Things to know: Shipping to Mexico from Canada

How to Lower International Shipping Costs to Mexico

• Use surface/postal options for small, non-urgent parcels.
• Right-size packaging to reduce volumetric weight.
• Negotiate carrier discounts if you ship volume; compare economy vs priority tiers.
• Leverage third-party logistics for both savings and expert support.
• Check eligibility for preferential duty under CUSMA/T-MEC or CPTPP.
• For large orders, compare ocean vs air; consider hybrid routings.

Carrier Shipping Options to Mexico from Canada

Canada Post → Mexpost

Best for individuals and small, non-urgent parcels (often ≤2 kg via “Small Packet”). Parcels tendered via Canada Post are imported and delivered in Mexico by Mexpost.

Services include Small Packet and International Parcel options.

FedEx / UPS / DHL (Express Couriers)

Reliable door-to-door tracking and brokerage support. Accounts are easy to set up and show your discount level (typically applied to transportation charges; surcharges/ancillary fees often discounted only at higher tiers).

• International Priority Express to Mexico
• International Economy Air

Jet Worldwide (Shipping Options and Logistics Support)

Over 40 years of international logistics expertise between Canada and Mexico.

Contact our team for a customized estimate and expert support

Ground (Cross-Border Trucking)

Low-cost for freight; available via carrier ground networks and LTL partners. Note that Mexico customs clearance is separate from transport.

Efficient USA–Mexico Border Crossings (Laredo & Beyond)

Laredo, TX is the largest inland port on the Mexico border and a major consolidation point connecting northern Mexico’s manufacturing with Canadian and U.S. markets. Ask Jet about cross-border solutions across the Mexico–USA–Canada corridor.

Canadian Export Declaration for Shipments to Mexico

Shipments from Canada to Mexico valued at CAD $2,000+ (or otherwise regulated) require a Canadian export declaration via CERS.

Read more about the Canadian Export Reporting System (B13/CERS)

Shipping Terms to Consider (DDU vs DDP)

Default parcel terms are typically Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) / EXW, assigning import costs, taxes, and fees to the receiver. Many carriers offer Delivery Duty Paid (DDP), where the shipper prepays import charges.

Note: Taxes prepaid by the shipper (DDP) are usually not recoverable by the importer. For B2B, confirm whether the Mexican buyer should pay and manage tax credits directly.

Useful read: Incoterms for packages and online orders

Mexico Import Clearance (AGA): Duties, IVA & Documents

Mexico’s customs authority (Administración General de Aduanas, AGA) oversees import compliance. Provide a clear commercial invoice with accurate descriptions, values, origin, HS codes (if known), and any permits.

• IVA (VAT): Standard rate is 16% (books commonly zero-rated).
• De minimis (express): historically ~US$50 for tax and ~US$117 for duty—thresholds and application can vary; verify current rules.

CUSMA/T-MEC vs CPTPP: Which Preferential Program Should You Use?

Both agreements can provide preferential duty-free entry for qualifying origin goods, but only one can be claimed per shipment. Rules of origin differ by product and agreement.

• CUSMA/T-MEC: e.g., higher regional value content for many autos/parts (up to ~75%).
• CPTPP: product-specific rules may be more favorable for some commodities.

Understand “shipping from” vs “originating” goods and how to benefit from Canada’s FTAs.

Certificates & Proof of Origin

To claim preferential duty, your shipment must include a valid certification of origin (or allowed simplified statement at lower values). Data elements typically include:

1. Certifier (Importer, Exporter, or Producer)
2. Name, address, and contact of certifier/exporter/producer/importer
3. Description of goods and HS classification
4. Origin criterion and blanket period (if applicable)
5. Signature and date

Note (operational): Mexico has required the Importer as certifier in certain cases—verify current practice with your broker.

CFDI & Complemento Carta Porte (Mexico)

The CFDI (Comprobante Fiscal Digital por Internet) is the Mexican e-invoice. For transport, the Complemento Carta Porte supplement is required to prove legal possession of goods during transit. Non-compliance may result in penalties. Current accepted versions are typically CFDI v4.0 with Carta Porte v2.0. Verify latest requirements with your carrier and Mexican advisors.

Special Cases

Personal Effects (Menaje de Casa)

Jet Worldwide does not accept personal effects to Mexico. Duty-free qualification has strict documentation (passports/boarding passes, consular-stamped inventories, residency documents, etc.).

Textiles/Apparel

Regulations can be restrictive (especially used clothing). We generally do not accept used textile shipments to Mexico.

Critical Parts for Marine/Industrial

We support time-critical deliveries for Canadian shipyards and industrial suppliers serving customers in the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. Contact Jet for special services.

Gifts

Mexico does not provide broad gift exemptions; duties/taxes generally apply even if the recipient didn’t purchase the item. A DDP option can keep the recipient free of fees.

Shipping to Canada from Mexico

Options include Correos de México (best for individuals), FedEx, UPS, DHL, and Jet Worldwide.

• Most non-US/MX imports ≤ CAD $20 are duty/tax-exempt.
• Courier consignments ≤ CAD $3,300 often clear via CLVS (Courier Low-Value Shipment).

See: Common Canadian import fees explained

CARM: Canada’s importer portal for commercial entries—registration and surety/bond are required. Learn more about CARM

Information Needed for a Canada → Mexico Shipping Quote

• Pickup & delivery postcodes (business/residential)
• Pieces, dimensions (L×W×H in cm), and weight (kg) per piece
• Contents, HS codes (if known), declared value (currency), country of origin
• Preferred mode (post/courier/ground/air/ocean) and target delivery window
• Whether you’ll claim CUSMA/T-MEC or CPTPP and who will certify