Welcome to our comprehensive guide on shipping to Mexico from Canada. Canada and Mexico share a robust economic partnership, with trade exceeding $30 billion annually. With the implementation of both CUSMA /T-Mec and CPTPP the opportunities for free trade between Mexico and Canada is stronger than ever.
In this guide, we delve into the nuances of shipping to Mexico from Canada, including service level differences, customs clearance, carrier options, and important shipping terms. Whether you are a large or small business seeking low-cost delivery options, our guide provides valuable insights and actionable tips.
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This Guide for Shipping to Mexico from Canada explores the best shipping options to Mexico. And so much more!
Disclaimer: The information in all Jet Worldwide content, including this post, is for general information only.
Use a shipping cost calculator to compare rates from different carriers.
For shipments from Canada to Mexico valued at CAD 2,000 and above (or otherwise regulated) require a Canadian export declaration.
Read more about Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS).
The default option for shipping internationally from Canada is Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU). Common carriers use the term Ex Works (EXW) which essentially assigns all import-related costs (duty, taxes and other fees) to the receiver/importer. Shippers from Canada can choose to pay the import fees on behalf of the receiver.
Shipments shipped via a Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) options no charges to the receiver in Mexico. Useful information to confirm the correct shipping terms.
Canada Post is the preferred option for individuals shipping small parcels and personal items to Mexico.
Most packages under 2 kg can ship via Canada-Post "small packet" services. Delivery of Parcels sent to Mexico via Canada Post is via Mexpost.
Postal options are the logistical place to start for e-commerce business shipping to Mexico. Canada Post is best for individuals shipping to a relative or friend.
Canada Post services to Mexico include small packet and international parcel options.
FedEx and UPS are North America's largest parcel carriers and offer - along with DHL- reliable express delivery. These carriers can be expensive, especially for small companies who are unable to benefit from significant discounts.
FedEx easy to set up accounts with FedEx or UPS. By enrolling in their programs you will see your discount level. Discounts are on on published transportation charges. Discounts on surcharges, special handling fees, duties, taxes or other additional charges are available only for their major customers.
FedEx and UPS express shipping options to Mexico include:
Jet Worldwide offers international shipping and logistics services between Canada to Mexico. Benefit from our expertise, transparency and over 40 years of experience!
Contact our team for a customized shipping estimate and expert logistics support today!
Ground transport provides low-cost shipping and is available via UPS and FedEx trucking subsidiaries. UPS Freight offers quality LTL service, which does not include Mexican customs' clearance, between Canada and Mexico.
Canada Post also offers international surface to Mexico and is ideal for individuals who seek to the lowest-cost option from Canada to Mexico.
Laredo is the largest inland port on the Mexican border with all major transportation companies having facilities in Laredo. The city is on the southern end of I-35 close to the manufacturers in northern Mexico. Contact Jet’s logistics team for Mexico, USA, Canada cross border solutions.
The import process to Mexico is through its customs agency, known as the Administración General de Aduanas (AGA).
Before shipping, make sure the consignee can import the goods into Mexico. Depending on the type of goods being importing, a specific permit or license from the AGA may be necessary. This is particularly the case for goods that are subject to certain restrictions or regulations, such as textiles and controlled substances.
When shipping to Mexico from Canada, it is important to provide paperwork - including an invoice for customs;- to ensure an accurate declaration to customs.
It is important to confirm compliance with the importer and relevant authorities prior to shipping goods into Mexico.
Mexico's IVA rate is 16%. Although the US$50 threshold established, Mexican customs has right to assess duty and tax, regardless of the shipment value.
Note: There is no IVA for Books that import to Mexico from Canada
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value): $117 USD*
Tax Exemption (De minimis Value): $50 USD*
TAX/IV: default rate of 16%
Items under US $1,000 to private individuals that import free of duty but assessed IVA.
Items valued over US $1,000 to businesses and US $5,000 to individuals require a formal customs' entry.
For a formal entry, the importer in Mexico must register and provide additional documentation.
While Jet Worldwide does not accept personal effects to Mexico from Canada. We are pleased to provide the rules (that are quite strict to qualify for duty-free importation):
To benefit from duty-free clearance in Mexico for your shipment, the consignee must provide:
These restrictions include:
We often get requests to ship used clothes to Mexico. We generally do not accept textile shipments to Mexico as the regulations are restrictive.
Canadian shipyards have secured major international contracts to a variety of companies with vessels operating in several areas, including the Gulf of Mexico.
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Mexico's customs does not have a special category for gifts. The importer must pay duties and taxes - even thought they did not purchase the item.
Jet Worldwide's Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) option to Mexico enables you to pay customs import charges in Canadian dollars. When using this service, you can be sure that the person receiving your gift is free of fees. Jet's DDP service is also useful for companies sending samples or warranty replacement parts to Mexico from Canada.
Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff rates are generally applicable for good traded between Mexico and Canada. Goods that meet the rules of origin under CUSMA/T-Mec or CPTPP can benefit from preferential duty-free import. Importers must choose which free trade program they wish to invoke at the time of import. Benefit from Canada's free trade agreements.
The MFN tariff rates of Canada and Mexico apply to goods that do not meet the rules of origin.
Understanding the difference: Shipping from Canada versus Canadian Origin
CPTPP and CUSMA/T-Mec offer similar benefits for shipping between Mexico and Canada. Some specific elements, such as country of origin rules can benefit shippers and understood to shipping. Only one method of preferential duty treatment can apply (CPTPP vs CUSMA/T-MEC) for a specific shipment.
Goods approved with proper “proof of origin’ supporting paperwork can export from Canada for duty-free clearance in Mexico. CUSMA T-MEC and CPTPP rules are different.
READ MORE: IMPORT DUTY AND CALCULATION
Mexican and Canadian exporters and importers can choose between the CUSMA / T-MEC or CPTPP free trade agreements. .Both the CPTPP and the USMCA include rules of origin that determine which goods qualify for preferential treatment. They generally specify the percentage of a product's content that must originate from the participating countries in order to qualify for preferential treatment.
It's important to note that the rules of origin under both the CPTPP and the USMCA are complex and may change over time. It is important to verify compliance with industry experts and relevant government agencies prior to shipping.
To benefit from preferential duty free import to Mexico or Canada, the shipment must include a certificate of origin or COO.
Effective in 2024, Mexico only accepts the ‘Importer’ as the Certifier, for goods imported into Mexico.
Read more: Certificate of Origin Explained
The key part of all trade agreements is ensuring the goods qualify under the rules of origin. Goods shipping from Canada to Mexico do not automatically qualify for duty-free status. Determining the country of origin is not only by the ship from address.
The country of origin rules can still get complex. Review the guidelines for country of origin qualification prior to processing.
In order to claim the preferential tariff treatment to Mexico from Canada under CPTPP, a set of data elements is necessary. Known as a ‘certification of origin’ or COO. The certifier can be the exporter, producer or importer of the goods. The certification can included on the commercial invoice or on a separate document. We recommend both including it on the invoice and referencing the separate certification. The data elements do not have to follow a prescribed format but with a required minimum set of data elements. In addition, the that import goods must originate and export from a CPTPP ratified country.
Note: The certification of origin include a signature and date from the Certifier
For full details regarding the minimum data requirements for the certification of origin, please refer to Annex 3-B of the CPTPP agreement.
Canada-origin products valued less than US $1000 only requires a signed statement. The statement can be from the importer, exporter or producer certifying that the goods originate from Canada. This can be part of - or in addition to - the commercial invoice. All other supporting document is necessary.
Higher-value shipments require a certification of origin to claim CPTPP preferential tariff treatment.
DUTY FREE ≠ TAX FREE:
It is important to understand that duty-free clearance via free trade agreements apply to duty assessments but not taxes. All goods - even those cleared duty-free - are subject to Mexican taxes (Value Added Tax of 16%).
The CFDI, or Comprobante Fiscal Digital por Internet, is an electronic invoice used in Mexico to document transactions between businesses. Mexican businesses issue CFDIs for sales made within Mexico.
Only CFDI v4.0 with Carta Porte v2.0 is valid (other versions of the CFDI or Carta Porte are not acceptable).
The main objective of the Complmento Carta Porte is to prove the legal possession of merchandise during transportation. All non compliant shipments are subject to penalties.
The Mexican Tax Authority (SAT) requires any entities sending goods through Mexico to modify their electronic invoices. The electronic invoices or CFDI (in Spanish) must include the Carta Porte supplement. All freight must have the supplement.
Information required by Complemento Carta Porte can include:
Regulated parties affected by the Carta Porte supplement includes the owner of the transfering goods , intermediaries and agents of transport, and hauling companies. The suppliers of transportation services should issue a CFDI of Revenues with the Carta Porte supplement.
Note that this information is via public information. All parties should confirm compliance with Mexican Authorities prior to shipping.
Additional resources:
The carrier options to Canada from Mexico include the Mexican Post Correos (preferred method for individuals), FedEx, UPS and DHL.
Goods that import to Canada are subject to duty and taxes. Consignments under CA$3,300 can import via Canada's low value system (LVS). Read more: Canadian Import Fee's Explained
Mexican origin goods may qualify for preferential duty-free entry under the T-MEC / CUSMA an CPTPP free trade agreements (CETA) regardless of value.
Jet Worldwide gives access to all companies seeking for spot quotes between Canada and Mexico for parcels, pallets, online orders.