How to Export from Mexico to the US
A guide for Mexican manufacturers and exporters looking to sell products in the United States. Learn about documentation, USMCA benefits, and how to streamline your cross-border logistics.
The Export Process
Follow these steps to export from Mexico to the US.
Register as an Exporter
In Mexico, register with SAT and obtain your RFC. You may also need IMMEX certification depending on your operation. Your customs broker can advise.
Classify Your Products
Determine the correct HS tariff codes for your goods. This affects both Mexican export procedures and US import duties.
Prepare Export Documentation
Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin (for USMCA), and any product-specific certificates (FDA, USDA, etc.).
Work with a Customs Broker
A Mexican customs broker (agente aduanal) will file your export declaration (pedimento de exportación) and coordinate clearance.
Arrange Transportation
Book your freight—truckload through Nuevo Laredo is the most common route. Coordinate with your US customs broker for smooth border crossing.
Clear US Customs
Your US customs broker files entry with CBP. USMCA-eligible goods may enter duty-free with proper documentation.
Trade Agreement Benefits
Take advantage of USMCA (T-MEC) for duty-free exports.
- Duty-free entry for qualifying goods
- Reduced paperwork vs. other trade agreements
- Faster customs clearance
- No duty drawback restrictions
- Cumulation of origin across US, Mexico, Canada
Important
To claim USMCA benefits, you must complete a Certificate of Origin and your goods must meet the origin requirements. Work with your customs broker to ensure compliance.
Common Questions
Not necessarily. IMMEX is for importing materials duty-free into Mexico for manufacturing. For exporting Mexican-origin goods, you mainly need proper SAT registration and export documentation.
It's a document certifying that your goods qualify for preferential tariff treatment under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. With it, most Mexican-origin goods enter the US duty-free.
For established shippers with proper documentation, border crossing at Laredo typically takes 1-2 days. First-time shipments may take longer while customs reviews your documentation.
Yes. Many Mexican exporters use our Laredo FTZ to store inventory duty-free in the US. You can then distribute to US customers or ship to Amazon FBA when orders come in.
Incomplete documentation, HS code misclassification, missing certificates of origin, and discrepancies between invoice and actual goods are the most common issues.
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