Moving to a new country is exciting--but it requires so much more planning and preparation than moving locally! The customs process can be complicated, and you will have to do a great deal of research before you make the trek. Plan ahead and find out the required documents, regulations and restrictions for importing goods into Mexico for your move!
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When relocating to Mexico, there are many
important documents you'll need to clear customs and establish permanent residency. When you plan your international move, be sure to enlist customs brokering services from your international moving company to aid you in the preparation of your paperwork.
When moving to Mexico, you will need:
- Passport
- Visa de Residente Temporal (Temporary Residence Visa obtained by the Instituto)
- Nacional de Migracion(visa that doubles as a temporary work permit)
- Inventory list (original and two copies typed in Spanish, signed by owner, and notarized)
- Inventory (with estimated value)
- Consulate at origin
- Manifestation of Value form (provided by service agent)
- Carta Juramentada (Declaration to Customs stating there are no prohibited items in the shipment and all new items are listed)
- Carta Compromiso (Letter of Commitment)
- Liability letter (provided by service agent)
- Registro Federal Causantes (Federal Registration or Tax ID of company, provided by employer)
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
When moving to Mexico permanently, you may import both used personal effects (clothing, jewelry) and used household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes, other furnishings) duty free under the following conditions:
- Goods have been in shipper's possession at least six months and are not intended for resale
- Returning nationals must have lived outside of Mexico for at least six months to import used household goods duty free
- FM-3 visa holders must export used goods upon departure
- New items (less than six months old) must be declared separately on inventory and are dutiable--if not, the shipment will be held or confiscated
- The amount of new items (purchased less than six months prior or still in original packaging) permitted for importation is limited to:
- One Bicycle
- 10 clothing items
- 20 CDs/DVDs/tapes
- Five computer parts
- Two electronic toys
- 10 pieces of furniture
- 20 pieces of imitation jewelry
- Three pieces of jewelry
- Six large appliances
- One set of tools
- Three pairs of shoes
- One piece of sporting goods
- 10 toys
- Include No hay ningunos artículos nuevos en los efectos in the inventory if no new items are present
- Electronic items and appliances must be loaded together in one or two lift vans for access by customs (Advise your Destination Agent on the number of the lift vans in advance)
- Split shipments must arrive to the pier or airport at the same time
- Shipments are declared abandoned 30 days after arrival at airport and 60 days at surface port
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In Mexico, the following articles are prohibited for importation under any circumstances:
- Firearms and ammunition
- Explosives
- Illegal drugs and substances
- Pornographic material
- Boats and motorized vehicles other than automobiles
- Oriental rugs
- Plants, fruits, and vegetables
- Spices
- Silver and gold
- Liquids of any kind are (cleaning supplies, toiletries, cooking items, perfumes)
- Counterfeit material
- Precious metals and fossils
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some articles are limited to maximum quantities or require special authorization/ payments of duties and taxes to clear customs. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Artwork and antiques
- Duplicate appliances (two microwaves are permitted, but major appliances may be seen as commercial instead of household goods)
- Photographic and video cameras, film, videocassettes, cellular phones, radios, walkie-talkies, binoculars, typewriters, laptops, CDs and DVDs (restricted in number)
- Medication (personal use only--in their original containers and clearly labeled with prescription)
- Tobacco (if over 18 years of age, up to 20 packs of cigarettes, 25 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco are permitted)
- Alcohol (if over 18 years of age, up to 3 liters of alcohol and 6 liters of wine are permitted)
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you are planning to ship your automobile to Mexico, you'll require the services of experienced and reliable international vehicle shippers with knowledge of automobile shipping laws and customs regulations.
The requirements for importing your vehicle into Mexico are:
- Only vehicles up to 3 tons are permitted, unless it is a mobile home
- Returning nationals and shippers with FM-2 visas cannot import automobiles duty free (import permits required)
- Shippers with FM-3 visas can import vehicles temporarily (the vehicle may not be sold in Mexico and must be exported when the visa expires)
- Only the shipper or a member of his or her immediate family may drive the vehicle in Mexico
You will need the following documents:
- Original Visa (if you are not a returning Mexican citizen)
- Passport
- Driver’s license outside of Mexico
- Original certificate of title
- Valid state registration
- Letter of credit/affidavit from financing company if the vehicle has a lien
- International credit card in the driver's name
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Your pet is an important part of the family, so you want to ensure that he or she will clear customs. To successfully cross Mexican borders with your furry friend, the requirements are:
- A valid vaccination certificate (issued within the last three months stating that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies, hepatitis, pip and leptospirosis)
- Authorization obtained from the Secretary of Commerce and Industrial Promotion
- An official health certificate (issued by a veterinarian no more than 72 hours before entering the country)
- AWB (for pets arriving unaccompanied by an owner, must state Freight as Agreed)
- Up to two dogs or cats may be brought into Mexico
- If you have more than two pets, you need permission from the Mexican consulate
If your pet is arriving without you, fax all documents( including AWB) in advance to avoid delays. Be sure to arrange arrival early in the week to avoid pets being kept in customs over the weekend. There will be no staff on hand to take care of them.
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moving is a thrilling yet exhausting process, requiring research, preparation, and the services of professional, trustworthy international movers. Before choosing any company for hire, be sure to ask these important questions to verify they are qualified for the job, experienced, and knowledgeable of the customs process in Mexico. Conducting a thorough background check on any potential movers will prevent you from making a common international moving mistake.
Ready to find reputable international moving companies in your area? Get started here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form and receiving estimates from up to seven qualified movers in your area.
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