Market Intelligence
Mexico Foreign Trade Regulations

Mexico eCommerce, Customs Compliance and Regulations

The Government of Mexico under the General Rules and Criteria Regarding Foreign Trade has established a new threshold for imports relevant to U.S. companies planning to explore or expand their business via e-platforms.

Key points are: 

  • Mexico does not allow foreign entities to register as Foreign Importer of Record.
  • U.S. companies using Mexican fulfillment services must have an importer of record in Mexico that can file a formal entry.
  • Non-Tariff Barriers (NTB) are measures that regulate or restrict the import of goods into Mexico for multiple purposes not related to taxation. 
  • Official Mexican Standards (Normas Oficiales Mexicanas/NOMs) are the most common NTBs. NOMs regulate products, processes, and services when these may constitute a risk to people, animals, and the environment in general, among others. A potential troublesome requirement can be the appropriate labeling of the product or safety certifications that must be conducted and granted by specialized entities. 
  • NTB Compliance must be secured before the U.S. exporter sends their shipment to avoid costly delays or problems with Mexican Customs.
  • The eCommerce seller must have a valid RFC ID (Mexican Tax ID) to sell in Mexico and avoid tax withholdings. 

A preliminary assessment of the product before shipping will help determine the costs and all the regulations required by the Mexican government. Do not wait to start the compliance process at the border. 

Read the complete information about the update to this Mexican regulation. 

Working with a Trading Company (Comercializadora) or Distributor in Mexico can be a good first step to test the Mexican market. Companies may also evaluate the benefit of incorporating a legal entity or opening a branch in Mexico. Proper import compliance will facilitate accurate tax and regulatory compliance in retail operations. CS Mexico can share several resources that can help U.S. exporters explore Mexican e-commerce opportunities. 

For further questions on this issue or if you encounter any problems with Mexican Customs, please ask Manny at Manuel.Velazquez@trade.gov. To learn about eCommerce opportunities Adriana.Carrillo@trade.gov.