How to ship a package to Mexico

What to bring

• The item, packed or unpacked. If it's unpacked we'll pack it here.
• The full delivery address, including the postal code.
• A phone number for whoever's receiving it. Mexican customs and the local carrier both use it, and a package without one can sit.
• Your ID.
• A rough idea of what everything is worth. You'll need it for the form.

How the customs form works

Every package leaving the country needs a customs declaration listing what's inside and what it's worth. Two rules matter more than the rest.

Be specific. "Gift" or "merchandise" is the fastest way to have a package held. Write "2 cotton t-shirts" and "1 pair leather shoes" instead. Vague descriptions get flagged.

Be accurate about value. Undervaluing to save on duty is the other common reason packages get stuck, and it can mean penalties for the person receiving it.

We fill this out with you. You don't need to prepare anything in advance.

What Mexico charges

Mexico sets duty based on the total value, including what you paid to ship it:

• Under $50, usually no duty and no tax
• $50 to $117, no duty, but 16% IVA (Mexico's sales tax)
• Over $117, both duty and IVA apply

The person receiving the package pays this, not you. Worth telling them so it isn't a surprise at the door.

What you can't send

Some things Mexico won't accept at all:

• Used clothing and used shoes. This one surprises people every time.
• Used tires
• Weapons, ammunition, or any firearm parts
• Anything flammable, explosive, or corrosive

Some things need extra paperwork: large quantities of vitamins or supplements, bulk cosmetics, some electronics, and untreated wood.

If you're not sure, bring it in and ask before you pack it. Easier than having it sent back.

How long it takes

Express runs a few business days. Ground and postal are cheaper and slower. Customs can add time either way, and nobody can promise a date on an international parcel. We'll tell you honestly what to expect for what you're sending.

We also ship to Central and South America

Same process, same paperwork help. If you're sending to Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia, Peru, or anywhere else in the region, come in and we'll walk through it.