Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure. When you are furnishing your new home from scratch, you have the option of buying everything new or moving your existing furniture from your home north of the border. Before you decide to move your furniture, it is essential to understand the rules, regulations, and Mexican import processes.
What can I import?
In general, Mexico allows you to import used household goods and personal items tax-free if you meet certain conditions. These items include furniture, appliances, electronics, clothing, and personal belongings. However, there are limitations and restrictions to consider.
Requirements for tax-free import:
- Items must be for personal use and not for resale.
- You must provide proof of your residency in Mexico. This usually involves presenting your Temporary Resident or Permanent Resident visa. You are not allowed to import if you only have a tourist visa.
- Household items include furniture, bedding, books, and clothing. Works of art are also considered household items if they are not part of a collection for exhibitions or galleries.
- Some items are subject to strict regulations and may require special permits.
Examples of restricted items:
- Hazardous materials (chemicals, explosives)
- Live plants (phytosanitary inspections)
How to import my furniture?
When deciding whether to bring your household items yourself (in your car or on an airplane), ship them separately, use a freighter, or buy all new items in Mexico, here are some factors to consider:
Cost:
- Shipping separately or freighter: Expensive (shipping rates, customs fees, storage)
- Bring by car or plane: More economical for small quantities
Level of Difficulty:
- Shipping separately or freighter: Shipping separately or freighter: Complex and slow (coordination with moving companies, customs)
- Bring by car or plane: Simple for small quantities
Risk of Damage:
- Shipping separately or freighter: Shipping separately or freighter: Better protection (specialized packaging)
- Bring by car or plane: Asegurar el transporte seguro (embalaje adecuado)
Durability in a different climate:
- Consider the Vallarta climate: High humidity, termites, UV rays, salt air
- Wooden furniture: risk of termite damage
Legal process for importing furniture:
- Prepare a detailed inventory list of the items: Typewritten, descriptions, brands, models, serial numbers, quantities, values, condition.
- Label the items for easy inspection.
- Complete and submit customs forms and documentation: Temporary or Permanent Resident visa, passport, letter in Spanish requesting certification of household items, four copies of each document.
- Pay a fee for an entry authorization (Menaje de Casa).
Additional requirements:
- Household items must correspond to the number of family members.
- New appliances cannot be included.
- Sheets must be used and not new.
- A motor vehicle is not considered a household item.
Temporary import for temporary residents:
- Furniture import is temporary for the duration of the immigration card.
- Do not let your immigration status expire. Otherwise, the furniture must be returned to the country of origin.
- Furniture can be left in Mexico when changing to permanent status.
Tips for importing furniture:
- Work with a reputable international moving company.
- Purchase insurance against loss or damage during transportation.
- Follow customs procedures and regulations to avoid fines, confiscations or legal problems.
Ship or buy?
We can help you with either. We offer turnkey furniture packages as well as international/national/local furniture relocation. Visit us at our Puerto Vallarta store at 363A Constitucion or Bucerias store at Heroes de Nacozari 126. If you are not currently in Mexico, email us at furniture@solutionsmexico.com or text us on Whatsapp at +52 322 136 5156. And remember, you can always reach us at our website: www.solutionsmexico.com.
By sheryl Novak
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