How to Import Products from Mexico
How an import from Mexico into the United States actually runs — what you provide, what gets handled for you, and where USMCA saves you duties.
General information, not customs advice — rules vary by product and change often. Have a customs broker confirm the specifics for your case.
The Import Process
What you provide, and what happens from your supplier's dock in Mexico to delivery in Laredo.
Send Us Your Shipment Details
Share the commercial invoice, packing list, and your product's HTS classification. As the importer, the classification comes from you — include it with your documents and we take it from there.
Verify USMCA Eligibility
If your product is made in Mexico and meets USMCA origin rules, it enters the US duty-free — most Mexican-manufactured goods do, backed by a USMCA certificate of origin from the manufacturer. This gets checked first because it decides whether you owe duties at all.
Customs Is Coordinated for You
Both sides of the border are handled: the Mexican export clearance and the US entry filing. You (or a third party you designate) act as the importer of record — a foreign company can be its own US importer.
Freight to the Border
We arrange pickup at your plant or supplier in Mexico — Monterrey, Saltillo, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, and other hubs — and run it to Laredo, the main land crossing for Mexico freight. Already have a carrier? That works too.
Crossing Day
Mexican export is cleared, the trailer crosses the bridge, and the US entry is released — typically within 24–48 hours, often same-day for established shippers. FDA, USDA, and other agency requirements are flagged before the truck rolls.
Receive in Laredo
Your freight lands at our Laredo warehouse: transload straight to your US carrier, or store with us and release as needed — partial releases, LTL orders, distribution, or Amazon FBA prep.
Required Documents
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
- USMCA Certificate of Origin (if claiming preference)
- Customs Bond (required for most commercial shipments)
- FDA/USDA permits (for food, drugs, agricultural products)
Pro Tip
Work with your Mexican supplier to ensure all documents are accurate before shipping. Discrepancies between the commercial invoice and actual goods can cause delays.
Common Questions
Yes. Every US import has an Importer of Record (IOR)—the party legally responsible for the entry. That's typically the US buyer, but a foreign company can act as its own US importer of record, or a third party can take the role. We coordinate the customs filings; we don't act as the IOR.
Under USMCA, most goods manufactured in Mexico enter the US duty-free, as long as the product meets origin requirements. Eligibility gets verified as part of the customs coordination, along with any duties owed, before your shipment crosses.
Most Mexico imports clear within 24-48 hours. Established shippers often see faster clearance. Complex shipments or those selected for inspection may take longer.
Food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices require FDA prior notice and may need additional documentation. These requirements get flagged up front so the filings are in before your shipment leaves Mexico.
Need help with your import?
We coordinate customs brokerage, freight, and warehousing for Mexico imports. Let us handle the logistics.