How to Import from Mexico to the US: Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

Mexico is the United States' largest trading partner. In 2025, the US imported over $450 billion in goods from Mexico, making it the number one source of US imports ahead of China and Canada. The USMCA trade agreement allows most Mexican-origin goods to enter the US duty-free, but importers must navigate CBP requirements, HTS classification, rules of origin documentation, and various compliance obligations. This guide walks through every step of importing from Mexico to the US in 2026.

Step 1: Get an Importer Number

Every importer needs an importer of record number to clear goods through US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You can use your IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN) or, if you don't have one, apply for a CBP-assigned number using CBP Form 5106. Non-resident importers must designate a resident agent in the US. The process is free and typically completed within a few business days.

Step 2: Obtain a Customs Bond

A customs bond is a financial guarantee that you will pay all duties, taxes, and fees owed to CBP. It's required for any commercial import valued over $2,500. You have two options: a single-entry bond (covers one shipment, typically costs $50-$100 plus a percentage of the shipment value) or a continuous bond (covers all entries for a year, typically $500-$1,000 for a $50,000 bond amount). Most regular importers choose a continuous bond for convenience and cost savings.

Step 3: Classify Your Product (HTS Code)

Every product entering the US must be classified under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) — a 10-digit code that determines the duty rate and any applicable regulations. For Mexican goods, accurate classification is especially important because USMCA preferential rates are tied to specific HTS subheadings. You can look up HTS codes at hts.usitc.gov or use an AI classification tool. When in doubt, request a binding ruling from CBP for legal certainty.

Step 4: Qualify for USMCA Duty-Free Entry

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, effective July 1, 2020) replaced NAFTA and provides duty-free treatment for qualifying goods. To claim USMCA preferential treatment, your product must meet the agreement's rules of origin:

• Wholly obtained or produced in Mexico (or the US/Canada): raw agricultural products grown in Mexico, minerals extracted, goods manufactured entirely from originating materials.
• Tariff shift rule: the finished product is classified under a different HTS heading than any non-originating inputs used in production. Specific rules are listed in USMCA Annex 4-B by HTS chapter.
• Regional Value Content (RVC): the product meets a minimum percentage of North American content — typically 75% for automotive goods (under the transaction value or net cost method) and 45-60% for other products.
• De minimis: non-originating materials that don't undergo the required tariff shift can still be used if they account for no more than 10% of the transaction value of the finished good (7% for textiles).

Step 5: Prepare Required Documentation

• Commercial invoice: must include seller and buyer details, product description, quantity, unit price, total value, currency, Incoterms, and country of origin.
• Packing list: detailed breakdown of contents by carton or pallet with weights and dimensions.
• Bill of lading or airway bill: transport document from the carrier.
• USMCA certificate of origin: if claiming preferential treatment.
• CBP Form 3461 (Entry/Immediate Delivery): filed electronically through ACE to release goods from CBP custody.
• CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary): filed within 10 business days of entry, includes HTS classification, duty calculation, and payment.
• Other agency permits: FDA prior notice for food, EPA for vehicles and engines, FCC for electronics, USDA for agricultural products.

Step 6: Calculate Total Landed Cost

Your total landed cost for importing from Mexico includes: the product cost (FOB or CIF), freight and insurance, customs duties (0% for USMCA-qualifying goods, MFN rate otherwise), Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) of 0.3464% of the customs value (min $31.67, max $614.35), Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) of 0.125% for ocean shipments, any Section 232 tariffs on steel/aluminum, customs broker fees ($150-$400 per entry), and inland transportation from the port of entry to your warehouse.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Not verifying rules of origin: claiming USMCA without proper documentation can result in duty recovery plus penalties of up to 4x the unpaid duties.
• Incorrect HTS classification: a wrong code means wrong duties and potential FDA/USDA compliance issues.
• Missing other-agency requirements: food imports need FDA prior notice 15 days in advance; agricultural products need USDA permits.
• Undervaluing goods: CBP actively audits transaction values. Declaring below actual value is fraud under 19 USC 1592.

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