Step-by-Step Guide: What an Mexico Customer Must Do to Receive an Overseas Online Purchase

For our valued customers in Mexico 🇲🇽, navigating international logistics, customs regulations, and import taxes when ordering online from our shop in Hong Kong 🇭🇰 should be clear and stress-free 😊. To help you understand the full post-purchase journey ✏️📚, we have created this practical step-by-step guide 🔢. Below, you will find everything you need to know about preparing your documentation 📄, how Mexican Customs (SAT / ANAM) assesses import duty and 16% IVA (VAT) 💳, what to do if Correos de México or your courier issues a payment notice ⚠️, and how your order is safely delivered to your hands 🙌🏠. This summary is based on current official Mexican import guidelines for postal and courier packages.

1. Wait for the parcel to arrive in Mexico 🛬. After placing your order, monitor your tracking number as your package travels from Hong Kong to Mexico. Upon arrival, all postal items enter the national logistics hub for customs review and classification by Mexican Customs (SAT / ANAM).
2. Understand Mexico’s import tax and de minimis exemption rules 🏷️. Mexico applies a 50 USD duty-free / tax-free threshold (de minimis) for postal shipments. If the total package value (CIF) is 50 USD or lower, your package is generally exempt from customs duties and Import IVA. If the value exceeds 50 USD, the item is subject to standard import duties (depending on product category) plus Mexico’s 16% Value Added Tax (IVA), along with a standard customs processing fee (DTA).
3. Watch for a notice, SMS, email, or tracking update 📱📩. If taxes or fees are assessed on your shipment, Correos de México (Mexpost) or the assigned local courier will notify you with instructions. Notifications will specify the exact tax amount due and available payment channels.
4. Prepare your identification and RFC / proof of value documents 📄. Keep your official photo ID (INE card or Passport), order confirmation, itemized invoice, and payment receipt ready. For higher-value items or customs queries, officers may request your CURP / RFC (Tax ID) and proof of purchase to verify the declared package value.
5. Pay the customs duties, 16% IVA, and postal handling fee 💳. When import charges apply, Correos de México or the courier collects the taxes on behalf of Mexican Customs. Payment can typically be completed online via the postal portal, directly at the post office counter (Sucursal Correos), or to the delivery driver depending on the delivery service used. A small postal handling fee may also apply.
6. If you receive a notification for additional information or fee settlement, act quickly ⚠️. If your tracking shows "Retenido en Aduana" (Held in Customs) or requires fee payment, follow the notice instructions immediately. Submitting required proof of purchase promptly ensures your shipment clears without unnecessary delays or return to sender.
7. Go to your local post office branch if counter collection is required 🏢. If home delivery payment is unavailable or a delivery attempt was missed, visit the designated Correos de México office (Sucursal) named on your pickup slip. Bring your official ID, the pickup slip, and payment for any outstanding taxes and fees.
8. Cooperate if Mexican Customs requests physical inspection or value verification 🔍. Customs authorities reserve the right to physically inspect incoming packages or request official bank statements if the declared value requires confirmation. Cooperating promptly ensures quick release into the local postal network.
9. Receive the parcel at home or collect it from the post office 🏠. Once taxes and clearance fees are settled, your parcel will be dispatched for final home delivery or made available for pickup at your local post office.
10. Keep your receipt and import tax payment record 🧾. Retain your tax payment slip (Boleta de Impuestos) and postal receipt until you have opened and verified your package. These serve as official proof of import tax clearance in Mexico.

Package Sequence 📦

1. Parcel enters Mexico 🛬. The package arrives from Hong Kong and enters the postal customs facility at the port of entry.
2. Customs assesses package value and tax exemption 🛃. Customs reviews the declaration. Packages valued at 50 USD or less qualify for duty-free and tax-free exemption. Shipments exceeding 50 USD proceed to formal tax assessment.
3. Customs calculates duty, 16% IVA, and fees 💸. Customs calculates import charges based on product classification, applying the standard 16% IVA, applicable duty rate, and processing fee.
4. Recipient is notified 📩. The customer receives an SMS, email, tracking alert, or paper notice detailing the assessed charges and instructions for payment.
5. Recipient pays required charges 💳. Payment is completed online, at the Correos de México branch, or upon delivery.
6. Parcel is released and handed to postal delivery 🚚. Upon verification of full payment, Customs releases the package for final mail routing.
7. Customer receives the package 🙌. The package is delivered directly to the address or collected at the designated postal branch.

We hope you enjoy your new items and have a wonderful experience using your purchases! ✨