Logistica
8 min
/
30 Jan

Complete Guide to IOR for Mexico in 2026

What is IOR in Mexico and why it is essential for your operation

IOR (Importer of Record) is the legal figure that appears as a responsible importer before the customs and tax authorities of Mexico. It is not just about "who pays the taxes", but about who assumes full responsibility if something is incorrectly declared, fails to comply with regulations or generates incidents in customs clearance.

In practice, the IOR is theprincipal obligorbefore the authority in critical aspects such as:

  • Correct tariff classificationof the merchandise
  • Compliance with non-tariff regulations and restrictions (permisos, NOMs, certificados)
  • Payment of contributions (IGI, IVA, DTA y otras)
  • Documentary accuracyon commercial invoice, customs value, origin and description
  • Traceability and inventory controlas established by the Customs Law
  • Response to inspections, reviews and auditsof the customs authority

The operational reality of the IOR in Mexico

Although the IOR usually operates through acustoms agent(patent) that promotes customs clearance,The importer remains legally responsible for the operation. The customs agent facilitates the process, but does not eliminate your exposure as an IOR to compliance problems.

This means that if there iserrors in classification, undervaluation, inconsistent documentation or failure to comply with NOMs, the consequences fall on the IOR: fines, retention of merchandise, suspension of the Register of Importers, costly rectifications and, in serious cases, administrative procedures in customs matters (PAMA).

Why it is important to understand IOR from the beginning

Many companies discover the complexity of the IOR when they already have merchandise in transit or detained in customs. Typical scenarios include:

  • Detained merchandisedue to incomplete or inconsistent documentation
  • Unexpected costsfor rectifications, fines or adjustments of contributions
  • Inability to importfor not being registered in the Importers Registry
  • NOMs Compliance Issuesdetected at border
  • Suspension of the registrywhich paralyzes the entire operation

Understand what it means to be an IOR—or hire a third-party IOR—before your first importIt saves you time, money and legal risks that can compromise your operation in Mexico.

Summary in 30 secondsThe essentials before your first import

IOR is not “who pays”, it is who responds to the authority if something is incorrectly declared or fails to comply with regulations.

  • Full legal responsibility:classification, value, origin, permits, NOMs and file.
  • Real risks:fines, withholdings, rectifications, and suspension of the Importers Register.
  • Minimum requirements:RFC, e.signature, register (and sector if applicable) and order granted to customs agent.
  • Healthy process:fraction + RRNA + coherent documentary set + VUCEM when applicable + post dispatch control.
  • Key decision:If you don't have local structure or need speed, a third IOR reduces friction and exposure.

Essential requirements to act as IOR in Mexico

To import into Mexico as IOR you need to complyminimum requirements of the Importers Registrywhich are constantly verified by SAT:

Basic tax requirements

  1. Active and valid RFC: Federal Taxpayer Registry registered with SAT
  2. e.firma (FIEL) vigente: Electronic signature for customs procedures and operations
  3. Be up to date with tax obligations: No debts, pending declarations or inconsistencies
  4. Tax address "located": SAT must be able to verify your address; a "not located" status blocks your operations
  5. Registration in the Register of Importers: Specific procedure that enables you to import

Operational requirements

  1. Order given to customs agent: Formal relationship with a customs patent that will clear for you
  2. Registration in sectoral registerswhen applicable: Some products require additional registrations (textile, footwear, alcohol, tobacco, etc.)
  3. Customs guarantee accountin specific cases: For certain regimes or when the authority requires it

What many don't know: continuing obligations of IOR

Being IOR is not just "registering once." Impliespermanent obligationsthat can cause you suspension if you do not comply:

  • Automated inventory control: Especially critical if you import under special regimes
  • Conservation of documentation: Requests, invoices, annexes, proof of value, permits and certificates for 5 years
  • Data update: Changes of address, representatives, economic activity must be reported
  • Response to requirements: The authority may request information, documentation or clarifications from you at any time

If you do not have a local Mexican structure(legal entity, offices, tax team), meeting these requirements is complex and expensive. That is why many companies opt for athird-party IORthat already has all the infrastructure enabled.

Step by step process to successfully import as IOR

Importing without surprises requires un clear operational flowcovering everything from classification to post-dispatch control. This is the recommended process:

Step 1: Tariff classification and origin strategy

Before moving merchandise, define the correct tariff fraction and the country of origin. They depend on this:

  • Tariffs to pay (IGI)
  • Permisos y certificaciones requeridas
  • NOMs aplicables (Normas Oficiales Mexicanas)
  • Tariff preferencesby trade agreements
  • Rectification risks posteriores

Failing in classification is the most expensive mistake: generates fines, withholdings, contribution adjustments and can lead to full audits. A misclassified product can change your IGI from 0% to 35%.

Step 2: Identify regulations y restricciones no arancelarias (RRNA)

Many goods requirecomply with NOMscommercial, health, technical or security information. Compliance can be done in several ways:

  • Labeled at origin: The product arrives ready to market
  • Labeling in national territory: It is made in a warehouse or controlled premises
  • Prior certificates: Some products require permits before shipping

The customs authority verifies this according to the applicable scheme, andLack of compliance generates immediate withholdings.

Step 3: Registration and enablement of the importer

If you do not have your own IOR, you need to complete:

  • RFC + e.firma
  • Register of Importers (and sectoral if applicable)
  • Set up operation with customs agent (assignment granted)

This process can take weeksand requires technical knowledge of foreign trade.

Step 4: Prepare the documentary set

The IOR must support dispatch with100% consistent documentation:

  • Commercial invoice: With detailed description, values, terms of sale
  • Packing list: Weights, dimensions, units, brands
  • Transport document: Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air)
  • Value data: Incoterm, incremental expenses, origin of funds
  • Certificados: Origin, NOMs, sanitary, permits depending on product
  • Purchase traceability: Supplier, payments, contract, terms

The key is consistency: description, quantities, units, values and currency must be aligned in all documents.

Step 5: Procedures VUCEM when applicable

VUCEM (Single Window for Foreign Trade)centralizes procedures prior to dispatch: permits, notices, electronic certificates. If your product requires prior documents, VUCEM is part of the flow.

Desde diciembre 2025, theElectronic Value Manifestation (MVE)via VUCEM is mandatory to combat undervaluation. This implies:

  • Capture request in VUCEM with RFC from importer
  • Allow the customs broker to download MVE and attachments
  • Keep MVE in digital for legal term

Step 6: Customs clearance and pedimento

HemotionIt is the base document of the customs clearance, where all the critical data are recorded: fraction, value, contributions, identifiers, RRNA.

Your control such as IOR must include:

  • Pre-crossing review: Validate that everything is correct before dispatch
  • Post-dispatch review: Detect errors that require rectification
  • Organized file: Pedimento, annexes, payment receipts, acknowledgments

An error in the pedimento can cost weeks and thousands of pesosin rectifications and storage.

Step 7: Post-dispatch control and traceability y trazabilidad

Once the merchandise has been dispatched, the IOR must:

  • Record entry in inventories: Reconcile pedimento vs. physical merchandise vs. ERP
  • Conservar expediente completo: For 5 years, available for audit
  • Monitorear incidencias: Reviews, requirements, value adjustments
  • Preparar reportes: For internal control and response to authority

Without post-dispatch control, you are vulnerable to inspection and have no evidence to defend yourself..

Taxes and contributions: what you will really pay

Like IOR, you must understandwhat contributions do you cause in each importand how they are calculated. SAT summarizes the main ones:

Main contributions in imports

Contributions, calculation basis and typical rate
Contribution What is Calculation basis Typical rate
IGI (General Import Tax) Tariff according to tariff fraction customs value 0% - 35% depending on product and treatments
IVA Value Added Tax (IVA) Customs value + IGI + other contributions 16% (0% in border area for some products)
DTA Customs Processing Right By operation (pedimento) Fixed fee according to type of operation
IEPS Special Tax on Production and Services Customs value (varies depending on product) Variable: alcoholic beverages, tobacco, fuel, non-basic foods
ISAN New Car Tax Vehicle value Variable depending on vehicle characteristics
Compensatory duties Antidumping or countervailing measures customs value Variable depending on product and country of origin

1. IGI (General Import Tax)

It is the tariffthat you pay according to the tariff fraction. Could be:

  • 0% if a tariff preference applies (TMEC, tratados)
  • 5% a 35%depending on product type
  • Ad valorem(percentage of value) orspecific(per unit)

It depends entirely on correct classification and proven origin.

2. Import IVA

It is calculated on a basis that includes:

  • customs value
  • IGI paid
  • Other taxes incurred

Typically 16%, although there are exceptions (0% in the border area for certain products).

3. DTA (Customs Processing Right)

It is a right per operationregulated in the Federal Law of Rights. There is a charge for submitting a customs request or document.

4. Other specific taxes

Depending on the product, you can cause:

  • IEPS(alcoholic beverages, tobacco, fuel, non-basic foods)
  • ISAN(new vehicles)
  • Compensatory dutiesif they apply

How customs value is determined (and why it matters so much)

The customs value is the basis for calculating IGI and IVA. It's not just "what it says on the bill." It is determined by:

  1. Transaction value(price actually paid or payable)
  2. More incremental: Expenses not included in the invoice that must be added (certain freight, insurance, technical assistance, royalties, commissions)
  3. Less decremental: Concepts that can be subtracted if they are distinguished and supported

The authority hopes that you can prove each figure. If you declare a value that seems low without support, you expose yourself to:

  • Presumptive determination: The authority assigns an estimated value (always higher)
  • Fines and adjustments: You pay differences with surcharges
  • Audits: Complete operations review

Critical operating advice

Although the calculation is carried out by your customs agent,like IOR you need internal controlwith:

  • Validated tariff fraction
  • Documented customs value(contract, Incoterm, payments, incremental)
  • Contribution calculationreviewed vs pedimento
  • Validation checklistbefore each import

Without this control, you do not know if you are paying more, less, or if you have exposure to inspection.

Current challenges of managing IOR without specialized infrastructure

Companies that attempt to handle IOR internally or with non-specialized suppliers facestructural challengesthat limit growth and generate risks:

Technical complexity and constant regulatory changes

The Mexican customs frameworkchanges constantly:

  • General Foreign Trade Rules (RGCE) are updated annually
  • New causes for suspension of the registryappear every year
  • Electronic file requirementshave tightened in 2026
  • Electronic Value Manifestation (MVE) has been mandatory since December 2025
  • Validations in VUCEMthey become stricter

Staying up to date requires full-time dedication, specialized resources and connections with authorities. A company that imports occasionally simply cannot keep up.

Hidden costs and variables that are difficult to predict

Although a customs agent gives you a "rate",actual costs include:

  • Extended zone surchargesthat appear after dispatch
  • Reshipmentswhen addresses are incomplete
  • Volumetric adjustmentsnot calculated in initial quote
  • Fuel ratesthat vary monthly
  • Additional insurance costsaccording to product value
  • Rectificationswhen there are errors in the pedimento
  • Storage in premisesfor retentions or revisions
  • Fines and chargesfor non-compliance

This variability makes it impossible to predict the actual cost, affecting margins and financial planning.

Risk of suspension of the Importers Register

In 2026 there have been commentsnew grounds for suspension including:

  • Omitir o presentar incorrectamente customs guarantee accountor letter of credit
  • Inconsistencies in tax addressor contact details
  • Lack of response to requirementsof authority
  • Operations not supported by documentation

The suspension of the registry is not a fine: it is an operational cut. If you are suspended, you can't import. Many companies find out when they already have merchandise in transit, and the cost of storage, delays and reshipping skyrockets.

Lack of control over compliance with NOMs

NOMs changes, is updated and becomes more strict.Recent examples:

  • NOM-259 in cosmetics: More demanding good manufacturing practices
  • NOM-141: Labeled with more required fields
  • NOMs security: In electronics, toys, textiles

If you don't have aNOMs monitoring systemand compliance expertise, you import "blindly" with risk of retention in each shipment.

Fragmented management with multiple suppliers

Without a specialized IOR, you end up coordinating:

  • Customs agent (who only clears)
  • International carrier
  • Warehouse at destination
  • NOM labeling supplier
  • Compliance Checker
  • Counter for contributions
  • Lawyer for incidents

Each incident requires coordinating 3-5 providers, with slow response times, diffuse responsibilities and costs that double due to lack of integration.

Scaling is impossible without your own infrastructure

When the business grows and you need to import more frequently:

  • You don't have economies of scalein customs or logistics fees
  • Each shipment requires the same manual effortwithout automation
  • Complexity grows exponentiallywith more SKUs, more origins, more channels
  • You do not have consolidated datato negotiate better conditions
  • Your teams become overloadedin logistics coordination instead of selling

Without scalable infrastructure, growth slows or operational quality deteriorates.

Quick decision matrixWhich option usually fits best?

You do not have an entity in Mexico

third-party IOR

You enter the market without RFC, registry or local structure. Less setup time and less administrative complexity.

You need speed (time to market)

third-party IOR

If you're against the clock for releases or inventory in transit, it's often the quickest route to operating without blockages.

You have internal equipment and stable operation

own IOR

It compensates when you import on a recurring basis, with mature processes and the ability to maintain continuous compliance.

High regulatory complexity and many categories

third-party IOR

Most useful if you handle multiple NOMs, frequent changes, and need built-in coordination to avoid recurring holds.

Note: operational guide. The final decision depends on volume, category, risk tolerance and your actual ability to sustain compliance.

When it makes sense to use a third-party IOR and what to validate

Usar un third-party IOR(a supplier who imports on your behalf for you) makes sense in several scenarios:

Scenarios where a third party IOR is the best option

1. You do not have a Mexican entity

If you are a foreign brand that wants to sell in Mexico without creating a local company, a third-party IOR allows you to:

  • Import immediately without RFC, registry or tax structure
  • Avoid costs and times of legal constitution in Mexico
  • Test the market before committing to a permanent presence

2. Significant volume but complex operation

If you are scaling and need to import regularlywith volumes of 200+ monthly orders, managing IOR internally consumes critical resources that should be focused on sales and marketing.

3. You need speed to enter the market

Setting up IOR infrastructure can take2-4 months. A specialized third-party IOR allows you to import into2-3 weeks.

4. Products with high regulatory complexity

Cosmetics, supplements, processed foods, medical devices, electronics - they all haveSpecific NOMs and frequent regulatory changes. A specialized IOR already has the processes and expertise.

Comparison: own IOR vs third-party IOR

Comparison: own IOR vs third-party IOR
Factor own IOR third-party IOR specialized
Setup time 2-4 months 2-3 weeks
Initial investment Registration (legal constitution, registry, personnel) Low (no investment in infrastructure)
Regulatory expertise Requires hiring specialists Included in the service
Riesgo legal You assume 100% of the risk Shared according to contract
Flexibilidad Committed to fixed structure Scale according to need
Control operativo Total Delegate (with visibility)
Regulatory update Your responsibility Supplier Responsibility
Fixed monthly costs High (rent, salaries, systems) Variables depending on volume
Ideal for Established operation, constant high volume, very specific category Market entry, scaling, significant volume, multiple categories

What to require from a third-party IOR provider

Not all IOR third parties are the same. Before hiring, validate:

1. Contract with clear distribution of responsibilities

  • Tariff classification: Who determines it and who assumes risk if it is wrong?
  • Compliance with NOMs: Does the IOR manage labeling, certificates and validations?
  • customs value: Who determines increments and how is it documented?
  • Returns and destruction: What happens if there are defective or unsold products?
  • Almacenamiento: Does the IOR include a warehouse or is it a separate service?
  • Incidencias: Who is responsible for withholdings, fines or requirements?

2. Complete documentary evidence and access to motions

You must have access to:

  • Digital requestswith all annexes
  • Payment receiptsof contributions
  • Certificados y permisos tramitados
  • Operation reports(imports per period, values, contributions)

Without access to documentation, you cannot validate compliance or defend yourself in an audit.

3. NOMs compliance procedure and labeling

The IOR must havedocumented processesfor:

  • Determine applicable NOMs by fraction
  • Design compliant labels
  • Coordinate labeling (origin vs Mexico)
  • Validate compliance before dispatch
  • Manage changes in regulations

An IOR without expertise in NOMs exposes you to constant withholdings.

4. Document retention policy and audit support

SAT may require import documentationup to 5 years later. The IOR must:

  • Keep complete file for legal period
  • Have immediate availability to respond to requirements
  • Support you in case of inspection or audit
  • Have an insurance policy for errors and omissions

5. Capacity for integration with your logistics operation

If you need imported merchandise to flow directly tofulfillment and distribution, the ideal IOR should:

  • Coordinate reception at destination warehouse
  • Synchronize inventories in real time
  • Automatically activate order preparation processes
  • Integrate with your ecommerce platforms

An IOR disconnected from your logistics chain generates friction, delays and additional coordination costs.

How to select the right IOR provider for your operation

Choosing your IOR well is critical becauseaffects costs, speed, legal risk and growth capacity. These are the factors to evaluate:

1. Verifiable experience in your product category

Importing cosmetics is not the same as importing electronics, food or textiles. Each category has:

  • Specific NOMswith technical nuances
  • Regulatory authorities different (COFEPRIS, PROFECO, SEMARNAT)
  • Compliance risks particulares
  • Best practiceslabeling and documentation

Ask about success stories in your specific category and request verifiable references.

2. Technological infrastructure and real-time visibility

The IOR should offer youcomplete visibility mediante:

  • Control panel with status of each import
  • Integration with your systems (ERP, WMS, ecommerce)
  • Automatic notifications of critical events
  • Reporting of costs, times and contributions
  • Digital access to documentation

Without technology, you depend on emails and callsto know where your merchandise is or how much you paid.

3. Transparent and predictable cost structure

Demand that IOR hand you overdetailed simulationswith your real operation:

IOR costs:

  • Service fee of IOR (can be per operation or monthly)
  • Compliance management (NOMs, labeling, certificates)
  • Coordination with customs agent

Customs costs:

  • Customs broker fees
  • Contributions (IGI, IVA, DTA)
  • Preventions and validations
  • Rectifications if applicable

Logistics costs:

  • International transport
  • Maneuvers in port/airport
  • Temporary storage
  • Delivery to final destination

A professional IOR gives you all-in costs before you commit, without later surprises.

4. Ability to scale without changing suppliers

Your IOR must be able to grow with you desde significant volumes up to high volume operation:

  • Infrastructure to managemultiple simultaneous imports
  • Multiple customs brokers and entry points
  • Scalable storage in strategic locations
  • Team that grows according to your demand
  • Technology that supports increasing complexity

Changing from IOR when you grow up is expensive and risky: you lose continuity, accumulated knowledge, and must restart processes.

5. Specialized human support and resolution capacity

Beyond technology, you needexpert peoplethat:

  • Get to know your operation and products in depth
  • Proactively resolve before issues arise
  • Respond quickly to incidents (retentions, requirements)
  • They advise you on strategy (best routes, cost optimization)
  • Support expansion into new categories or markets

an IOR that only "processes" without warning leaves you alone when making critical decisions.

A strategic ally to import without complications: the value of Cubbo

Cubbo is not just a supplier of IOR: it is a strategic partner that solves import, storage, fulfillment and distribution in an integrated way.

The fundamental difference is that Cubboeliminates operational fragmentationthat generates costs, delays and risks:

Import + Fulfillment: the only model that works for growing ecommerce

While other suppliers only offer IOR (and you're still looking for warehouse, order picking and distribution),Cubbo integrates the entire chain:

  1. Import with IOR included: Cubbo acts as importer of record, manages classification, NOMs, dispatch and contributions
  2. Reception at fulfillment centers: The merchandise arrives directly to the Cubbo network, without additional transfers
  3. Strategic storage: Inventory distributed in locations that optimize delivery times
  4. Automated order preparation: When an order comes in, it is processed automatically
  5. Ultra-fast distribution: Same-day in CDMX and 1.3 days national average

Without Cubbo, you coordinate 5-6 different providers. With Cubbo,one partner handles everything.

In-depth expertise in Mexican regulations

The Cubbo team includesforeign trade specialistswith years of experience in:

  • Tariff classificationfor hundreds of product categories
  • NOMs Managementin cosmetics, foods, supplements, electronics, textiles
  • Contribution optimizationby taking advantage of treaties and regimes
  • Incident resolutionwith authorities (SAT, COFEPRIS, PROFECO)
  • Continuous updatein changes to RGCE, standards and new regulations

Cubbo has already imported for brands in your category- Learn about the risks, best practices, and how to avoid holds.

Technology that connects import with complete operation

The Cubbo platformsynchronize import, inventories and fulfillmentin real time:

  • Unified dashboardwith visibility of imports in transit, available inventory, orders in process
  • Native integrationswith all ecommerce platforms (Shopify, VTEX, Mercado Libre, Amazon)
  • Pedimento automation: Data flows from commercial invoice to order form without manual capture
  • Proactive alerts: Notifications of changes in status, documentation requirements, incidents
  • Complete reporting: Actual import costs, contributions paid, shipping times, valued inventory

No friction, no manual coordination, no capture errors.

Transparent costs and economies of scale

Cubbo operates withconsolidated volumesfrom hundreds of clients, which generates:

  • Competitive customs ratesby power negotiated with agents
  • Optimized contributionsfor expertise in classification and use of treaties
  • Efficient logisticsby cargo consolidation and optimized routes
  • No hidden costs: All included in transparent model

You pay less than operating on your own, and with superior quality.

Personalized attention with dedicated account manager

Each client of Cubbo has aaccount manager specializedthat:

  • Know your business, products, seasonality and objectives
  • Coordinate your first import from scratch
  • Resolves incidents proactively
  • Continuously optimize costs and times
  • Advisor on expansion to new categories

You are not a ticket in the system: you are a member with a first and last name.

Why Cubbo is the best IOR partner for growing businesses

Integrated model vs fragmented suppliers

Other providers:

  • IOR that only dispatches
  • You need to look for a separate warehouse
  • Coordinate carrier for transfer
  • You contract fulfillment separately
  • You manage 4-5 invoices and suppliers

Cubbo:

  • IOR + warehouse + fulfillment + distribution in a single service
  • One invoice, one contract, one point of contact
  • Smooth operation without coordination between suppliers

Speed that generates competitive advantage

Other providers:

  • Standard shipping: 3-5 days
  • Transfer to warehouse: 1-2 days
  • Available for sale: 5-7 days after arrival

Cubbo:

  • Reception at your own center: same day of dispatch
  • Available for sale: 24-48 hours after arrival
  • Same-day in CDMX from local inventory

You enter the market faster, rotate inventory more efficiently, generate more sales.

Proven scalability with leading brands

Cubbo operates imports and fulfillment forhigh volume brandsin multiple categories:

  • Cosmetics and personal care
  • Supplements and sports nutrition
  • Electronics and technology
  • Fashion and accessories
  • Food and drinks
  • Home products

From significant volumes to tens of thousands of monthly orders, the Cubbo infrastructure scales frictionlessly.

Compliance and security that protect your brand

Cubbo maintains:

  • Active Importer Registerand in continuous compliance
  • Quality certificationsin storage and handling
  • Insurance policiesthat cover merchandise from arrival to delivery
  • Regular auditsof processes and systems
  • Complete documentary supportavailable for inspection

Your brand is legally and operationally protected.

Data-driven continuous improvement

The Cubbo systemcontinually learn and optimize:

  • Identify demand patterns by SKU and region
  • Suggests optimal distribution of inventory between centers
  • Detect cost reduction opportunities
  • Improved tariff classification based on accumulated experience
  • Optimize dispatch times by route and season

Each import improves the next.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between IOR and customs agent?

The IOR (Importer of Record) is the legal person responsiblebefore authorities: you must be on the Importers Registry, pay contributions and respond to non-compliance.

The customs agent is the professionalwith a patent that promotes clearance on behalf of the importer: processes requests, coordinates with customs, manages documentation.

The key difference:The customs agent works for IOR, but the IOR is still the main obligation. If something is wrong, the authority looks for the IOR, not just the agent.

How long does it take to qualify as an IOR in Mexico?

If you have to start from scratch (without RFC or Mexican structure), the typical process includes:

  1. Constitution of legal entity: 2-4 weeks
  2. Registration in RFC and e.firma: 1-2 weeks
  3. Registration in the Importers Registry: 2-4 weeks
  4. Sectoral registers(if applicable): 2-6 additional weeks
  5. Order to customs agent: 1 week

Total: 2-4 months in the best scenario, assuming there are no rejections or additional documentation requirements.

With aIOR third specialized as Cubbo, you can start importing in2-3 weeks.

What happens if my merchandise is detained in customs?

Retention may be due to:

  • Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
  • Declared value that the authority considers low
  • Lack of permits or certificates NOMs
  • Merchandise subject to random review
  • Questioned tariff classification

The typical process:

  1. Hold Notificationto the customs agent
  2. Documentation requirement o aclaraciones
  3. Response within deadline(typically 10 business days)
  4. Resolution: release, payment of differences or confiscation

With Cubbo, your account manager manage the entire incident: coordinates with customs agent, prepares support documentation, follows up with authority and resolves as quickly as possible to minimize storage and delays.

How is customs value determined and why is it so important?

Hecustoms value is the basis for calculating IGI and IVA. It is determined by:

Transaction value:

  • Price actually paid or payable according to commercial invoice

More incremental:

  • Transportation costs to port/airport of entry
  • Loading, unloading and maneuvering expenses
  • Insurance (if not included)
  • Sales commissions (if applicable)
  • Packaging and wrapping
  • Related technical or engineering assistance
  • Royalties or licenses (if they condition the sale)

Less decrementals:

  • Post-shipment expenses (if distinguished)
  • Interest on financing (if separate)

It is critical because:

  • Declare low value without support: fines, presumptive determination, audit
  • Declaring a high value unnecessarily: you pay more IGI and IVA than you should
  • Poorly assembled value: costly rectifications and wasted time

Cubbo documents the customs value correctly from the beginning, with full support to withstand any revision.

What NOMs apply to my product and how do I comply?

Depends on the category:

Cosmetics:

  • NOM-141 (labeling)
  • NOM-259 (good manufacturing practices)

Processed foods:

  • NOM-051 (nutritional and front-of-pack labeling)
  • NOM-002 or NOM-009 depending on type
  • COFEPRIS permits if applicable

Suplementos:

  • NOM-051 + health notices
  • Specific labeling of active ingredients

Electronic:

  • NOM-001 (electrical safety)
  • NOM-024 (commercial information)
  • Approved laboratory certificates

Compliance can be done:

  1. In origin: Product arrives labeled and certified (ideal but complex to coordinate)
  2. In Mexico before marketing: Labeled in warehouse or controlled premises
  3. Mediante UVA: Approved Verification Unit validates compliance

Cubbo has expertise in NOMsof multiple categories and manages compliance as part of the IOR service.

When is it appropriate to use third party IOR vs. setting up your own structure?

Use IOR third (like Cubbo) if:

  • You are a foreign brand without entity in Mexico
  • Tienes significant volume that justifies full fulfillment(200+ monthly orders)
  • You want to focus on sales and marketing, not logistics
  • You need speed to enter the market (2-3 weeks vs 2-4 months)
  • Your products have regulatory complexity (NOMs, permits)
  • You are looking for complete integration import + fulfillment + distribution

Set up your own structure if:

  • You already have an established Mexican entity with a local team
  • You have internal expertise in foreign trade and regulatory compliance
  • You operate in a niche with very specific regulations that require total control
  • Volume justifies dedicated import equipment (large teams with dozens of monthly imports)

Formost growing brands, a specialized third-party IORreduces risk, accelerates time to market and frees up resources for higher value activities.

What documentation should I keep and for how long?

As an IOR (or third-party IOR user), you must retain5 years:

Customs documents:

  • Complete pedimentos with annexes
  • Commercial invoices
  • Packing lists
  • Transport documents
  • Contribution payment receipts

Valuable documents:

  • Contracts with suppliers
  • Evidence of payment (transfers, letters of credit)
  • Incoterms and terms of sale
  • Documentation of increments

Compliance documents:

  • Certificates of origin
  • Permits and authorizations
  • NOM certificates
  • Electronic Value Manifestation (MVE)

Internal documents:

  • Inventory controls
  • Pedimentos vs inventory reconciliations
  • Incident reports and resolutions

Cubbo keeps all this documentation digitally, organized and immediately available to respond to requirements or audits.

If your brand is ready to import to Mexico with speed, compliance and zero risks, talk to a Cubbo specialistand discover why we are the best IOR partner for growing companies looking for more than just customs clearance.

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