FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Importing into Mexico
Commercial invoice, bill of lading or airway bill, packing list and certificate of origin if claiming trade agreement benefits. Depending on your product, additional permits or NOM compliance certificates may apply. We identify the full documentation requirements for your specific product as part of our Foreign Trade Consulting service.
Yes — any company importing goods into Mexico on a regular commercial basis must be registered in the Padrón de Importadores. Certain product categories require additional registration in the Padrón de Sectores Específicos. We coordinate the registration process with our customs broker network.
The main applicable taxes are the General Import Duty, which varies by product and country of origin, and the Value Added Tax (IVA). Some products are also subject to the Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS). If your product qualifies under a free trade agreement, the applicable duty may be reduced or eliminated. We evaluate the full tax framework for your specific product.
Many product categories must comply with NOMs — which establish labeling, safety or quality requirements. Non-compliant goods can be detained at customs. Categories frequently subject to NOMs include food, electronics, textiles, toys, footwear and chemicals. We identify the NOMs applicable to your specific product.
Mexico has several customs regimes — definitive import, temporary import under IMMEX, PROSEC and bonded warehouse, among others. Choosing the wrong regime can result in compliance burdens and unnecessary complexity. We evaluate the most suitable regime for your product, production process and sales destination.
Mexico has free trade agreements with over 50 countries — including the US, Canada, the EU, Japan, Chile and Colombia. If your product meets the applicable rules of origin, it may qualify for a preferential or zero duty rate. We coordinate the rules of origin analysis with our customs broker network.
IMMEX allows manufacturers to temporarily import raw materials and components without paying duties or VAT — provided the finished goods are exported. If you manufacture in Mexico and export your production, IMMEX may be the right structure for your operation. We assess your eligibility and coordinate the certification process with our customs broker network.
PROSEC provides preferential tariff rates on specific imported inputs regardless of whether the finished product is exported or sold domestically — unlike IMMEX, which requires export. It covers sectors including automotive, electronics, capital goods and textiles. We identify whether PROSEC applies to your specific operation.
Exporting from Mexico
You need an active RFC, a customs broker to handle the export clearance, the required commercial documentation for your destination country and compliance with any applicable export permits or restrictions. We evaluate the specific requirements for your product and destination market.
If your product meets the rules of origin requirements of the applicable agreement, your buyer can import it at a preferential or zero tariff rate — giving your product a significant competitive advantage. This requires a rules of origin analysis and the correct certificate of origin documentation. We coordinate this as part of our Foreign Trade Consulting service.
Yes — certain categories require export permits or are subject to restrictions. These include some agricultural products, chemicals, cultural heritage items and wildlife. We identify the export permit requirements applicable to your specific product and destination.
T-MEC provides tariff-free access to the US and Canadian markets for goods that meet the applicable rules of origin. Requirements vary significantly by product category and require a specific analysis of your manufacturing process and input sourcing. We analyze your situation and coordinate with our customs broker network to determine your T-MEC eligibility.
A certificate of origin certifies that your product was produced in Mexico and meets the rules of origin of a specific trade agreement — allowing your buyer to claim preferential tariff treatment. Under T-MEC, this has been replaced by a certification of origin that can be issued by the exporter, producer or importer. We identify the correct documentation for your product and destination.
Establishing operations in Mexico
The two most common structures are the S.A. de C.V. and the S. de R.L. de C.V. The right choice depends on your industry, ownership structure and long-term plans. We recommend the most suitable structure for your situation — coordinated with specialized legal and tax counsel — as part of our Soft Landing & Expansion service.
It depends on the complexity of the legal structure, the state of incorporation and the responsiveness of the institutions involved. The bank account opening process is typically the most common bottleneck. We coordinate the entire process under one integrated timeline as part of our Soft Landing & Expansion service.
Yes — foreign-owned companies operating in Mexico are required to register with the National Registry of Foreign Investments (RNIE) after incorporation. Failure to register can result in fines and legal complications. We coordinate this registration as part of our Soft Landing & Expansion service.
Mexican banks apply strict compliance requirements to foreign-owned companies — including identification of beneficial owners, source of funds and full corporate documentation. Having a complete documentation package from the start significantly reduces delays. We coordinate the bank account opening process as part of our Soft Landing & Expansion service.
A soft landing is the process of establishing operations in a new country with minimal friction. Without proper coordination, companies end up managing lawyers, accountants, customs brokers and real estate agents separately — with no one integrating the full picture. We act as your single point of coordination so every dimension of your Mexico setup moves forward on one integrated timeline.
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