Moving from the US to Mexico: customs, papers and what you can't pack

Bringing your things in duty-free

Only permanent residents bring household goods in duty-free, once per tax year. Temporary residents bring them in temporarily for their stay. Visitors don't qualify. Things must arrive with you, within 3 months before or after you, or up to 6 months after — no extensions.

The papers customs wants

• A consular certificate for your household-goods list, from a Mexican consulate before you move — about US$195
• The list in Spanish, typed, numbered and signed on every page: quantity, description, brand, model and serial number, with your US and Mexico addresses
• Passport, plus your Mexican visa (issued within 6 months) or residence card
• Some consulates also ask for proof of 6 months living in the US

Inspection and clearance

Mexico's consular guide recommends a customs broker in every case — you need one if you aren't using a moving company.

Don't pack these

• Alcohol: 3 L of spirits plus 6 L of wine
• Food, plants, seeds, meat and animals must be declared
• Medicines must be declared; psychotropic ones need a prescription
• Firearms: ask the consulate — we couldn't confirm the rules
• Cash over US$10,000 must be declared

Bringing a car

Cars can't go in the household-goods shipment. They have their own rules.

Bringing a dog or cat

Since August 2026, dogs need a screwworm inspection certificate from a USDA-accredited vet, issued no more than 5 days before travel. It doesn't need USDA endorsement. Don't list cats on the dog form — it makes the form invalid.

Cats need no certificate. Pets from the US don't need a vaccination record or health certificate.

Take the pet in a clean carrier to the SENASICA inspection office at the border or airport. Pets with wounds are refused. Bedding, toys and extra food are taken and destroyed — bring only the day's food.

Duty and tax on everything else

IVA (sales tax) is 16%. A licensed customs broker is required for household goods in every case.

Goods above your duty-free allowance and worth up to US$3,000 can pay a flat 19% instead — final and not refundable.