How to Ship from the US to Mexico: Complete 2026 Guide

Introduction

Mexico is the United States' closest major international shipping destination south of the border and one of America's most important trading partners. Under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, which replaced NAFTA), trade between the US and Mexico exceeds $700 billion annually, and millions of personal and commercial packages cross the border every year. With over 130 million people and a rapidly growing e-commerce market, Mexico represents a massive opportunity for US businesses and a frequent shipping destination for the millions of Mexican Americans maintaining family ties across the border.

The proximity between the US and Mexico offers significant advantages for shipping. Ground transportation is available, transit times can be as short as 1 to 3 days for border-adjacent destinations, and shipping costs are generally lower than for more distant international destinations. However, Mexican customs can be unpredictable, and understanding the regulatory landscape is essential for smooth deliveries. Mexico's customs system has been modernizing, but bureaucratic processes, security inspections, and varying duty rates across product categories continue to create challenges.

This guide provides everything you need to know about shipping from the US to Mexico in 2026, including carrier options, costs, customs regulations, and strategies for fast, affordable cross-border delivery.

Best Carriers for Shipping to Mexico

USPS offers the most affordable option for lightweight packages. Priority Mail International delivers in 6 to 10 business days, and Priority Mail Express International delivers in 3 to 5 business days. First-Class Package International Service handles items under 4 pounds. USPS partners with Correos de Mexico (SEPOMEX) for last-mile delivery. SEPOMEX delivery can be reliable in major cities but slower and less predictable in rural areas.

UPS is exceptionally strong for US-Mexico shipping, offering UPS Worldwide Express (1-3 business days), UPS Worldwide Expedited (2-5 business days), and critically, UPS Standard to Mexico, which provides economical ground-based delivery in 5 to 10 business days. UPS has an extensive network throughout Mexico, including its own delivery fleet in major cities. The availability of ground service makes UPS particularly cost-effective for less urgent shipments.

FedEx provides FedEx International Priority (1-3 business days), FedEx International Economy (2-5 business days), and FedEx International Ground to Mexico, which delivers in 5 to 7 business days via ground transportation. The ground option is significantly cheaper than air services and is unique to US-Mexico and US-Canada shipping. FedEx has comprehensive coverage in Mexico.

DHL Express delivers in 1 to 3 business days and has a strong presence in Mexico with extensive coverage. DHL is known for reliable customs clearance in Mexico and fast delivery to major metropolitan areas.

Estafeta is Mexico's leading domestic courier and also handles international shipments. While you cannot ship directly via Estafeta from most US locations, some cross-border logistics services use Estafeta for final delivery in Mexico, and it provides excellent domestic coverage.

Shipping Costs and Transit Times

Mexico's proximity to the US makes it one of the most affordable international shipping destinations. Ground services from UPS and FedEx are particularly cost-effective for shipments that are not time-sensitive, often costing only slightly more than domestic US shipments.

For e-commerce sellers, the cost advantage of ground shipping to Mexico is particularly significant. While air express to Mexico City might cost $60 to $125 for a 5-pound package, FedEx International Ground delivers the same package for $25 to $55, a savings of 50% or more. For businesses with non-urgent fulfillment timelines, this cost difference can make the Mexican market substantially more profitable. During peak holiday seasons including Buen Fin (Mexico's equivalent of Black Friday, held in mid-November) and Christmas, carrier volumes increase and transit times may extend by 1 to 3 additional days.

Customs, Duties, and Import Regulations

Mexico's customs system is administered by the Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT) and the Agencia Nacional de Aduanas de Mexico (ANAM).

De Minimis Threshold: Mexico applies a de minimis threshold of $50 USD for imports by individuals. Shipments valued at $50 or below from person to person may be exempt from duties and taxes. For commercial imports, there is no duty-free de minimis, and all commercial goods are subject to duties and taxes.

Value Added Tax (IVA): Mexico charges a standard IVA (Impuesto al Valor Agregado) rate of 16% on imported goods. IVA is calculated on the customs value plus any applicable duties.

Customs Duties: Mexico applies varying duty rates based on the product's tariff classification. Under USMCA, many goods that qualify as originating in the US enjoy reduced or zero duty rates. Non-qualifying goods face Mexico's Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rates, which can range from 0% to 35% depending on the product category. Electronics generally face 0-15% duties, clothing 20-35%, and footwear 25-35%.

USMCA Benefits: The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement provides preferential duty rates for goods manufactured or substantially transformed in the US, Mexico, or Canada. To claim USMCA preferences, you need a certificate of origin or a certification of origin statement on the commercial invoice. This can reduce or eliminate customs duties on qualifying goods.

Customs Documentation: All shipments require a customs declaration form with detailed item descriptions, declared values, country of origin, and HS tariff codes. Commercial shipments require a commercial invoice, and claiming USMCA benefits requires a certificate of origin.

Pedimento: For formal customs entries (generally commercial shipments above certain thresholds), a Mexican customs broker (agente aduanal) must file a pedimento (customs declaration). Express carriers typically handle this process on behalf of shippers.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Mexico enforces the following import restrictions:

• Prohibited: Narcotics, certain weapons and ammunition (firearms require specific permits from SEDENA, the Mexican military), pornographic materials involving minors, counterfeit goods, and certain used vehicles.
• Restricted: Used clothing (commercial import of used clothing is restricted), alcohol and tobacco (require import permits and face excise taxes), medications (require COFEPRIS authorization), food products (must meet Mexican labeling standards and SENASICA health requirements), electronics (must meet NOM standards for certain product categories), and supplements and vitamins (require COFEPRIS registration for commercial import).
• Mexico-Specific: Mexico has specific NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana) standards that apply to certain consumer products sold commercially. Electronics, textiles, and food products sold in Mexico must comply with relevant NOM labeling and safety standards. For personal shipments, NOM compliance is generally not enforced, but commercial importers must ensure compliance.

Packaging Tips for International Shipments

Standard international packaging practices apply for shipments to Mexico. Use sturdy corrugated boxes and adequate cushioning. For ground shipments (UPS Standard, FedEx International Ground), be aware that transit involves overland trucking, which can subject packages to more vibration and handling than air transport.

Mexican addresses include the recipient's name, street and number (exterior and interior numbers may be separate), colonia (neighborhood), city, state, código postal (5-digit ZIP code), and "MEXICO" as the country. The colonia is an important part of Mexican addresses and should always be included. Also include the recipient's phone number for delivery coordination.

For shipments to areas near the US border, consider that delivery is often faster and more reliable than to southern Mexico or remote areas.

Tracking and Insurance Options

USPS provides tracking that transfers to SEPOMEX in Mexico, where tracking updates may become less frequent. Express carriers (UPS, FedEx, DHL) provide detailed end-to-end tracking. FedEx International Ground and UPS Standard to Mexico both include tracking, making these economical ground services attractive for their combination of low cost and visibility.

Insurance follows standard patterns: USPS includes up to $200 for Priority services, and express carriers offer declared value coverage. For high-value shipments, additional insurance is recommended.

How to Save on International Shipping

Use ground services: UPS Standard and FedEx International Ground to Mexico are dramatically cheaper than air services and still offer reasonable transit times of 5 to 10 days. For non-urgent shipments, ground service is the clear winner.

Use Atoship for rate comparison: Atoship aggregates discounted rates from multiple carriers for shipments to Mexico, often saving 20% to 40% compared to retail pricing. The platform makes it easy to compare air, ground, and economy options side by side.

Leverage USMCA: If you are shipping US-made goods commercially, ensure you claim USMCA preferential tariff treatment to reduce or eliminate customs duties.

Ship from border states: If you have the flexibility, shipping from Texas, Arizona, California, or New Mexico reduces the domestic leg of the journey, lowering costs for ground services.

Use proper customs documentation: Accurate, complete documentation prevents delays and additional charges. Include HS codes and detailed descriptions to facilitate smooth customs clearance.

Consider cross-border fulfillment: For businesses with regular Mexico-bound shipments, using a cross-border fulfillment provider or establishing inventory in a bonded warehouse near the border can reduce costs and transit times.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to ship from the US to Mexico? Ground services deliver in 5 to 10 business days. Express air services deliver in 1 to 5 business days. USPS Priority Mail International takes 6 to 10 business days. Shipments to northern Mexico and major cities are faster than to remote southern regions. Customs clearance typically adds 1 to 3 business days.

What is the cheapest way to ship to Mexico? UPS Standard and FedEx International Ground are typically the cheapest options for packages over 1 pound, with rates starting around $25 for a 5-pound package. USPS First-Class Package International is cheapest for very lightweight items under 4 pounds. Using Atoship can further reduce rates by 20-40%.

Do I need to worry about USMCA for personal shipments? USMCA primarily applies to commercial shipments. For personal gifts and packages valued under $50, the de minimis exemption applies, and USMCA is not relevant. For commercial shipments of US-origin goods, claiming USMCA benefits can significantly reduce duties.

Is it safe to ship valuable items to Mexico? Major carriers (UPS, FedEx, DHL) provide secure delivery with tracking and signature confirmation to Mexican addresses. For high-value items, use express carriers with end-to-end tracking rather than postal services. Consider insurance for valuable shipments. Avoid shipping to PO boxes or unclear addresses.

What are the advantages of ground shipping to Mexico? Ground shipping to Mexico via UPS Standard or FedEx International Ground offers several distinct advantages. First, costs are 40% to 60% lower than air express services. Second, there are no restrictions on lithium batteries or other items that are limited on air transport. Third, ground services can handle larger and heavier packages more economically. Fourth, ground shipping to northern Mexican cities like Monterrey, Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, and Chihuahua can be surprisingly fast, often arriving in 3 to 5 business days due to proximity to the US border. The main trade-off is longer transit times to central and southern Mexican destinations, where 7 to 10 business days is typical.

How does the USMCA affect personal shipments? USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) primarily affects commercial shipments by reducing or eliminating tariffs on qualifying goods manufactured in member countries. For personal shipments, the de minimis threshold of $50 is more relevant. Personal gifts under $50 sent between individuals may be exempt from duties and taxes. Above $50, standard Mexican import duties and 16% IVA apply regardless of USMCA, since personal shipments typically do not include the certificates of origin required to claim USMCA preferential rates.