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A stepbystep guide
to importing into Mexico
Importing guide:
Importing is a rather complex process that must meet strict transportation and customs rules and regulations. Unless a myriad of requirements are met in preplanning, the process will result in delays and penalties.
We stand by, ready to convey your cargo through safe and reliable methods.
Call our Customer Care Department +(52 55) 5762 8033. We will give you trouble-free service by…
1. GATHERING the Basic Requirements. These are listed under the section: "Basic Requirements" on the tab at the top of this document.
Better yet, call us +52 55 5762 8033 to obtain full consulting regarding your shipment from beginning to end.
You can also fill out a form so you can have us contact you right way and walk you through the whole process.2. DETERMINING your type of import. There are several kinds: Temporary, Permanent, Household baggage, IMMEX (formerly PITEX). Learn more about this under the section: "Basic Requirements" on the tab at the top of this document. According to the type of your import you may require additional documents and may need to fulfill special conditions. We can help you match your specific case.
3. KNOWING the requirements for the type of cargo and local laws.
Depending on your type of cargo, it might be subjected to different types of checks as well as inspections of the packaging itself,
Moreover, different countries require their own processes and documents. We have mentioned some under our section: Online Tools in this web site; however, take into account that local requirements and laws are many and too broad to be summarized here. Again, in order to rest assured contact us so we can use our experience and international contacts to help you go through these successfully.TRADE MARKS. The Mexican Government via its Customs Department is applying very strict rules for the importation of merchandise showing a trade mark.
The importer must prove that it is the legal holder of the licenses for a given trade mark. If the license is not produced, goods will be impounded, heavy fines imposed, and the importer may face lawsuits from the legal licensee and may even be accused of importing counterfeit goods, which may carry a jail sentence. We suggest you not to take any risks.4. PICKING UP goods and PREPARING PAPERWORK for your cargo . Packing is also available if you need. We can move your shipment door to door, offer insurance, packing, warehouse transportation, etc.
Please click on any of the following items to display the complete information on the specific subject in the space provided.
A. – Importers registry (Padron de importadores)
B. – Appointment of customs broker
C. – Documentation: Certificate of origin / Commercial invoice / Statement value (Note: See customs brokers forms.)
Aa.- Prior to making a Mexican import, importers must be registered in the registry of importers of the Tax Administration Service (SAT) at the Ministry of Finance (SHCP). This is a prerequisite for regular imports or whenever the CIF value of the goods exceeds the amount of $ 1000.00 USD.
To register for the list of Importers, visit the Web site of the SAT - Customs:
View section on "formalities".
In some cases, iindividuals may import items up to a CIF value of USD $5000.00 once per year. We recommend consulting with your customs broker.
Bb.- Appointment of customs broker. The importer shall appoint the customs broker of its choice, prior to the start of the process of customs clearance. This appointment is known as "Encargo Conferido" (like Power of Attorney) and is handled through the SAT's website at:
View section of Quick Links
Cc.- Documentation: Entire shipment of import shall be protected by their commercial invoice, preferably in Spanish; and if you want to import with the benefits of reduced tariff, as negotiated by Mexico in its Trade Agreements, you must present the respective Certificate of Origin.
The importer must have a packing list, certified by the Mexican Consulate in the country of origin before being able to import goods to Mexico. In addition the importer must have his passport and immigration document to stay in the country.
It is recommended that you use a customs broker to help you with the customs formalities for importing.
See extensive details on:
See Procedures and Authorizations Section.
Import duties and taxes of import and other charges apply at base in waterfall
• The taxes and import duties are calculated on the basis of the customs valuation, which is the CIF price of goods, such as the increased costs of handling, storage, etc. on the American side when using a Customs Border Crossing merchandise or transfer fees from the U.S. side and any other costs involved, as the percentage varies according to its tariff classification.
• Step Customs 0.8% on CIF value.
• 15% VAT is calculated on the total value resulting in more taxes and customs import duties and customs processing.
• The average rate of VAT applied on goods covered by a Certificate of Origin in which the origin is from some other country that has no trade treaty with Mexico is 15%.
• Charge for validating the formal entry form is 161.00 Pesos
• All shipments with a CIF value of USD 1000.00 or more MUST be cleared using the services of a broker.
• The customs agent's fee is calculated on the commercial value of the goods (CIF value plus taxes and duties and other charges) for handling it through customs on behalf of the importer.
CIF value implies + cost Insurance freight, or the cost of goods plus insurance and freight. Note: This value does not necessarily reflect the cost-plus to be added for tax purposes, such as storage costs and Customs Agent at the border crossing, and so on.
• Incoterms
The Incoterms is a set of international rules, been ruled by the Chamber of International Trade, which determine the scope of the commercial clauses included in the international contract of sale.
The Incoterms also are named clauses of price, since every term allows determining the elements that compose it. The selection of the Incoterm influences the cost of the contract.
The intention of the Incoterms is to provide you a group of international rules for the interpretation of the terms more often used in the international Trade. Do click here to see the summarized table of incoterms.
The Incoterms determine:
- The scope of the price
- The distribution of risks which must be shared between buyer and seller
- The place of delivery of the goods
- Which party is going to fix and pay for the transport charges
- Which party is going to assume the assurance
- Documents involved and cost of each party
Recommendation: See table of Incoterms
Exhibitions and trade shows.
(Rules apply only to international events organized by foreign entities or worldwide companies.)
There must be an established importer, a company registered in Mexico, responsible for the return or nationalization of the goods at the end of the event. There are fixed deadlines.
The imports are made by assembling the goods into two groups: those that will be returned at the end of the event and promotional materials, marked with the name of the company or event and that will be distributed free gifts or as promotional material.
There are two types of temporary import:
A. - The import must be shipped to a place that is registered as a temporary warehouse and handled as such (DF).
The merchandise is returned overseas at the end of the event.
There is possible to change the temporary import into a Definitive Import.
Some rules apply.
B. - Imports into the country temporarily under the scheme known as Pedimento AO. Customs Entry Form AO.
The merchandise is returned at the end of the event abroad.There is no need to prove the return of promotional materials with a value under $ 50.00, provided that they are imported in reasonable quantities, in proportion to the event.
Items for promotional purposes that were giveaways or consumed in the country during the event must be imported separately and you must pay the relevant duties, unless they are labeled with the details of the event. For example: INTERNATIONAL TRADE SHOW GDL 2009.
IMPORTS FOR TEST - DEMONSTRATION
The importer must be registered with the Register of Importers to be able to import for testing or demonstration.. The importer must accept responsibility for the payment of import duties if the import exceeds the permitted maximum stay of 6 months in the country, because imports are to be used by non-residents, provided they are used by them or by persons having employment relationship, other than vehicles.
Duties and taxes will not be paid in advance.
IMPORT OF GOODS TO BE RETURNED TO A FOREIGN DESTINATION
Again, the consignee must have its registry of importing, certified by Customs and may be asked to make a deposit equal to the total duties applied by customs account for the Ministry of Finance. The money, plus interest (minus depreciation of the goods during their stay in Mexico) will be returned to the importer, after the goods are returned to their country of origin.
MAQUILA (PITEX) PROGRAMS. NOW IMMEX
These programs were replaced in 2007 by another whose basis is similar, but with different rules that regulate the operation. It is known as IMMEX Program, and its main function is to import raw materials for manufacturing export items.
