CUSTOMS DUTIES: MEXICO TO BELIZE

Customs Duties and Import Regulations: Mexico to Belize

When exporting goods from Mexico to Belize, it is essential to understand the customs duties, taxes, and regulatory requirements administered by the Belize Customs and Excise Department. Belize's tariff system is based on the Harmonized Description and Coding System (HS) and follows the Caribbean Community's (CARICOM) Common External Tariff (CET). As Mexico is not a CARICOM member, exported goods will be subject to standard import duties and additional taxes upon entry into Belize.

General Duty Rates for Common Product Categories

Belize applies a tiered duty structure with rates varying significantly by product category. The following table outlines typical duty rates for common exports:

Product Category	Import Duty Rate	Notes
Food Items (selected)	0%	Various food items exempt from duty
Medicines	0%	Pharmaceutical products generally duty-free
Industrial Products	20% (average)	May be higher for products of national interest
Fresh Peppers and Pepper Sauces	45%	Protected agricultural products
Live Animals	45%	Protected agricultural category
Boats	45%	Protected product category
Automobiles (certain types)	45%	Varies by vehicle classification
General Commodities	0-120%	Varies by HS code - contact our experts

Important Note: Import duties are calculated on the CIF Value of goods (Cost, Insurance, plus Freight). The average rate applied to commodities is 20 percent.

Additional Taxes and Fees

Beyond import duties, exporters must account for the following additional charges:

• Revenue Replacement Duty (RRD): Ranges from 10% to 50%, with the majority averaging 40%. This tax may apply to certain commodities.
• General Sales Tax (GST): Applied at 12.5% on the aggregate of the customs value and other duties.
• Environmental Tax: Charged at 3% on all imports, excluding certain medicines and food items. Automobiles are charged at 2-5% depending on vehicle type.

Required Documentation

Proper documentation is critical for smooth customs clearance. Exporters should prepare the following:

• Commercial invoice with detailed product descriptions and values
• Packing list specifying contents and weights
• Bill of lading or air waybill
• Certificate of origin (if applicable)
• Product-specific certificates (health, quality, safety as required)
• Import permit or license (if required for specific product categories)
• Harmonized System (HS) code classification for each product
• Insurance documentation covering CIF value

Important Regulations and Restrictions

• All imports must be declared to the Belize Customs and Excise Department at the point of entry.
• Certain products are prohibited or restricted, including specific agricultural items, hazardous materials, and controlled substances. Verify product eligibility before export.
• Labeling and marking requirements must comply with Belizean standards, including language requirements and product information specifications.
• Customs duties and taxes accounted for 35% of Belize's government revenue in 2021, reflecting strict enforcement of customs regulations.
• All values must be declared accurately; misrepresentation can result in penalties and confiscation.

Trade Agreements and Preferential Treatment

Mexico and Belize do not have a bilateral preferential trade agreement. Belize reserves preferential duty treatment exclusively for CARICOM member states, which are exempt from import duties. However, Revenue Replacement Duty (RRD) may still apply to certain CARICOM-origin goods. As a non-CARICOM country, Mexico-origin goods are subject to the standard Common External Tariff rates outlined above.

For current information and specific product classifications, contact the Belize Customs and Excise Department at https://www.customs.gov.bz/ or consult with a customs broker licensed in Belize.