Shipping to Mexico

Be it cars, plastic jars, or anything in between, moving them from UK to Mexico is easy, reliable, and fully supported with YFT from start to finish. We take care of everything, from secure transport and customs documentation to duty guidance and safe delivery, making sure your goods glide across borders without hassle. For both countries, we arrange flexible freight options, trusted partnerships with carriers, and expert experience in import and export processes to provide a seamless solution specifically matched to your shipment size and requirements.

Import Requirements

To ship goods into Mexico, the importer will require:

  • RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) – Mexican tax ID
  • INCOTERMS agreed with seller
  • Commercial Invoice (in Spanish or bilingual preferred)
  • Packing List
  • Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
  • HS Codes
  • Qualification of importer – In many cases, the importer must be registered in Mexico’s “Padrón de Importadores”

For some regulated products, you may need:

  • NOM (Mexican Official Standards) compliance
  • Sanitary/health permits (COFEPRIS)
  • Agricultural permits (SENASICA)
  • Energy/environmental approvals (CRE, SEMARNAT)


Exporter Requirements

To export goods from Mexico, the exporter requires:

  • RFC (tax ID)
  • Exporter registration
  • Electronic export declaration (pedimento de exportación)
  • Commercial invoice
  • Packing list
  • HS codes
  • Any product-specific permits (e.g., manufactured goods with dual-use concerns)


Mexico’s Free Trade Agreements

Mexico has one of the world’s largest FTA networks:

  • USMCA (USA/Canada)
  • EU–Mexico FTA
  • Japan
  • Pacific Alliance

This often reduces duties for buyers in those regions.


Frequently Asked Questions


Do I need a Mexican company to import goods?

No — you can import directly if you register appropriately, or you can appoint a Mexican customs broker to act as your agent.


How can I get 0% duties under trade agreements?

Provide a valid Certificate of Origin or a EUR1 Certificate to be issued.


How long does clearance take?

Air freight 24–72 hours typically. Ocean containers: a few days to a week depending on port congestion and inspections.


Shipping Methods to Mexico

 Air Freight

  • Fastest for small/urgent shipments
  • Used for electronics, high-value goods, and perishable items


Major ports & airports

  • Manzanillo — largest Pacific container port
  • Lázaro Cárdenas — deep-water, growing cargo hub
  • Veracruz — strategic Gulf port
  • Altamira — industrial port near Tampico
  • Air hubs — MEX (Mexico City), GDL (Guadalajara), MTY (Monterrey)


Costs & fees to expect on imports

  • Customs duties (varies by HS code)
  • IVA (Value Added Tax) — typically 16% on imports
  • Customs broker fees, handling, and port charges
  • Inland transport, storage, and potential demurrage


Shipping Vehicles to Veracruz & Altamira, Mexico from the UK – Reliable RORO and Container Services by YFT Logistics

Here at YFT Logistics, we regularly ship cars, 4x4s, vans, trucks, motorhomes and caravans from the UK to Mexico every week. Our main ports of discharge are Veracruz and Altamira, and we use reliable Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) services sailing from Southampton.



If you're planning to move your vehicle to Mexico, whether it's a family saloon, a classic car, a campervan or something bigger, we're happy to take care of the whole process for you. We handle the UK export side and give clear guidance on what you'll need for Mexican customs so things go as smoothly as possible.

Why RORO Makes Sense for Mexico


RORO is usually the simplest and most cost-effective way to ship a vehicle overseas. You drive (or we deliver) your vehicle to the port, it gets rolled straight onto a purpose-built ship, secured properly with straps and lashing, and then looked after throughout the crossing. These vessels carry hundreds of cars at a time, which helps keep the freight rates sensible – and we pass those savings on to you.


We’ve been doing this route for a long time now, so we know how to get vehicles loaded safely and keep everything secure during the voyage.


How Container Shipping Works for Vehicles

Your vehicle gets loaded into a standard shipping container (typically a 20ft or 40ft one) at Southampton. We can do this as a shared container (where your car shares space with others to keep costs down) or a dedicated/full container if you prefer extra security or need the full space.

Once loaded, the container is sealed, lifted onto a container ship by crane, and makes the journey across the Atlantic. It arrives at Veracruz or Altamira, where it's offloaded and cleared through customs. Transit times are usually a bit longer than RORO – often 30–45 days depending on the sailing schedule and any port congestion – but it's very reliable.


We take care of securing the vehicle properly inside (using straps, wheel chocks, etc.) to prevent any movement during the voyage, and the sealed container gives great protection from weather, salt spray, knocks, and potential theft.

Things to Bear in Mind for Mexico

Mexican import rules can be a bit fiddly, so it’s always worth double-checking with the Mexican Embassy or customs (ANAM/SAT) before you ship. Things like vehicle age, emissions standards and country of origin can make a difference, and the rules sometimes change. We can put you in contact with a local forwarder who can advise.


If your vehicle qualifies, getting a Certificate of Origin can help reduce or reclaim import duties. Where it applies, we’ll sort out an EUR1 form for you to support any duty claims.


We’ll walk you through exactly what paperwork is needed and help make sure everything lines up on the Mexican side.


The main documents we’ll need copies of from you are:

  • V5C (or the equivalent registration/title document)
  • The photo page of the person receiving the vehicle’s passport
  • A copy of the purchase invoice or sales receipt


How the Process Works


It’s pretty straightforward:

  1. Give us a ring or drop us a message for a quote.
  2. Send over the documents and get the vehicle ready (clean inside and out, about a quarter of a tank of fuel, no personal belongings left inside).
  3. Either drop it at Southampton or we’ll collect it.
  4. It gets loaded and secured on the ship – sailings go out several times a month.
  5. Crossing usually takes 28–35 days.
  6. When it arrives in Veracruz or Altamira we help with the customs clearance side, and then you (or your agent) can collect it.
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