International trade compliance

International Conventions

Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Party to the Kyoto Protocol
Party to the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
Party to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal
Party to the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer
Party to the International Coffee Agreement

International Economic Cooperation

Mexico is a member of the following international economic organisations: IMF, North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), OECD, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), ICC, G-3, G-15, G-20, G-24, WTO, among others. For the full list of economic and other international organisations in which participates Mexico click here. International organisation membership of Mexico is also outlined here.

Party of the ATA Convention on Temporary Admissions and Use of the Carnets

Yes

As a Reminder, the ATA is a System Allowing the Free Movement of Goods Across Frontiers and Their Temporary Admission Into a Customs Territory With Relief From Duties and Taxes. The Goods Are Covered By a Single Document Known as the ATA Carnet That is Secured By an International Guarantee System.

Party of the TIR Convention

Yes

As a Reminder, the TIR Convention and its Transit Regime Contribute to the Facilitation of International Transport, Especially International Road Transport, Not Only in Europe and the Middle East, But Also in Other Parts of the World, Such as Africa and Latin America.

Accompanying Documents For Imports

Goods shipped to Mexico must include the following documents:

- Single Administrative Document (DUA)
- Commercial invoice; three copies, written, in preference in Spanish
- A phytosanitary certificate for fruits, vegetables and seeds
- A sanitary certificate for meats
- Form EUR1 to benefit with a preferential rate; applied to European Union exports
- Certificate of radioactive contamination: mandatory especially for dairy products
- Free trade certificate for cosmetics, issued by the Ministry of Health of Mexico
- Documents related to the transportation and packaging lists

Mexican customs law is very strict regarding proper submission and preparation of customs documentation. Errors in paperwork can result in fines and even confiscation of merchandise as contraband.

To go further, check out our service Shipping Documents.

Free-trade zones

Currently, there is no free-trade zone as such in Mexico.

For Further Information

Mexican Customs Agency official website ( in Spanish)

Non Tariff Barriers

Since joining GATT in 1986, Mexico has reduced the number of products subject to import license. For those products still regulated, a permit must be obtained from the Ministry of the Economy. There are still a large number of specific conditions for textile products. Approximately 10% of imported goods are checked in detail, especially automobile, chemical, pharmaceutical, metallurgical and agricultural imports. Though origin regulations may allow goods to benefit from the reduction of duty taxes, rules have become more rigorous since Mexico signed onto NAFTA.

Sectors or Products For Which Commercial Disagreements Have Been Registered With the WTO

Can be consulted on the World Trade Organisation site.

Assessment of Commercial Policy

Mexico’s commercial policy, as seen by the WTO
Barriers to exchanges, inventoried by the United States
Barriers to exchanges, inventoried by the EU
Sanitary and phytosanitary barriers, inventoried by the EU