Moving To Mexico

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Customs Regulations for Mexico

Passport
Temporary Residence Visa (Visa de Residente Temporal – obtained by the Instituto)
Work permit (Nacional de Migracion)
Inventory list (original copy and two copies typed in Spanish – signed by owner and notarized)
Inventory – estimated value included
Consulate at origin
Manifestation of Value (obtained from service agent)
Declaration to Customs (Carta Juramentada – states there are no prohibited items in shipment, all new items listed)
Letter of Commitment (Carta Compromiso)
Liability Letter (obtained from service agent)
Federal Registration or tax ID of employer (Registro Federal Causantes)

For permanent moves to Mexico, you are allowed to import both used personal effects (clothes, jewelry) and used household effects (furniture, bedding, linens, rugs/carpets, dishes, etc.) duty-free, under the following conditions:

Items have been in shipper’s possession for a minimum of six months and are not intended for resale
Returning nationals must have lived outside for a minimum of six months to import used goods duty-free
FM-3 visa holders must export used items upon departure
Any items less than six months old must be declared separately on inventory and are subject to duties (otherwise, shipment can be held/confiscated)
Amount of new items (anything purchased less than six months prior to import/still in original packaging) limited to:
10 articles of clothing
3 pairs of shoes
3 pieces of jewelry
10 pieces of imitation jewelry
10 pieces of furniture
2 electronic toys
10 non-electronic toys
1 piece of sporting good equipment
20 CDs/DVDs/tapes
5 computer parts
6 large appliances
1 set of tools
1 bicycle

Appliances and electronic items must be loaded together for access by Customs (advise agent to limit number of lift vans to one or two)
Split shipments must arrive to airport/pier simultaneously
Shipments are declared abandoned after 30 days at airport and after 60 days at surface port
If no new items are being imported, include “No hay ningunosarticulosnuevosen los efectos” in the inventory document.

In Mexico, some items are limited or require special authorization to clear customs. Sometimes, this includes payment of taxes and duties, but some goods are restricted to maximum quantities. This includes (but is not limited to):

Artwork and antiques
Medication – personal use only (must be in original container and clearly labeled, with prescription)
Alcohol – up to 3 liters of alcohol and 6 liters of wine (if shipper is over 18 years old)
Tobacco – up to 20 packs of cigarettes, 25 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco (if shipper is over 18 years old)
Photography and videography equipment (film, videocassettes, lenses) – amount limited
Cellular phones, radios, walkie-talkies, binoculars, typewriters, laptops, CDs, DVDs – amount limited
Duplicate appliances (two microwaves permitted, but major appliances may be considered commercial rather than household goods)

CUSTOMER MUST ARRIVE IN CHINA BEFORE SHIPMENT IN ORDER TO COMPLETE IMPORT FORMALITIES
Personal registration of the customer and employer’s registration must be approved before arrival of the shipment
Used household goods and personal effects are dutiable for Chinese persons holding a foreign passport and foreigners entering China for an extended period of time (not holding a Residence Card)
Only one air and one sea shipment may be imported within six months of customer
Shipments are subject to physical inspection by customs

The following items are prohibited from importation under any circumstances:

Firearms and ammunition
Explosives
Illegal drugs and substances
Pornographic material
Plans, fruits and vegetables
Oriental rugs
Spices
Silver and gold
Precious metals and fossils
Liquids of any kind (includes cleaning supplies, toiletries, cooking items, perfumes)
Boats and other motorized vehicles (exception: automobiles)
Counterfeit materials

If you need to import your automobile into Mexico, you’ll require help from an experienced, reliable international vehicle shipper. International Sea & Air Shipping possesses the knowledge and resources you need to get your vehicle across the border. With an exceptional understanding of Mexican automobile import laws and customs regulations, your car will be in good hands.
The required documents for automobile import include:

Original visa (if you are not a returning Mexican national)
Passport
Valid driver’s license
Original certificate of title
Valid state registration
Letter of credit or affidavit from financing company (if vehicle has a lien)
International credit card in driver’s name

There are also several specific regulations involving the importation of motor vehicles into Mexico:

Vehicles must weigh less than 3 tons (exception: mobile homes)
FM-2 visa holders and returning nationals cannot import automobiles duty-free (import permits required)
FM-3 visa holders can import automobiles temporarily – vehicle may not be sold in Mexico and must be exported when visa expires
Only the shipper and members of shipper’s immediate family may drive vehicle in Mexico

Are you bringing a pet across the border? Here is all of the information you’ll need to make sure your furry friend gets into Mexico with you:

Valid vaccination certificate – states that pet is up-to-date on vaccinations against rabies, hepatitis, pip and leptospirosis (issued by veterinarian within 3 months of move)
Authorization from the Security of Commerce and Industrial Promotion
Official health certificate (issued by veterinarian within 72 hours of entering country)
Air waybill (AWB) – for pets arriving unaccompanied by owner (must state “Freight as agreed”)
Mexico allows up to two dogs and/or cats to be brought into country.
If you have more than two pets, you must obtain special permission from the Mexican consulate.

*If your pet is arriving in Mexico without you, it is best to fax all documents (including the AWB) to Customs in advance to avoid delays. Try to arrange arrival earlier in the week to avoid your pet being held in Customs over the weekend.

In Mexico, there is a 16% tax applied on CIF in addition to duties. When shipping within the “border regions” of Mexico and the United States, the value-added tax (VAT) is reduced to 11%. Mexico’s VAT usually ranges from 10-16%. The tax rate applies on CIF, duties and other charges upon import.

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 788-1090

How International Sea & Air can help for moving to Mexico

First, one of our trained moving specialists will provide a personal consultation, thoroughly outlining your moving options based on specific criteria, such as:

Your moving time line. When do you need to be in Mexico?
Your real estate plans. Will you be renting or buying?
Your family/household size. Will you be moving alone or with your family? For business or personal reasons?
Cubic feet estimate. How large is your shipment?

What Will Moving to Mexico Cost?

For an accurate estimate of your shipment size, you should schedule a home survey as early as possible for your move to Mexico. Our moving specialists will assess your belongings to give you the best potential estimate to expedite your relocation. The cost of moving to Mexico will vary considerably based on the cubic footage of your belongings and your proposed destination arrival time.

Don’t forget to ask about our overseas packing and custom crating services, too!

About Mexico

Mexico is the eleventh most populous country in the world, featuring over 113 million residents. With the ruins of several advanced civilizations like the Maya and Aztec, Mexico is a beautifully historic land. To its north is the United States, and to its south it borders Belize and Guatemala. The Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea border Mexico’s eastern coast, while the Pacific Ocean borders its west.

A heavy majority of the country’s population speaks Spanish, but a small percentage of people are also fluent in indigenous tongues. Mexico is also one of the largest oil producers in the world, which is why its powerful economy continues to grow. Featuring historic ruins, famous cuisine and a wide variety of art, Mexico is a place where you’ll learn something new every day.

Can’t wait to get started with your international move to Mexico? Find out what you’ll need to clear Customs!

Moving to Mexico from the U.S.

If you are moving to Mexico from the United States, there is plenty to consider before you head south. With so much to prepare for, the last thing you want to worry about is the logistics of your complicated move.

International Sea & Air Shipping will make your transition to Mexico as seamless as possible by providing top-notch shipping services for all of your household goods and much more!