For Italian companies interested in expanding their business in the Americas, the’export to Mexico can represent a high-growth market and a strategic opportunity. Due to its favorable geographic location, free trade agreements and continued growth in domestic demand, Mexico offers a wide range of trade opportunities. A key factor in this context is the’trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Mexico, playing a central role in bilateral economic relations, strengthening political dialogue and cooperation between the two countries in several areas.
The trade provisions of the agreement were introduced in two stages: the first, covering trade in goods, in 2000, and the second, covering services, in 2001. In 2016, the two sides began a process of modernizing the agreement to address new global economic challenges. An “agreement in principle” on the trade part of the new agreement was reached in April 2018, while technical details on government procurement were finalized in 2020. Currently, the updated agreement is in the process of finalizing the necessary internal procedures in both sides, with the aim of consolidating and expanding mutual trade opportunities.
Italian enterprises that intend to export to Mexico must pay attention to the proper preparation of documentation. The commercial invoice is the first document required and should contain detailed information such as HS code, country of origin and an accurate description of the goods, with any serial numbers or technical identifications, to avoid misunderstandings. Another indispensable document is the packing list, which must be attached to the shipment and must clearly specify the content, size and quantity of exported items, thus facilitating customs operations.
As for the’product labeling, Mexico has specific regulations established by the standard NOM-050-SCFI-2004. It is essential for companies to check the current regulations for their sector, as labeling is one of the most critical aspects in import operations.
In order to obtain the benefits under the free trade agreement, it is essential to comply with rules of origin, which determine the “economic nationality” of traded products. These rules are essential to ensure that goods benefiting from preferential tariffs meet certain origin criteria. The rules of origin have been defined in Annex III of the decision No. 2/2000 of the EC-Mexico Joint Council. and have undergone updates to reflect developments in customs classifications and technical specifications.
A product is eligible for preferential tariffs if it is wholly produced in the EU or Mexico, or if it is manufactured using non-originating materials, provided that these materials undergo sufficient transformation. In some cases, a certain percentage of non-originating materials can be used without compromising tariff benefits. The agreement, finally, provides for flexibility measures such as bilateral cumulation, which allows materials from Mexico to be considered as originating in the EU and vice versa, and tolerance, which allows non-originating materials to be used up to 10%.
In order to qualify for the preferential rate for the’export to Mexico, importers must provide proof of the origin of the products, which can be certified by a EUR.1 certificate or through a declaration of origin. The EUR.1 certificate is issued by Mexico's “Secretaría de Economía” and must be accompanied by the four-digit tariff classification of the product. If the total amount of the products does not exceed EUR 500 for small packages or EUR 1,200 for personal luggage, no proof of origin is required.
Alternatively, the approved exporter or any other exporter with a total value of less than 6,000 euros may issue a declaration of origin, which must be signed and contain the necessary information to identify the products.
Foreign companies can register for the Compranet system, a portal that enables participation in public tenders in Mexico. Registration requires the submission of various documents, including legal documents and tax information, in digital format in order to be included in the list of accredited suppliers by Mexican authorities.
The Mexican market offers, therefore, many opportunities, there are still some constraints that businesses must consider:
The EU-Mexico Free Trade Agreement has not only simplified trade, but also improved diplomatic and cultural relations. Global trade tensions are creating new opportunities for Italian companies to expand into a growing Mexican market, thanks in part to European investment and expertise.
L’export to Mexico therefore represents a great opportunity, but companies must be well prepared, familiar with local regulations and adapt to cultural dynamics. With the right support and a focused approach, companies can achieve significant results in this promising market.
For any more detailed information or support, our team of experts in internationalization consulting, including through the Octagona service of temporary export management, is available to accompany your enterprise every step of the way.
The basic documents are the commercial invoice and the packing list. The invoice must include the SA code, the country of origin and an accurate description of the goods, with any serial numbers. The packing list indicates the contents, dimensions and quantities of the items and facilitates customs procedures. The NOM-050-SCFI-2004 standard applies to labeling.
To obtain the preferential tariff, the importer must provide proof of the origin of the products, through a EUR.1 certificate or declaration of origin. The EUR.1 certificate is issued by the Secretaría de Economía of Mexico and indicates the four-digit tariff classification. The product must also comply with the origin rules of the agreement.
The declaration of origin can be issued by the authorized exporter or by any exporter whose total value of the products is less than 6,000 euros. It must be signed and contain the information necessary to identify the products. No proof of origin under 500 euros is required for small packages or 1,200 euros for personal luggage.
The rules of origin, defined in Annex III to Decision No. 2/2000 of the EC-Mexico Joint Council, determine when a product is entitled to preferential tariffs. It must be wholly obtained in the EU or in Mexico, or obtained from non-originating materials sufficiently processed. Bilateral cumulation and a tolerance of up to 10% for non-originating materials are provided for.
The main obstacles are four: restrictions on cured meats, sausages and cheeses for phytosanitary reasons, with prior authorization from Sagarpa and inspection of the facilities; inconsistent application of the rules by customs; frequent updates on labeling, especially for food products, medical devices and machinery; and specific authorizations for certain goods, such as electrical equipment.
A foreign company can register with Compranet, the portal that allows it to participate in Mexican public procurement tenders. Registration requires digital documents, including legal documents and tax information. Once completed, the company is included in the list of suppliers accredited by the Mexican authorities.
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