Mexico
MX · MEX
Industrie- und Nearshoring-Hub Nordamerikas
Capital: Mexico City
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
Elektronisches Pedimento über VUCEM (Ventanilla Única de Comercio Exterior); seit der Zollreform 2026 verstärkte digitale Kontrolle durch ANAM.
Export system
Ausfuhr-Pedimento über VUCEM; Abfertigung durch ANAM, Mitwirkung lizenzierter Zollagenten (agente aduanal) üblich.
Import VAT
- IVA Normalsatz 16 Prozent (Nordgrenzregion ermässigt 8 Prozent via Stimulus, gültig bis 31.12.2026). Einfuhren stets 16 Prozent auf Zollwert plus IGI plus DTA.
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung (factura)
- Pedimento de importación
- Packliste
- Frachtbrief / B/L / AWB
- Ursprungsnachweis (FTA)
- ggf. NOM-Konformität / Vorabgenehmigungen
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Pedimento de exportación
- Packliste
- Frachtbrief / B/L / AWB
- Ursprungsnachweis (EUR.1 / Certificado de Origen)
Origin proofs / FTA
EUR.1 / Ursprungserklärung (EFTA-Mexiko, in Kraft seit 1.7.2001); Certificado de Origen unter T-MEC; EUR.1/REX unter dem EU-Mexiko-Abkommen.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Genehmigungspflichten u.a. für Waffen/Munition, bestimmte Chemikalien, Arzneimittel (COFEPRIS), Agrar-/Lebensmittel (SENASICA), gebrauchte Fahrzeuge und Kulturgüter.
Export controls & sanctions
Kein autonomes EU-ähnliches Exportkontrollregime; Mexiko setzt UN-Sanktionen um und kontrolliert Dual-Use-/Strategiegüter über Genehmigungen. Im Einzelfall prüfen.
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 (grösster Containerhafen)
- Lázaro Cárdenas
- Veracruz
- Altamira
Road corridors & border crossings
- Nuevo Laredo - Monterrey - Mexiko-Stadt
- Tijuana - Westküste
- Mexiko-Stadt - Veracruz
- Bajío-Industriegürtel
Rail corridors
- Ferromex / GMXT Netz
- CPKC Korridor Mexiko - USA - Kanada
- Lázaro Cárdenas - Bajío - Nordgrenze
Top trade lanes
- Mexiko - USA (Strasse/Schiene)
- Asien - Manzanillo/Lázaro Cárdenas
- Europa - Veracruz/Altamira
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Überlastung in Manzanillo, Sicherheits-/Diebstahlrisiko im Strassengüterverkehr regional erhöht; sorgfältige Routen- und Partnerwahl empfohlen.
Seasonal & weather risks
Hurrikansaison Juni bis November an Pazifik-, Golf- und Karibikküste; Starkregen kann Häfen und Strassenkorridore zeitweise beeinträchtigen.
Current logistics notes
Manzanillo: anhaltende Abfertigungsverzögerungen und Mehrkosten (bis ca. 20 Prozent) nach dem Zollpersonal-Streik vom Mai 2025; regionale Sicherheitsvorfälle (Guadalajara/Manzanillo) können Strassentransporte punktuell stören. Zollreform 2026 stärkt digitale Kontrolle über VUCEM/ANAM. EU-Mexiko-Abkommen am 22.5.2026 unterzeichnet (Ratifizierung offen). Keine landesweite Störung verifiziert. (Stand 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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