North AmericaShipping Heavy Equipment to Mexico
Mexico's manufacturing, mining, and automotive sectors drive significant equipment demand. Excellent US border crossings plus multiple seaports on both coasts.
Main Ports
- Port of Veracruz
- Port of Manzanillo
- Port of Altamira
Shipping Methods
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
- Flat Rack Container
- Breakbulk
Key Regulations
- Mexican Customs (SAT)
- CUSMA/USMCA
- NOM Standards
Common Cargo
- Manufacturing Equipment
- Automotive Components
- Mining Equipment
Main Ports in Mexico
Port of Veracruz
Major Seaport
Port of Manzanillo
Pacific Gateway
Port of Altamira
Industrial Port
Laredo Border Crossing
Land Port of Entry
Shipping Routes & Transit Times to Mexico
| From (US Port) | To | Service | Est. Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | Altamira / Veracruz | Container / RoRo | 5–12 days |
| US land border | Cross-border (Laredo/Otay) | Overland | 1–5 days |
Transit times are indicative port-to-port estimates and vary by carrier, season, and sailing schedule.
U.S. Departure Ports for Shipping to Mexico
We ship to Mexico (Port of Veracruz) from every major U.S. port. Typical ocean transit is 5-14 days.
Gulf Coast
East Coast
Import Duty, VAT & Taxes for Mexico
The extraordinary "autos chocolate" regularization ended on 31 December 2025 — used vehicles must now enter through the standard definitive-importation framework with a licensed customs broker. USMCA origin determines duty.
- Import Duty
- 1% for used light vehicles 5–9 model years in designated border zones; 10% for vehicles 10+ years (nationwide)
- VAT / Sales Tax
- IVA 16%
- Other Taxes & Fees
- General Import Tax (IGI), ISAN (new-vehicle tax, with exemptions), and the DTA customs processing fee also apply
Source: SAT / Decreto (DOF) / USMCA · Last verified: June 2026
Used Vehicle & Equipment Age Limits
Used light-vehicle import is governed by a decree (extended to 30 November 2026) requiring a USMCA certificate of origin and compliance with physical-mechanical and environmental standards. Vehicles restricted/banned in the country of origin, non-compliant, or reported stolen may not be imported.
Source: SAT / Secretaría de Economía decree (DOF) · Last verified: June 2026
Import Regulations & Requirements
Mexican Customs (SAT)
National customs with electronic processing.
CUSMA/USMCA
Free trade agreement with US and Canada.
NOM Standards
Mexican Official Standards may apply to certain equipment.
Required Documentation
Customs & Clearance Notes for Mexico
What makes Mexico tricky
- The 2025 end of the regularization program means informal/"chocolate" routes are now enforced against — only the formal framework is valid.
- USMCA origin certification is decisive for the preferential duty rate; missing paperwork raises the tariff.
- A licensed Mexican customs broker (agente aduanal) is required for the definitive import "pedimento".
- NOM compliance certificates apply to many machines and vehicles — confirm the specific NOM for your equipment before shipping.
Seasonality & Scheduling
Gulf ports (Altamira/Veracruz) and land borders see peak-season congestion; plan around year-end manufacturing cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan your shipment to Mexico
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