Tariffs
Specific Tariff
Also known as: Specific duty, Unit-based tariff
A foreign trade tax calculated as a fixed amount per unit of measure of the imported merchandise (per kilogram, liter, piece, etc.), regardless of its value.
Also known as: Specific duty, Unit-based tariff
A foreign trade tax calculated as a fixed amount per unit of measure of the imported merchandise (per kilogram, liter, piece, etc.), regardless of its value.
A specific tariff is a type of foreign trade tax set as a fixed monetary amount per unit of measure of imported goods (for example, $2 USD per kilogram, $0.50 per liter, $5 per pair). Unlike an ad valorem tariff, which is calculated as a percentage of customs value, a specific tariff does not depend on the price of the merchandise but on its physical quantity.
Ad valorem: 15% of customs value. Specific: $2.00 USD/kg. Mixed: 15% of value + $2.00 USD/kg (or whichever is higher). Each type has advantages depending on the product and market conditions.
In Mexico's TIGIE (General Import and Export Tax Tariff), most tariff codes use ad valorem tariffs. Specific tariffs apply mainly to agricultural products, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco, where the risk of undervaluation is high.
Ad Valorem Tariff
An import duty calculated as a percentage of the customs value of goods. It is the most common type of tariff in international trade.
TariffsMixed Tariff
A foreign trade tax combining an ad valorem component (percentage of value) with a specific component (fixed amount per unit), generally applying whichever results in the higher amount.
TariffsTariff Classification Code
An 8 or 10-digit numerical code that identifies a specific product within Mexico's tariff schedule (TIGIE), determining applicable duties and regulations.
TariffsTIGIE (Mexico Tariff Schedule)
Mexico's official tariff schedule containing all tariff classification codes, descriptions, and duty rates for imported and exported goods.