Import costs
Complete breakdown of every cost category: taxes, freight, customs broker, port handling and domestic transport. With formulas and a real example.
Every import has the same cost categories. What changes is the amount based on your product and volume.
General Import Tax — 0% to 35% of customs value depending on your tariff code.
Customs Processing Fee — 0.8% of customs value (general rate).
Import VAT — 16% on the taxable base (customs value + IGI + DTA).
Sea or air transport from China to the Mexican port of entry.
Protection against loss or damage during transport. Typically 0.3%-0.5% of value.
Professional fees for customs clearance + port handling charges.
Ground freight from the port (Manzanillo, Lazaro Cardenas) to your warehouse.
THC, port handling, storage, demurrage if applicable.
Customs entry pre-validation, NOM compliance, special certifications.
The IGI is the tariff the Mexican government charges on foreign goods. The rate depends exclusively on your product's tariff code — an 8-digit code that classifies each product per the Harmonized System. Rates for China imports range from 0% to 35%.
The DTA is a fee paid per customs operation. The general rate is 0.8% of customs value. China does not have an FTA with Mexico, so the general rate applies.
Import VAT in Mexico is 16%, calculated on the taxable base including customs value plus other taxes. This VAT is creditable for companies with RFC — you recover it by offsetting it against VAT collected on your sales.
Typically $4 – $8 USD per kg from China to Mexico. Faster (5-7 days) but 5-8x more expensive than sea freight.
In Mexico, every import requires a certified customs broker. Typical fees include:
Total customs clearance cost (fees + handling) typically ranges from $500 to $1,500 USD.
Ground freight from the port to your warehouse. Reference costs for full container:
Suppose you import $10,000 USD of goods with 15% IGI, via sea freight to Manzanillo, final destination Mexico City.
| Item | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| FOB goods value | $10,000.00 |
| Sea freight (20ft FCL) | $750.00 |
| Cargo insurance (0.5%) | $50.00 |
| Customs value (CIF) | $10,800.00 |
| IGI (15% of customs value) | $1,620.00 |
| DTA (0.8% of customs value) | $86.40 |
| VAT (16% of CIF + IGI + DTA) | $2,001.02 |
| Customs broker + handling | $800.00 |
| Transport Manzanillo to Mexico City | $1,500.00 |
| Total landed cost in Mexico City | $16,807.42 |
* Amounts are referential. Actual cost depends on exact tariff code, volume, container type, freight season and domestic destination. VAT is creditable for businesses.
Use our calculator for a personalized estimate, or speak with an advisor for a detailed quote.