Mexico City, Mexican Customs Clearance Requirements

When moving from the UK or Europe to Mexico, several customs clearance requirements must be met to ensure a smooth transition of your household goods. Here are the key customs clearance requirements for moving to Mexico:

Customs Clearance Requirements

• Temporary Import Permit (Menaje de Casa):
  • This permit allows you to import your household goods duty-free if you meet specific conditions.
  • Required documents:
    • Inventory list of household goods (in Spanish) signed by the importer.
    • Valid passport.
    • Visa or temporary/permanent resident card.
    • Proof of address in Mexico (rental agreement or utility bill).
• Inventory List:
  • A detailed inventory list of all items being imported, written in Spanish.
  • The list should include the description, quantity, and estimated value of each item.
  • The inventory must be signed and dated by the owner of the goods.
• Proof of Ownership:
  • Documentation proving ownership of high-value items (e.g., receipts or purchase invoices).
  • This is particularly important for electronics, appliances, and other valuable items.
• Passport and Visa/Resident Card:
  • A valid passport.
  • A visa or temporary/permanent resident card proving your legal status in Mexico.
• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill:
  • Depending on the mode of transport (sea or air), the shipping company will provide a Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Airway Bill (for air freight).
  • This document serves as a receipt of shipment and contains details about the goods and the shipment terms.
• Customs Declaration Form:
  • A customs declaration form (Pedimento de Importación) completed and submitted to Mexican customs authorities.
  • This form is typically prepared by the customs broker handling your shipment.
• Import Duties and Taxes:
  • While household goods can be imported duty-free with a Menaje de Casa permit, new items may be subject to import duties and taxes.
  • Ensure you declare any new items and pay the necessary duties.
• Packing List:
  • A detailed packing list, separate from the inventory list, indicating how items are packed (e.g., box numbers and contents).
  • This helps customs officials verify the contents of your shipment.
• Power of Attorney:
  • A power of attorney may be required to authorise a customs broker to handle the clearance process on your behalf.
  • This document must be notarised and, in some cases, legalised.
• Certificate of Fumigation:
  • If shipping wooden items (e.g., furniture), a certificate of fumigation may be required to ensure the wood is free from pests and complies with Mexican regulations.

Additional Considerations

• Restricted and Prohibited Items: Be aware of items restricted or prohibited from importation into Mexico, such as firearms, narcotics, and certain food products.
• Pet Importation: If you plan to bring pets, additional documentation such as veterinary certificates and vaccination records will be required.