and the customs broker who files it
- The tariff classification (fracción arancelaria) of each product
- The value of the goods, the currency and the Incoterm
- The country of origin and any preferential treatment, such as T-MEC (USMCA)
- The duties and taxes to pay, such as the general import duty (IGI) and value-added tax (IVA)
- The customs regime and the operation key (clave de pedimento), for example A1 for a definitive import or export and IN for a temporary import, common under IMMEX
How it works, step by step
- Your customs broker collects the documents: commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, certificate of origin and any permits
- The broker prepares the pedimento and the electronic value document (COVE)
- Duties and taxes are paid electronically through an authorized bank
- At the customs checkpoint the shipment goes through the automated selection mechanism: green light means release, red light means an inspection
- Once released, the freight continues to its destination, with the Carta Porte for movement inside Mexico
Who files a pedimento
In most cases a customs broker (agente aduanal) files the pedimento on the importer’s behalf, after the importer authorizes the broker electronically. Eilan files both the Mexican pedimento and the U.S. entry (ACE) on the same shipment.
Why getting it right matters
Errors in tariff classification, value, origin or permits can cause delays, extra duties or penalties. The cheapest fix is checking these points before the freight moves, which is where we start on every shipment.
How Eilan helps
- U.S. and Mexico customs brokerage: one team files both sides
- Classification, USMCA origin and permits handled with the entry
- Hazmat shipments, bonded warehouse space and in-bond services
- 200,000 sq ft of warehouse capacity in Laredo, TX
- A team that answers email 24/7
Related guides: how to import into Mexico · USMCA (T-MEC) certification of origin · how to choose a customs broker.
Frequently asked questions
What is a pedimento?
A pedimento is the customs declaration filed with Mexican customs for an import or export. It lists the parties, the goods, their tariff classification, value, origin, and the duties and taxes to pay.
Who files a pedimento?
In most cases a customs broker (agente aduanal) files it after the importer or exporter authorizes the broker. Eilan is a U.S. and Mexico customs brokerage and files both the pedimento and the U.S. entry.
What do the green light and red light mean?
After payment, the shipment goes through the automated selection mechanism at customs. A green light means the goods are released. A red light means the goods are selected for inspection before release.
Is a pedimento the same as a U.S. customs entry?
They serve the same purpose on opposite sides of the crossing. The pedimento is filed with Mexican customs and the entry is filed with U.S. customs (CBP) in ACE. A team that handles both files them together on the same shipment.
Questions about a shipment? Call +1 (956) 717-4150, email operations@eilantrade.com, or use our contact page.
Get a quote
Send us the shipment. We answer email 24/7.
Send these details and you get a straight answer on what it takes, how long it takes and what it costs:
- Product description and HS code, or the commercial invoice
- Quantity, weight and packaging
- Origin and destination
- Direction: into Mexico, into the U.S., or in-bond
- Your dates, and any special handling
En español: ¿qué es un pedimento?
El pedimento es la declaración aduanera que se presenta ante la aduana mexicana para importar o exportar. Contiene al importador o exportador, al agente aduanal, la fracción arancelaria, el valor, el origen, los impuestos a pagar (IGI e IVA) y la clave del pedimento. Lo presenta normalmente un agente aduanal. Eilan presenta el pedimento y la entrada ACE sobre el mismo embarque. Llame al +1 (956) 717-4150.
¿Prefiere atención en español? Solicite su cotización en español or call +1 (956) 717-4150.
U.S.–Mexico trade updates
Rule changes, permit requirements and crossing conditions that affect your freight. Short, occasional, no sales pitch. · Actualizaciones de comercio EE. UU.–México: cambios de reglas, permisos y condiciones de cruce.