Quick Answer: Ocean is the best value for non‑urgent freight; air and express win when speed or product value matters. On strong Pacific loops, East China to Manzanillo can be in the mid‑teens (days) port‑to‑port; add origin/destination handling, customs, and any inland legs to estimate door‑to‑door. Gulf entries (Altamira/Veracruz) generally take longer because of routing. Fluent Cargo
Who This Guide Is For
- First‑time importers who need clear steps and realistic timelines.
- Brands and e‑commerce sellers that want predictable deliveries to Mexico.
- Procurement/finance teams comparing air vs. sea and planning landed cost.
Methods at a Glance
Express shipping from China — 1–3 business days door‑to‑door — best for samples and small urgent orders — choose when you need time‑definite delivery and minimal paperwork.
Air freight from China — ~3–7 days door‑to‑door — best for high‑value or time‑sensitive pallets (≈100–5,000 kg) — choose priority air for hard deadlines, deferred air for savings.
Sea freight from China — LCL — ~24–40+ days door‑to‑door — best for 2–12 CBM — choose when you can’t fill a container and can accept extra handling at origin/destination.
Sea freight from China — FCL (Pacific) — ~22–35+ days door‑to‑door — best for 13–68 CBM (20’/40’) — choose when delivery is mainly in central/west Mexico; faster ocean via Manzanillo/Lázaro Cárdenas in good conditions.
Sea freight from China — FCL (Gulf) — ~30–45+ days door‑to‑door — best when final delivery is closer to the northeast/Gulf states — choose when inland is simpler via Altamira/Veracruz or the Pacific is congested.
DDP via express/air/sea — Express 1–3d • Air 4–8d • Sea 28–45+d — best for sellers who want landed pricing — choose when you want ZGGship to manage clearance, duties and taxes; use Contact to confirm DDP fit for your HS codes.
Sea Freight from China to Mexico
FCL vs LCL: How to Decide
Below ~12 CBM, LCL usually wins on total spend; above that, FCL often delivers a lower $/CBM and fewer handlings.
Example: 10 CBM / 1,800 kg apparel from Ningbo—LCL works; if we consolidate two suppliers to ~18 CBM, FCL typically lowers unit cost and damage risk.
Pacific Gateways: Manzanillo and Lázaro Cárdenas
These two ports handle most Asia–Mexico flows and connect well to central and western markets (Bajío, Jalisco, CDMX). See our explainer on ports in Mexico for context. For official port references, consult ASIPONA Manzanillo and ASIPONA Lázaro Cárdenas.
Gulf Gateways: Altamira and Veracruz
Gulf entries can be longer on the ocean leg (often via transshipment) but sometimes smoother to destinations in the northeast industrial belt (e.g., Nuevo León). Official port pages for Altamira and Veracruz provide operational context.
Typical Transit Times
Recent schedules show Shanghai → Manzanillo quickest around ~16–18 days port‑to‑port; Ningbo → Lázaro Cárdenas around ~21 days at the fast end; Shenzhen/Yantian → Lázaro Cárdenas often ~22–23 days on the fastest published strings. Always verify live carrier schedules for your week.
Cost Drivers You Control
Cut‑offs (docs, VGM), packaging density (chargeable volume), and buyer’s consolidation at origin are your biggest levers. Our origin hubs help combine suppliers so you reach FCL break‑even sooner.
Air Freight from China to Mexico
Key Airports: MEX, GDL, MTY
Economy vs Priority Air
Priority air costs more but protects hard deadlines. Deferred air is ideal when a 24–48h buffer is acceptable. We’ll price both and show the time‑cost trade‑off next to sea.
Chargeable Weight and Dimensions
Bulky but light cargo can price higher than expected. We calculate volumetric vs. actual weight and flag the break‑even point vs. LCL or FCL.
Express Courier to Mexico
When Express Beats Air Freight
Small, urgent B2B shipments and samples favor express. In 2025, Mexico reformed the simplified courier import procedure (Rule 3.7.35 of the RGCE 2025). The new rule sets a global 33.5% rate for simplified imports, while USMCA‑origin goods over USD 117 may qualify for a 19% global rate; for USD 50–117, the simplified scheme lists 17% in specific cases. Confirm the mechanism that applies to your shipment and week before you book.
Practical Limits for Batteries and DG
Airline and courier policies on lithium batteries and other DG vary by service; tell us the UN number, cell/pack config, and state of charge. We’ll confirm feasibility and the best mode.
DDP Shipping to Mexico
What DDP Includes and Excludes
DDP bundles freight, customs clearance, duty/IVA pre‑payment, and delivery so the consignee receives landed‑duty‑paid. Compliance liability still sits with the Importer of Record (IOR).
Importer of Record in Mexico
Importers must appear on the Padrón de Importadores. Typical options: the buyer is IOR; the seller uses a local subsidiary; or a third‑party IOR arrangement. Work with a licensed agente aduanal to file the pedimento.
DDP vs DAP
Choose DDP for compliant, non‑restricted products when you control documents and taxes. Choose DAP if your item likely needs NOM certification or permits you can’t obtain on the buyer’s behalf (many electronics fall under NOM‑001‑SCFI‑2018 safety rules).
Customs, Duties & Taxes in Mexico
HS Code & Duty (TIGIE)
Duty is set by your 8/10‑digit line in Mexico’s TIGIE. Use SNICE/LIGIE to understand structure and work with your broker to confirm the correct line. For estimates, the VUCEM classifier and duty calculator are helpful.
IVA at Import (16%)
Imports generally pay IVA at 16%. Your tax advisor can confirm credits/offsets.
Documents Checklist
Commercial invoice, packing list, HS code, country of origin (if used), product certificates (e.g., NOM for applicable categories), and for DG cargo, MSDS and approvals.
NOM Standards & Labeling
Electronics and other regulated products often require NOM compliance before release. Confirm scope and labelling early to avoid holds.
Brokerage & the Pedimento
Your customs broker files the pedimento electronically with ANAM; values and descriptions must match your docs.
USMCA/T‑MEC De Minimis for Courier
For express consignments from the U.S. or Canada, Mexico provides USD 50 duty‑and‑tax‑free, and above USD 50 up to USD 117 duty‑free (taxes may still apply). Keep documentation of origin.
Example Routes & Indicative Transit Times
- Sea — Shanghai → Manzanillo: fastest published recently ~16–18 days port‑to‑port; add handling and any inland legs for door‑to‑door.
- Sea — Ningbo → Lázaro Cárdenas: fast schedules around ~21 days port‑to‑port; verify rotation for your week.
- Sea — Shenzhen/Yantian → Lázaro Cárdenas: fastest strings typically ~22–23 days port‑to‑port; week‑to‑week variation applies.
- Sea — Shanghai → Altamira (Gulf): longer ocean leg (often via transshipment); check the current rotation and cut‑offs for a dated plan.
- Air — PVG/CAN/SZX/HKG → MEX/GDL/MTY: flight time <1 day; door‑to‑door commonly ~3–5 days including terminal handling and customs.
- Express — South/East China pickup → Mexico: 1–3 business days time‑definite; simplified imports subject to the Rule 3.7.35 global rate noted above.
What It Costs and How to Reduce It
Ocean and air spot rates move with capacity and season. We’ll quote a dated, all‑in comparison across FCL/LCL/air/express (THC, docs, inland included) so you can compare apples‑to‑apples.
Five Cost Levers to Control
- Mode & service level — Above volume break‑even, FCL almost always beats LCL on $/CBM; deferred air helps when timelines allow.
- Routing — Pacific entry (Manzanillo/Lázaro) is usually fastest to central/west Mexico; Gulf can be smarter for the northeast. See ports in Mexico for context.
- Consolidation — Combine suppliers at our China hubs to reach FCL and lower unit cost.
- Packaging density — Right‑size cartons/pallets to reduce chargeable volume (critical for LCL/air).
- Cargo readiness & cut‑offs — Align invoice/packing/HS, labels, and VGM; missed cut‑offs cause rollovers and storage.
How ZGGship Helps with China → Mexico Shipments
- Door‑to‑door DDP where appropriate, including IOR solutions and tax handling with your customs broker.
- Buyer’s consolidation across South and East China to hit FCL sooner and cut unit cost.
- Compliance‑first workflow: HS checks, NOM review, a complete document pack, and broker coordination for a clean pedimento.
- Transparent milestones from factory pickup to final delivery, with proactive updates.
- Support for marketplace sellers—packaging/labeling alignment and routing for ship to Amazon FBA.
FAQs
How long does sea freight from China to Mexico take in 2025?
In good conditions, published schedules show Shanghai → Manzanillo in the mid‑teens (days) port‑to‑port. Add origin/destination handling and any inland legs to estimate door‑to‑door.
What’s the difference between DDP and DAP for Mexico?
DDP bundles clearance and pre‑payment of duty/IVA so the consignee receives landed pricing; DAP leaves taxes and clearance to the buyer. In Mexico the IOR must be on the Padrón de Importadores. If your product needs NOM certification you can’t obtain on the buyer’s behalf, DAP may be safer.
Do I need a customs broker?
Yes. A licensed agente aduanal files the pedimento electronically, and your invoice, packing list, and HS code must match what’s declared.
What taxes do I pay at import into Mexico?
You’ll typically pay duty (per TIGIE) and IVA at 16% on the customs value (with applicable adjustments)
What changed for courier shipments in 2025?
Mexico’s Fourth Resolution amended Rule 3.7.35: a 33.5% global rate now applies to simplified courier imports, and a 19% global rate may apply to USMCA‑origin goods > USD 117 under defined conditions. Confirm which mechanism applies to your shipment.
What is the de minimis for express consignments under USMCA?
For shipments from the U.S. or Canada, Mexico provides up to USD 50 duty‑and‑tax‑free, and above USD 50 up to USD 117 duty‑free (taxes may still apply). Keep origin documentation.