Receiving parcels from abroad in Mexico can involve customs taxes, and it pays to know how much and when they apply before you buy, so there are no surprises. In this guide, updated for 2026, we explain from what amount Mexican customs charge, which taxes exist, and how to shop in Europe and receive it in Mexico with MDE while paying only what you should.
From what amount do you pay customs in Mexico?
The general rule is the USD 50 de minimis threshold: shipments with a declared value of up to USD 50 are exempt from duties and VAT. As soon as the parcel goes above that value, the recipient pays taxes on the declared value.
Taxes an imported parcel may pay
- 16% VAT: applied to most imported goods above the allowance.
- General Import Duty (tariff): varies with the product's tariff classification (from 0% to more than 30%).
- Simplified global rate (courier parcels): for shipments cleared under the simplified courier regime, a single rate applies. Since 15 August 2025 that rate rose from 19% to 33.5% for goods originating in countries without a trade agreement with Mexico, such as China.
- IEPS: a special tax on specific products (alcoholic drinks, tobacco, sugary drinks, etc.).
Simplified courier regime: how much you can import
When the courier company handles the clearance for you (simplified regime):
- Up to USD 50: tax-exempt.
- Between USD 50 and USD 1,000: you pay the applicable global rate (plus VAT where it applies), with no customs broker needed.
- Up to USD 2,500: can be cleared with a simplified customs declaration.
- Above those amounts: a formal import with a customs broker is required.
Buying in Europe pays less than buying in China
The increase to 33.5% mainly hits parcels arriving from countries without a trade agreement, such as China. Mexico, on the other hand, has a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union, so many European-origin products can qualify for preferential tariffs. Shopping in stores from Spain, Germany, Italy or France and receiving it in Mexico is usually more tax-efficient than importing from Asia.
How to shop in Europe and receive it in Mexico with MDE
With MDE you get a real address in Europe where you can buy from any European store, even if it doesn't ship to Mexico. We receive your purchases at our warehouse, consolidate them into a single shipment if you buy from several stores, and reship them to your home in Mexico with end-to-end tracking.
How to pay less at customs (legally)
- Declare the real value of your purchases. Under-declaring is an offence and can lead to fines or the seizure of the parcel.
- Use the USD 50 allowance per shipment when it makes sense.
- Consolidate several purchases into one shipment to pay for transport only once.
- Prefer European origin to benefit from the EU-Mexico agreement rather than the 33.5% on parcels from China.
- Keep your invoices: they speed up clearance and support the declared value.
Frequently asked questions
From what amount do you pay customs in Mexico?
From a declared value of USD 50. Shipments of up to USD 50 are exempt from duties and VAT; as soon as the parcel exceeds that amount, the recipient pays taxes on the declared value.
How much tax do you pay on an imported parcel to Mexico in 2026?
It depends on the value and the origin. Under the simplified courier regime a global rate applies which, since 15 August 2025, is 33.5% for goods from countries without a trade agreement with Mexico (such as China), plus 16% VAT where it applies. European-origin products can pay less thanks to the Free Trade Agreement between Mexico and the European Union.
Which items pay tax at Mexican customs?
Practically all goods with a declared value above USD 50 pay VAT and, depending on their tariff classification, the General Import Duty. Certain specific products (alcoholic drinks, tobacco, sugary drinks) also pay the IEPS special tax.
How much can I import by courier to Mexico without a customs broker?
Under the simplified courier regime you can receive shipments of up to USD 1,000 paying the applicable global rate without a broker, and up to USD 2,500 with a simplified customs declaration. Above those amounts a formal import is required.
Is it better to buy in Europe rather than China to receive in Mexico?
It usually is. The increase of the courier rate to 33.5% mainly affects parcels from countries without a trade agreement, such as China. Mexico has a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union, so many European products qualify for preferential tariffs.
How do I receive in Mexico the purchases I make in European stores?
With MDE you get an address in Europe to shop in any European store. We receive your parcels, consolidate them into a single shipment and reship them to your home in Mexico with full tracking.
Want to shop in Europe and receive it in Mexico while paying only what you should at customs? Sign up with MDE in under 2 minutes, get your European address and make your first shipment. Check our customer reviews and remember you have a 14-day money-back guarantee.
