Mexico Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Mexico customs guide provides essential information for individuals and families planning international moves, relocation to Mexico, or importation of personal effects. Customs rules are governed by the Mexican Tax Administration Service (SAT) and depend heavily on the “Menaje de Casa” declaration.

Home To Home Relocations supports clients moving from Toronto, the GTA and across Canada with international moves to Mexico, providing expert packing, ocean/air freight, customs documentation and delivery to Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puebla, Mérida and other regions.

1. Moving to Mexico – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import Under Menaje de Casa

The Menaje de Casa is the official Mexican process allowing duty-free import of used household goods for:

Temporary residents
Permanent residents
Mexican citizens returning after living abroad

Important: The Menaje de Casa must be prepared and certified at a Mexican Consulate before your shipment departs.

1.2 Goods Must Be Used & Previously Owned

Mexico requires that imported household goods be used, personally owned, and intended for non-commercial use. New items may be taxed or restricted.

1.3 Shipment Must Arrive Within the Validity Window

Once the Menaje de Casa is approved, the shipment must arrive within the timeframe indicated (often 6 months for temporary residents and 12 months for permanent residents).

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Original Menaje de Casa certified by a Mexican Consulate
Passport copy
Residence permit (temporary or permanent)
Detailed packing list in Spanish
Bill of lading / air waybill

2.2 Inventory Requirements

The inventory must be typed in Spanish
Electronics listed individually with model/serial numbers
No vague terms (e.g., “miscellaneous items”)
New or unopened items may attract duty
Multiple identical items risk being classified as commercial

H-H Relocations Tip: Mexico is very strict about accurate, Spanish-language inventories. Minor mistakes can cause delays at customs or require documentation corrections.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Mexico

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Vehicle importation into Mexico depends on your residency classification and the origin of the vehicle. Rules differ for temporary residents, permanent residents, and Mexican citizens.

Temporary residents may import one vehicle under a Temporary Import Permit (TIP)
Permanent residents generally cannot import foreign-plated vehicles
Vehicles must meet environmental and emission standards
Duties vary based on vehicle age and origin

3.2 Required Vehicle Documentation

Vehicle title/registration
Passport and residency permit
Temporary Import Permit (if applicable)
Bill of lading
Proof of ownership

Important: Vehicle import laws in Mexico are complex. Many regions restrict the legalization of imported vehicles.

4. Bringing Pets to Mexico

Mexico allows the import of most pets, but health documentation must meet SENASICA requirements.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

Veterinary health certificate issued within required timeframe
Proof of rabies vaccination
Pets may be examined at entry by SENASICA personnel
Microchip recommended (but not mandatory)

Pet Travel Tip: Ensure pet carriers, bedding and accessories are clean—Mexico may require confiscation of soiled items.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Mexico restricts the import of alcohol in household goods shipments. Duties apply, and undeclared alcohol may be seized. Alcohol is not recommended for inclusion in a Menaje de Casa shipment.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco products must be declared and may incur duty. Commercial-level quantities are prohibited without permits.

5.3 Food & Agricultural Products

Mexico enforces strict agricultural controls to protect domestic crops and livestock. The following apply:

Meat, dairy and animal products require SENASICA approval
Plant-based items may require phytosanitary certificates
Unapproved food items are commonly confiscated

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Prescription drugs require a valid doctor’s letter
Chemicals and laboratory materials require import authorization
Weapons and ammunition are tightly regulated and require federal permits

Important: Agricultural inspections are strict at major Mexican ports. Incorrectly declaring food or plant items may result in fines or disposal by SENASICA authorities.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Mexico

Mexico prohibits the import of the following goods in personal effects shipments:

Narcotics and illegal drugs
Weapons, ammunition and explosives without proper authorization
Counterfeit or pirated goods
Hazardous chemicals and toxic substances
Endangered wildlife products (CITES restrictions)
Fresh food, plants or seeds without certification
Professional equipment suggesting commercial use (in some cases)
Multiple identical electronics, tools or appliances

Violations can result in fines, confiscation or customs delays. Mexico is particularly strict about undeclared electronics and agricultural goods.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Mexico

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

For a smooth international move from Toronto to Mexico, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Prepare your Menaje de Casa early—it must be certified before shipment departs
Prepare a detailed Spanish-language inventory
Keep receipts for recently purchased electronics
Ensure access for delivery in gated communities or high-density areas

7.2 Why choose a Mexico relocation specialist

Mexico’s customs procedures differ from most Western countries. Working with a professional international moving company ensures:

Accurate Menaje de Casa preparation and certification
Reduced customs delays and inspection risks
Correct handling of vehicles, pets and restricted items
Door-to-door delivery coordination across Mexico

Relocation Tip: The number one cause of delays in Mexico is an incorrectly prepared Menaje de Casa. Double-check names, passport numbers and inventory consistency.

8. Useful Official Links – Mexico

Use these official government resources for updated customs regulations:

This guide supports individuals relocating to Mexico. Final customs decisions rest with Mexican Customs (SAT) and agricultural authorities (SENASICA).