Mexico Import Regulations-Used Vehicles

Per the current USMCA requirements, effective July 1, 2020, used vehicles must comply with treaty regulations. Mexican local governments and private vehicle associations expressed concerns about the importation of older used vehicles, citing potential issues such as higher emissions, weak fuel efficiency standards, and poor mechanical conditions. These factors not only contributed to a decline in new car sales but also created difficulty in tracking and identifying older used vehicles involved in criminal or road violations. In response to these challenges, the Mexican government enacted the “Decree of Establishing the Conditions for the Definitive Importation of Used Motor Vehicles” which sets specific requirements to regulate the import of used vehicles from the United States.

On November 4, 2024, the government of Mexico extended the decree until November 4, 2025. Individuals and companies can continue to import used vehicles under set requirements. A preferential ad valorem tax rate of 1% applies to used vehicles that are between five and nine years old when imported into Mexico’s border zone and certain designated areas in the country. For used vehicles that are more than 10 years old, a 10% ad valorem tax is applied, both in the border zone and throughout the rest of the country. 

For more information about the extended decree, please contact Monica Martinez, Commercial Specialist - Automotive Sector at monica.martinez@trade.gov.

https://www.trade.gov/market-intelligence/mexico-import-regulations-used-vehicles