Mexico is a fast-growing destination for Thai OEM exports, from auto parts to processed food. This guide covers duties, transit, IMMEX benefits, and customs broker selection.
Duties & Tax
Mexico applies IGI (General Import Tax) plus 16% IVA (VAT) and a small DTA processing fee. No FTA exists yet between Thailand and Mexico, so Most-Favored-Nation rates apply — usually 5–20% depending on HS code. Verify with a Mexican customs broker (agente aduanal) before purchase.
Transit & Ports
Most Thai shipments arrive via Manzanillo (Pacific) or Veracruz (Gulf). Manzanillo takes 22–28 days from Laem Chabang; Veracruz 32–38 days via Panama Canal. Air freight via MEX (Mexico City) runs 3–5 days.
IMMEX Program
Manufacturers importing components for re-export can defer duties/IVA under IMMEX (formerly Maquiladora). Ideal if you assemble Thai parts in Mexico and re-export to the USA under USMCA rules of origin.
Documentation
- Pedimento (customs declaration)
- Commercial invoice in Spanish or with translation
- Bill of Lading / AWB
- COO (Certificate of Origin) — even without FTA, needed for statistics
- NOM compliance certificates for regulated goods (electronics, textiles, toys)
Common Categories from Thailand
Auto parts (bearings, harnesses), rice, tuna, rubber gloves, small appliances, and pet food dominate Thailand-to-Mexico trade lanes.
Related Reading
FAQ
Do I need a Mexican customs broker? Yes — Mexican law requires a licensed agente aduanal for commercial imports above ~USD 1,000.
What's the typical duty on Thai auto parts to Mexico? Usually 5–10% MFN plus 16% IVA. IMMEX participants can defer both.
Can I use USMCA with Thai-origin goods? No. USMCA benefits require regional (USA/Mexico/Canada) content. Thai-origin goods pay MFN duty on entry.