Before the goods arrive at customs, the importer must have already prepared and filed an application for customs clearance. Some relevant documents/authorizations required in the import process include: the importation declaration, the commercial invoice, the bill of landing, the Certificate of Origin, among others. The product must also comply with the requirements of the applicable Mexican Official Standards (NOM’s), e.g. labelling requirements.
Tax legislation is complex and dynamic, but, in a nutshell, the total taxation of wine products in Mexico amounts to approx. 40-50% of the goods value and is divided into the following items:
General Import Tax (Variable%): According to the General Law of Imports and Exports, the general import tax for wines of fresh grapes is 20%. There are multiple exceptions to this rule, e.g. sparkling wine. Governmental fees for custom proceedings are also applicable (e.g. 8 per 1K). Free Trade agreements may give rise to preferential duty rates.
Value Added Tax (VAT) (16%): The general 16% rate applies to the wine importation and its commercialization. Northern border transactions may qualify for VAT reduction.
Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS) (Variable%): The IEPS Law considers different rates according to the alcohol content of the product to be commercialized: i) up to 14°GL, 26.5%, more than 14° GL and up to 20° GL, 30%, iii) more than 20°GL, 53%.