Nationalizing Cars

NAFTA made vehicles may be nationalized at Laredo and some other ports of entry. Check with a broker as to model years. The website for a reputable broker is: www.superimportaciones.com. There is no way to legally nationalize a vehicle that is already in Mexico.

At the moment you may import 2012 and 2013. Starting November. It changes to 2013 and 2014 because those are the years that pay a 10% import duty based on value set by Aduana (Customs). Older vehicles may be nationalized but you pay 50% on value set by Aduana. In addition, all vehicles when nationalized, pay a tax of 16%.

You can import a new vehicle but the U.S. dealer will not provide warranty for Mexico. You may import a new vehicle, model years 2021 or 2022, before November, this year. Starting in November you may import a 2022 vehicle. The vehicle must be purchased from an authorized dealer and with an odometer reading of less than 3,000 Km or 1,864 miles. The dealership must be willing to give you the certificate of origin and your name and address in Mexico must appear on the invoice.

For new and used vehicles the first digit of the VIN must start with 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. The only exception is for classic vehicles, 30 years or older. They can be from any country of origin.

If anyone offers to nationalize a vehicle and the process is to be completed within days and / or it includes state plates including EdoMex the process is illegal. For those obtaining EdoMex plates for their foreign-plated vehicle the process is also illegal. If you want to check out such a process go and ask your local SAT / Aduana office if it is legal. Every car when legally nationalized receives a pedimento from Aduana.