How to import from the USA

I would appreciate any advice about importing a commercial product from the US into Mexico. If anyone has done this already or knows of the procedure needed to do this I would like to hear about your experience, any suggestions or references you can provide. Any freight companies that you would recommend.

If it is commercial products I would recommend using a broker such as Kuehn & Nagel or Schenkers. They can also line up transportation. It can all be done yourself but if things go off the rails it can get messy.

If the dollar amount imported is over $2000 (I believe), you must use a broker.

I've done it, and it's a huge boondoggle. Get some good advice, and don't try to do it yourself.

There are many companies that specialize in "contract importation," and can do the many steps more efficiently, especially if you're not going to import large quantities of one item that never changes.

Everything you import must meet the relevant NOM(S) - a set of standards akin to a UL Listing - so the product has to be inspected at a government approved laboratory and given a certificate. Any change in the product (even a different color, or new label) will force a new approval and certificate before it will be allowed into the country.

It's not impossible, of course, just overly complicated and expensive. Exactly which parts of the import laws apply in a particular case can be a bit fluid, depending on were you are and what the product is (not unlike local interpretation the immigration laws).

The advice "use a broker" is spot-on, and a good way to get started. You could also find one of the service companies that specialize in US imports and ask their advice. They have an axe to grind, of course, but knowing that will give you perspective.