Mexico Used Vehicle Imports 

Mexico Extends Used Light Vehicles Import Regulations Through November 2026

The Government of Mexico has extended the “Decree of Establishing the Conditions for the Definite Importation of Used Motor Vehicles” until November 30, 2026, maintaining existing requirements for importing used vehicles into the country, while restating the obligation to provide a certificate of origin to ensure compliance with safety and high-efficiency protection conditions.

Under the current United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) requirements, effective July 1, 2020, all light used vehicles imported must meet compliance standards and origin certification outlined in the treaty. The regulation aims to ensure that imported vehicles meet safety, emissions, efficiency, and mechanical standards, addressing concerns raised by local authorities and industry groups about high- emission vehicles entering the market.  These issues contributed to a decline in new car sales and created difficulty in vehicle identification for law enforcement. 

With this extension, individuals and companies may continue importing light used vehicles under the same conditions as before. To qualify, importers must provide a certificate of origin in accordance with USMCA and Mexican government requirements. A 1% preferential ad valorem tax rate applies to used light vehicles aged five to nine years when imported into Mexico’s border region and designated zones. Light used vehicles ten years or older are subject to a 10% ad valorem tax across both the border zones and the rest of the country.

For importation of heavy-duty diesel vehicles and their corresponding HS codes, please see Mexico’s Official Gazette. 

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