The Complete Guide to Importing Products From Mexico to the U.S.

Mexico has long been one of the U.S.’s top trading partners. The country produces a variety of quality products and shares a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States. That said, there are certain requirements you’ll need to learn about before importing from Mexico. 

Key Takeaways:

• When importing from Mexico, you’ll need to abide by the requirements of CBP and other PGAs.
• Mexico is a great place to source from due to the country’s geographic closeness, reduced transportation costs, easy communication, and product variety. 
• To reduce your import expenses, you can take advantage of the preferential tariff treatment under USMCA. 

I’ll explain the benefits you can reap and the requirements you’ll be responsible for completing when you purchase goods from this important trade partner. 

What Are the Rules and Regulations? 

Importation requirements are enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). They’re the primary government agency overseeing foreign products that enter the country. 

There’s a good chance you’ll also need approval from a Partner Government Agency (PGA). These are federal agencies that have jurisdiction over specific products that work alongside CBP. 

Some of them include:

• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Department of Transportation (DOT) 
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS)
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Clearance is given if the goods you are trying to import meet CBP and its PGA’s rules and regulations. While the specific rules you’ll have to follow will vary based on your goods, I’ll explain some basic requirements you’ll need to meet.  

Related: An Importer’s Guide To Partner Government Agencies

Documentation

You’ll have to file your entry documents with CBP and any other agency that has jurisdiction over your products.  A Licensed Customs Broker could also do this on your behalf. 

Documents required at the time of entry include:

• Entry Manifest
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading

These basic pieces of paperwork are needed for every import you make, regardless of which federal agencies have jurisdiction over your products. However, there are some additional documents that aren’t mandatory, but may be useful. 

For example, a certificate of insurance should be included if you want to protect yourself from potential losses. Certificates of origin aren’t typically required, but can help you if you’re trying to apply for preferential tariff treatment under USMCA. 

You can apply for preferential tariff treatment for your Mexican products under USMCA with a certificate of origin. USMCA doesn’t require a specific format for this document, but they do want you to include nine data elements on the form. 

1. Importer, exporter, or producer certification of origin
2. Certifier 
3. Exporter
4. Producer
5. Importer
6. Description of goods and HS classification
7. Origin criteria
8. Blanket period (if applicable)
9. Authorized signature and date

CBP does offer a certificate of origin template or you can design your own. A customs bond may be required if your Mexican products have a value of $2,500 or more. You can obtain a single entry bond for one import or a continuous bond that will cover all purchases you make for an entire year. 

Classification and Appraisal

Goods must be classified and evaluated before they reach the point of entry by CBP. Proper classification and labeling are essential to ensure the appropriate duties are paid and the correct rules are followed. CBP then establishes the final duty amount that will have to be paid for your goods. 

You should be able to receive preferential tariff treatment under USMCA if you provide the appropriate HTS code and fill out your Certificate of Origin correctly. 

Related: What Documents Do I Need To Import and Export

Examination

CBP will also examine many imports from Mexico coming into the country for the sake of national security. The inspections will check different aspects of your products. 

This includes:

• The value of the goods
• Labeling requirements for the goods
• The presence of prohibited items
• Correct invoicing of goods
• Matching quantities of goods to invoices

Most exams occur quickly and goods are able to enter without issue. If your freight is suspected to be in violation of any import regulations, CBP will take a more thorough look into the cargo.

Certain partner government agencies will inspect your Mexican products as well. For example, Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) personnel working under USDA will review agricultural goods like meat, poultry, and eggs.  

For these reasons, it’s essential you follow all import requirements carefully to ensure they’re successfully cleared. 

Specific Regulations

There is a wide range of regulations that apply to different items entering the country. This means you’ll need to be familiar with the requirements of the PGAs that oversee your goods. 

It’s important to know which agency your products are regulated by, whether it’s the FDA, EPA, or USDA. If your goods are regulated by another agency, there will be additional restrictions that you’ll have to follow.

Following PGA requirements is equally essential as following the ones set by CBP. Therefore, it’s vital to research your products before importing them from Mexico. For that reason, you should have a partner that can help you better understand and navigate the various rules and regulations laid out. 

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Do I Need an Import License? 

CBP and USMCA don’t require an import license. However, PGAs may require a license or certificate for the goods you have purchased. 

There are a variety of licenses to consider based on the commodities you want to bring into the country. For example, the ATF will require you to obtain a Federal Firearms License when importing guns, ammunition, and accessories. 

Regardless of what you’re buying from Mexico, always research the requirements of any PGA’s that have jurisdiction over your goods. 

Taking Advantage of USMCA

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a free trade agreement (FTA) you can use to your advantage. It’s a replacement t of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). 

Thanks to the USMCA, you’ll be able to enjoy duty-free treatment for numerous products you import from Mexico. In addition to preferential treatment, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of other benefits as well.

I’ll explain the benefits you’ll be able to enjoy when using this important FTA. 

Preferential Tariff Treatment

The USMCA provides duty-free treatment on a variety of goods. To qualify, you’ll only need to meet the FTA’s proof of origin requirements. 

Goods that receive preferential tariff treatment under USMCA includes:

• Agricultural products
• Automotive goods
• Textiles

Mexico is one of the U.S.’s top suppliers for all these products. As a result, numerous importers in the U.S. utilize preferential tariff treatment under USMCA to reduce their costs. If you’re in an industry that deals with these products, you’ll be able to enjoy this benefit as well.

Protection for SMEs

Another benefit of USMCA provisions are the allowances it makes for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). There is a chapter in this FTA that provides information-sharing tools that SMEs can use to better understand the benefits of USMCA. 

This chapter also establishes a framework that allows SMEs to communicate their needs and concerns with government officials. If you’re running a SME, these provisions will make it easier to take advantage of this FTA and reduce your expenses. 

Digital Trade Provisions

Not all items that come from Mexico are physical objects. In some cases, products can come in a digital format. Fortunately, USMCA has provisions that will make the trade of digital products between Mexico and the U.S. easier. For one, customs duties on digital products distributed electronically are prohibited. 

This includes:

• E-books
• Music
• Software
• Games

USMCA also protects cross-border data flows and limits localization requirements when it comes to trading these goods. This means you won’t have to require your Mexican seller to store their data on a local server before importing it. 

Eliminations of Foreign Office Requirements

At one time, U.S. importers had to establish a foreign office in Mexico before engaging in cross-border trade. Due to new provisions in USMCA, importers no longer have to fulfill this requirement. This makes it easier for small businesses who couldn’t afford to establish an office to engage in trade with Mexico. 

Related: Import Costs from Mexico

What Are the Advantages of Importing Products From Mexico?

Besides the benefits provided by USMCA, there are many other reasons why Mexico is a popular place to import products. In the next few sections, I’ll discuss other benefits you can expect to enjoy when buying goods from this valuable trading partner.

Quicker Turnaround Time

Mexico is significantly closer to the U.S. than many of the other countries importers use as sources for their goods. Because the nation is closer, it doesn’t take as long to receive your goods. 

This is especially true when compared to overseas shipments. When you’re working within a tight order fulfillment timeline, the proximity to Mexico is a major boost.

Easier Communication

Effective communication with your supplier essential. When you need to make orders or adjustments based on shifting demands, you want to ensure that your partners can respond quickly. It can be a lot easier to communicate with partners in Mexico due to them sharing similar time zones with the United States. 

While many U.S. importers use sites like Alibaba to find Chinese suppliers, working with a Mexican manufacturer or supplier can serve as a viable Alibaba alternative. Furthermore, the amount of Spanish/English bilingual individuals in both the U.S. and Mexico is very high, which  eliminates most concerns about a language barrier.

Reduced Transportation Costs

The relative proximity of Mexico and the U.S. compared to many other countries reduces the transportation costs associated with importing. Every method of moving freight will vary in price. That said, the less distance your cargo has to travel, the cheaper it will be to transport. 

Regardless of which method you decide to use, your expenses will be lower than if you were purchasing goods from a country overseas. 

Stable Trade Relations

Other importing partners, such as China, currently don’t have the greatest diplomatic relations with the United States. Countries that do not share the positive relationship that Mexico has with the U.S. can be subject to tariffs and restrictions. 

Our southern neighbor is a stable trade partner of the U.S., which can make importing from the country more advantageous. With such valuable benefits at play, it’s easy to see why the trade relationship between Mexico and the U.S. continues to grow each year. 

What Can I Import from Mexico?

In 2023, the U.S. imported from Mexico more than any other country. This means there’s a tremendous amount of goods coming from the southern border. I’ve provided data on the top commodities the U.S. imports from Mexico. 

Cars and car parts are frequently imported from Mexico to the United States due to the numerous car companies that manufacture their vehicles in this nation. 

This includes:

• Volkswagen
• General Motors (GM)
• Mazda
• Ford
• Nissan

If you want to import cars or auto parts made by one of these companies, you’ll be able to receive preferential tariff treatment thanks to the provisions in USMCA. Other products that are frequently imported from Mexico are given special treatment under USMCA as well, such as fruits, vegetables, and industrial machinery. 

What Are My Transportation Options?

When you’re importing goods from Mexico, you’ll need to use a mode of transportation that will work best for your unique situation. Each method has different pros and cons that you’ll have to consider. 

The three most popular transport methods are:

• Truck
• Rail
• Vessel

Thanks to Mexico’s geographic closeness, truck transport is actually a great way to move your freight into the United States. In 2022 alone, 590,906 truckloads of produce in 40,000-pound loads were carried from Mexico to the U.S., with 55% entering through land ports in Texas. 

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 71% of all freight traveling from Mexico to the U.S. is carried by truck. Make sure you obtain a Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) number if you choose to use a truck to transport your cargo. Another method of transferring your cargo into the country is rail. 

Large volumes of goods can also be moved along railroads running from Mexico into the United States. This mode of moving cargo is among the safest ways to move freight by land. It’s also a cost-effective strategy for moving freight over long distances. 

Despite sharing a border with the U.S., vessel transport is a great way of transporting your goods from Mexico. Ships can also carry large volumes of freight in their cargo hold. Out of all the ways you can move freight internationally, vessel transport is the cheapest. Make sure you complete an Importer Security Filing (ISF) if you decide to use this method.

Air transport is a good option if you need a quick turnaround, but you’ll be paying more for this method than the others. 

Related: Importer Security Filing (ISF)

Import from Mexico with USA Customs Clearance by Your Side

Importing from Mexico can be much easier when you have the knowledge of import specialists at your disposal. USA Customs Clearance has a team of Licensed Customs Brokers and professionals that have helped numerous importers get their goods into the country. With their assistance, your importing operations will be a success. 

You can also take advantage of our others services, such as:

• Importing/Customs Consulting — Meet with one of our Licensed Customs Brokers to discuss your obligations when importing from Mexico.  
• Manifest Confidentiality — Protect 26 different data points of your supply chain from being used against you. 
• Importing 101 Starter Guide — If you’re importing for the first time, learn about the basics to help you get started. 

Don’t get bogged down in regulations. USA Customs Clearance will help you through the process every step of the way. Use one of our services or contact our team through the site. You can also contact our team at (855) 912-0406.

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