Vehicle import · Mexico
Import a car from Mexico
Mexican-market cars have no special NHTSA route, so most come in under the 25-year rule. Allied files the U.S. entry at any land border crossing.
Duty in 2026
What duty does a vehicle from Mexico pay?
| Vehicle | Total duty | Chapter 99 heading |
|---|---|---|
| Built in the United States | Free, with proof | 9801.00.10, U.S. goods returned |
| Built in Mexico, made in 2001 or earlier | 12.5%, or free under USMCA | 9903.94.04 (no Section 232), 9903.05.55 (Section 301) |
| Built in Mexico, car made in 2002 or later | 27.5%, or 25% if it qualifies under USMCA | 9903.94.01 |
| Built in Mexico, pickup made in 2002 or later | 50%, or 25% if it qualifies under USMCA | 9903.94.01 |
CBP says vehicles produced before 2020 are not likely to meet the USMCA rules of origin. The producer must supply three certifications for a USMCA claim. Since July 24, 2026, a product of Mexico that pays no Section 232 duty pays the 10% Section 301 forced labor duty, unless it enters free of duty under USMCA.
CBP also charges the merchandise processing fee: 0.3464%, with a minimum and a maximum. An ocean shipment also pays the harbor maintenance fee of 0.125%. All rates and a worked example.
Leaving the country
What do I close on the Mexican side?
Register the return at the border
Go to a Banjercito module at the border before the permit expires and register the definitive return of the vehicle.
The deposit
Banjercito holds US$200 for model year 2000 and older, US$300 for 2001 to 2006, and US$400 for 2007 and newer.
Mexican-registered vehicles
Mexico has its own export rules. Ask the seller or a Mexican customs broker (agente aduanal) before the vehicle moves.
Arrival
Where does a vehicle from Mexico arrive, and does the steering side matter?
Ports of entry
Vehicles from Mexico cross by land, for example at Laredo, El Paso, Nogales or Otay Mesa. Send us the papers before the vehicle reaches the border.
Left-hand drive
Mexico drives on the right, so Mexican cars are left-hand drive.
Common imports
Which vehicles do people import from Mexico?
U.S. cars that lived in Mexico
A U.S.-version car enters under HS-7 Box 2A and EPA code B. It returns free of duty with proof of U.S. manufacture or of U.S. ownership and registration.Volkswagen Sedán (Beetle)
Built in Puebla until 2003. A Mexican-market Beetle must be 25 years old from its date of manufacture, so the last ones qualify in 2028.Mexican-built U.S.-version cars
Many cars sold in the United States are built in Mexico. With the U.S. labels they enter under Box 2A, and the Mexican rate applies.
No Box 2B for Mexican-market cars
HS-7 Box 2B is only for Canadian-certified vehicles (49 CFR 591.5(g)). A Mexican-market car under 25 years old needs a Registered Importer, and NHTSA must list the model. EPA code EE works for any country, with a letter from the manufacturer's U.S. representative.
Our service
How does Allied handle a vehicle from Mexico?
Before you buy: send the listing, a photo of the labels and the export document. We confirm the HS-7 box, the EPA code, the country of origin and the duty.
Before arrival: we file the CBP entry and transmit the HS-7 and the EPA 3520-1 in ACE. We arrange the customs bond when the entry needs one.
After release: we send you the released entry papers for your state title. See the full import process.
Request: Vehicle import entry (CBP entry, DOT HS-7, EPA 3520-1)
Quote on request
Questions
Importing a vehicle from Mexico: common questions
Can I bring my U.S. car back from Mexico?
Yes. A U.S.-version car enters under HS-7 Box 2A and EPA code B, free of duty with proof of U.S. ownership and registration. Close your Banjercito permit at the border first, or the deposit is not refunded.
Can I import a Mexican-market car that is 15 years old?
Only through a Registered Importer, and only if NHTSA lists the make, model and model year. Otherwise it must wait until it is 25 years old from its date of manufacture.
Is a Mexican-built car free of duty under USMCA?
USMCA can make the base rate free, but the Section 232 duty of 25% still applies to a car made in 2002 or later. The 25% can apply only to non-U.S. content if the Secretary of Commerce approves.
Buying a vehicle from Mexico? Check it first.
Call (908) 291-8001 or email info@alliedchb.com
Last reviewed September 26, 2026. This page explains customs rules in general terms. It is not legal advice. Duty rates and CBP procedures change often, and we confirm the figures for your shipment in writing before you commit.