Moving to Mexico

Customs regulations for the import of used household goods into Mexico

According to Mexican laws and regulations, in order to qualify for a free importation of your personal you must follow the following rules:

First – ALL goods must be used by the client for at least six (6) months.
2nd the client is bringing the items into Mexico without the intended for resale.

“Retiree” Visa status: You must show the list if items you intent to bring into Mexico and have it notarized and stamped by the Mexican Consulate in the city of origin.

Do Not Ship personal effects until all the documentation is complete and approved by the destination agent. (The airport holds the shipment for 30 days and ports for 60 days only). If the documentation is not presented by that time, the Mexican government confiscates the shipment. Inform the destination agent of the estimated time of arrival of the shipment at the Customs House of Port of Entry in order for them to proceed with the import process.

Have the moving company set up the transportation to avoid unnecessary demurrage and storage charges.

Sea shipments that are consigned to Mexico City terminal are handled directly by the contracts that the steamship lines. Agents cannot accept C.O.D. (Cash On Delivery) charges. The Destination agent can only collect these charges for destination services.

If you secede to ship Items that are Prohibited or Restricted as per the lists below, you are taking the risk that the customs authorities will seize the entire shipment.

 

Note: Sea shipments must indicate the following:

  • A TAX ID number for all parties shown on bill of lading as shipper, consignee, and notify party.
  • Mexican nationals must inform their RFC (TAX ID) number.
  • Generic RFC / TAX ID numbers should be applied only in the following cases:
  1. Diplomatic and consulate goods should use the following code:  EMB930401KH4
  2. International organizations should use the following code: OIN930413N0
  3. Foreigners should use the following code:  EXTR920301TS4

Ports: Altamira, Manzanillo, Tampico, Veracruz and Laredo (overland from US)

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Required Documents – Foreigners:

  • Copy of Passport.
  • Temporary Residence Visa, (Visa de Residente Temporal). This is to be obtained by the Instituto Nacional de Migracion; this Visa card also acts as a temporary Work Permit
  • Inventory List – original and 2 copies, typed, in Spanish, signed by owner and notarized by Mexican Consulate at country of origin (NOTARIZED LIST IS FOR FORGEINGERS IS NOT ALWAYS REQUIRED- ALWAYS FOR PERMANENT RESIDENT VIAS HOLDER AND SHIPMENTS ORIGINATING FROM SOE COUNTRIES SUCH A CANADA THE CONSULATES ASK FOR EVERYONE MOVING TO MEXICO TO GET IT).
  • Value Manifestation form – provided by destination agent.
  • Inventory in Spanish, with estimated value.
  • Declaration to Customs (Carta Juramentada) – declaring that there is no items on the Prohibited List in the shipment and indicating any new items. This should be addressed to Customs at Port of Entry
  • Letter of Commitment (Carta Compromiso).
  • Liability Letter – provided by destination agent.
  • Federal Registration or Tax ID of company (Registro Federal Causantes) – provided by employer
  • AWB/OBL – when arriving VIA Air, you must also include the airline ticket.

Diplomat Status – Foreigners:

  • Passport – copy of (all pages).
  • Import Permit – “Diplomatic Franchise” must be obtained by the corresponding Embassy in Mexico City. from the General Customs Authority.
  • Declaration to Customs (Carta Juramentada) attesting you have no illegal substances, food, or firearms.
  • Carta Compromiso.
  • Carta Solidaria.
  • Customer can prove that duty and tax have been paid on them prior to arrival in the United Kingdom
  • Inventory – in Spanish with estimated value
  • Origin and proof of destination addresses.

Diplomat Status – Returning Mexicans:

  • Copy of Passport (all pages).
  • Import Permit – “Diplomatic Franchise” The corresponding official government office of which the diplomat belongs must obtain this permit through the Embassy in Mexico City from the General Customs Authority.
  • Inventory – in Spanish with estimated value.
  • Both origin and destination addresses.

Returning Mexican Citizens:

(Must have lived 2 years abroad)

  • Copy of Mexican Passport.
  • Inventory list – Original and two copies in Spanish notarized and sealed by the Mexican consulate at the place of origin.
  • Tax File number (RFC)
  • Declaration Letter (Carta Juramentada) – Provided by service agent to Customs attesting you have no illegal substances, food, or firearms and that other belongings are not new.
  • Manifestation of Value form provided by service agent and signed by the customer.

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

The below mentioned items are subject to approval by the Mexican customs and agricultural authorities. Please inform us as soon as possible if you plan to send any of the following items:

  • Pets. Can be imported with special documentation.
  • Automobiles: They may be temporarily imported by foreign or Mexican citizens under certain conditions.New Furniture & new House hold goods must be included on the notarized inventory. Include receipts & import permit; subject to duties & taxes up to USD$1000; only allowed via Laredo; Destination Agent must be made aware of these items prior to departure.Inheritance – requires permission from Secretary of Commerce & Industrial Promotion; incurs tax.
  • Appliances/Electronics – must be included on notarize inventory; state serial numbers, make/model.
  • Works of Art, Antiques, Carpets/Rugs – must be declared on the notarized list.
  • Bicycles – one bicycle is allowed per person and it has to be used.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Note: Although an importer with a diplomatic status is allowed to import items on the Prohibited List, consultation with the Destination Agent is advised

You should under no circumstances include any prohibited items in your shipment. Heavy fines will be issued and the entire shipment could be seized. Do not try to hide illegal items inside the shipment. Mexican customs inspections are thorough and illegal items will most likely be found by the authorities. Do not include any of the following items:

  • Firearms & Ammunition of any kind including firecrackers, explosives, corrosives, chemicals, combustible liquids & gases, poisons, paint, varnish.
  • Controlled drugs and Psychotropic Substances
  • Pornography, obscene articles, publications, videos & software
  • Reproduction of copyright publications & videos
  • Cars, motorcycles, boats & spare parts
  • Precious metals, archeological items & fossils
  • Wine & Liquor – if found in the shipment clearance will be delayed and extra handling fees incurred for removal from the shipment and kept with the Customs Dominion until an import permit has been secured and the appropriate duties and taxes have been paid.
  • Medications – without prescriptions
  • Any type of food, plants, bulbs, seedlings, seed, liquids of any kind, etc.
  • Toilet paper, diapers or similar items.
  • Detergent, soap or similar items.
  • Collectible items (e.g. pens, cars). They could be considered items planned for sale in Mexico.
  • Blank CDs / tapes etc.
  • Large quantities of the same or similar items. They could be considered items planned for sale in Mexico.

IMPORTATION OF PETS

Only dogs and cats are allowed importation without special permission. For all other pets, consult with the Destination Agent for current requirements and regulations.
Subject to duty of pets are valued over USD$5,000.

For pets arriving without their owners, it is recommended to send documents including AWB in advance via fax, to avoid delays in releasing pets. It is recommended to arrange for arrival at the beginning of the week, to avoid pets being kept in Customs control over the weekend, as there is not staff on site to care for them.

Required Documents:

  • Passport – copy (owner’s)
  • Certificate of Health – issued within 5 days before arrival date
  • Vaccination Records – including rabies vaccine, must be over 30 days and under 1 year
    • Authorization – obtained from Secretary of Commerce and Industrial Promotion
    • AWB (Air Way Bill)– for pets arriving not accompanied by their owner; must state “Freight as Agreed”; only 2 pets allowed per AWB
    • Pro forma invoice

IMPORTATION OF VEHICLES

Diplomats can import vehicles duty free and do not need to be present to clear the vehicle and can utilize any port of entry.

FM-3 Visa holders may only use Altamira, Veracruz and Tampico ports and must be present during clearance. Vehicles crossing via land into Laredo must be driven by the owner than driven to the destination by the owner. Vehicles are subject to duties & taxes to be paid at Customs. Vehicle cannot be included in household goods shipment.

Returning Nationals may import a vehicle, however it is prohibitive and the Destination Agent should monitor the entire process closely.

Mexico implemented emissions requirements for vehicles. Requirement for emissions certification should be obtained by the website for Mexican Customs.

  • FM3 Visa – original (Non Diplomat)
  • Copy of Passport
  • Title, Registration & vehicle plates
  • Driver license & invoice or bill of sale
  • Diplomatic Franchise – diplomat only
  • Liability Letter – returning Mexican nationals
  • Credit card – one accepted internationally; used to pay the tax & duty

NOTES:

Entry & Exit Requirements: All non-Mexican citizens must have valid immigration documents including one of these visa categories: FMM, FM2, FM3 or FME. U.S. citizens who are also Mexican nationals are considered to be Mexican. Dual nationality status could result in the delay of notification of arrests and other emergencies or hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide consular services. Dual nationals are subject to compulsory military service in Mexico; in addition, dual national males must register for the U.S. Selective Service upon turning 18. Those possessing both U.S. and Mexican nationalities must carry proof of citizenship of both countries. Under Mexican law, dual nationals entering or departing Mexico must identify themselves as Mexican. Under U.S. law, dual nationals entering the United States must identify themselves as U.S. citizens.

Safety & Security: US citizens are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, to stay current with the latest safety and security announcements dispersed by the Embassy in your area.

Your enrollment can also help the Department of State reach your family and friends in case of emergency. In its efforts to combat violence, the Government of Mexico has deployed federal police and military troops to various parts of the country. Government checkpoints, often staffed by military personnel, have been erected in many parts of the country, especially, but not exclusively, in the border area. U.S. citizens are advised to cooperate with personnel at government checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

Crime: Street crime, ranging from pick pocketing to armed robbery, is a serious problem in most major cities. Carjacking is also common, particularly in certain areas. The homicide rates in parts of Mexico have risen sharply in recent years, driven largely by violence associated with transnational criminal organizations. In some areas, municipal police forces are widely suspected of colluding with organized crime. In others, police officers are specifically targeted by members of transnational criminal organizations. Because of the dangerous situation in which police officers operate, one is advised to take a nonthreatening posture when interacting with police and to cooperate with police instructions.

Kidnapping, including the kidnapping of non-Mexicans, continues to occur. Express kidnappings, i.e., attempts to get quick cash in exchange for the release of an individual also occurs along with a common scam throughout Mexico called ‘virtual’ kidnapping by telephone, in which the callers typically speak in a distraught voice in a ploy to elicit information about a potential victim and then use this knowledge to demand ransom for the release of the supposed victim. Information that can be used against victims may also be obtained from social networking websites. Credit card “skimming” is also on the rise via skimming machines, tellers with in banks or merchants. One is advised to frequently review account activity.

Health:
Mexican pharmacies cannot honor foreign prescriptions. U.S. citizens have been arrested and their medicines confiscated by Mexican authorities when their prescriptions were written by a licensed

U.S. physician and filled by a licensed Mexican pharmacist. The importation of prescription drugs into the

United States can be illegal in certain circumstances. U.S. law generally permits persons to enter the

United States with only an immediate supply (i.e., enough for about one month) of a prescription medication. Tap water is unsafe and should be avoided. In high-altitude areas such as Mexico City (elevation 7,600 feet or about 1/2 mile higher than Denver, Colorado), most people need a short adjustment period. Air pollution in Mexico City and Guadalajara is severe. Those with heart or respiratory problems should consult their doctor prior to relocation.

Fumigation of Wood Packing Materials: Mexico imposes ISPM15 regulations for wood packaging material (WPM).
It is advisable to protect the personal effects against rain since the Mexican Ports & Customs houses are saturated and sometimes goods are placed in the open and must therefore be well protected against the rain.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

The above information is a brief summary of the Mexican import regulation for household goods.
Mexican customs regulations are subject to change without notice and we cannot be held liable for the consequences resulting from non-compliance.

List of Mexican Consulates in Canada
Embassy of Mexico in Ottawa, Canada
45 O’Connor St.
Suite 1500
K1P 1A4
City: Ottawa
Phone: (613) 233-8988
Fax: (613) 235-9123
Web Site: http://www.sre.gob.mx/canadaingles
Email: info@embamexcan.com
Office Hours: 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

Consulate of Mexico in Calgary, Canada
Suite 1100-833 4th Avenue
SW Calgary
Alberta, Canada
City: Calgary
Phone: (403) 264-4819
Fax: (403) 264-1527
Web Site: http://www.sre.gob.mx/canada
Email: concalgary.@sre.gob.mx

Consulate of Mexico in Vancouver, Canada
Suite 411-1177 West Hastings St. Piso 4.
Vancouver, B.C. V6E 2K3
City: British Columbia
Phone: (604) 684-1859
Fax: (604) 684-2485
Email: mexico@consulmexvan.com

Embassy of Mexico in Toronto, Canada
199 Bay St., Suite 4440
Commerce Court West
Toronto, Ont. M5L 1E9
City: Ontario
Phone: (416) 368-1847
Fax: (416) 368-8141
Email: cgmtoronto@consulmex.com

Consulate of Mexico in Quebec, Canada
2055 rue Peel,
Suite 1000 Montreal,
Québec, H3A 1V4 Canadá
City: Montreal
Phone: (514) 288 2502 y (514) 288 2707
Fax: (514) 288 8287
Email: comexmt@consulmex.qc.ca

Moving to Mexico

When moving from Canada to Mexico it is crucial to choose the right international mover. Orbit International Moving Logistics is one of the best international moving companies Canada. With our extensive experience with international moves and relocation to Mexico, Orbit International Moving Logistics can offer your employee valuable insights about moving to Mexico.

Orbit International moving specializes in shipping to Mexico and has gained substantial knowledge and experience over the years.
We try to avoid using the sea ports since they are very congested and there are many unforeseen charges that will accrue there. we ship most shipment VIA Laredo TX.
Live View of Laredo Border Crossing Bridges: http://www.cityoflaredo.com/bridgesys/bridge4cam.html

Please find below some helpful tips that can assist you with planning your move to Mexico. Shall you prefer to talk with an International moving consultant, please call orbit at (416) 661-4228.

The Best Overseas Moving Companies
Most moving companies will claim to be the best relocation company in the country. Of course this cannot be true.

To help determine how to choose the right company, we have gathered some vital points for you to consider.

  1. The best tip – a recommendation from a friend.
  2. Research the overseas moving companies you are considering. Check if they are licensed to export and import.
  3. Make sure that you are performing an equal comparison between the quotes of the various companies. You compare international relocation rates from the overseas moving companies based on shipping an equal volume of goods and contracting the same exact shipping service on the same dates. Pay special attention to the “EXCLUDES” of each quote to insure that you are not overlooking any hidden fees.
  4. Check the overseas moving company’s referrals and reputation. Ask each company for testimonials from past clients. A reputable overseas moving company should have some for you to review.
  5. Visit the physical office of the overseas moving company you are considering. Never trust an international moving company without a physical address!. In this day and age anyone can have an office in their basement.
  6. Make sure that the overseas shipping company you choose has reputable overseas forwarding agents who can assist you in the same manner that you are getting from the company moving you from Canada.

Orbit International Moving Logistics Ltd was established by 2 long time family friends who had experienced moves with mixes results. However, none have satisfied the quality of service needed during such an emotional and straining event. We have extensive experience relocating customers worldwide by Ocean Freight and Air Cargo as we are an international shipper. Our rates are always All-inclusive. What sets us apart is the level of service we offer our customers. We provide free, no-obligation estimates, listen to your concerns, and find the solutions best suited to meeting your removal and relocation needs – whether you’re moving your family.(i.e. door-to-door, door to port, full containers, RO-RO, custom crates, etc.) We offer free consultations with one of our relocation specialist and assist you in planning moving to Mexico and choosing the right overseas moving services.