On 29 December 2025, Mexico published a decree in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF) amending the tariff schedule of its General Import and Export Tax Law (LIGIE). Since 1 January 2026, goods from countries that do not have a trade agreement with Mexico, including China, pay higher import duties on 1,463 tariff lines, at rates reported between 5% and 50%.
What changed
- Who it applies to: goods originating in countries without a free trade agreement with Mexico. China is the largest of them.
- What it covers: 1,463 tariff lines across 17 sectors, including textiles, clothing, footwear, plastics, toys, household goods and auto parts.
- How it is charged: the duty is calculated on the customs value of the goods, and import VAT (IVA) still applies on top.
What we know about bags
Coverage of the decree reports different rates for bags, so treat these as indications, not as your rate:
- El Informador lists backpacks and suitcases among goods at 20%, and lunch boxes (loncheras) at 35%.
- Expansión reports 25% for leather goods "such as bags, backpacks, belts and gloves", and 25% to 35% for textiles depending on the product.
The rate that applies to your order depends on the exact tariff line (fracción arancelaria) of the bag. That is decided by what it is made of, its outer surface and how it is used: a polyester shopping tote, a cotton tote, a cooler bag and a backpack can each fall under different lines. Check the line in the SAT's SIAVI system or with your customs broker before you calculate your margins.
How to plan your next order
- Classify first, then quote. Ask your customs broker to confirm the tariff line from a detailed description: material composition, outer fabric, lining, closure, dimensions and intended use.
- Budget the landed cost, not the factory price. Add freight, insurance, the new duty and IVA to the unit price, and compare options at that level.
- Revisit the specification. Material and construction choices can change the classification. Discuss them openly with your broker, never to disguise a product.
- Avoid shortcuts. Under-declaring value or misdescribing goods to pay less duty carries penalties and can hold up your shipment.
When you request a quote from us for delivery to Mexico, say so at the start. We will include the material composition and construction details in the specification so your broker can classify the bag before production.
The figures above come from news coverage of the decree. The official DOF text and any later amendments take precedence; one tariff database reports further changes published on 23 April 2026.
