What You Need to Know About Shipping From Houston to Mexico
Houstonians are prone to having good business and personal relationships with Mexican businesses and friends — certainly, the location encourages it!
The everyday casual nature of communications between Texans and Mexicans makes it easy to forget that, due to customs regulations, international trade laws, and more, shipping from Houston to Mexico is actually something of a complex process. Shipping companies in Houston, Texas generally have experience with the process, but hiccups remain common.
Here are the basics on what you need to know to make sure your item gets over the border:
Shipping Restrictions to Mexico
Outside of the complex customs process, which we’ll address shortly, there are few barriers to shipping items from Houston to Mexico.
Due to fluctuating exchange rates and tariffs, many items shipped from Houston to Mexico are not heavily regulated, like video game consoles and other consumer electronics, vinyl records and even simple kitchen or home appliances.
Notable restrictions to keep in mind before shipping:
- Textiles are limited. If shipping raw materials, you’ll have to apply to do so first.
- Cosmetics and toiletries require prior approval from the Mexican Department of Public Health before shipping.
- Coins, precious stones, or jewelry made of precious metals/stones are prohibited.
Set Up Your Shipment Beforehand
There’s a bit more documentation than average required for shipping from the U.S. to Mexico, despite sharing a direct border!
First, of the many shipping companies in Houston, Texas shipping to Mexico, try to go with one that has a great deal of experience with the process and lots of positive feedback from customers. Changing customs requirements are always a complex process to navigate, but more importantly you’ll appreciate the advice they’ll pass along for getting your Mexican customer the information they need to receive your shipment.
Lucky for you, much of the process happens from the receiving end in Mexico. They will arrange a Mexican-based shipping company to pick your item up from customs, examine it for proper documentation, and finally reach the destination.
You’ll need to let your recipient know when you’re sending the item and arrange the process to have their carrier pick it up. An experienced Houston shipping company will help you smooth this process along and help eliminate issues along the way.
Go Through Your Shipping Checklist
Before shipping, make sure you have all your bases covered, especially for commercial-level transactions. One of the better shipping companies in Houston, Texas will have the know-how to guide you through the process, but in the interest of being prepared, here is the documentation you’ll absolutely need to have in order and affixed to your packaging:
- Import/Export form
- Commercial Invoice
- Bill of Lading
- NAFTA Certificate of Origin (for commercial transactions)
Find the Right Houston Shipping Company
Few Houston shipping companies will have zero experience with sending items to Mexico. However, you’ll want to make sure you go with a company that has both years of experience with the process and prioritizes staying on top of the rapidly changing standards and requirements. To learn more about the right way to minimize issues getting your items across the border, contact us today!
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