The tariff classification is the code that identifies your goods to customs. It decides how much duty you pay, which permits and standards apply, and whether you can use benefits such as USMCA, IMMEX or PROSEC. A wrong classification is one of the most common causes of penalties, delays and held cargo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mexico uses the TIGIE tariff schedule (Ley de los Impuestos Generales de Importaci\u00f3n y de Exportaci\u00f3n). Since December 2020 the classification has 10 digits: an 8-digit tariff line (fracci\u00f3n arancelaria) plus a 2-digit commercial identification number (NICO).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The United States uses its own 10-digit schedule (HTSUS). The first 6 digits match Mexico’s; the rest do not. A cross-border shipment needs both classifications to be correct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A laptop computer reads like this, from general to specific:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The tariff schedule (TIGIE) is published in Mexico’s Official Gazette, and the Ministry of Economy has an online lookup tool (SNICE) that shows, for each tariff line, the duty rate, the NICO and the regulations that apply. It is useful for checking a classification you already know. Deciding which one fits a new product takes more than a search by name: the rules and notes of the tariff have to be applied, which is why the customs broker determines the classification from the technical information the importer provides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Classification follows the General Rules of Interpretation of the Harmonized System and the section and chapter notes, not the product’s trade name. What counts is what it is made of, how it works, what it is used for and how it is presented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What we need to classify correctly:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If the authorities determine a different tariff line, you can face omitted duties with inflation adjustments, surcharges and penalties, non-compliance with non-tariff regulations and held goods. IMMEX companies can also end up with Annex 24 discrepancies. When there is reasonable doubt you can get certainty: in Mexico through a classification ruling request to the authorities, and in the United States through a CBP binding ruling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a Mexican customs broker in Nuevo Laredo and a U.S. customs broker in Laredo, Texas, we classify your goods for the Mexican pedimento and for the U.S. entry. For companies with recurring shipments we keep a part-number catalog with its classification, aligned with your inventory control. See our Corporate Program<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related guides:<\/strong> how to import from China into Mexico<\/a> \u00b7 requirements to import into Mexico<\/a> \u00b7 what is a pedimento<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Eight. Since December 2020 the 2 NICO digits are declared as well, so the pedimento shows 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not quite. The HS code is the first 6 digits, the same in almost every country. The fracci\u00f3n arancelaria adds 2 digits that are specific to Mexico.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Only as a starting point. The first 6 digits usually match, but the Mexican tariff line is determined with Mexico’s schedule, and the duty and permits depend on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The technical data sheet, composition or material, function, photos and how it is presented. With that we classify before you buy or ship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
What happens if the classification is wrong<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Classification on both sides of the border<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How many digits does a Mexican tariff classification have?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is the fracci\u00f3n arancelaria the same as the HS code?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can I use my U.S. HTS code to import into Mexico?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What do you need to classify my product for Mexico?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n