Mexico Customs Reform 2026: What Canadian Shippers Need to Know

Mexico has published a major reform to its Customs Law, with changes entering into force on January 2026. The reform focuses on modernizing customs processes, expanding digital controls, and closing gaps that have allowed smuggling and tax evasion to flourish. While these rules apply inside Mexico, they will directly affect Canadian exporters shipping to Mexico.

In this post, we summarize the key elements of the reform and outline practical steps Canadian shippers can take today to prepare their documentation, processes, and logistics partnerships.

Overview of Mexico’s Customs Law Reform

The decree published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) reforms, adds to, and repeals several provisions of Mexico’s Customs Law. It is considered one of the most significant foreign trade regulatory changes in the past decade, aligning with a broader federal strategy to:

• Digitize customs procedures and documentation
• Strengthen the traceability of goods moving through customs
• Professionalize the actors involved in the customs logistics chain
• Integrate customs and financial data to combat money laundering and so-called “tax theft”

Learn more about shipping between Canada and Mexico

Key Changes in the Reform

1. Enhanced Oversight and Verification

Customs authorities receive expanded powers to carry out verifications, inspections, and reviews with a stronger focus correct tariff classification (HS code), declared values,  correct documentation to ensure traceability and authenticity of the importing goods. The reform  includes. updates rules for assessing damaged or destroyed goods and other irregularities. Can you get me on bleach small pack and one leak it looks like.df

2. More Digitalization and Transparency

Importers, exporters, customs brokers, and logistics companies face stronger obligations with respect to the electronic submission of data.  For its part, the government facilitating integration between customs systems and financial institutions. This is part and parcel of the total effort  to identify suspicious transactions, reduce under-invoicing, and lessen opportunity  for tax evasion.

3. New Obligations for Customs Agents and Companies

The role of customs agents and customs agencies is being updated with stricter controls over the use and oversight of licenses.  For companies involved in foreign trade this means reviewing internal processes to ensure information is complete, consist, and verifiable.

How the Reform Affects Canadian Exporters Shipping to Mexico

Although the legal changes apply within Mexico, Canadian exporters will feel the impact through higher expectations for data quality, documentation accuracy, and alignment with their partners in Mexico.  Before shipping, it is best to confirm all the necessary details with the importer and Mexico.  For small or in frequent importers. It is best to ensure that they identify a customer broker who can enter the goods on their behalf.  

Below are the main areas where Canadian shippers should focus as the January 1, 2026 implementation date approaches.

1. Documentation Accuracy and HS Codes

Mexican customs authorities will place stronger emphasis on correct classification and valuation. For Canadian exporters, this means:

• Using precise, up-to-date HS codes  for the goods being imported
• Avoiding vague descriptions such as “parts”, “samples”, or “assorted goods”
• Ensure a correct declared value on the invoice and itemize cost for shipping and insurance.(CIF value).
• Ensure consistency between all documents, including commercial invoices, packing lists, waybills, and certificates of origin

For more background, see Jet Worldwide’s guide on choosing the right HS Code .

2. Stronger Traceability of Goods

The reform increases attention on traceability. Depending on the commodity, Mexican authorities may look for:

• Batch or lot numbers
• SKU or model references
• Serial numbers or other unique identifiers
• Clear links between purchase orders, transport documents, and customs declarations

Canadian shippers should work with their importers and logistics partners to ensure this information is available and consistent.

Practical Recommendations for Canadian Shippers

1. Review and Standardize Export Documentation

Now is the time to conduct an internal documentation review. Confirm that:

• Product descriptions are specific and technically accurate
• Values are reasonable and consistent with commercial terms
• Supporting documents (invoices, packing lists, origin statements) tell the same story

Consider aligning your documentation with other markets as well, so that your Mexico exports fit into a broader, standardized process.

2. Coordinate Closely With Mexican Importers and Customs Brokers

Under the new framework, Mexican importers and their customs agents carry increased responsibilities and potential exposure. Canadian exporters can reduce risk by:

• Sharing detailed product information ahead of shipment
• Confirming HS codes and valuation methodology together
• Clarifying any special requirements (permits, NOM standards, certificates)

This collaboration helps prevent last-minute surprises at the border and allows importers to plan for the new oversight environment.

3. Strengthen Digital Records and Data Quality

As Mexico moves towards more digital controls and system integrations, maintaining accurate digital records becomes critical. Canadian shippers should:

• Store export data in structured, easily retrievable formats
• Ensure electronic documents match any paper copies sent with shipments
• Be ready to share data quickly with logistics partners and importers

4. Confirm NOM and Other Regulatory Requirements

Certain product categories entering Mexico are subject to NOM (Mexican Official Standards) and other technical regulations. Canadian exporters should confirm:

• Whether their goods require NOM certification or labeling
• If testing or registration is necessary before import
• Whether labeling can be applied in Mexico or must be in place at origin

5. Work With Experienced Cross-Border Logistics Partners

Implementation of new customs rules can create temporary bottlenecks in any market. Partnering with a logistics provider that understands both Canadian export processes and Mexico’s evolving regulatory environment can help keep shipments moving.

Jet Worldwide’s team in Canada supports shippers with transparent options for shipping to Mexico from Canada , including parcel, pallet, and e-commerce solutions tailored to your volumes and service requirements.