Importing Into Mexico in 2026? You Are Probably Paying More Duty Than You Need To

 Mexico operates one of the most powerful duty reduction frameworks in the world. IMMEX, PROSEC, USMCA, and free trade zones can eliminate or dramatically reduce duty and VAT exposure for qualifying importers. The majority of foreign businesses importing into Mexico have never used any of them.

The standard tariff rates range from 0 to 25% on most goods. But add 16% IVA on the full landed value, plus potential countervailing duties in sectors where dumping has been found, and the total tax burden on a standard commercial import can reach 30 to 40% of the goods value before anything has cleared Mexican customs.

The tools to reduce that exist. They are legal, they are well-established, and most businesses simply do not know they qualify.

January 2026 changed the rates on over 1,400 tariff codes

Mexico's Customs Law Reform raised tariffs on 1,463 tariff codes from January 1, 2026. New rates average 35% and reach 50% in textiles, apparel, plastics, steel, aluminium, and automotive parts. If your goods fall in these categories and you have not reviewed your HS codes since January, you may be paying the new higher rate without realising it. And you may now qualify for PROSEC or IMMEX offsets that were not applicable before the reform.

IMMEX eliminates duty and IVA on production inputs

For manufacturers importing raw materials or components into Mexico for processing and export, IMMEX removes both import duty and 16% IVA on those inputs entirely. Not a reduction. A complete elimination. The registration requires coordination with the Ministry of Economy and SAT, and there is an annual export report due each May. For any business operating at meaningful production volume, the saving makes the compliance investment straightforward.

USMCA eliminates tariffs on qualifying goods

If your goods meet USMCA rules of origin, tariffs between Mexico, the US, and Canada are eliminated. The claim requires a valid Certification of Origin. Without one, Mexican customs charges the standard rate regardless of where the goods originated. With the July 1, 2026 USMCA joint review approaching, getting this right now matters more than it did a year ago.

The full guide has everything you need

The complete breakdown covers PROSEC sector-specific rates, free zone benefits, customs valuation strategies, classification review under the 2026 reform, and the full IMMEX registration process.

All of this depends on having a correctly registered Importer of Record in Mexico. Without one, none of the duty reduction programmes above are accessible to you. Read about what an IOR does here: What is an Importer of Record

👉 Read the full Mexico import duty guide(https://carraglobe.com/reduce-import-duty-mexico/)

Importer of Record Mexico | Carra Globe | Get in touch

Carra Globe provides Importer of Record and trade compliance services across 175+ countries. Learn more at carraglobe.com

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