TFTIOR Global Importer of Record
Mexico Importer of Record (IOR)

Importer of Record in Mexico

Mexico is a critical technology hub in Latin America. However, importing goods requires a locally registered entity with a valid RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) to handle SAT filings. We act as your legal IOR, managing Pedimento declarations, NOM compliance, and IVA settlement so you don't need to establish a local presence.

RFC & Taxpayer Registration
SAT & Pedimento Filing
NOM & IFT Compliance
Discuss a Mexico import
Last Updated: January 13, 2026
Market Entry Barriers

Why an Importer of Record is mandatory in Mexico

Foreign companies cannot submit customs declarations (Pedimentos) or legally enter the market without a valid local RFC.

To process an import declaration, Mexican customs authorities (Agencia Nacional de Aduanas) mandate a legally established entity to manage the process. A Mexican legal entity with an active RFC is strictly required to handle commercial imports.

Foreign companies without a physical presence cannot submit these declarations directly, leading to stuck shipments. Our role as IOR ensures that all these required obligations are met seamlessly on your behalf, allowing your goods to clear customs without delay.

RFC Requirement

Only entities with an active RFC can file the Pedimento. We provide our registered entity for this purpose.

SAT Filing (Pedimento)

We submit the mandatory import declaration through the SAT system, ensuring all data matches your commercial invoice.

NOM Compliance

Many products require Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM) certification for safety/labeling. We verify compliance before shipping.

Telecom (IFT)

Telecom equipment utilizing radio spectrums typically requires approval from the Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFT).

HS Classification

Correct "Fracciรณn Arancelaria" is mandatory for duty calculation and determining non-tariff regulations.

Tax Handling

We calculate and pay IVA (16%), import duties, and compensatory fees directly to the authorities.

Our Responsibilities

How we manage your import into Mexico

We provide end-to-end management of the Mexican customs process, ensuring compliance with SAT and regulatory bodies.

Our Mexico-IOR service enables foreign companies to import equipment without establishing a local legal entity. We assume the comprehensive compliance responsibilities required for customs clearance so your project can move forward without administrative delays.

  • Documentation Filing: Preparation and filing of the Pedimento.
  • Broker Coordination: Coordinating with certified Mexican customs brokers (Agente Aduanal).
  • Financial Handling: Payment of duties, IVA, and fees with transparent receipts.
  • Product Compliance: Verifying NOM certificates and dual-use goods status.
  • Customs Liaison: Managing responses to SAT queries or inspections.
  • Delivery Management: Overseeing release and final mile delivery across Mexico.
Pre-Shipment

We evaluate the invoice and Fracciรณn Arancelaria to identify permits (NOM, IFT, COFEPRIS) required before export.

During Customs

We interact with the Agencia Nacional de Aduanas to resolve any physical inspections or valuation checks quickly.

Post-Clearance

We provide the Pedimento copy and proof of tax payments, ensuring full traceability for your records.

Equipment Scope

Typical equipment we support in Mexico

We frequently support the compliant import of sensitive and specialized technology across various industries.

IT Infrastructure

Enterprise IT & Networking

Servers, routers, switches, and network infrastructure. We ensure NOM compliance for IT equipment deployments.

Servers Switches Data Center
Telecom

Telecom & AV

Communication systems and video collaboration equipment. We handle devices requiring IFT (Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones) approvals.

IFT Wireless AV Systems
Healthcare

Medical & Lab Equipment

Non-implantable medical equipment and laboratory components. We manage products requiring COFEPRIS registration. Learn more about our medical IOR services.

COFEPRIS Lab Diagnostics
Industrial

Industrial Technology

Specialized technical devices, factory automation parts, and testing equipment for Mexico's manufacturing sector.

Automation Testing Sensors
Maintenance

Spare Parts & Components

Electronic components and replacement units for maintenance. We also support refurbished IT equipment where permitted.

Spares Components RMA
End-to-end flow

How the process works (Step by Step)

Accurate preparation of the Pedimento and proactive NOM checks are crucial to avoid delays.

  1. Pre-Shipment Review โ€” We evaluate the commercial invoice, Fracciรณn Arancelaria, and NOM requirements to confirm feasibility.
  2. Customs Documentation โ€” We prepare the Pedimento (import declaration) and engage the certified Agente Aduanal.
  3. Tax & Duty Handling โ€” We manage payment of duties, IVA (16%), and tariffs to SAT, providing proof of payment.
  4. Customs Coordination โ€” We communicate with the Agencia Nacional de Aduanas until the shipment is officially released.
  5. Delivery in Mexico โ€” After clearance, we arrange secure delivery to your client or installation site across Mexico.
Who uses this service?

Global IT providers, manufacturers shipping hardware for projects, and businesses performing installations who do not have a registered Mexican entity (RFC).

Documentation provided

Post-clearance, you receive the Pedimento copy, Taxes Receipt, customs release documentation, and Proof of Delivery.

FAQ

Common questions about importing to Mexico

Clarifications on RFC, SAT, and NOM requirements.

Do I need a local entity (RFC) in Mexico to import? โ€บ
No. TFTIOR provides the necessary local legal entity with an active RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) to act as your Importer of Record. This allows you to import goods legally without establishing your own presence.
Who handles the IVA (VAT) and duty payments? โ€บ
The IOR is responsible for calculating and paying import duties and the standard 16% Value Added Tax (IVA) to SAT/Aduanas. We manage this financial settlement and provide transparent receipts.
Can you handle NOM or IFT regulated goods? โ€บ
Yes. We manage NOM (Normas Oficiales Mexicanas) certification for safety/standards and IFT approvals for telecom equipment, ensuring all compliance is met before the shipment arrives.
What documentation do I receive after clearance? โ€บ
For traceability, we provide:
  • A copy of the import declaration (Pedimento).
  • Proof of taxes and duties paid.
  • Official customs release documentation.
  • Proof of Delivery to the final destination.
How quickly can you assess a shipment? โ€บ
If you provide the destination city, technical description, estimated value, and delivery timeframe, we typically respond the same day with a precise cost and timeline assessment.
More coverage

Need IOR support beyond Mexico?

TFTIOR provides Importer of Record services in multiple countries. Explore active coverage below or view the full overview page.

Mexico ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Brazil ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ท Argentina ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ท Peru ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ช Paraguay ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡พ Turkey ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท Singapore ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Hong Kong ๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ฐ Algeria ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ฟ Kazakhstan ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ Serbia ๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡ธ Australia ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ New Zealand ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ Thailand ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ Japan ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต European Union ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ Malaysia ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡พ Vietnam ๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ณ Philippines ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ Full IOR coverage list ๐ŸŒ