Country profile
Mexico
MX · MEXAs of: 7/19/2026Industrial and nearshoring hub for North America
Mexico is North America's central industrial and nearshoring hub, with dense road and rail corridors to the USA and major Pacific ports (Manzanillo, Lázaro Cárdenas). The import IVA is 16 percent, and clearance is handled electronically via VUCEM/ANAM. For Swiss exporters, the EFTA-Mexico free trade agreement applies with origin preferences.
Overview
Mexico (MX) is North America's manufacturing and nearshoring hub, linking the country's production regions with the US market and the Pacific routes to Asia. Mexico is part of the USMCA/T-MEC free trade area (not a customs union); customs clearance is electronic via a pedimento through the single window VUCEM under the customs authority ANAM, and import VAT (IVA) is 16 percent on the customs value plus import duty (IGI) and the customs processing fee (DTA). The main cargo airports are Felipe Ángeles (AIFA/NLU), Mexico City (MEX), Guadalajara (GDL) and Monterrey (MTY); the largest container port is Manzanillo (around 3.9 million TEU in 2025), complemented by Lázaro Cárdenas on the Pacific and Veracruz and Altamira on the Gulf of Mexico. Key corridors are Nuevo Laredo–Monterrey–Mexico City, the Bajío industrial belt and the Ferromex/GMXT and CPKC rail networks towards the US. Main exports are vehicles and parts, electronics, machinery and petroleum products; key partners are the US, Canada, China and Germany. Swiss exporters benefit from the EFTA-Mexico free trade agreement (in force since 2001).
Mentioned countries
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Agencia Nacional de Aduanas de Mexico (ANAM) / SATImport system
Electronic Pedimento via VUCEM (Ventanilla Única de Comercio Exterior); since the 2026 customs reform, stronger digital control by ANAM.
Export system
Export Pedimento via VUCEM; clearance by ANAM, with licensed customs agents (agente aduanal) commonly involved.
Import VAT
- Standard IVA rate 16 percent (northern border region reduced to 8 percent via stimulus, valid until 31.12.2026). Imports are always 16 percent on customs value plus IGI plus DTA.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice (factura)
- Pedimento de importación
- Packing list
- Consignment note / B/L / AWB
- Proof of origin (FTA)
- where applicable, NOM compliance / prior approvals
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Pedimento de exportación
- Packing list
- Consignment note / B/L / AWB
- Proof of origin (EUR.1 / Certificado de Origen)
Origin proofs / FTA
EUR.1 / origin declaration (EFTA-Mexico, in force since 1.7.2001); Certificate of Origin under T-MEC; EUR.1/REX under the EU-Mexico Agreement.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Authorization requirements apply to, among others, weapons/ammunition, certain chemicals, medicines (COFEPRIS), agricultural/food products (SENASICA), used vehicles and cultural property.
Export controls & sanctions
No autonomous export control regime similar to the EU; Mexico implements UN sanctions and controls dual-use/strategic goods through authorizations. Check on a case-by-case basis.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Mexiko) — General process
Quick operational overview for shipments to Mexico. Import clearance is often broker/agent-driven; clean data and complete documentation help avoid delays.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (consistent data, HS code, values)
- Broker/import clearance (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; charges based on valuation and classification
Common pitfalls
- Vague description/inconsistencies → queries and delays
- Incoterms unclear → who pays broker/charges?
- Overlooked product-specific requirements (depending on goods)
- Product-specific requirements (permits/standards) not checked
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- AIFA / NLU (Felipe Ángeles, Hauptluftfracht)
- AICM / MEX (Mexiko-Stadt)
- GDL (Guadalajara)
- MTY (Monterrey)
Seaports / access ports
- Manzanillo (largest container port)
- Lázaro Cárdenas
- Veracruz
- Altamira
Road corridors & border crossings
- Nuevo Laredo - Monterrey - Mexico City
- Tijuana - West Coast
- Mexico City - Veracruz
- Bajío industrial belt
Rail corridors
- Ferromex / GMXT network
- CPKC corridor Mexico - USA - Canada
- Lázaro Cárdenas - Bajío - northern border
Top trade lanes
- Mexico - USA (road/rail)
- Asia - Manzanillo/Lázaro Cárdenas
- Europe - Veracruz/Altamira
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Congestion in Manzanillo; security and theft risk in regional road freight increased; careful selection of routes and partners recommended.
Seasonal & weather risks
Hurricane season June to November on the Pacific, Gulf and Caribbean coasts; heavy rain can temporarily affect ports and road corridors.
Current logistics notes
Manzanillo: ongoing clearance delays and additional costs (up to approx. 20 percent) after the customs staff strike of May 2025; regional security incidents (Guadalajara/Manzanillo) may occasionally disrupt road transport. Customs reform 2026 strengthens digital control via VUCEM/ANAM. EU-Mexico Agreement signed on 22.5.2026 (ratification pending). No nationwide disruption verified. (Status as of 2026-07-19)
As of: 2026-07-19
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | National | |||
| Feb 2, 2026 | Constitution Day | National | |||
| Mar 16, 2026 | Benito Juárez's Birthday | National | |||
| May 1, 2026 | Labour Day | National | |||
| Sep 16, 2026 | Independence Day | National | National holiday: government offices and customs closed; expect delays at border crossings and terminals. | ||
| Nov 16, 2026 | Revolution Day | National | |||
| Dec 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | National | Nationwide business closures; reduced capacity at ports, airports and border crossings over the holiday period. |
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026
Constitution Day
Feb 2, 2026
Benito Juárez's Birthday
Mar 16, 2026
Labour Day
May 1, 2026
Independence Day
Sep 16, 2026
National holiday: government offices and customs closed; expect delays at border crossings and terminals.
Revolution Day
Nov 16, 2026
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2026
Nationwide business closures; reduced capacity at ports, airports and border crossings over the holiday period.
Sources: PROFEDET / gob.mx (LFT Art. 74) · PROFEDET / gob.mx (LFT Art. 74)
Airports in this country
Seaports in this country
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- anam.gob.mx
- sat.gob.mx
- efta.int
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What is the import VAT rate in Mexico?
IVA is normally 16 percent on the customs value plus import duty (IGI) and the customs processing fee (DTA). A reduced 8 percent rate applies to certain domestic sales in the northern border region, but imports are always taxed at 16 percent.
Do Swiss exporters benefit from a free trade agreement?
Yes. The EFTA-Mexico free trade agreement has been in force since 1 July 2001. With a valid proof of origin (EUR.1 or origin declaration) preferential tariffs apply. A modernisation of the agreement is under negotiation.
How does customs clearance work in Mexico?
Clearance is electronic via the single window (VUCEM) using a pedimento under the customs authority ANAM. Using a licensed customs broker (agente aduanal) is common practice. The 2026 customs reform has strengthened digital oversight.
What are Mexico's main ports?
Manzanillo is the largest container port (about 3.9 million TEU in 2025), followed by Lazaro Cardenas on the Pacific coast. On the Gulf of Mexico, Veracruz and Altamira are the key ports for trade with Europe.
What are the main air cargo hubs?
Most air cargo in the Mexico City area now runs through Felipe Angeles airport (AIFA/NLU) after the relocation, complemented by Mexico City airport (AICM/MEX), Guadalajara and Monterrey.
What supply chain risks should be considered?
Consider periodic congestion at Manzanillo, a regionally elevated cargo theft risk in road transport, and the hurricane season from June to November. Careful routing, partner selection and insurance are recommended.
Which trade partners are important for Mexico?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Mexico?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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