Mexico

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

• Copy of passport
• Letter to Customs
• Contact details
• Declaration of value
• Original legalized inventory in Spanish (Mexican citizens / permanent resident visa holders)
• Express bill of lading (SWB) / air waybill (AWB)
• Proof of ownership, if applicable (for antiques and artifacts)
• Permanent resident visa, if applicable (returning citizens)
• Temporary resident visa, if applicable
• Copy of RFC / CURP number (returning citizens)
• Copy of INE/IFE card (both sides)
• Full inventory list (returning citizens / temporary resident visa holders)
• List of electronics (returning citizens / permanent resident visa holders / temporary resident visa holders)
• Letter of guarantee from employer ( temporary resident visa holders)
• Solidarity and compromise Letter (temporary resident)
• Import permit (diplomats)
• Diplomatic franchise from the General Customs Authority (diplomats)
• Diplomatic carnet (diplomats)

 

Specific Information

• The original legalized inventory must be in Spanish, stamped by the Mexican Consulate in the country of origin and the owner of the goods must have lived abroad for a minimum of 6 months.
  • Only required for Mexican citizens and permanent resident visa holders.
• Letter to Customs, signed, and stating that items in the shipment are used.
• The contact details of the owner of the goods must include destination address.
• The list of electronic items must include serial number, model, and make.
• Mexican Customs require a shipment to be imported within the first 6 months the visa was issued, after this time it will not be imported.
• New items (less than 6 months) are not considered to be used and must 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 16%.
• 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 (temporary resident 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 permanent resident visa holders must show proof of having lived abroad for a minimum of 6 months to import household goods and personal effects duty free.
• All articles must be included in the Consularized Inventory by the Mexican Consulate.
  • Any item not included in the inventory, can be expropriated by Mexican Government.
• It is not recommended to ship the household goods until all documentation is completed and in order.
• The airports allow only 30 days to release or return the shipment from the time of its arrival.
  • All other ports hold the shipment until 60 calendar days.
  • If the documentation is not presented by that time the shipment is declared as “abandoned” and it is confiscated by Mexican Government.

 

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Copy of original temporary resident visa / card
• Purchase invoice
• Vehicle title
• Express bill of lading
• Copy of driver’s license
• Owner of the goods’ personal identification
• Letter of authorization
• Diplomatic franchise from Embassy (diplomats)

 

Specific Information

• Owner of the goods 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 permanent resident visa holders cannot import a vehicle into Mexico.
• Only diplomats can import motor vehicles.

 

Pets

Documents Required

• Veterinary health certificate
• Vaccination record
• Sanitary original bill of lading
• Copy of the owner of the goods’ passport

 

Specific Information

• If the value of the animal exceeds USD 5,000, authorization from the Secretary of Commerce and Industrial Promotion is required.
• Do not send pets over the weekend.
• Make sure all documents are with Customs before shipment arrives.

 

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 such as pens, coins, etc.
• Blank CDs, DVDs or tapes
• Large quantities of similar objects because they could be considered items for sale in Mexico
• Pornographic items
• Cars, boats, and/or motorcycles (unless the client is a diplomat)

 

Consignment Instructions

Recommended:  Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.