Importing into Mexico goes smoothly when the paperwork is right and gets expensive when it is not. Eilan Trade Solutions is a U.S. and Mexico customs brokerage: we file the pedimento, identify permits, and clear your shipment, so it moves fast and smooth. Here is what a typical commercial import into Mexico involves.
Before your first shipment
- The importer is registered with the Mexican tax authority (SAT), with an RFC and e.firma
- The importer is in the importers registry (Padrón de Importadores), plus the sector-specific registry when the product requires it
- A authorized customs broker (agente aduanal) is authorized electronically (encargo conferido)
- The product has the correct tariff classification, and any permits or NOM requirements are identified
Documents for each shipment
- Commercial invoice with Incoterm, description and unit values
- Packing list
- Bill of lading, airway bill or road waybill
- USMCA (T-MEC) certification of origin when claiming preferential duty
- Permits or notices when the product requires them
- Electronic value document (COVE) and the pedimento, which your customs broker files
- Carta Porte for moving the goods inside Mexico
Duties and taxes
Most imports pay the general import duty (IGI) and value-added tax (IVA). Goods that qualify under USMCA can enter at reduced or zero duty. The rate depends on the tariff classification, so classification comes first.
Permits and NOMs
Depending on the product, imports may need approval from SENASICA (agri-food), COFEPRIS (health products) or the Secretaría de Economía (import permits and sector registries), and must meet NOM labeling and conformity rules, such as NOM-051 for prepackaged food and beverage labeling.
How Eilan helps
- U.S. and Mexico customs brokers: one team clears both sides
- Permits and compliance handled with the entry
- Hazmat shipments handled
- Bonded warehouse space and in-bond services, with 200,000 sq ft of warehouse capacity in Laredo
- A team that answers email 24/7
Guides by product
Requirements change by product. These guides cover the permits, registries and NOMs that apply most often:
- Resins and plastics
- Steel and steel products
- Auto parts
- Processed food products
- Grain and seeds
- Chemicals
- Machinery and equipment
- Electronics and components
- Solar panels and electrical equipment
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a customs broker to import into Mexico?
In most cases, yes. Formal import operations in Mexico are filed by a authorized customs broker (agente aduanal). Eilan is a U.S. and Mexico customs brokerage.
What is a pedimento?
The pedimento is the customs declaration filed with Mexican customs for an import or export. Your customs broker prepares and files it.
Can I start with a single shipment?
Yes. Eilan accepts trial work on a single shipment or a single lane so you can compare service before moving a whole program.
Which documents are required for a hazmat import?
Hazmat imports need the standard documents plus the product data, such as the safety data sheet, and any required permits. Send us the product details and we confirm what is needed.
Ready to move 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: cómo importar a México
Para importar a México normalmente se requiere: estar dado de alta ante el SAT (RFC y e.firma), estar en el Padrón de Importadores (y el padrón sectorial cuando aplica), autorizar a un agente aduanal (encargo conferido), y contar con factura comercial, lista de empaque, documento de transporte, certificación de origen T-MEC cuando aplique, permisos y cumplimiento de NOM. Su agente aduanal presenta el pedimento. Eilan Trade Solutions es una agencia aduanal en Estados Unidos y México: llame al +1 (956) 717-4150.
Related guides: what is a pedimento · USMCA (T-MEC) certification of origin · how to choose a customs broker.
¿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.