Complete guide: how to import from China to Mexico

Stage 1

Preparation

Preparation is the most important stage and the one most novice importers skip. Good preparation prevents 80% of the problems that arise later.

The first step is to have an active RFC (tax ID) and register in the SAT Importer Registry (Padron de Importadores). The process is free and done online with your electronic signature (e.firma). If your product belongs to a specific sector (textiles, footwear, steel, chemicals, etc.), you will also need the Specific Sectors Importer Registry.

Before contacting suppliers, research the regulations that apply to your product. Many products must comply with Mexican Official Standards (NOMs). Food, cosmetic, medical or chemical products may require COFEPRIS permits.

Finally, define your initial budget. Not just the product cost — include freight, insurance, taxes, customs broker, domestic transport and management fees. On our import costs page we detail each category.

Required documents

• Active RFC (tax ID)
• Importer Registry (SAT)
• Valid electronic signature (e.firma)
• Specific Sectors Registry (if applicable)
• Tax Status Certificate

Costs at this stage

Activation deposit — the initial payment to start working on your project. Covers personalized advisory, market research, regulatory analysis and initial supplier search.

Common mistakes

• Not checking if your product requires NOMs or special permits before ordering
• Not including all costs (taxes, freight, customs broker) in the initial budget
• Starting to negotiate with suppliers without having the importer registry

Stage 3

Production

Once the order is confirmed and the deposit paid, the factory begins production. This is where quality control makes the difference.

We perform three levels of inspection:

• Pre-production inspection: Verification of raw materials, colors and components before starting the production line.
• In-line inspection (during production): When 20-30% of production is ready, we check that pieces meet specifications.
• Final inspection (pre-shipment): When 80-100% of production is finished and packed. Quality, quantity, packaging, labeling and shipping marks are reviewed per AQL standard.

Packaging and shipping marks are critical. Poor packaging can damage goods during 30+ days of sea transit. Shipping marks must match shipping documents to avoid customs issues.

Costs at this stage

Deposit + final payment to supplier — typically 30% on confirmation and 70% before shipment, once the final inspection is approved.

Stage 5

Customs

Customs clearance is the step that concerns importers most, but with correct documentation and a good customs broker, it is a predictable process. In Mexico, all customs clearance requires a certified customs broker.

The first step is tariff classification — assigning the correct 8-digit tariff code to your product. This code determines the IGI rate and applicable regulations. An incorrect classification can result in fines of up to 100% of the goods value.

The main import taxes are:

• IGI (General Import Tax): 0% to 35% depending on tariff code
• DTA (Customs Processing Fee): 0.8% of customs value (general rate)
• Import VAT: 16% on (customs value + IGI + DTA)
• IEPS: Only for specific products (alcohol, tobacco, fuels)

Required documents

• Customs entry (pedimento, generated by customs broker)
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill
• Certificate of Origin (if tariff preference applies)
• NOM, COFEPRIS or other certificates (per product)