Household Goods Logistics

Mexico Customs Information – Hercules Worldwide

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• Copy of passport
• Inventory list written in Spanish, without values; need original, plus 3 copies. Must be certified by Mexican Consulate at origin (not required for FM-3 visa holders)
• Inventory format MUST be in strict compliance with Mexican requirements in order to avoid time consuming and costly delays
• Must include origin and destination address on inventory; all pages require signature of customer
• Inventory requires detailed information regarding shipment and number of boxes
• Electrical appliances and electronic items must be a minimum of 6 months old, and requires to be listed in the beginning of inventory by make, model and serial number
• ITEMS LEFT OFF INVENTORY LIST ARE SUBJECT TO CONFISCATION
• Declaratory letter to customs office in which you state the following:
  • All items in shipment are used
  • Any new items present have invoices attached, and you will pay duties **No new items in shipment, if there are they may be confiscated, plus heavy fines and detention**
• Letter of authorization allowing destination agent to clear shipment
• Depending on visa, additional documents may be required
• Returning Mexican nationals must show proof of residence outside of Mexico which lasted for at least 2 years. Provide this information to the Mexican Consulate in city of origin; will need the following:
  • Copy of passport
  • Original and 3 copies of certificate of residence certified by the Mexican Consulate at origin
  • R.F.C. number (Registro Federal de Causantes)
• Letter declaring value of shipments, that no prohibited items are present and that all items are used.
• Customer with FM2 visa (permanent residents) require the following:
  • Copy of FM2
  • Copy of passport
  • Inventory in Spanish authorized by Mexican Consulate in city of origin
  • Letter declaring value of shipment & that no prohibited items on board
  • Declaration letter stating all imported items will be brought out of Mexico
  • Mexican destination address
  • Work permit
• Customer with FM3 visa (visiting technicians) require:
  • Copy of passport
  • Signed original and 2 copies of typed inventory written in Spanish; including brand, model and serial number of major electrical appliances
  • Letter declaring value of shipment and stating no prohibited items are present
  • Mexican destination address
  • Letter of guarantee from employer
  • Proof showing customer living in Mexico; such as gas, electric or phone bill.
  • This visa entails the temporary importation of household goods; everything in shipment will have to be re-exported upon leaving Mexico
• Foreign Diplomats require:
  • Copy of diplomatic passport
  • Import permit issued by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Only allowed one shipment
  • Declaration letter
  • Copy of passport
  • R.F.C. number (Registro Federal de Causantes)
  • Inventory listed in Spanish
  • Mexican destination address
• Mexican nationals returning with diplomatic status:
  • Shipment subject to customs inspections; should not include prohibited items.
  • Inventory written in Spanish
  • Photocopy of Diplomatic passport
  • Letter stating value of shipment
  • Mexican destination address
  • R.F.C. number (Registro Federal de Causantes)

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

• Customs regulations differ with customer’s immigration status, and are subject to various interpretations by Mexican authorities
• DO NOT MOVE SHIPMENT UNTIL APPROVAL OF ALL DOCUMENTS HAS BEEN CONFIRMED IN MEXICO
• All imported items are to be in relation to the size of the family
• Electrical appliances and electronic items required to be loaded together in 1 or 2 lift vans for easy access by customs
• Split shipments cause problems and are required to arrive at the pier/airport at the same time
• 30 days after shipments arrival at airport, and 60 days at surface port, shipments will be declared abandoned by customs

RESTRICTED ITEMS/DUTIABLE

• New items (less than 6 months old- should have obvious signs of use) are dutiable
• In order to show proof of age (of household goods), original invoices are necessary
• Avoid shipping duplicate items
• Painting from famous painters
• Gold and silver
• Antiques

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Ammunition, weapons and explosives
• Drugs
• Live plants
• Pornographic materials
• Oriental rugs
• Wines and spirits
• New items
• Foodstuffs

MOTOR VEHICLES

• Diplomats may import motor vehicles
• Those with a FM2 or FM3 visa may import a vehicle for a temporary basis; but will need the following documents:
  • Original visa and passport (Mexican citizens only need passport)
  • Title
  • License
  • Drivers license
  • International credit card

PETS

• Require vaccination and a health certificate

**NOTE- all customs regulations and procedures are subject to change at any time. The above customs information is provided as a brief summary of Mexico customs regulations and applies only to household goods shipments, and is for your general guidance. Hercules Worldwide is not liable for any damage, delays, duties, costs, taxes or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance, omissions or errors. Always check full requirements and restrictions with the local embassy or consulate. **