(And How to Avoid Them Before They Cost You Thousands of Dollars)

Importing goods into Mexico can be a great growth opportunity for your business… or a costly nightmare if it’s not done correctly.

At Flux Forwarders, we see the same pattern over and over again:

companies importing for the first time (and even experienced importers) make mistakes that lead to delays, fines, unexpected charges, or cargo being held at the port or customs.

The good news is that most of these mistakes are completely avoidable with proper planning and the right guidance.

Below, we share the most common mistakes when importing into Mexico and how to prevent them before they impact your operations and cash flow.

1️⃣ Incorrect Tariff Classification (HS Code)

One of the most frequent and expensive mistakes is using the wrong tariff classification.

Many importers rely on the HS code provided by their foreign supplier, without realizing that:

• The classification may not match Mexican SAT criteria
• An incorrect code can result in fines, reclassifications, surcharges, or even seizure of goods

🔎 How to avoid it:

Before shipping, validate the correct tariff classification with foreign trade specialists and make sure you understand:

• Applicable taxes
• Non-tariff regulations and restrictions
• Required permits or NOMs

2️⃣ Blindly Trusting the Foreign Supplier

Even when a supplier is trustworthy, many problems arise due to:

• Incomplete commercial invoices
• Incorrect declared values
• Errors in country of origin
• Incorrect packing lists

In Mexico, the importer is responsible before the authorities, not the supplier.

🔎 How to avoid it:

Review all documentation before shipment, not when the cargo is already in transit or at the port. A small paperwork error can stop an entire container.

3️⃣ Not Calculating the True Cost of Importing

Another common mistake is focusing only on product cost and international freight, while ignoring the total landed cost.

Many importers are surprised by charges such as:

• Port handling and terminal fees
• DTA
• VAT (IVA)
• Storage fees
• Demurrage and detention
• Domestic transportation

🔎 How to avoid it:

Plan the full import cost before shipping, including delay scenarios. This allows you to make informed decisions and protect your profit margins.

4️⃣ Assuming the Customs Broker Handles Everything

A customs broker is essential — but they are not the same as a freight forwarder.

• The customs broker focuses on clearance and legal compliance.
• The freight forwarder coordinates the entire logistics process: transportation, timelines, documentation, routing, and risk prevention.

Without coordination, errors multiply.

🔎 How to avoid it:

Work with a freight forwarder who coordinates directly with your customs broker and oversees the entire logistics process from start to finish.

5️⃣ Not Understanding Demurrage and Detention

Demurrage and detention are among the fastest-growing costs in international shipping.

Many importers don’t know:

• When these charges start
• How many free days they have
• The daily cost of delays
• Who is responsible for payment

A small delay can turn into thousands of dollars in just a few days.

🔎 How to avoid it:

Plan container release in advance, understand your free time, and have a clear strategy to prevent or reduce delays.

6️⃣ Not Having a Contingency Plan When Something Goes Wrong

Inspections, documentation errors, supplier delays, and carrier issues do happen.

The problem isn’t that they occur — it’s not knowing how to respond.

🔎 How to avoid it:

Work with a team experienced in handling real-world logistics issues, one that can support you before, during, and after shipment, not only when everything goes smoothly.

How Does Flux Forwarders Help Prevent These Mistakes?

At Flux Forwarders, we do more than move cargo.

We guide our clients throughout the entire import and export process to reduce risk and hidden costs.

Our approach includes:

• Pre-shipment document review
• Logistics and true cost planning
• Coordination with customs brokers
• Strategies to prevent demurrage and detention
• Continuous support throughout the shipment

Conclusion

Importing into Mexico doesn’t have to be complicated or risky.

The key is planning ahead, understanding the process, and working with partners who truly understand international logistics and the Mexican trade environment.

📩 Are you planning to import into Mexico or already dealing with a logistics issue?

At Flux Forwarders, we can help you prevent problems or resolve them before they escalate.

👉 Contact us today for a no-obligation review of your case.