Mexico is preparing for a significant transformation in the e-commerce landscape starting January 1, 2025. The Ministry of Finance, through the 2025 Fiscal Miscellaneous published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF), has implemented a series of measures that will directly impact foreign digital platforms such as Shein, Temu, and Amazon, requiring them to comply with new tax and customs regulations or import tariffs.

These measures aim to level the playing field for local businesses and strengthen tax collection, marking a before and after in how these e-commerce giants operate in Mexico.

What do the new tariffs mean for Temu, Shein, and Amazon?

The most significant change is the obligation for these platforms to register with the Federal Taxpayer Registry (RFC) and pay the corresponding taxes in Mexico. This includes Value Added Tax (VAT) on imported goods, with revenues deposited in foreign accounts. To comply, they must obtain an electronic signature (e.firma), provide a registered address in Mexico, and appoint a legal representative.

Additionally, a new tariff scheme has been established that affects goods imported through courier companies. The Tax Administration Service (SAT) has stipulated that goods from countries without trade agreements with Mexico, such as China (home to Shein and Temu), will be subject to a 19% tariff. For imports from the United States and Canada, members of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a 17% tariff will apply if the value of the goods exceeds $50 but does not exceed $117.

For goods from other countries with trade agreements with Mexico and valued at more than $1, a 19% tariff will also apply.

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Why are Shein and other apps now requesting CURP or RFC?

In line with these new regulations, Shein has already begun requesting personal data such as the Unique Population Registry Code (CURP) or RFC from its users. This requirement aims to comply with Mexican tax and customs provisions, allowing the verification that imported goods meet regulations and pay the corresponding taxes.

When making a purchase, Shein customers encounter messages asking them to review and confirm their full name, CURP, or RFC to ensure smooth delivery of their orders.

How does paying tariffs affect consumers buying on Temu, Shein, and Amazon?

The implementation of these tariffs will directly impact the final price of products purchased through these platforms. Consumers should prepare for possible cost increases, as companies might pass part of this tax burden onto sales prices.

Additionally, delivery times are likely to be affected, as customs authorities will carry out additional inspections to ensure compliance with the new provisions.

Amazon announces new import tariffs

Amazon, for its part, informed its users that orders might take longer than expected due to customs inspections.

It also reported that carriers might contact customers to request payment of a global import fee as a condition for delivery. This fee will vary depending on the origin of the shipment and the value of the order, ranging between 0% and 19%. Amazon clarified that users can reject the order if they disagree with the additional charge, offering the option of the A-to-Z Guarantee.

Through a message, the e-commerce platform shared the following:

On December 30, 2024, the Tax Administration Service (SAT) published changes to the General Rules of Foreign Trade, which will take effect starting January 1, 2025. The main changes concern global import rates.

Your order may take longer than expected as customs authorities could conduct additional inspections due to these changes.

Additionally, the carrier may contact you requesting payment of a global import fee as a condition for delivering your order.

The applicable global rate will depend on the country of origin of the shipment and the value of your order:

• Shipments from the United States or Canada valued at $50 USD or less: 0%
• Shipments from the United States or Canada valued between $50 USD and $117 USD: 17%
• Shipments from the United States or Canada valued between $117 USD and $2,500 USD: 19%
• Shipments from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Colombia, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, the United Kingdom, Singapore, or Vietnam valued at $1 USD or more: 19%
• Shipments from any country not listed above (e.g., China) regardless of value: 19%

For example, a decorative LED desk lamp purchased on Amazon and shipped from China with a base price of $700 MXN would incur a 19% tariff equivalent to $133 MXN, bringing the cost to $833 MXN.

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