As of October 2024, Mexico's Tax Administration System (SAT) updated its General Rules of Foreign Trade, affecting all shipments entering Mexico. The update adds mandatory requirements for Importer/Consignee tax IDs and detailed item descriptions on customs forms.
Requirements
Include the recipient's tax ID
Every shipment to Mexico now needs the Importer/Consignee tax ID on the shipping label.
Where to add it: Enter the tax ID in the "Notes" field of the customs declaration when creating your order.
- Click Edit customs in the Customs Declaration section.
- Enter the Importer/Consignee tax ID in the "Notes" field.
How to get a tax ID: Recipients typically share their tax ID when placing an order. If they haven't, reach out to them directly to request it.
What happens without one: Shipments missing a tax ID risk customs delays, getting held, or not reaching their destination at all.
Provide detailed item descriptions on your customs form
Your customs form needs clear, specific descriptions for every item in the shipment. Generic terms like "clothes," "phone," or "gift" won't cut it.
| Unacceptable description | Acceptable description |
|---|---|
| Clothes | Men's Cotton Ankle Socks |
| Phone | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, 6.9-inch display, 512 GB |
| Gift | Vanilla-Scented Soy Candle |
Who's affected?
These rules apply to every shipment to Mexico, no matter the service level, and whether the recipient is an individual or a business.