Question 1

How long does it take to ship freight from the US to Mexico by truck?

Accepted Answer

Full truckload (FTL) shipments typically take 2 to 5 business days, while less-than-truckload (LTL) takes 5 to 8 business days because of consolidation and the border crossing. The border-crossing process itself generally adds about 2 days.

Question 2

Do I need a Mexican customs broker to import into Mexico?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A licensed agente aduanal is legally mandatory for every commercial import and export in Mexico. Unlike in the US, importers cannot self-file the pedimento, which the broker submits through the VUCEM single window.

Question 3

How much is IVA on imports into Mexico?

Accepted Answer

Mexico charges 16% IVA (value-added tax) on the customs value plus any applicable duty for nearly all commercial imports. Registered importers can recover IVA as an input tax credit using the pedimento as proof.

Question 4

What is drayage in cross-border shipping?

Accepted Answer

Drayage is the short-haul move of a trailer across the border on a short tractor by a licensed transfer carrier. It exists because US tractors can travel only about 16 miles into Mexico and Mexican tractors face similar limits in the US.

Question 5

Does USMCA make goods duty-free when importing into Mexico?

Accepted Answer

USMCA-origin US goods often qualify for a preferential rate of 0% on the IGI duty when they meet the rules of origin and the origin is properly documented. They are also exempt from Mexico's customs processing fee.

Question 6

What is Mexico's de minimis threshold for e-commerce imports?

Accepted Answer

Shipments valued at or under 50 dollars are exempt from duties and taxes. From 50.01 to 117 dollars the rate is about 17% if shipped from the US or Canada, 117 to 1,000 dollars is about 19%, and over 1,000 dollars is about 20%.

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