Country Guide: Mexico
Updated: November 23, 2015
Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Passport
- Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB)
- Proof of ownership, if applicable (for antiques and artifacts)
- Diplomatic Franchise from the General Customs Authority (Diplomats)
- RFC / CURP (returning citizens and FM-2 Visa holders)
- Original legalized inventory in Spanish, stamped by the Mexican Consulate in the country of origin (importer must have lived abroad for a minimum of 6 months)
- Letter to Customs, signed and stating that items in the shipment are used
- Contact details of the shipper, including destination address
- Import Permit (Diplomats)
- FM-2 Visa (returning citizens and FM-2 Visa holders)
- FM-3 Visa, if applicable (foreigners)
- List of electronic items including serial number, model and make (returning citizens, FM-2 / FM-3 Visa holders)
- Letter of Guarantee from employer (FM-3 Visa holders)
- Declaration of value of the shipment, signed by the client
- Full inventory list (returning citizens, FM-2 / FM-3 Visa holders)
Specific Information
- New items (less than 6 months) are not considered to be used and must to be imported separately from the used household goods items. New goods will be subject to taxes and duties at Customs.
- The Letter to Customs must specify new items with proof of purchase to pay the corresponding duties of 20% plus IVA 15%.
- The Letter of Guarantee must state that the company is responsible for duties and taxes should the shipment not be re-exported when the employee leaves the country (FM-3 Visa holders).
- Antiques, artifacts, carpets and paintings may be imported in reasonable quantities and should be declared on the Packing list.
- Returning Mexican citizens and FM-2 Visa holders must show proof of having lived abroad a minimum of 2 years to import household goods and personal effects duty free.
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Copy of original FM-3 Visa
- Purchase Invoice
- Vehicle Title
- OBL
- Copy of Driver’s License
- Shipper’s personal identification
- Diplomatic Franchise from Embassy (Diplomats)
Specific Information
- Shipper must be present at port to clear Customs and obtain a Temporary Import Permit, which must be renewed every year.
- Automobiles must be shipped separately from the household goods and personal effects shipment.
- Mexican citizens and FM-2 Visa holders cannot import a vehicle into Mexico.
- Diplomats can import motor vehicles.
Pets
Documents Required
- Veterinary Health Certificate
- Vaccination Record
- Sanitary OBL
Specific Information
- If the value of the animal exceeds USD 5,000, authorization from the Secretary of Commerce and Industrial Promotion is required.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Toilet paper
- Diapers
- Tissue paper
- Blank white paper
Prohibited Items
- Beverages (including but not limited to wine, beer, spirits, etc.)
- Food items (including but not limited to spices, tinned products, canned goods, etc.)
- Medicine or Drugs
- Weapons and ammunition
- Detergents, soaps or similar objects
- Collectable items (pens, coins, etc.)
- Blank CDs, DVDs or tapes
- Large quantities of similar objects (as they could be considered items for sale in Mexico)
- Pornographic items
Consignment Instructions
Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.
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