Customs Clearance Process in Mexico: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Customs clearance (despacho aduanero) is the set of acts and formalities required for goods to legally enter or leave Mexican territory, per Article 35 of Mexico's Customs Law. It spans from document preparation to physical release of merchandise. The process is coordinated by the customs broker as the importer's legal representative before customs authorities (SAT/Aduana). A typical import clearance takes 1 to 5 business days depending on the port, merchandise type, and whether a customs inspection occurs.

Step 1: Document Preparation

Before goods arrive at customs, the importer must gather and deliver to the customs broker: the commercial invoice (with value, description, quantity, country of origin), bill of lading or air waybill (BL, AWB, or carrier waybill), detailed packing list, certificate of origin if seeking preferential FTA rates, and applicable prior permits (COFEPRIS, SEMARNAT, Ministry of Economy, etc.). Document quality determines clearance speed and success.

Step 2: Tariff Classification

The customs broker classifies each product under the TIGIE, assigning an 8-digit tariff fraction. This classification determines the IGI rate, applicable non-tariff regulations, required permits, and unit of measure. A classification error can result in incorrect taxes, fines up to 100% of merchandise value, or shipment detention. It is the most technical and critical step in the entire process.

Step 3: Pedimento Preparation

With documents and classification in hand, the customs broker prepares the pedimento in SAAI. It consolidates all information: importer data, port, operation type, customs value, calculated taxes, and each line item with its fraction, description, quantity, and value. The COVE (Electronic Value Proof) is also filed in VUCEM along with the MVE (Electronic Value Declaration), mandatory since June 2026.

Step 4: Tax Payment

Once the pedimento is validated, electronic payment covers all taxes: IGI (tariff), DTA (Customs Processing Fee at 0.8%), pre-validation, IVA (16% on value + IGI + DTA), and if applicable, IEPS and countervailing duties. Payment is made via the pedimento's capture line through an authorized bank. Once paid, the pedimento is validated for clearance.

Step 5: Customs Presentation and Traffic Light

With the paid pedimento, the broker presents merchandise at customs and activates the automated selection mechanism (traffic light). Green means free clearance — goods are released immediately. Red triggers a physical customs inspection. Approximately 15% of operations activate a red light.

Step 6: Customs Inspection (If Applicable)

During inspection, customs verifiers open the container or examine packages, verify that merchandise matches declarations, weigh, count, and in some cases take samples for lab analysis. The inspection has a maximum 4-hour window. If everything checks out, goods are released. If discrepancies are found, an administrative customs proceeding (PAMA) begins, potentially resulting in fines or seizure.

Step 7: Release and Delivery

Once released, goods can be withdrawn from customs. For ocean freight, container pickup is coordinated at the port. For air freight, pickup is at the airport warehouse. For land freight, the truck continues its route. The importer must retain all documentation (pedimento, invoice, BL, permits) for a minimum of 5 years, as the SAT can audit within that period.

How Camtom Simplifies Every Step

Customs clearance depends on having the correct tariff classification, accurate tax calculations, and complete documentation. Camtom automates classification with AI, estimates duties and taxes, identifies applicable regulations and permits, and prepares you for every step before your goods reach the port.

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