How Import Taxes Are Calculated in Mexico

How Much Should I Pay in Import Taxes for Mexico?

How do I calculate the taxes I'll need to pay if I want to import something into Mexico?

Miscalculating taxes can lead to poor purchasing decisions, as the cost of your product can increase anywhere from 30% to 100%.

In this article, we’ll cover the key elements involved in tax calculations, the main import taxes in Mexico, and explain the formulas and steps to correctly calculate them. We’ll also walk through an example throughout the article.

By the end, you’ll clearly understand each step and be able to calculate the costs yourself with the virtual calculator provided at the end of the article.

Why Import Tax Calculation Matters

Import tax calculations in Mexico must be taken seriously. While they can facilitate the import process, they can also complicate it, affecting both costs and processing times.

Even though tax rates vary by product type, the overall goal remains the same: to protect and strengthen the country's economy through the revenue generated. As of November 2022, INEGI reported $47.805 billion in imports to Mexico, while exports totaled $48.471 billion.

Organizations like Mexico’s Tax Administration Service (SAT) regulate foreign trade and oversee tax collection, while internationally, the World Trade Organization (WTO) sets global trade rules—Mexico being one of its 164 member countries.

Key Elements in Import Tax Calculation

Tariffs

Tariffs are determined once you identify the Harmonized System (HS) Code, which establishes the tax rate you must pay for importing or exporting a specific product. These tariffs can be:

Ad Valorem Tariff

This tariff is calculated as a percentage (%) of the product’s value and is designed to protect domestic producers.

Specific Tariff

This is a fixed fee applied to a set quantity or value of a product.

Mixed Tariff

A combination of Ad Valorem and Specific tariffs. Example: 15% + $0.36 USD/kg

If you’re unsure about your product’s HS code, you can check our knowledge base, where we provide information on over 800 products. Click here to learn more.

Exchange Rate

All tax calculations must be made in Mexican Pesos (MXN). The exchange rate must be considered as it directly affects the tax amount.

Customs Value

This is the sum of the product's value plus any additional costs incurred abroad until the goods arrive at the port of entry in Mexico.

Main Import Taxes in Mexico

Value-Added Tax (VAT)

This tax applies to individuals and companies importing or selling goods and services within Mexico.

General Import Tax (IGI)

A tax designed to compensate for economic imbalances caused by imports. This tax is a percentage (%) added to the Customs Value.

[How to calculate IGI]

Customs Processing Fee (DTA)

A fee charged for using customs facilities where your goods will enter Mexico.

[How to calculate DTA]

Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS)

IEPS applies to individuals, independent workers, and companies that produce, sell, or import certain goods such as alcohol, cigarettes, diesel, etc.

[How to calculate IEPS]

Countervailing Duties

These additional fees are imposed by Mexico’s Ministry of Economy to counter unfair trade practices from foreign suppliers.

Import Tax Calculation Formulas

Value-Added Tax (VAT) Formula

VAT = (Customs Value + General Import Tax + Any Other Applicable Taxes (DTA, Countervailing Duties, etc.)) × 16%

General Import Tax Formula

General Import Tax = Customs Value × Applicable IGI Percentage

Example: $0.36 USD per unit (determined by HS Code).

General Import Tax (Ad Valorem) + $0.36 USD per unit

Customs Processing Fee Formula

DTA = Customs Value × 0.008

Special Tax on Production and Services Formula

IEPS = (Customs Value + General Import Tax + DTA) × IEPS Percentage

Countervailing Duties Formula

Countervailing Duty = (kg or USD amount × Tariff in USD) × Exchange Rate

Import Tax Calculation Example

A Russian liquor importer wants to import 100,000 bottles of vodka into Mexico. Each bottle costs $800 MXN, and the shipment includes:

• Air freight: $2,500 USD
• Ocean freight: $11,000 USD
• Insurance: $700 USD
• Packaging: $500 USD
• Exchange rate at the time of import: $20.05 MXN per USD

Product Information

• Quantity: 100,000 bottles of vodka (500 ml each)
• Alcohol content: 40° G.L.
• HS Code: 2008.60.01 NICO 00
• General Import Tax: 20%
• Excise Tax for Alcoholic Beverages: 53%

H3: Step-by-Step Tax Calculation

Step 1: Calculate Customs Value

100,000 bottles × $800 MXN = $80,000,000 MXN (Commercial Value)

Next, we add shipping, insurance, and packaging costs in pesos:
(2,500 + 11,000 + 700 + 500) × 20.05 MXN = $294,735 MXN (Additional Costs)

Total Customs Value = $80,294,735 MXN

Step 2: Calculate General Import Tax

$80,294,735 × 20% = $16,058,947 MXN

Step 3: Calculate Customs Processing Fee

$80,294,735 × 0.008 = $642,358 MXN

Step 4: Calculate Excise Tax (IEPS)

($80,294,735 + $16,058,947 + $642,358) × 53% = $51,407,901 MXN

Step 5: Calculate VAT

($80,294,735 + $16,058,947 + $642,358 + $51,407,901) × 16% = $23,744,631 MXN

Step 6: Total Import Taxes

$16,058,947 + $642,358 + $51,407,901 + $23,744,631 = $94,853,837 MXN

Is Pre-Validation of the Import Declaration a Tax?

No, Pre-Validation of the Import Declaration (PRV) is not a tax. It is a service provided by third parties authorized by SAT to verify the accuracy of import declaration details.

In 2023, the PRV fee was $290 MXN, plus $46 MXN VAT, as published in the Official Gazette.

How to Calculate the Total Import Duty Payment

Once you have calculated each tax separately, you must sum them up to determine the total amount payable.

In your Import Declaration (Pedimento), you will find these amounts under the settlement section, including VAT, IGI, DTA, PRV, and any other applicable taxes.

As you can see, calculating import taxes in Mexico isn’t overly complicated, but seeking expert guidance is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid penalties or administrative procedures.

Navigating Mexico’s foreign trade regulations can be overwhelming. That’s why at Aduaeasy, we help businesses and individuals ensure smooth and compliant import/export processes.

If you have any doubts about tax calculations for your import or export, don’t hesitate to contact us—we’ll find the best solution for your project together!