Mexico Import Restrictions

by countryaah · Published June 2, 2019 · Updated February 13, 2025

In order to enter Mexico, certain goods are subject to specific controls and, regardless of their value and quantity, they require the consent of Mexico government, preferably, license must be obtained prior to passage through the customs, preventing the goods from being retained. On this page, you will see what kinds of items are prohibited from entering the Mexico, and which items need special documentation before exporting to Mexico.

Mexico, as one of the largest economies in Latin America, has a dynamic import market that plays a critical role in the country’s economic growth. With its strategic location between North and Central America, the country serves as a hub for trade between the United States, Canada, and other countries. To maintain this thriving trade, Mexico has implemented a range of import regulations designed to protect public health, ensure safety standards, promote environmental sustainability, and safeguard local industries. These regulations are also intended to meet the country’s international trade commitments, particularly with trade agreements such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

The Mexican Tax Administration Service (SAT), through its Customs Department, is responsible for overseeing the importation process, enforcing tariffs, and ensuring that imported goods comply with the country’s regulatory standards. Other government bodies, such as the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (PROFEPA), oversee specific areas of trade, including pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, and goods that could have an impact on Mexico’s environment.

Understanding Mexico’s import restrictions is crucial for businesses and individuals wishing to engage in trade with the country. Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to delays, fines, or confiscation of goods, making it essential to stay up-to-date on prohibited items and products that require an import license.

Prohibited Items for Import into Mexico

Mexico enforces a series of import prohibitions that aim to protect public health, national security, and the environment. These goods are considered harmful, illegal, or contrary to Mexico’s trade policies and are not allowed to enter the country. Some of these restrictions align with international agreements, while others are designed to address domestic issues related to safety, health, and environmental concerns.

Products Harmful to Public Health and Safety

Mexico places a high priority on protecting public health and safety. Consequently, certain goods are strictly prohibited from entering the country due to their potential to cause harm to the population. These include illicit drugs, counterfeit goods, and hazardous substances.

Illicit Drugs and Narcotics: Mexico has strict laws prohibiting the importation of illicit drugs and narcotics. As part of its commitment to international drug control agreements, including the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, Mexico enforces a zero-tolerance policy towards the import of illegal substances. The Mexican Customs Administration, in collaboration with national law enforcement agencies, actively monitors the entry of drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and synthetic substances. The penalties for attempting to import illicit drugs into Mexico are severe, including lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and the seizure of goods. The country has taken significant steps to curb drug trafficking, and any violation of drug-related import laws is treated with the utmost seriousness.
Counterfeit Medicines and Substandard Products: The importation of counterfeit and substandard medical products, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food products, is also prohibited in Mexico. The Federal Commission for the Protection Against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS) oversees the importation of health-related products, ensuring that only those that meet safety, efficacy, and quality standards are allowed to enter the country. Counterfeit medicines, which are often ineffective or even harmful, present significant risks to public health and are strictly banned. Similarly, medical devices that do not meet the required safety standards or that lack proper certification are prohibited from entering the country. The importation of such goods is closely regulated to protect consumers and the public from potential health threats.

Environmentally Harmful Goods

Given its biodiversity and natural resources, Mexico places considerable emphasis on environmental protection. As a result, the country has implemented restrictions on the importation of certain goods that could harm its environment or threaten its ecological balance.

Hazardous Waste and E-Waste: Mexico adheres to the Basel Convention and other international treaties aimed at regulating the transboundary movement of hazardous waste. Consequently, the country prohibits the importation of hazardous waste, including medical waste, industrial waste, and electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste, such as old electronics like mobile phones, computers, and televisions, contains harmful materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which pose significant risks to human health and the environment. Improper disposal of e-waste can lead to contamination of soil, water, and air. Mexico’s Environmental Protection Agency (PROFEPA) enforces these regulations, ensuring that waste is properly managed and does not contribute to environmental pollution. The country has stringent measures to prevent the import of e-waste and hazardous waste, and violators face heavy fines and potential criminal charges.
Products Derived from Endangered Species: Mexico is a signatory to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and enforces regulations that prohibit the importation of products derived from endangered species. These products include ivory, animal skins, and certain plant species. The Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) works to protect Mexico’s biodiversity by ensuring that the import of wildlife and wildlife products does not contribute to the exploitation or endangerment of species. The country has strict rules in place to prevent the illegal trade in wildlife and ensure that products derived from endangered species are not introduced into the country. Violations of these regulations can result in significant penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and the confiscation of goods.

Products Requiring Import Licenses

While certain goods are prohibited altogether, there are other products that require an import license before they can be brought into Mexico. These products must meet specific standards and regulations, and import licenses are granted based on compliance with these requirements. The licensing system is designed to ensure that these products do not pose a risk to public health, safety, or the environment.

Goods Subject to Import Licensing

Mexico requires import licenses for a wide range of goods that require additional regulatory oversight. These goods often include pharmaceuticals, chemicals, agricultural products, and goods that are potentially hazardous. The import licensing system helps authorities monitor and regulate the flow of these goods into the country to ensure they comply with safety and quality standards.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices: The importation of pharmaceuticals and medical devices into Mexico is regulated by COFEPRIS. Importers must obtain an import license before these products can enter the country. This ensures that all pharmaceutical products and medical devices meet the necessary safety, quality, and efficacy standards. Importers must submit detailed documentation, including proof of compliance with WHO guidelines or FDA approvals for medicines and medical devices. Additionally, medical products must meet the specific requirements set by Mexican authorities to ensure they are safe for public use. Import licenses are granted based on the products’ ability to meet the stringent health and safety standards that are required by COFEPRIS.
Agricultural Products and Livestock: The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) regulates the importation of agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, seeds, livestock, and animal products. These goods require an import license to ensure that they meet Mexico’s phytosanitary and veterinary health standards. The country is committed to protecting its agriculture from the introduction of pests, diseases, and invasive species that could harm local crops and livestock. Importers must provide certificates of origin and health documentation, proving that their goods meet Mexico’s agricultural standards. The Ministry also monitors the importation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and imposes special restrictions on these products, requiring additional permits for entry into the country.

Environmentally Sensitive Goods

In line with its commitment to sustainability, Mexico regulates the importation of goods that could have a detrimental effect on the environment. These goods require import licenses to ensure that they meet the country’s environmental standards and do not contribute to pollution or ecological damage.

Chemicals and Hazardous Substances: The Mexican Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) regulates the importation of chemicals and hazardous substances to ensure that they do not pose a threat to human health or the environment. Chemicals such as industrial solvents, pesticides, and fertilizers require an import license before they can be imported into Mexico. Importers must submit detailed documentation about the chemical composition and potential risks associated with the substances. The Ministry assesses the environmental impact of these chemicals and ensures that they comply with Mexico’s environmental safety standards. Any chemicals that are deemed unsafe or harmful to the environment are not allowed to enter the country.
Plastic and Packaging Materials: Mexico has increasingly focused on reducing plastic pollution and waste, particularly in its coastal areas. The country has introduced regulations that control the importation of plastic products, including single-use plastics and non-recyclable packaging materials. The Ministry of Environment regulates the importation of plastic goods and ensures that they comply with national recycling standards and sustainability guidelines. Importers must obtain a license for plastic goods, particularly those that are non-biodegradable or non-recyclable, and demonstrate that their products meet Mexico’s waste management and recycling standards. The government encourages the importation of eco-friendly alternatives and has created policies that aim to reduce plastic waste in the country.

Regulated Consumer Goods

Certain consumer goods in Mexico also require an import license to ensure that they meet the country’s safety standards. These goods typically include vehicles, electronics, and household appliances, which must comply with specific regulations before they are allowed to be sold in the market.

Motor Vehicles and Spare Parts: The Ministry of Communications and Transportation regulates the importation of motor vehicles, ensuring that they meet safety, emissions, and environmental standards. Vehicles must be inspected to ensure that they comply with national road safety regulations, and used vehicles, in particular, are subject to more stringent controls to ensure they meet current emissions and safety standards. Importers must obtain a license to bring motor vehicles and vehicle spare parts into Mexico, and they must provide documentation proving compliance with these regulations. The goal is to prevent the importation of vehicles that do not meet environmental standards or pose risks to road safety.
Electronics and Household Appliances: The importation of electronics and household appliances, such as refrigerators, air conditioning units, and televisions, requires an import license. These products must meet safety standards to ensure they do not pose electrical hazards or fail to meet energy efficiency guidelines. The Mexican Standardization and Certification Authority (ANCE) works to ensure that imported electrical products meet national and international standards. Importers of electronics must submit documentation that proves their goods comply with the required safety, labeling, and energy efficiency standards. Products that do not meet these requirements are not allowed to enter the market.