If you’re considering importing products from China to Mexico, you need to understand the complete process before committing your capital. It’s not complicated, but it does require completing each step in the right order. This guide walks you through it from start to finish.
Step 1: Prepare your company to import
Before searching for suppliers or requesting freight quotes, your company needs to be legally enabled to import. Here are the requirements:
- Active RFC (Tax ID) with the SAT, with your tax status in good standing
- Valid e.firma (advanced electronic signature)
- Registration in the Importer Registry (Padron de Importadores) with the SAT — it’s free and resolves in 1 to 6 business days
- Depending on your product, you may need additional registration in the Sector-Specific Importer Registry
Without the Importer Registry, your goods cannot legally enter the country.
Step 2: Classify your merchandise
Every imported product has a tariff classification code: a 10-digit number (8 from the Harmonized System + 2 from Mexico’s NIC) that determines:
- The tariff rate (IGI) you’ll pay
- The non-tariff regulations that apply (NOMs, COFEPRIS permits, SENASICA permits, etc.)
- Whether you need special permits from the Ministry of Economy
Misclassifying your product can mean paying incorrect tariffs, fines, or having your goods held at customs. Your customs broker can advise you on this step.
Step 3: Hire a customs broker
A customs broker (agente aduanal) is mandatory for commercial imports in Mexico. It’s not optional. This person holds a personal license issued by the SAT and is legally responsible for clearing your goods.
The customs broker handles:
- Preparing the pedimento (the customs declaration, the central document of every import)
- Correctly classifying your merchandise
- Calculating and paying taxes and tariffs
- Coordinating customs clearance
- Representing you before the customs authority
Step 4: Comply with applicable regulations
Depending on your product, you’ll need to comply with various regulations before the goods arrive in Mexico:
| Regulation | Applies to | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| NOM-050-SCFI-2004 | General consumer products (labeling) | SE |
| NOM-004-SE-2021 | Textiles and garments | SE |
| NOM-024-SCFI-2013 | Electronics and appliances | SE |
| NOM-051 | Food and non-alcoholic beverages | COFEPRIS |
| COFEPRIS Permit | Food, cosmetics, supplements, medical devices | COFEPRIS |
| SENASICA Permit | Agricultural, animal, and plant products | SENASICA |
It’s much cheaper to resolve regulatory compliance at origin (before shipment) than to fix it at a Mexican port.
Step 5: Coordinate international transportation
Once your production is ready and verified, you need to move the goods from China to Mexico. Key points:
- Main routes: From Chinese ports (Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo) to Manzanillo or Lazaro Cardenas
- Maritime transit time: 20 to 32 days depending on route and carrier
- Transport documents: Bill of Lading (BL), commercial invoice, packing list
Define the Incoterms with your supplier to clarify who pays for what and where risk transfers. The most common in China-Mexico trade are FOB and CIF.
Step 6: Customs clearance in Mexico
When your container arrives at a Mexican port, the clearance process works like this:
- Your customs broker submits the pedimento electronically and pays the taxes
- The goods go through the fiscal traffic light (automated selection mechanism):
- Green: Your goods are released without physical inspection
- Red: A customs examination is conducted — a physical inspection where they verify the goods match the documentation
- Once cleared, the goods leave the bonded area
What taxes will you pay?
When importing from China to Mexico, the main taxes are:
- IGI (General Import Tax): Varies by tariff classification. For Chinese products, rates range from 5% to 50% (Mexico has no free trade agreement with China)
- DTA (Customs Processing Fee): 0.8% of the customs value
- VAT (IVA): 16%, calculated on the customs value + IGI + DTA
- Pre-validation: Approximately $330-350 MXN per pedimento
Authorities involved
| Authority | Function |
|---|---|
| SAT | Tax administration, Importer Registry |
| ANAM | Customs operations (Mexico’s National Customs Agency) |
| SE | NOM standards, import permits |
| COFEPRIS | Health products, food, cosmetics |
| SENASICA | Animal and plant health |
Mistakes you should avoid
- Not verifying goods before shipment. If they arrive with discrepancies, the customs examination holds them and you pay daily storage
- Misclassifying the tariff code. Can result in fines or higher tariffs
- Not having NOM labeling ready. Goods won’t be released without regulatory compliance
- Importing without the Importer Registry. Your cargo simply cannot enter
Conclusion
Importing from China to Mexico is a well-defined process. It’s not difficult, but every step matters. The key is preparing correctly, working with reliable professionals (customs broker, quality inspector), and verifying everything before your goods leave Asia.
Planning your first import or looking to protect an existing operation? Contact us and we’ll advise you from origin.