Shipping From Canada
to Mexico.

Documents Only

Documents can be shipped to Mexico duty-free.

Documents shipped in letter envelopes or boxes do not require a commercial invoice. You simply mark an 'X' in the Documents Only box of the waybill.

Common documents include:

• Annual reports
• Bids
• Bills of Lading
• Greeting cards and invitations
• Newsletters, for example from companies
• Seismic data
• Visa applications

The following DO NOT classify as documents:

• Books
• Catalogues
• Compact discs
• Magazines
• Photographs

There are restrictions on certain items as shown below.

Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_CA

Shipping Gifts

All gifts shipped to Mexico will incur regular duties and taxes. There are no exemptions for gifts.

Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_CA

Shipping Personal Effects

Personal effects and household items may be shipped to Mexico from Canada duty and tax free.

Personal effects include items such as:

• Footwear
• Clothing
• Toiletries and beauty products

Restrictions

• Mexican Customs rules DO NOT allow personal effects to be shipped to the greater Columbia and Tijuana areas. They will be returned to the shipper.
• Medicines are to be accompanied by a copy of the prescription.
• Any goods that are intended for other uses, for e.g., retail or wholesale sales, business or distribution are not considered to be personal effects. Duties and taxes will be charged.

Moving Temporarily

Foreign nationals, such as students and researchers, may ship their personal effects and household items to Mexico, providing they are returned to Canada when they leave.

Requirements

You must present the following to a Mexican consular office:

• Valid passport
• Mexican visa for temporary residence in Mexico
• Four copies of your list of household goods* being shipped

*The list must provide a description of the goods and their number. For electronics, you must indicate the brand, model and serial number of the item.

You can access the temporary import status request here.

Cost: $125 USD cash (about $165 CDN).

Moving Permanently

If you are moving to Mexico, your personal effects and household goods may be shipped to from Canada duty and tax free

People eligible for this are:

• Mexican nationals who have lived in Canada for a minimum of 6 months
• Foreign nationals with a permanent resident status in Mexico

NOTE: Goods must arrive within 6 months of your arrival.

To enter Mexico with your personal effects, you must complete a Household Goods Inventory (lista de menaje de casa) .

You must present 4 copies of the list with:

• A description of your goods and the number of each individual item; and
• for electronic items, state the brand, model and serial number of each

Mexican Nationals

If you are a Mexican national, the fee for submitting a Household Goods Inventory (lista de menaje de casa) is $95 USD (about $125 CDN) cash. Also, you must bring to a Mexican consulate 3 documents as outlined below:

1. Proof that you are Mexican. You must provide an original plus a copy of any one of the following:

• Certified copy of a birth certificate from any Mexican civil registry office or a Mexican consular office
• Naturalization Letter or Certificate of Mexican Nationality
• Passport or Citizen Identity Card
• High Security Consular Registration Certificate or Declaration of Mexican Nationality by birth

2. Present an original plus a copy of any one of the photo documents below:

• Mexican passport or Identity Card of the National Military Service
• Voting card issued by the Federal Electoral Institute
• Professional Title or Professional Certificate
• Letter of Intern issued by the General Directorate of Professions of the Ministry of Public Education
• Certificate of Mexican nationality or Naturalization letter
• Citizen Identity Card or Declaration of Mexican nationality by birth
• High Security Consular Registration Certificate
• Valid credential issued by the National Institute of Older Adults
• Foreign driver's licence valid in the consular district
• Foreign official identification valid in the consular district

3. A document proving that you have lived outside of Mexico for at least 6 months. It could be any of the following:

• Receipts of payment for salary or services rendered
• Work letters
• Lease or work contract
• Bank statement such as for a credit card or chequing account
• Driver's licence valid in the consular district
• Notarised letter from a landlord
• High Security Consular Registration Certificate

COST: $95 USD cash (about $125 CDN)

Foreign Nationals

If you are a foreign national moving to Mexico, you must complete a Household Goods Inventory and bring the following documents to a Mexican consulate:

• Identification with a valid photograph
• A valid Mexican visa that enables you to move to Mexico
• Proof of your current address in Canada
• An indicator of where you will live in Mexico, for e.g. a lease agreement

Sources:
https://www.gob.mx/sre/acciones-y-programas/certificado-de-menaje-de-casa-8024
https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/denver/index.php/documenta/otros-servicios/menaje-de-casa
https://www.gob.mx/inm/acciones-y-programas/programa-paisano-del-inm
https://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/447402/Guia_paisano.pdf
https://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/403015/Guia-Paisano-Invierno-2018.pdf
http://www.lineaships.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/moving_to_mexico.pdf
https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/orlando/images/stories/PDF/2019Menaje_Mexicanos.pdf
https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/sandiego/index.php/otrosmenu/menaje-de-casa

Food, Chocolate, Candies

You may send

Any of the following are allowed to enter Mexico from Canada, provided they are packaged and labelled:

• Honey
• Dehydrated foods of plant origin
• Spices
• Dried medicinal herbs
• Roasted coffee

A complete list of products allowed is listed here.

A number of goods may be shipped providing they follow sanitary and pest-control regulations as outlined here.

• Fruits and vegetables
• Lobsters, shrimp, brine shrimp (artemia), crabs and crustacean flour
• Dairy products
• Dried, canned, or frozen meat and meat products such as sausages, smoked, salted and ripe

You may NOT send

Foods that are at high risk of carrying pests or diseases may not be shipped to Mexico. They include:

• Homemade or handmade foods, such as sandwiches and cakes
• Fresh cheeses
• Flour of animal origin
• Fresh meat of any type
• Live, raw and dried crustaceans

Chocolate and Candy

Shipments of chocolate and candy are allowed to a maximum of 1.5 kg.

NOTE: Foods and chocolate sold as sweets have additional taxes added. More information can be found here, under section 'J'.

Sources:
https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/montreal/index.php/es/viajar-a-mexico/86
http://www.fedex.com/mx/alimentos/index.html
https://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/445895/List_of_agri-food_products_for_tourist_import.pdf
http://www.spadarointernational.com/documents/mexicoComInv.pdf

Samples

Commercial samples are shipped for demonstration purposes. The aim is to encourage people to place orders by viewing the samples; the samples are not meant to be sold.

Commercial samples may be imported into Mexico duty-free for a period of 6 months.

To be considered a sample, a shipment must follow the criteria below:

• The unit value of the shipment does not exceed $1 USD.
• In the case of toys, they may have a unit value of $50 USD (about $65 CDN), and up to 2 pieces of the same model may be imported.
• The samples are unusable or unsuitable for sale. They have been perforated, torn, or marked. The marking uses permanent and clearly visible ink or paint.
• Samples that cannot be made unusable, for example liquids, should be shipped in smaller, non-commercial containers or be labelled: SAMPLE.
• Goods cannot be difficult to identify. For example, liquids and powders in a pharmaceutical form that require special equipment to analyse cannot be shipped as samples.
• The samples are not to be resold.

Shipping commercial samples to Mexico using an ATA Carnet is the easiest way to do so. (See Temporary Imports for details.)

Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_CA
http://www.carnet-ata.org/
https://www.export.gov/article?id=Mexico-Temporary-Entry

Advertising Material

Advertising material includes printed items that are handed out to promote services or products. Advertising items include:

• Brochures
• Catalogues
• Advertising posters
• Price lists
• Product instructions for use

Advertising materials may be shipped to Mexico duty-free for a period up to 6 months.

Sources:
http://omawww.sat.gob.mx/aduanas/importando_exportando/regimenes/Paginas/importacion_temporal_para_retornar_al_extranjero.aspx

Repairs

Canada and Mexico have a free-trade agreement (NAFTA, but being replaced by USMCA), so equipment sent to each country for repairs is a straightforward process.

Items Under Warranty

Repairs under warranty returning from Mexico to Canada are duty-free and will not be charged GST.

Items No Longer Under Warranty

An item returning to Canada from Mexico that is no longer under warranty will be duty-free, however it will incur GST on the value of the repair and on any new parts required to complete the repair.

Sending Product for Repair to Mexico

Equipment for repair may be imported into Mexico duty and tax free (including VAT (IVA)) under the country's IMMEX program.

This includes parts that will be used to repair a piece of equipment. However, that part must be returned to Canada as a component of the repaired equipment.

When sending equipment to Mexico for repair, include the following information on the parcel:

• The words "REPAIR & RETURN" are stated on the commercial invoice under General Description or Remarks
• Indicate the brand, model and serial or product number must be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section on the commercial invoice
• Copy of Repair Contract included with all your export documentation

Returning Product After Repairs are Completed

If your product has been repaired in Canada and is being returned back to Mexico, ensure to do the following:

• Write "REPAIR & RETURN" on the commercial invoice in the General Description or Remarks section
• Indicate the value of the product INCLUDING the cost of the repair under the Detailed Description of Goods section
• Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Mexico

Be sure to write the necessary information on the commercial invoice according to the document checklist below.

Repair Checklist

• Commercial Invoice must clearly state under the General Description or Remarks section the following: 'REPAIR & RETURN' and include the estimated time of return
• Include repair contract with shipment
• Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section

Sources:
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d8/d8-2-10-eng.html
https://www.ventanillaunica.gob.mx/vucem/Ayuda/SHCP/AutImpExp/Imptemmerdestinadas.html
https://www.export.gov/article?id=Mexico-Temporary-Entry
https://www.gob.mx/tramites/ficha/autorizacion-del-programa-immex-para-empresas-industriales-de-servicio-y-de-albergue/SE708
http://omawww.sat.gob.mx/aduanas/importando_exportando/regimenes/Paginas/importacion_temporal_para_someterlas_a_un_proceso.aspx

Temporary Imports

Temporary importation of certain goods into Mexico, without incurring duties or taxes, is allowed for a period of up to 6 or 12 months, depending on the circumstances (See details below.)
Make sure to clearly indicate the return date on the commercial invoice.

Goods that are often part of a temporary import include:

• Items that will be used or displayed at an exhibition or fair.
• Commercial samples.
• Professional and scientific equipment.
• Materials and goods to be used for entertainment or during a public exhibition such as a trade show booth.
• Tools and specialised equipment required for exploring, producing, repairing, or manufacturing.
• Equipment required to test and evaluate the operation of other equipment or goods

Time Restrictions

A) Temporary imports restricted to 6 months include:

• Trade shows and exhibitions
• Sales promotion
• Demonstrations

B) Temporary imports restricted to 12 months include:

• Temporary imports destined for international conventions and congresses;
• Items for cultural and sporting events sponsored by a national, foreign or public organisation
• Film equipment and necessary props

NOTE:
For the temporary import of commercial samples, or for the purposes of a trade show, exhibition or for sales promotions and demonstrations, you have the option of using an ATA Carnet. See details below.

Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import

In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Mexico, you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.

Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a Commercial Invoice (CI). See the table and notes below.

In addition to the 2 options shown above, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and tax free exemption:

• The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
• The items stay in Mexico no longer than 6 months

NOTES

• If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently.
• Your customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically cannot clear goods of a temporary nature).

Temporary Imports Checklist

• Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
• The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
• Stay no longer than the period listed above
• Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
• Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
• Any above listed items not listed in this checklist

Sources:
http://omawww.sat.gob.mx/aduanas/importando_exportando/regimenes/Paginas/importacion_temporal_para_retornar_al_extranjero.aspx
https://www.export.gov/apex/article2?id=Mexico-Temporary-Entry
http://www.carnet-ata.org/

Permanent/Sold Goods

Occasional Shipper

If you ship occasionally to Mexico (i.e. items you sold on eBay), there isn't too much you need to do. You will need to:

• Include 3 copies of the Commercial Invoice with your shipment
• Provide a detailed description of the goods on the Commercial Invoice (in order to avoid customs delays).

If the customs value of the shipment is $50 USD (about $65 CDN) or less, no duties or taxes will be charged.

Regular Shipper

If you regularly sell and ship goods to Mexico, we recommend you consult with a licensed customs broker in Mexico. A full list of customs brokers can be found here.

When Customs Brokers Are Needed

• For shipments of $1,000 USD (about $1300 CDN) or greater
• If goods must comply with non-tariff restrictions and regulations
• The merchandise may be difficult to identify, for e.g., powders, pills and liquids or they need to be analysed physically or chemically to determine their composition or identity

For Shipments Over $1,000 USD

All commercial shipments over 1,000 USD (about $1300 CDN) require:

• a completed NAFTA Certificate of Origin to qualify for a lower duty rate
• the services of a customs broker

For Shipments Under $1,000 USD

For commercial shipments of 1,000 USD (about $1300 CDN) or less, a NAFTA Certificate of Origin is NOT required. However, you must attach to the commercial invoice a statement certifying that the goods qualify under the NAFTA rules or origin.

*Note: NAFTA's replacement, the USMCA, is signed but not yet ratified by Canada. We recommend you check with a licenced customs broker for up-to-date information.

Sources:
http://omawww.sat.gob.mx/aduanas/importando_exportando/regimenes/Paginas/importacion_definitiva.aspx
http://omawww.sat.gob.mx/aduanasPortal/Paginas/index.html#!/postal.
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_CA.
https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/fact-sheets/2012/april/nafta-certificate-origin-frequently-asked-questions.