Importing Personal Effects into Mexico: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2025 · Download the Mexico Import Guide (PDF)

Temporary Residents

• Clear copy of Passport.
• Clear copy of the Temporary Resident Card (both sides).
• Letters for Mexican Customs
• They will vary depending on the POE.
• Always check with your local agent:
• Authorization letter to the Customs Broker
• Value form for customs
• Prohibited items
• Customs form for new articles
• Only for shipments coming to Lazaro Cardenas Port:
• “IFE credential” and “Proof of residence “Copies.

• Either Mexican Citizens and or Permanent Residents must have lived out of the country for over 6 months to import their household goods free of duty.
• Items with less than 6 months of use are dutiable (as customs consider them as new). There are some restrictions for paying duties on new items so in case shipper is planning to bring any new items, please let your agent in Mexico know previously to the packing of the shipment so they can check if there will be no problem at all.
• Items coming by Air or Ocean cannot pay duties.
• To pay duties for new items, the ticket or invoice of the items will be required to calculate the amount of duties to be paid.
• DO NOT pack used items in the original packaging because customs will see it as NEW items and this can cause problems and delays at customs.
• FULL ADDRESS is a MUST and MUST be updated, it should be the one used to obtain stamped Inventories or Residents
• Credentials.
• Regulations for Sea Shipments - established on the official gazette, rule 2.4.5. for shipments arriving into Mexican ports - all shipments to / or from overseas countries must indicate: 1. The TAX ID number for all parties shown on Carrier Bill of Lading as Shipper, Consignee and Notify. 2. Mexican Nationals must inform their RFC (Tax ID) number. 3. Generic RFC/TAX ID numbers should be applied only in the following cases:
• Diplomatic and consulate goods should use: EMB930401KH4.
• For International Organizations should use: OIN930413N0.
• For foreigners should use: EXTR920301TS4 4. For those shippers or, consignees or, notify parties which reside in countries where there are NO ID TAX (Fiscal identification register) such information will not be declared. 5. TAX ID information MUST be submitted no less than 24 hours prior to the vessel departure, failure to provide such information may result in refusal to load on to vessel.

• A returning Mexican citizen and or Permanent Residents may have their import documents (visaed Inventories) approved after a minimum of 6 months of living abroad.
• Visaed inventories are valid only for 6 months after issued date.
• According to the Mexican laws, to be able to import household goods and personal effects free of import duties, the following rules must be followed:
• The goods must have been used for at least six months and are not intended for resale.
• All articles must be included in the inventory visaed by the Mexican Consulate. The Mexican government can expropriate any article not included in the inventory.
• The following articles are not considered HHG:
• Firearms, ammunition & weapons
• Liquors, wine,
• Food,
• Drugs and medications,
• Art collections (paintings & sculptures)
• Money
• Fabrics
• Corrosives & cleaning items
• Tires
• Automobile’s spare parts
• Pornography material
• Articles related to the transferee’s profession (small quantities) – Advise your local agent prior to shipping.
• Motor vehicles (Motorcycles, boats, cars)
• Some of these articles may require an import licence. Contact your agent for specific information.
• Shipments consigned to Mexico City terminal are handled by steamship line companies own transportation system. Please contact your agent for them to take care of transportation to avoid unnecessary demurrage charges.
• The steamship lines in Mexico require a deposit of US$ 1,000 when the shipment is coming into a container.
• As the Mexican ports, & Customs houses are saturated, the lift-vans and steel containers are placed in the open and must therefore be well protected against rain.
• Do not ship household goods until all documentation is completed (the airport holds the shipment during 30 days and ports during 60 days only). If the documentation is not presented by that time, the Mexican Government confiscates the shipment.
• Inform your destination agent on time of the arrival of the shipment at the Customs House of port of entry in order for him to proceed with the import negotiations.
• Due to legal regulation, the local agent does not accept C.O.D. charges - only destination charges can come in a C.O.D. basis) All shipments must come prepaid.
• Shipment must be sent to destination only with the green light from the destination agent, as agents must be sure that the client has the proper and complete paperwork for Mexican clearance at POE.

Returning Mexican citizens & Permanent Residents (Residente Permanente)

• Clear Copy of Passport
• Clear copy of the Permanent Resident Card (both sides)
• Copy of the CURP (Unique Code for Personal Registration)
• Original Inventory Stamped by the Mexican Consulate
• All electrical appliances must include brand, model and serial number.
• Letters for Mexican Customs
• They will vary depending on the POE.
• Always check with your local agent:
• Authorization letter to the Customs Broker
• Value form for customs
• Prohibited items
• Customs form for new articles

• Same as above.

• Same as above.

Diplomats' removals

• Foreigners with Diplomatic status:
• The import permit, “the Diplomatic Franchise” must be obtained by the corresponding Embassy in Mexico City or International Organization, from SRE / Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Inventory list in Spanish.
• Copy of Diplomatic Passport.
• Copy of the diplomatic carnet.
• Origin and destination addresses.
• Customs Broker will require some other Documents Depending on Port Of entry and those will be:
• Authorization Letter to Customs Broker (kind of, like a Power of attorney).
• Mexicans returning with Diplomatic status:
• “Diplomatic Franchise”. To be obtained by the corresponding International Organization, from SRE / External Affairs authorities.
• Visaed Inventory list in Spanish, even though they can return with a Diplomatic Status, they must get in contact with the Mexican Embassy or Consulate at origin, present their List in Spanish and they will be awarded an especial Visaed Inventory, and with that one, they can proceed to obtain their Diplomatic Franchise at SRE.
• Photocopy of Diplomatic passport.
• Copy of the CURP (Unique Code for Personal Registration).
• Origin and destination addresses.
• Customs Broker will require some other Documents Depending on Port Of entry and those will be:
• Declaration Form for New Items (As those used, for less than 6 months MUST pay duties, and this can only be Via Laredo, other ports of entry will not allow us to pay duties)
• Authorization Letter to Customs Broker (kind of, like a Power of attorney).

• Wines, liquors, canned food, tobacco must have a separated diplomatic franchise to be imported:
• This is not considered part of the household goods.
• It must be listed and loaded into a separate crate/lift van to be identified.
• Both franchises will be required to clear customs for both. Otherwise, it will be separated until the diplomatic franchise is obtained.
• Always check with your local agent in Mexico on required documents depending on Port of Entry so you can have the proper formats for each case.

Wedding trousseaux

• If included as part of household goods and effects and declared in the legalised list.

• Allowed – see “Removal goods”.
• Otherwise – importation prohibited.

• For specific cases, it is recommended to contact your local agent.

Inheritance

• Prohibited.

New furniture and household goods

• If included with removal goods, they must be included on the legalised inventory list and originals of all invoices must also be presented.

• Subject to payment of duties and taxes considering reasonable quantity of new items.

• Only possible for shipments through NVO, Laredo, NOT Veracruz neither Mexico City Airport.

Household appliances

• If included as part of household goods, declared in the legalised list and in reasonable quantity.

• Importation allowed - see “Removal goods”.
• Otherwise – importation prohibited.

Electrical appliances

• Same as above.

• Same as above.

• Brand, model and serial numbers of electrical appliances must be written on the legalised inventory list, sealed by the Mexican Consulate.

Works of Art, Antiques

• Prohibited.

• For specific cases, it is recommended to contact your local agent.

Precious metal objects

• Importation prohibited, as they are not considered as part of the household effects.

Carpets

• If they are part of household goods and only in small quantity.

• Importation allowed - see “Removal goods”. Otherwise – importation prohibited.

Presents, Souvenirs

• If part of household goods and are declared on the legalised list.

• Same as above.

• Subject to tax payment.
• Please consult with your destination agent on each case.

Other vehicles (bicycles, water vehicles)

• Only bicycles being part of the household goods and declared on the legalised list are allowed.
• Otherwise prohibited.

• Must be used and only one per person.

Prohibited items

• Firearms, ammunition & weapons
• Liquors, wine
• Food
• Drugs and medications
• Art collections (paintings & sculptures)
• Money
• Fabrics
• Corrosives & cleaning items
• Tires
• Automobile’s spare parts
• Pornography material

• If forbidden items are found in the household goods:
• the clearance of the overall shipment will be delayed
• extra handling must be paid to take these items out of the shipment
• these items will be confiscated.
• Severe penalties are to be expected in case
• of infringement.

Cats, dogs, other animals

• Copy of AWB.
• Sanitary BL.
• General certificate of health.
• Vaccination certificate.
• Copy of professional registration card of veterinary (agregar).

• Subject to payment of duties.

• It is recommended to send documents and AWB in advance by fax to avoid delays in releasing pets.
• It is also recommended to arrange for arrival at the beginning of the week, to avoid pets being kept in Customs control over a weekend, when there is no one to feed them.

Fumigation of imported and exported wooden crates

• The Mexican Government has adopted ISPM-15 (International standards for Phytosanitary Measures Publication 15: Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade (aka NIFM15) to standardise the treatment of wood packing materials used for the transport of goods.
• Shipments into or out of Mexico in wooden packaging, have to have a seal, which certifies that the shipment has received the required treatment (HT = Heated Treatment [a minimum wood core temperature of 56°C for a minimum of 30 minutes] or Methyl Bromide Treatment (the minimum temperature should not be less than 10°C and the minimum exposure time should not fall below 16 hours).
• The wood packing material must be marked in a visible location on each article, on at least two opposite sides of the article with a legible and permanent mark in black ink. Labels and adhesives are not allowed.
• The mark should be as follows:
• Where XX is the country code, 000 the producer number, YY the treatment type, and AAA the inspection agency logo.
• If a shipment arrives without this seal, it will be returned to the origin country at the shipper’s/origin agent’s expenses.

• This does not apply to wood packing materials manufactured of:
• Raw wood of 6 mm thickness or less
• Processed wood produced by glue, heat and pressure, or a combination thereof
• Plywood sheets & agglomerated sawdust sheets
• Oriented wooden fibre sheets
• Sawdust & Wooden fibre
• If you have questions, please contact agents in Mexico or consult the ISPM publication 15.

Exporting Personal Effects from Mexico: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2025 · Download the Mexico Export Guide (PDF)

Mexican citizens

• Clear copy of passport
• Copy of the CURP (Unique Code for Personal Registration)
• Copy of the inventory of goods made by the packing crew
• Letters for Mexican Customs (They will vary depending on the POD)
• Mexicans and Permanent residents must have their RFC (Registro Federal de contribuyentes) active until the export customs clearance process is finished.

• Always check with your local agent:
• Authorization letter to the Customs Broker
• Value form for customs
• Prohibited items
• Customs form for new articles

Temporary or permanent resident

• Clear copy of Passport
• Clear copy of the Temporary Resident or Permanent Card (Both sides)
• Letters for Mexican Customs (They will vary depending on the POD)
• Mexicans and Permanent residents must have their RFC (Registro Federal de contribuyentes) active until the export customs clearance process is finished.

• Always check with your local agent:
• Authorization letter to the Customs Broker
• Value form for customs
• Prohibited items
• Customs form for new articles

Foreigners with Diplomatic status

• The export permit, “the Diplomatic Franchise” has to be obtained by the corresponding Embassy in Mexico City or International Organization, from SRE / Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Inventory list in Spanish made by the packing crew.
• Copy of diplomatic passport.
• Copy of the diplomatic carnet.
• Origin and destination addresses.
• Customs broker will require some other documents depending on Port Of Departure (POD) such as:
• the Authorization Letter to Customs Broker (kind of like a Power of attorney).

Mexicans returning with Diplomatic status

• The export permit “Diplomatic Franchise” has to be obtained by the corresponding international organization, from SRE / External Affairs authorities.
• Copy of the inventory list in Spanish.
• Photocopy of diplomatic passport.
• Copy of the CURP (Unique Code for Personal Registration).
• Origin and destination addresses.
• Customs broker will require some other documents depending on Port Of Departure and those will be:
• Declaration Form for New Items (as those used, for less than 6 months MUST pay duties, and this can only be Via Laredo, other ports of entry will not allow your local agent to pay duties).
• Authorization Letter to Customs Broker (kind of like a Power of attorney).

• Always check with your local Agent in Mexico on required documents depending on Port of Departure, this way you can have the proper formats for each case.

Mexico Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Mexico Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Clear copy of passport
• Clear copy of temporary resident card (both sides)
• Letters for Mexican Customs (vary by port of entry; always confirm with the destination agent):
• Authorization letter to the customs broker
• Value form for customs
• Prohibited items declaration
• Customs form for new articles
• Express bill of lading (SWB) or airway bill (AWB)
• Letter of guarantee from the employer (must state the company is responsible for duties and taxes should the shipment not be re-exported when the employee leaves Mexico)
• Solidarity and compromise letter
• Full inventory list, including a separate list of electronics with brand, model, and serial number

• Clear copy of passport
• Clear copy of permanent resident card (both sides)
• Copy of CURP (Unique Code for Personal Registration)
• Copy of INE/IFE card (both sides)
• Original inventory stamped by the Mexican Consulate in the country of origin (the "Menaje de Casa" or consularized inventory, must be in Spanish)
• *All electrical appliances must include brand, model, and serial number*
• Letters for Mexican Customs (vary by port of entry; confirm with the destination agent)
• Express bill of lading (SWB) or airway bill (AWB)

Returning Mexican diplomats must also contact the Mexican Embassy or Consulate at origin to obtain a special visaed inventory, which is then used to obtain the Diplomatic Franchise from the SRE.

• Import permit ("Diplomatic Franchise") obtained by the corresponding embassy in Mexico City or international organization from the SRE (Secretariat of Foreign Affairs)
• Inventory list in Spanish
• Copy of diplomatic passport
• Copy of diplomatic carnet
• Origin and destination addresses
• Authorization letter to the customs broker

Specific Information

Critical: Do not ship household goods to Mexico until all documentation is complete and the destination agent has given the green light. The airport holds shipments for only 30 days and ports for only 60 calendar days. If documentation is not presented within those windows, the Mexican Government confiscates the shipment. Any item not included in the consularized inventory can be expropriated by the Mexican Government.

Mexico distinguishes between three categories of importer: temporary residents (foreign nationals on a temporary work visa), returning Mexican citizens and permanent residents, and diplomats. The documentation and procedures differ for each.

Menaje de Casa (consularized inventory): Returning Mexican citizens and permanent residents must have their inventory legalized (stamped) by the Mexican Consulate in the country of origin. This is non-negotiable. The consularized inventory must be in Spanish, and all articles in the shipment must be listed on it. Visaed inventories are valid for only 6 months from the date of issue.

Residency requirement: Returning Mexican citizens and permanent residents must show proof of having lived abroad for a minimum of 6 months. Mexican Customs require the shipment to be imported within the first 6 months after the visa was issued. After this period, the shipment will not be accepted.

Full address requirement: The destination address is mandatory and must match the address used to obtain the stamped inventories or resident credentials.

Tax ID on bills of lading (sea shipments): Under rule 2.4.5, all sea shipments to or from Mexico must show the Tax ID (RFC) number for all parties on the carrier bill of lading (shipper, consignee, and notify party). Mexican nationals must provide their RFC. Foreigners should use the generic RFC: EXTR920301TS4. Diplomatic goods use: EMB930401KH4. International organizations use: OIN930413N0. Tax ID information must be submitted at least 24 hours before vessel departure; failure to provide it may result in refusal to load.

Steamship line deposit: Mexican steamship lines require a deposit of approximately USD 1,000 when a shipment arrives in a container.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions: Used household goods and personal effects (items used for at least 6 months) may be imported duty-free, provided all documentation is in order and the goods are not intended for resale.

New items: Items less than 6 months old are considered new by Customs and are subject to duties of 20% plus 16% IVA (VAT). New items must be declared separately with proof of purchase. Importantly, duties on new items can only be paid for shipments arriving via NVO (Nuevo Laredo/Laredo); duties on new items cannot be processed at Veracruz port or Mexico City Airport. Do not pack used items in original packaging, as Customs will treat them as new, causing problems and delays.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

The following items are prohibited from household goods shipments. If prohibited items are found, the clearance of the entire shipment will be delayed, extra handling charges apply to remove the items, and the prohibited items will be confiscated. Severe penalties may be imposed.

• Beverages including wine, beer, spirits, and all alcoholic drinks
• Food items including spices, tinned products, canned goods
• Medicine and drugs
• Weapons and ammunition
• Detergents, soaps, and similar products
• Collectible items such as pens and coins
• Blank CDs, DVDs, or tapes
• Large quantities of similar objects (considered items for sale)
• Pornographic materials
• Cars, boats, and motorcycles (unless the client is a diplomat or temporary resident)
• Works of art and antiques
• Precious metal objects
• Inheritance items
• Fabrics
• Money
• Tires and automobile spare parts
• Corrosives and cleaning items

• New items (less than 6 months old): 20% duty + 16% IVA (can only be cleared through Nuevo Laredo/NVO, not Veracruz or Mexico City Airport)
• Toilet paper, diapers, tissue paper, blank white paper
• Presents and souvenirs (subject to tax; consult with the destination agent)

The following items are not classified as household goods under Mexican law and are subject to separate treatment, additional permits, or prohibition:

• Firearms, ammunition, and weapons
• Liquors, wine, and all alcoholic beverages
• Food (including canned goods, spices, tinned products)
• Drugs and medications
• Art collections (paintings and sculptures)
• Money
• Fabrics
• Corrosives and cleaning items
• Tires and automobile spare parts
• Articles related to the transferee's profession (small quantities may be permitted; advise the destination agent before shipping)

Diplomats may import wines, liquors, canned food, and tobacco, but these require a separate diplomatic franchise and must be loaded into a separate crate or lift van, clearly identified. Both the household goods franchise and the alcohol/food franchise are required to clear customs. If combined in one container, the alcohol/food items will be separated and held until the separate franchise is obtained.

Confirm current currency import/export declaration requirements with the destination agent.

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import. Mexico has one of the most strictly enforced customs regimes in the Americas. Do not ship until the destination agent confirms all documentation is complete.

Ports of entry: The principal sea ports are Veracruz (Gulf coast), Lazaro Cardenas (Pacific coast), and Manzanillo (Pacific coast). Overland entry is primarily through Nuevo Laredo (from the US via Laredo, Texas). Air shipments arrive via Mexico City International Airport (MEX) and other international airports.

Port-specific requirements: Documentation requirements vary by port of entry. Lazaro Cardenas requires additional documents (IFE credential and proof of residence copies). New items can only pay duties via NVO/Laredo, not through Veracruz or Mexico City Airport. Always confirm port-specific requirements with the destination agent.

Confiscation deadlines: Airports hold shipments for 30 days. Sea ports hold shipments for 60 calendar days. If documentation is not presented within these windows, the shipment is declared "abandoned" and confiscated by the Mexican Government.

Prepaid shipments only: Due to legal regulations, the destination agent does not accept C.O.D. charges. Only destination charges may come on a C.O.D. basis. All shipments must be prepaid.

ISPM 15 (strictly enforced): Mexico has adopted ISPM-15 for all wood packaging material. All wooden crates, pallets, and packaging must bear the IPPC treatment mark (heat treatment at minimum 56 degrees C core temperature for 30 minutes, or methyl bromide treatment). The mark must be in black ink, legible, permanent, and visible on at least two opposite sides. Labels and adhesives are not permitted for the ISPM-15 mark. Shipments arriving without the ISPM-15 seal will be returned to the country of origin at the shipper's or origin agent's expense.

Port conditions: Mexican ports and customs houses are saturated. Lift vans and containers may be placed in the open and must be well protected against rain.