Documentation You Must Consider for Importing or Exporting to Mexico in 2025 

Mexico is a country full of opportunities, with a growing market and a strategic location that makes it an ideal destination for international business. 

But before opening the doors to new possibilities, there is something you cannot overlook: the documentation and requirements for importing or exporting. 

And what happens when paperwork is incomplete or mismanaged? Chaos arises—delays, fines, or even lost business opportunities. 

However, don’t worry. We are here to help and make the entire process much simpler than it seems. 

This article is designed for you, so you can understand the requirements you need to meet and the documents you must have in order for your business to operate successfully in Mexico. 

Don’t let bureaucracy slow down your expansion. Keep reading and learn every key point to import or export stress-free. 

Requirements for Importing to Mexico 

If you are thinking about bringing products into Mexico, you need to understand the import requirements. This process, while it may sound technical at first, is much more manageable when you know exactly what you need and how to comply with current regulations: 

• Have an Advanced Electronic Signature (FIEL). This is an identification and authentication mechanism that, when used on platforms such as the customs system, guarantees that actions carried out by a person or company are legitimate. 

In simple terms, it works like a traditional signature but in digital format, making paperwork easier and reducing the risk of fraud. 

• Be registered in the Importers' Registry. This registration acts as a credential that certifies that your business is authorized to participate in foreign trade. 

In some cases, depending on the type of products you want to bring in, it will also be necessary to register in the Specific Sector Importers' Registry. This mainly applies to goods that have particular regulations, such as food, chemicals, textiles, or sensitive materials. 

• Maintain inventory control systems with up-to-date records. According to customs regulations, companies must keep detailed and updated records on the control of merchandise, which must be available to customs authorities if requested.

 

For this reason, any movement of products, from their arrival in the country to their departure, must be transparently and accessibly recorded. 

• Be up to date with your tax obligations. What does this mean? Your company must comply with all tax obligations before the Mexican Tax Administration Service (SAT), including tax payments and filing all required declarations. 

Why is this so important? Because customs authorities verify that companies meet their tax responsibilities before authorizing the entry or exit of goods from the country. 

• Hire a customs service company. Organizations with experience in this area are aware of all details and updates, ensuring that your cargo does not get stuck in unnecessary bureaucratic procedures. 

Additionally, the Mexican customs process has a highly detailed and technical structure, which includes actions such as tariff classification, specific regimes, and requirements for particular products. 

• Comply with the payment of applicable contributions and duties. As you know, contributions are taxes that companies must pay to the government to carry out their commercial activities in the country. 

In the context of imports and exports, these include tariffs, VAT (Value Added Tax), and other specific obligations, which are calculated based on the type of merchandise, its value, and its destination. 

On the other hand, duties are payments related to specific services provided by authorities in the customs process, such as inspection fees or the use of certain infrastructure. 

• Ensure that your operations comply with regulations. This process, managed through the General Administration of Taxpayer Services, requires using the electronic form called “Authorization granted to the customs broker to carry out foreign trade operations or its revocation.” 

This form not only formalizes the relationship with your customs broker but also ensures that the entire process is recognized by tax and customs authorities. 

• Have an automated inventory system for foreign trade. These types of tools allow you to efficiently manage records of goods entering or leaving the country, ensuring that data is always up to date and available to meet required standards. 
• Documentation that ensures compliance with international regulations. This is not only a technical requirement but also a key step to taking advantage of tariff preferences, complying with country-of-origin marking, and, in some cases, managing countervailing duties or trade quotas. 
• Ensure that the customs value is declared. To achieve this, as an importer, you must provide your customs broker with a written declaration stating, under penalty of perjury, the necessary elements to determine this value. 

This action not only ensures compliance with legal provisions but also protects your operations from possible setbacks in the clearance process. 

• Comply with documentary obligations. Before your goods can be cleared by customs authorities, you must submit this information through an electronic document. This means that once the information is received correctly, an acknowledgment is issued as proof of compliance. 
• Possess the import declaration. This document serves as the official pass for your products to enter or leave the country legally and without issues. 

Moreover, the import declaration is not just an extra procedure; it is the channel through which you inform customs authorities of all details about your goods. 

In fact, the process is carried out through the electronic customs system, meaning you must transmit it digitally using advanced tools such as an electronic signature, a digital seal, or other identification technologies stipulated by the Tax Administration Service (SAT). 

• Pay foreign trade taxes. Mexico has a well-structured tax system for foreign trade, with various obligations that companies must pay depending on the nature of the merchandise and the type of operation. The most common are: 
• General Import Tax (IGI). This tax is paid when goods are brought into the country. 
• Value Added Tax (VAT). Applied to most imported products at a rate of 16% on the value. 
• Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS). Applies in specific cases, such as alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or fuels. 
• Customs Processing Fee (DTA). While not a tax per se, it should be considered within operating costs. 

Requirements for Exporting to Mexico 

Exporting can be straightforward. However, before taking the step, it is essential to understand the conditions for a smooth and successful process: 

• Know the tariff classification. The first step is to correctly classify your products according to the Harmonized System (HS). This classification is done using a code known as the tariff classification, which is globally used to identify products in international trade. 

The code will help you determine the customs duties your products will be subject to, as well as identify possible additional restrictions and regulations, such as health or safety permits. 

• Stay up to date with the basic documentation for exporting. 
• CFDI (Digital Tax Receipt via Internet). In Mexico, all commercial transactions must be electronically recorded, making this the official transaction proof. 
• Foreign Trade Supplement. Attached to the CFDI, it contains detailed information about the export clearance, such as the customs regime and other relevant data. 
• Authorization granted to the customs broker. This document authorizes the customs broker to act on behalf of the exporter in customs clearance. 
• Packing list. Details the content and number of units in each package or container. 
• Certificate of origin. In certain cases, this document proves that your products comply with established origin regulations, which can affect applicable tariffs. 
• Transport documents. Includes the Bill of Lading for maritime shipments or the Airway Bill for air transport. 

Conclusion 

The documentation and requirements for importing or exporting to Mexico in 2025 do not have to be an insurmountable challenge. 

While the process may seem complex at first, having the right knowledge and support will make all the difference. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. At KENSA Logistics, we have the experience and expertise to guide you through every step, ensuring everything is in order and complies with regulations. 

Don’t risk losing time and money due to mistakes. Contact our experts and discover how we can simplify your foreign trade operations. 

Simply put, our goal is to ensure your import or export process is successful—without complications or surprises.