Mexico Import Duties & Taxes Explained

Stackry’s guide to the taxes, duties, and fees involved when shipping from the USA to

Mexico

Overview

Shipments under $50 USD are generally tax and duty free. For packages over $50, you'll typically pay 16% VAT (IVA) plus customs duties. US-made goods between $50-$117 are often duty-free but subject to approximately 17% total charges. Items over $117 face a 19% simplified rate for USMCA qualifying goods or 33.5% for non-USMCA products, plus carrier brokerage fees.

Your Questions Answered

Q1.

What is the duty-free allowance for shipments to Mexico, and what taxes apply above it?

You can bring up to $50 USD into Mexico duty-free on your shipment. Shipments valued at $50 or less are generally exempt from all taxes and duties, while amounts above this threshold may be subject to IVA (16% VAT) and import duties.

Q2.

What is the customs duty for imports in Mexico?

Mexico's customs duty (IGI) depends on your shipment's value and origin. Shipments valued at $50 USD or less are duty-free, while shipments over $50 USD typically face a simplified rate of 19% for USMCA goods or 33.5% for non-USMCA goods. Remember to provide your RFC Tax ID to the carrier to avoid clearance delays, as USMCA rates only apply to goods manufactured in the US, Canada, or Mexico.

Q3.

What is the VAT rate applied to my package arriving in Mexico?

The standard Value Added Tax (IVA) rate is 16% on most imports valued over $50 USD. This tax is calculated on the total CIF value, which includes your goods cost plus shipping and insurance.

Q4.

Do I need to provide a Tax ID for my package to clear Mexican customs?

Yes, you must provide your RFC (Tax ID) or CURP (Personal ID) to the carrier immediately. Failure to supply this information will cause significant clearance delays or result in your package being returned.

Q5.

What are the estimated handling fees charged by carriers like DHL or FedEx?

Carriers typically charge a Customs Processing Fee (DTA) of about 0.8% plus a brokerage fee ranging from $15 to $30 USD for clearing your shipment. These fees cover the administrative work of prepaying taxes on your behalf.

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Q6.

How is the taxable value calculated for my shipment?

The taxable base is the CIF value, which adds the cost of goods, insurance, and freight together. Any applicable customs duties are then added to this total before calculating the 16% IVA.

Helpful Resources

The links below are external references to official Mexico government sources. We recommend reviewing them for the most accurate and up-to-date information on taxes and duties for Mexico.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended as a general overview of customs duties, import taxes, and related processes. It is not comprehensive and may not reflect the most current regulations.We recommend checking official customs or government sources to confirm the exact rules, charges, and requirements before making any purchasing or shipping decisions.While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee its completeness and are not responsible for any discrepancies or inaccuracies.