Canada and Mexico share a robust economic partnership, with bilateral trade in the tens of billions annually. With CUSMA/T-MEC and CPTPP, opportunities for preferential duty-free trade are stronger than ever. This guide explains the cheapest ways to ship from Canada to Mexico, compares post/couriers/ground/air/ocean, and clarifies customs, IVA, Carta Porte/CFDI, and rules of origin.
This guide covers:
Disclaimer: Jet Worldwide online content, including this post, is for general information only.
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.
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).
Over 40 years of international logistics expertise between Canada and Mexico.
Contact our team for a customized estimate and expert support
Low-cost for freight; available via carrier ground networks and LTL partners. Note that Mexico customs clearance is separate from transport.
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.
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)
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’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.
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.
Understand “shipping from” vs “originating” goods and how to benefit from Canada’s FTAs.
To claim preferential duty, your shipment must include a valid certification of origin (or allowed simplified statement at lower values). Data elements typically include:
Note (operational): Mexico has required the Importer as certifier in certain cases—verify current practice with your broker.
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.
Jet Worldwide does not accept personal effects to Mexico. Duty-free qualification has strict documentation (passports/boarding passes, consular-stamped inventories, residency documents, etc.).
Regulations can be restrictive (especially used clothing). We generally do not accept used textile shipments to Mexico.
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.
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.
Options include Correos de México (best for individuals), FedEx, UPS, DHL, and Jet Worldwide.
See: Common Canadian import fees explained
CARM: Canada’s importer portal for commercial entries—registration and surety/bond are required. Learn more about CARM
Canada Post small-packet/surface options are usually the least expensive for non-urgent shipments, with final delivery by Mexpost.
Yes, if the shipment value is CAD $2,000+ (or otherwise regulated), file via CERS (B13).
Most imports are subject to IVA 16%; duties depend on the HS code. De minimis levels for tax/duty on express shipments have historically been around US$50/US$117 respectively—confirm current thresholds.
Choose the agreement with the most favorable rule of origin for your product (only one can be claimed). Requirements vary by commodity.
Complemento Carta Porte is a transport supplement to the Mexican CFDI e-invoice; it’s required for freight moving within Mexico. Your carriers/partners must include it to avoid penalties.
DDP is useful when you want receivers fee-free on delivery (gifts, samples). For B2B, consider DDU so the buyer handles taxes and any recoverable credits.
Disclaimer: The information in Jet Worldwide content is for general guidance only. Always confirm requirements with your carrier, customs broker, and the relevant authorities in Canada and Mexico.