Amazon Imports Disrupted by Mexico’s New Customs Rules

Starting January 1, 2025, Mexico introduced a series of stringent customs regulations that have significantly impacted Amazon imports to Mexico, drawing widespread concern from both consumers and sellers. The new rules have triggered a wave of canceled orders and stalled deliveries, particularly in regions beyond Mexico City, frustrating shoppers and merchants alike.

From Streamlined to Strangled: What's Changed?

Previously, eCommerce platforms benefited from simplified customs clearance procedures that allowed goods to be shipped directly to consumers without requiring import registration or licensed customs brokers. However, the new Mexico customs regulations have dramatically narrowed these privileges.

The biggest blow affects products classified under Chapter 87 of the General Import and Export Tariff Law, which includes automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, and their accessories. These categories are now subject to rigorous import conditions, disrupting countless cross-border shipments.

Exclusive Customs Ports Cause Delivery Chaos

Although Mexico’s government partially revised the policy in April 2025, the most contentious component—the “exclusive customs system”—remains unchanged. According to Appendix 21 of the Customs Law, certain goods, such as specific footwear categories, can only clear customs through designated ports. If they arrive at an unauthorized location, clearance is denied. This has left many cross-border eCommerce orders undelivered, returned, or outright canceled.

Why Mexico City Is the Exception

Currently, Amazon has had to restrict the sale of imported goods to select areas, with Mexico City being the most reliable delivery zone. This is due to the capital’s two major airports—Mexico City International Airport and Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA)—offering more comprehensive customs clearance capabilities. Outside of this region, if local customs cannot process the shipment, orders face indefinite delays or termination.

The Ripple Effect on Sellers and Platforms

These policy changes have sent shockwaves through the eCommerce landscape. Small and medium-sized sellers who rely heavily on Amazon imports to Mexico are grappling with inventory bottlenecks, customer complaints, and potential revenue loss. Without timely policy adjustments, the fallout could trigger a wider economic chain reaction.

Sellers must now act as registered importers to ship goods from abroad, taking full responsibility for customs declarations and duties—even when using Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon). Failure to do so correctly could result in suspended selling privileges or rejected shipments, with sellers footing the return or disposal costs.

Compliance Is No Longer Optional

In addition to the revised import procedures, all goods entering Mexico must now comply with specific technical standards and labeling regulations. Items must carry the “MX NOM” mark to indicate conformity with the Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM), the official Mexican technical standards. This applies to electronics, food and beverages, apparel, footwear, and home appliances, all of which must undergo laboratory testing and certification.

Labeling standards—such as NOM-050, NOM-051, and NOM-004—must be meticulously followed. Noncompliant goods will be denied entry or subject to severe penalties, further complicating the operations of cross-border eCommerce sellers.

Banned Products and Intellectual Property Pitfalls

Mexico also enforces strict bans on the import of certain items, including specific fish species, seeds, chemicals, and archaeological artifacts. Moreover, the customs authority is vigilant about intellectual property violations. Goods that infringe on trademarks or copyrights—whether intentional or not—may be seized unless sellers have proper licensing or registration documentation.

Final Thoughts: A Challenging Road Ahead

While these new Mexico customs regulations were likely designed to protect domestic industries and enhance compliance, their implementation has disrupted the flow of Amazon imports to Mexico. Until meaningful policy revisions are made, sellers and consumers alike will continue to face shipping delays, blocked transactions, and rising operational costs.

For global merchants in the cross-border eCommerce space, staying informed and proactive in understanding local compliance requirements is no longer just a best practice—it’s essential for survival in Mexico's tightening regulatory environment.