If you operate as a registered merchant in the United Kingdom and already have clients in Mexico or are exploring that expansion, you know that logistics can become an obstacle if not properly resolved.
High shipping costs, unstable delivery times and complex customs processes are just some of the barriers faced by e-commerce businesses selling from abroad.
And even if you have tax registration in Mexico, continuing to manage the entire operation from the UK limits your ability to grow, scale or simply maintain the customer experience you promise.
Today more than ever, having an agile, integrated fulfillment system operating locally is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessary condition for established or scaling ecommerce businesses to compete and win in the Mexican market.
Reducing delivery times, automating your order preparation, managing inventory in real time and aligning your operation with marketplaces or your own stores are factors that make all the difference.
Below, we explore the key points you need to know if you're selling from the United Kingdom as a registered merchant in Mexico, and want to do it with efficiency, profitability and full control.
What does it mean to be a registered merchant in the United Kingdom?
Becoming a registered merchant in the United Kingdom means being legally recognized as an entity that can operate commercially, issue invoices and comply with tax obligations in the country.
This registration can be done as a sole trader, limited company, or another business structure, depending on your business model.
In addition to tax registration, you are required to maintain proper accounting, submit regular tax returns and comply with certain consumer protection and e-commerce regulations.
To sell products in other countries, such as Mexico, it is not mandatory to have a local branch or entity, but you must comply with international trade and customs regulations to avoid delays, unexpected costs or goods being blocked.
Requirements to operate legally as a merchant in the UK
Registering your activity with HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) is the first step. From there, you must obtain:
- Tax identification number (Unique Taxpayer Reference or UTR)
- VAT registration (if you exceed the mandatory threshold or sell outside the UK)
- In some cases, an export or import license, depending on the products
All this enables you to invoice legally, conduct commercial operations and export your products, as long as you also comply with the regulations of the destination country.
Additionally, depending on your business structure, it may be necessary to register in a commercial registry to formalize your company’s legal status and comply with national regulations.
Can I sell in Mexico as a registered merchant in the United Kingdom?
Yes, you can. In fact, many international brands sell in Mexico without the need to set up local offices. What’s important is that you have an efficient logistics structure and comply with Mexican tax and customs requirements.
In this context, it is key to have a local fulfillment partner who allows you to operate in a transparent, fast and legal way, without needing to invest in your own infrastructure.
A common mistake is trying to ship products directly from the UK without considering delivery times, taxes or reverse logistics, which ends up increasing the cost and hurting the customer experience.
Impact of Brexit on exports to Latin America
Brexit brought significant changes to the United Kingdom’s trade relations with the rest of the world, including new treaties, tariff adjustments and stricter customs requirements.
Although trade with Latin America was not interrupted, it now requires more precise documentation, in addition to verifying whether there are existing trade agreements that reduce or eliminate import taxes in countries like Mexico.
The key today is to plan exports in advance, complying with the rules of both the UK and the recipient country, to avoid delays, holds or extra charges.
How to register as a merchant in the United Kingdom
To operate legally, businesses must be registered as a merchant in the UK, either as a sole trader, limited company, or another legal structure. The process includes:
- Registering with HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs).
- Obtaining a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).
- Registering for VAT if your annual turnover exceeds the threshold or if you sell abroad.
- In some cases, securing import/export licenses depending on your product category.
- Keeping accurate accounting records and filing tax returns on time.
This registration gives you the ability to invoice legally, operate commercially, and export products under UK law.
Advantages of being a registered merchant in the UK
Having the status of registered merchant in the UK provides not only legal compliance but also several strategic benefits:
- Credibility with customers, suppliers, and international partners.
- Ability to issue invoices and collect VAT formally.
- Access to UK trade agreements that reduce barriers to export.
- A strong reputation for quality that boosts brand positioning in markets like Mexico.
These benefits make UK merchant registration a valuable foundation for expanding into global markets.
From UK merchant registration to selling in Mexico
Being a registered merchant in the UK allows you to operate locally, but it is not enough to sell in Mexico. To legally import and distribute products, you must also:
- Register as an importer in Mexico or work with an Importer of Record (IOR).
- Issue CFDIs (Mexican tax-compliant invoices) if selling to local customers.
- Adapt your logistics and delivery model to Mexican consumer expectations.
This is why partnering with a specialized ecommerce fulfillment provider in Mexico is essential. It allows you to sell like a local without creating a physical company or infrastructure in Mexico.
What do you need to export products from the UK to Mexico?
To export from the United Kingdom to Mexico, you need to cover these basic points:
- Clear commercial invoice, including product description, quantity, value and country of origin
- Packing list, detailing the contents of each package
- Certificates of origin, if the product requires them or to benefit from tariff agreements
- Importer registration before Mexican customs, if you will handle the shipments directly
If you don’t want to be involved in the customs process, you can work with an operator that acts as the Importer of Record (IOR) in Mexico, which simplifies the process and prevents penalties due to unintentional errors.
Mexican regulations that affect foreign merchants
In Mexico, every imported product must go through a customs inspection that evaluates:
- Declared value
- Tariff classification
- Compliance with Mexican Official Standards (NOMs) in the case of regulated products
If you sell electronics, cosmetics, food, supplements, among others, it is likely that you will need to comply with specific regulations.
Additionally, it is necessary to issue valid tax receipts (CFDI) in Mexico if you sell to end consumers or companies, which is why having a partner who manages this is essential.
4 Common mistakes when exporting from the UK and how to avoid them
Many businesses make common mistakes when exporting for the first time from the United Kingdom:
- Underestimating delivery times from Europe to Mexico
- Failing to anticipate actual import costs
- Lacking knowledge of local regulations, which may lead to fines or seizures
- Trying to manage everything in-house, without prior experience
The recommendation is clear: don’t improvise. Every country has its own dynamics, and Mexico is no exception.
If you want to know how to optimize your logistics operation, we can help. We have experience in complying with Mexican regulations, customs management and local delivery with competitive timelines.
Why is Mexico a great opportunity for British merchants?
Mexico has become one of the most dynamic e-commerce markets in Latin America, with accelerated growth and strong demand across multiple categories.
For British brands already operating online, this country represents a real opportunity for expansion, especially with an optimized and local logistics structure.
The Mexican consumer values quality, speed and purchase experience. If you meet those three pillars, there’s a lot to gain.
Growth opportunities in Mexican e-commerce
E-commerce in Mexico continues to grow at double-digit rates year after year. This has created a growing demand for international products with solid support and reliable deliveries.
From specialized stores to marketplaces, more and more Mexican buyers are willing to pay more for quality products, as long as they arrive quickly, without errors and with a smooth experience.
That’s where a well-structured operation makes all the difference.
UK brand value in categories like health, tech and fashion
British brands are highly perceived for their quality and trustworthiness in the Mexican market.
In sectors like beauty, supplements, gadgets and fashion, products from the UK stand out due to their prestige, design and manufacturing standards.
But to capitalize on that value, it's key that logistics is aligned with local expectations: fast deliveries, easy returns and effective post-sale service.
Benefits of the UK-Mexico trade agreement
Since the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, the commercial relationship with Mexico has been strengthened through bilateral agreements.
This allows many product categories to enter the country with reduced or even eliminated tariffs, as long as origin and documentation requirements are met.
Taking advantage of these treaties not only improves your margins, but also makes you more competitive against local brands or those from other countries.
What is an IOR (Importer of Record) and why is it essential?
An IOR (Importer of Record) is the party legally responsible for complying with all importation requirements in Mexico.
This includes tax payments, documentation submission, regulatory compliance and customs clearance.
Without an IOR, your products cannot legally enter the country, which can result in holds, fines or operational losses.
Role of the IOR in complying with Mexican law
The IOR acts as the official party responsible for the importation before the SAT (Tax Administration Service) and Mexican customs.
Its role is to ensure that all products entering the country comply with current tax and customs regulations, including labeling rules, safety regulations, health permits or others, depending on the product type.
This not only protects you legally, but also builds trust among Mexican customers by knowing they are buying through a formal operation.
Is having an IOR mandatory if I export from the UK?
Yes. If you are selling from the United Kingdom to Mexico, having an IOR is essential to release goods at customs legally and without delays.
It doesn’t matter if you ship by air, sea or express parcel: without an IOR, your goods can get blocked or even rejected.
Can a logistics operator act as your IOR?
Yes, and it’s a major advantage.
A logistics operator specialized in fulfillment can act as your IOR, allowing you to export to Mexico without needing to create a local legal entity or deal with complex tax processes.
Also, by having full visibility of inventory and shipments through their platform, you can operate efficiently and scale without friction.
If you're ready to take the next step and optimize your logistics operation in Mexico, we can help. Our team has experience as IOR and as a strategic partner of British e-commerce brands already selling in Latin America.
Every business has unique challenges. Talk to a specialist and discover how to adapt your model to this market without losing control.
Fulfillment in Mexico for United Kingdom merchants
Expanding your e-commerce from the United Kingdom to Mexico is easier and more profitable when you rely on a specialized fulfillment system, adapted to the Latin American environment.
Outsourcing your logistics operation allows you to scale without investing in local infrastructure and maintain full control over your shipments, inventory and customer experience.
Below we explain, step by step, how this model works and why it is ideal for British brands looking to grow in the Mexican market.
Shipping products from the UK to Mexico
It all begins with shipping your inventory from the United Kingdom to fulfillment centers in Mexico.
Once the products arrive, the logistics operator can act as the Importer of Record (IOR), handling all customs procedures, taxes and necessary documentation.
This completely frees you from the customs process, ensuring that your products enter the country legally, quickly and without errors, provided you already operate with consistent or growing sales volume.
Storage with inventory control and traceability
Once in Mexico, your merchandise is stored in strategically located logistics centers to reduce delivery times.
From there, you can monitor your inventory in real time, create virtual kits, separate by batches or apply specific picking rules.
You have full control, no matter the distance. Everything is automated and synchronized with your sales channels.
Order preparation adapted to the local market
Each order is prepared according to customized rules depending on the type of product, client or campaign.
You can include special packaging, brand messages, promotional materials or extra care for fragile or premium products.
The goal is to deliver a local shopping experience, without the customer noticing you operate from another country.
Deliveries in less than 24h in CDMX and national coverage
The strategic location of the logistics centers allows for same-day deliveries in Mexico City and nationwide shipping averaging 1.3 days.
This is key to compete with marketplaces and local operators who already offer fast deliveries.
Delivery speed is one of the most valued factors by Mexican consumers. Here, you can’t afford to fail.
Local returns management and customer service
Returns are also managed from Mexico. The system includes an integrated widget in your online store so the customer can easily request the return.
The product is re-entered the same day and becomes available again in your inventory, with no need to return it to the UK.
This reduces costs, improves customer experience and keeps your operation in motion.
What type of registered merchants in the UK can benefit from this solution?
This solution is not for everyone. It is designed for e-commerce businesses with volume potential, regional growth vision and high quality standards.
Online stores with their own brand or selling in marketplaces
If you sell under your own brand through Shopify, WooCommerce or marketplaces like Amazon or TikTok Shop, you can easily integrate into the system.
Order, inventory and tracking synchronization is automatic, giving you agility and control without technical complications.
Exporters with presence in Europe or the U.S. looking at LATAM
Companies already distributing in Europe or the United States and wanting to enter Latin America find in Mexico a strategic entry point for expansion.
Local fulfillment drastically reduces operational costs and allows you to enter the market with the agility needed to scale.
DTC businesses with premium or differentiated products
If you have a product with added value, whether due to its origin, design or positioning, and you want to sell directly to the consumer, you must offer an impeccable experience.
From packaging to delivery speed, everything must be up to standard. And that is only achieved with professional logistics, designed for the local market.
If you want to know how to optimize your logistics operation from the UK to Mexico, we can help you. Our team accompanies you throughout the process, from importation to final delivery.
Each business is different. Talk to a specialist before making a decision and ensure a solid, profitable and frictionless expansion.
How to choose the ideal logistics partner to operate in Mexico
If you are selling from the United Kingdom and looking to expand your e-commerce to Mexico, choosing the right logistics partner can make the difference between a smooth operation or a constant headache.
It’s not just about storing and shipping products. You need an ally who understands the Mexican market, speaks your language and solves problems quickly.
Below we share the key factors to make a good decision.
Technology, experience, service in your language and agile processes
Modern fulfillment goes beyond storage. It requires automated integrations, custom rules and real-time reporting.
Look for a provider that offers a user-friendly platform, compatible with your sales channels, and with proven experience in Mexico and Latin America.
Support in your language and the ability to solve quickly are just as important. You shouldn’t have to explain your case over and over. An efficient team understands you the first time.
Human, multichannel support without repeating your case
Your logistics partner must offer close, professional and multichannel support, whether by email, chat or phone.
More than automatic tickets, you need real people who understand your operation and accompany you from the start, without cultural barriers or endless bureaucracy.
Logistics in LATAM has its challenges, and solving them requires local knowledge and urgency.
How to scale without opening local infrastructure
One of the great benefits of working with a specialized fulfillment partner is that you can scale your operation without opening offices, warehouses or hiring staff in Mexico.
From product reception to returns, everything can be managed from a single point, with full visibility from your control panel.
This not only reduces fixed costs, but also gives you the flexibility to grow without compromising your profitability.
How can Cubbo help you if you're selling from the United Kingdom?
Cubbo specializes in fulfillment for international brands operating in Mexico and Latin America.
We understand what you need as a registered merchant in the UK, and we know how to adapt it to the operational and tax context of Mexico.
Cubbo acts as your IOR and logistics center in Mexico
We take care of receiving your products, acting as the Importer of Record (IOR) and ensuring that your goods legally enter the country without delays or unexpected costs.
From our strategically located centers in Mexico City, we manage all your inventory, orders and returns, ensuring a continuous operation, even on weekends and holidays.
Tech integration, fast deliveries and total visibility
Our platform integrates with Shopify, Amazon, TikTok Shop, WooCommerce and other sales channels, allowing you to sync orders and tracking in real time.
Thanks to our location and optimized processes, we offer same-day deliveries in Mexico City and average delivery of 1.3 days to the rest of the country.
All with complete traceability, clear dashboards and no friction.
Close support, no bureaucracy or cultural barriers
With Cubbo, you're not talking to a call center. You're in direct contact with a team that understands your business, your language and your timing.
We help you make strategic logistics decisions and solve any operational adjustments quickly.
If you want to know how to optimize your logistics operation from the UK to Mexico, we can help.
Every business is different. Talk to a specialist and learn how to adapt to the Mexican market without losing control or profitability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I sell in Mexico without having a registered company there?
Yes. You can sell in Mexico without the need to open a local company, as long as you comply with the tax and customs requirements of the country.
Working with a logistics operator that acts as your Importer of Record (IOR) allows you to operate legally, efficiently and without complications.
Can Cubbo act as IOR if I’m a registered merchant in the UK?
Yes. Cubbo can act as your IOR (Importer of Record), facilitating the legal entry of your products into Mexico.
This includes tax management, customs documentation and regulatory compliance, without requiring you to engage in complex procedures or set up an entity in the country.
What kind of products can I export from the UK to Mexico?
You can export a wide range of products, including cosmetics, supplements, gadgets, clothing, accessories, home goods and more.
If your category requires specific standards (NOMs) or health permits, our team can help you identify what’s needed for your products to enter without issues.
What’s the minimum volume to work with Cubbo?
Cubbo specializes in businesses with volume potential, so we don’t work with small or very early-stage stores.
If you already have an active operation, products in demand and a growth vision, we can help you scale without the need to set up your own infrastructure in Mexico.
Does Cubbo receive inventory directly from the United Kingdom?
Yes. You can ship your inventory from the UK and we will receive it directly at our fulfillment centers in Mexico.
Once your goods arrive, we handle storage, order prep, deliveries and returns, all managed from one single platform.
How quickly can I start selling once I integrate with Cubbo?
Very quickly. The integration process is agile, guided by our team and free of technical complications.
Once your inventory is in Mexico and your store is connected, you can begin operating within days.
If you want to know how to optimize your logistics operation from the United Kingdom to Mexico, we can help. Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you take the next step.
Each business is different. Talk to a specialist and find out if this solution is right for you.
