Sending items to Mexico from the USA is a relatively straightforward process. It involves following the same procedures as sending a package to any other location around the world. In this article, we’ll provide you with a detailed guide on how to send items to Mexico from the USA.
Choose a Shipping Company for Mexico
Mexico is the second-largest export market for the United States. With a growing middle class and a multi-trillion-dollar economy, Mexico is a country that cannot be overlooked. This means there are numerous shipping companies, both public and private, that offer services for sending items to Mexico.
Public Shipping Companies
The United States Postal Service or any local public carrier is ideal if you’re looking for the most cost-effective shipping options. However, keep in mind that this option may take longer for delivery, usually between 6-10 business days. Public carriers often have restrictions on the size, shape, and content of the package you can send.
Private Shipping Companies
Private shipping companies offer more flexibility when it comes to sending packages of various sizes and weights to Mexico. Some popular options include UPS, DHL, FedEx, or NEX Worldwide Express. These companies generally provide faster international shipping to Mexico, typically within 2-3 business days, but they may be more expensive.
If you’re looking for the best prices for shipping items to Mexico, we recommend using our shipping rate calculator. It quickly provides you with prices from the leading and most reliable couriers. Registering with GuíaPaquetería will give you access to preferential rates, advanced shipment tracking, prepaid wallet, and much more.
How Much Does it Cost to Send Items to Mexico?
Here is a table with estimated prices for sending packages up to 5 kilograms to Mexico.*
| Company | Service | Delivery Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CargoMex | Aerial Shipping | 5-8 business days | USD 33 |
| Estafeta | Standard | 7 business days | USD 59 |
| DHL | International to Mexico | 2-8 business days | USD 186.93 |
*Prices and delivery times are estimates.
Ensure the Item Can Be Imported to Mexico
Not all products can be shipped to Mexico, so it’s essential to verify if your item is on the list of restricted imports. You can check this information on the website of the Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público de México (Mexican Ministry of Finance and Public Credit).
Items that are on the restricted list cannot be imported into Mexico. Sending these products could result in package rejection, fines, or even legal prosecution. Examples of prohibited items for shipment to Mexico include narcotics, live fish, degrading, sexual, or violent images of children, weapons, or ammunition.
Keep in mind that many medical products are highly regulated and require registration with the Mexican Ministry of Health (SSA) if you intend to resell them in Mexico. Additionally, check with the shipping company if there are any additional items they prohibit from being sent to Mexico. Many couriers have their own restrictions beyond those imposed by Mexico. For example, the United States Postal Service does not accept the shipment of jewelry, coins, lottery tickets, or cosmetics.
Pack Securely
To ensure the safety of your items during transit, it’s important to pack them securely. Some people try to save money by using inadequate packaging, but this compromises the security of the package and limits the ability to claim damages or losses. Follow these steps to pack your items correctly:
- Choose a sturdy box with enough space to cushion the contents. Opt for corrugated cardboard boxes that can withstand the journey to Mexico. You can purchase boxes from the shipping company’s office, a home goods store, or reuse one.
- Use crumpled newspaper to fill the space between the product and the box. This filler will prevent the product from vibrating during shipping and help prevent damage.
- Use packing tape to seal the package on the top, bottom, and sides.
- If you’re reusing a shipping box, remove old labels and erase previous details with a permanent marker.
- If applicable, mark the package as fragile. Even if the product is not fragile, requesting extra care from the carrier won’t hurt.
Request Shipment to Mexico and Obtain a Bill of Lading
A bill of lading serves as your receipt for the shipment and a contract for the shipping service to Mexico. It also functions as proof of ownership for the contents of your package. The bill of lading should include your address, the type of delivery service, and the recipient’s address.
Pro tip: When providing the destination address, include “Mexico” after the city name to avoid any possible confusion with postal codes.
Fill Out Customs Forms
The shipping company will provide you with customs forms that you need to fill out. These forms typically require information such as the recipient’s address, package contents, and an approximate value.
It’s helpful to complete the customs forms at the shipping company’s office, as an agent can assist you with any questions you may have. You may also need to include documents that serve as a guarantee of payment for additional duties if Mexican authorities determine that you undervalued the contents of the package.
Remember that all merchandise entering Mexico is subject to inspection by Mexican authorities. Therefore, all items must comply with the list of restricted imports in Mexico.
Insure Your Shipment
If you want added protection in case your package gets lost or damaged during transit, it’s a good idea to insure it. The cost of insuring a package is usually based on the declared value of the product.
Track Your Shipment to Mexico
You can monitor your shipment at any time using the tracking service. This allows you to know its location, whether it has been delivered, or if it has been lost. At GuíaPaquetería, we offer a tracking service to help you track your package to Mexico. Our tracking system covers major courier companies such as FedEx, DHL, UPS, Estafeta, and many others.
By following these steps and using a reliable shipping company, you can easily send items to Mexico from the USA. Happy shipping!
