How to Ship Packages to Mexico

Shipping packages to Mexico can be done easily through the United States Postal Service (USPS) or through a private shipper, such as FedEx or UPS. Whether you are sending a personal or business package, you can choose to go to an authorized shipper location or take advantage of the various do-it-yourself Internet options that allow you to complete and print the necessary forms and pay for the shipping and duty fees using your home computer.

Things You'll Need

• Packaging materials, such as boxes and packing peanuts
• Address labels (available from shipper)
• Customs form (available from shipper)

Instructions

1. Determine your packaging needs for the item you are shipping to Mexico. For example, if you are sending glass, double box the item and surround it with an appropriate cushion, such as packing peanuts, to prevent breakage during transit.

2. Locate a delivery service. Available shippers for delivery to Mexico include USPS, FedEx and UPS.

3. Weigh your package to figure out how much postage you will need. If you use an international prepaid box from USPS, the cost will be a flat fee; however, make sure to stay within the bounds of the weight limit.

4. Purchase insurance, if preferred, to guard against loss or damage. It is recommended that you buy coverage for valuable shipments.

5. Attach the address and postage labels, as well as any tracking information, to the box. Enter the address on the label so that the five-digit postal code for the destination city goes in front of the name (for example, 39300 Acapulco) and the last address line reads "MEXICO" in all caps.

6. Fill out the appropriate customs form to declare the contents and value of the package. For boxed shipments, you generally use "PS Form 2976" and/or "PS Form 2976-A" in conjunction with the "Form 2976-E" envelope, which go either on the inside or outside of the package. Read the USPS "123.61 Conditions" page (see Resources) for help in making your selection and getting specific instructions. To get the customs forms, go to the "USPS---Customs" page (see Resources).

7. Pay the necessary shipping and duty fees at the shipper counter or by using the Internet check-out system provided on the shipper's website.

8. Drop your package off at an authorized shipper location or schedule a time for your shipment to be picked up from your home, if available.

Tips & Warnings

• If you use a USPS flat-rate box, check to see whether you can still get tracking information for your package, as some flat rate boxes do not have this option.

• Never ship dangerous or illegal materials.

References

• Country Conditions for Mailing - Mexico

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Country Conditions for Mailing - Mexico
• 123.61 Conditions
• USPS - Customs