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Shipping packages internationally can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options makes the process straightforward.
This guide covers what you need to know about sending packages from the United States to Mexico using the United States Postal Service, from choosing the right service to navigating customs requirements.
Whether you’re sending gifts to family, fulfilling online orders, or conducting business across borders, this step-by-step resource will help ensure your packages arrive safely and on time.
Choosing Your USPS Shipping Service
Selecting the right shipping service depends on your package’s urgency, value, and weight. USPS offers several options for Mexico, each balancing speed, cost, and features like tracking and insurance.
Service Comparison Overview
| Service Name | Best For | Estimated Delivery Time | Starting Price (Retail) | Maximum Weight | USPS Tracking® Included? | Included Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI) | Speed and time-sensitive items; shipments requiring robust insurance coverage | 3–5 Business Days | From $59.50 | 70 lbs | Yes | Up to $200 (Merchandise) |
| Priority Mail International® (PMI) | Value for packages over 4 lbs; non-urgent but reliable delivery | 6–10 Business Days | From $30.90 | 70 lbs | Yes (Excludes Flat Rate Envelopes & Small Boxes) | Not Available for Mexico |
| First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS) | Lightweight, low-value goods under 4 lbs | Varies by Destination | From $17.85 | 4 lbs | Yes (E-USPS DELCON INTL) | Not Available |
Priority Mail Express International: Fastest Option
Priority Mail Express International is USPS’s premium service for urgent shipments to Mexico. Packages typically arrive within 3 to 5 business days, though actual transit times can vary based on origin and destination points, plus potential customs delays.
Weight and Size Limits: Packages can weigh up to 70 pounds when priced by weight. For lighter items, USPS provides free Priority Mail Express International Flat Rate Envelopes in standard, Legal, and Padded varieties, with a 4-pound weight limit.
Tracking and Insurance: Every shipment includes end-to-end USPS Tracking®, allowing both sender and recipient to monitor the package’s journey. Insurance coverage is automatic—up to $100 for document reconstruction and up to $200 for merchandise loss, damage, or missing contents. Additional insurance up to $5,000 can be purchased for higher-value items.
2025 Pricing: Pricing for Mexico (Price Group 2) starts at $59.50 retail for Flat Rate Envelopes. Businesses using Commercial Base pricing pay $56.10. Weight-based retail pricing begins at $61.60 and increases with package weight. Online postage solutions often provide access to lower Commercial Base rates.
Priority Mail International: Best Value for Most Packages
Priority Mail International serves as USPS’s workhorse for international shipping, offering reliable delivery at reasonable cost. It’s the most popular choice for packages over 4 pounds that aren’t time-critical.
Delivery Timeline: Estimated delivery is 6 to 10 business days, though some 2024 data suggests actual delivery averages around 5 to 6 business days to Mexico. Customs delays can extend final delivery dates.
Flat Rate Options: PMI offers extensive free Flat Rate packaging. Flat Rate Envelopes and Small Flat Rate Boxes accommodate shipments up to 4 pounds, while Medium and Large Flat Rate Boxes handle shipments up to 20 pounds. The “if it fits, it ships” model provides predictable pricing regardless of weight within specified limits.
Tracking Limitations: PMI includes USPS Tracking®, but with a critical exception—tracking is not available for Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes and Small Flat Rate Boxes. For end-to-end tracking, use your own packaging or Medium/Large Flat Rate Boxes.
Insurance Warning for Mexico: General USPS marketing materials often state that PMI includes up to $200 merchandise insurance. However, the USPS International Mail Manual explicitly states that indemnity (insurance) for Priority Mail International to Mexico is “not available.” This country-specific regulation overrides general marketing claims.
If your PMI package to Mexico is lost or damaged, insurance claims will likely be denied based on Mexico-specific regulations. For insured shipments, use Priority Mail Express International or purchase third-party shipping insurance.
2025 Pricing: Retail pricing for a Flat Rate Envelope starts at $30.90, while a Medium Flat Rate Box costs $61.80. Weight-based retail pricing begins at $42.95. Commercial Base pricing offers discounts, with Flat Rate Envelopes starting at $29.66.
First-Class Package International: Lightweight Shipments
First-Class Package International Service provides the most economical option for small, low-value items weighing under 4 pounds.
Delivery and Restrictions: Delivery time “Varies by Destination” and is the slowest package service without guaranteed delivery windows. Packages must weigh less than 4 pounds, contain items valued under $400, and meet size requirements (maximum 24 inches length, 36 inches combined length/height/depth).
Tracking and Insurance: Shipments include Electronic USPS Delivery Confirmation International tracking from the U.S. to delivery point. No USPS insurance is available, though third-party coverage can be purchased.
2025 Pricing: Retail prices start at $17.85, increasing by weight tiers.
Specialized Services
Global Express Guaranteed: For fastest possible delivery (1-3 business days), Global Express Guaranteed partners with FedEx for international transport. This premium service includes $100 insurance with options for additional coverage but costs significantly more than other USPS services.
First-Class Mail International: For documents only—letters, correspondence, or greeting cards. A Global Forever® stamp ($1.70 as of late 2024) covers 1-ounce letters to any country worldwide. Cannot be used for merchandise.
Customs Requirements and Mexican Regulations
Every package crossing international borders must clear customs in both countries. Mistakes in this stage cause most package delays, returns, or seizures.
Understanding Customs Forms
The customs form you attach provides critical information to Mexican customs authorities (Servicio de Administración Tributaria – SAT) for security, tax assessment, and import law enforcement.
Modern international shipping uses Advance Electronic Data (AED), where postal services transmit customs data electronically to destination countries before packages leave origin countries. This system allows customs officials to perform risk assessments in advance. USPS now requires all customs forms to be computer-generated through online tools or retail clerk systems.
Required Customs Forms by Service
| USPS Service | Contents | Required Form |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI) | All items (documents, merchandise) | PS Form 2976-B |
| Priority Mail International® (PMI) | Parcels using own packaging, Medium & Large Flat Rate Boxes | PS Form 2976-A |
| First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS) | Merchandise under 4 lbs and $400 | PS Form 2976 |
| Priority Mail International® (PMI) | Flat Rate Envelopes & Small Flat Rate Boxes | PS Form 2976 |
| First-Class Mail International® | Documents, letters, or large envelopes only | No form required. If applicable, endorse “BUSINESS PAPERS.” |
How to Complete Customs Forms
Be Specific and Detailed: Global regulations require highly detailed content descriptions. Customs officials use this information to identify items, assign Harmonized System tariff codes, and assess risks or duties.
Instead of “Clothing,” write “Men’s cotton t-shirts” or “Girl’s denim vest.” Instead of “Tools,” write “Hand-held power drill” or “Set of 8 screwdrivers.” Instead of “Gifts,” describe each item: “One scented candle” and “One remote-controlled toy car.”
Accurate Value Declaration: Declare the true purchase price or fair market value. Under-declaring values to help recipients avoid import taxes is illegal and risky. Mexican customs officials can identify undervalued shipments, leading to package seizure and fines for both sender and recipient.
Mexico has a de minimis threshold of approximately $50 USD for mail shipments, below which goods often avoid duties and taxes. However, this threshold can change, and Mexican customs reserves the right to assess taxes on any item regardless of declared value.
Complete All Required Fields:
- Quantity of each specific item
- Weight of each item
- Country of origin where each item was manufactured
- Full sender and recipient information including phone numbers and email addresses
Online vs. Post Office Completion: The most efficient method is using the USPS Customs Form Online tool or Click-N-Ship® service. These tools guide you through the process, ensure completion of required fields, and generate computer-printed labels with necessary barcodes and electronic data transmission.
At Post Offices, you complete PS Form 2976-R worksheet, which retail clerks enter into their system to print official, computer-generated customs labels.
Mexico’s Import Restrictions
As the sender, you’re legally the “exporter of record,” responsible for ensuring items comply with both U.S. export laws and Mexican import laws. Items legal to mail in the U.S. may be forbidden in Mexico.
Items Prohibited by USPS for All International Mail:
- Aerosols
- Air bags
- Alcoholic beverages
- Ammunition and explosives
- Cigarettes
- Dry ice
- Gasoline
- Marijuana (medical or otherwise)
- Nail polish
- Perfumes containing alcohol
- Poisons
Items Prohibited by Mexico:
- Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices (all forms strictly prohibited)
- Narcotics and certain drugs, including common U.S. over-the-counter medications containing pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or codeine
- Firearms and ammunition
- Used clothing and shoes (not part of personal luggage)
- Poppy seeds, thallium sulfate, certain pesticides
- Images considered denigrating
Items Requiring Mexican Permits:
- Food and agricultural products (heavily regulated by SENASICA)
- Fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, soil, homemade foods (generally prohibited)
- Pork products from many countries (banned due to African Swine Fever concerns)
- Medicines and supplements (prescription medications need prescription copies and doctor’s notes)
- Food supplements and vitamins (usually require special import licenses)
- Electronics and IT equipment (may require Norma Oficial Mexicana certification)
- Chocolate products (may need Secretary of Commerce authorization)
Commercial Shipments: Shipments exceeding $1,000 USD typically require formal import permits. Include two copies of commercial invoices inside packages to facilitate customs clearance.
Package Preparation and Mailing
Proper Packaging
International shipments are handled by many people and processed through numerous automated facilities. Robust packaging protects your contents during the journey.
Container Selection: Use high-quality, sturdy, double-walled corrugated boxes. If reusing boxes, ensure structural integrity and completely remove or black out all old shipping labels, barcodes, and addresses to avoid confusion in automated sorting.
Cushioning Requirements: Contents should not shift during transit. Use at least two inches of quality cushioning material—bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or foam—to line boxes and wrap individual items. Place fragile items in box centers, away from walls.
For particularly delicate items, use double-boxing: pack items in smaller, cushioned boxes, then place inside larger, cushioned boxes. After packing, gently shake the box—if you hear or feel movement, add more cushioning.
Sealing: Close boxes and seal all top and bottom seams using 2-inch-wide pressure-sensitive packing tape. Don’t use cellophane tape, masking tape, or duct tape—they lack sufficient strength. Avoid wrapping boxes in paper or tying with string or cord, which can tear or catch in processing equipment.
Addressing Packages to Mexico
Incorrect address formatting commonly causes delays or returns. Mexico’s address format differs from standard U.S. format, particularly postal code placement.
U.S. senders often incorrectly place postal codes after cities following the familiar “City, STATE ZIP” pattern. For Mexico, the Universal Postal Union and USPS International Mail Manual require five-digit postal codes before city names.
Correct Format (print in all capital letters without punctuation):
RECIPIENT'S FULL LEGAL NAME
STREET NAME AND NUMBER, APARTMENT/SUITE NUMBER
COLONIA (NEIGHBORHOOD)
POSTAL CODE CITY, STATE ABBREVIATION
MEXICO
Example:
MARIA FERNANDA RODRIGUEZ
AVENIDA REFORMA 222 PISO 10
COLONIA JUAREZ
06600 CIUDAD DE MEXICO, CMX
MEXICO
Include recipient phone numbers and email addresses on customs forms to enable contact for clearance or delivery issues.
Purchasing Postage and Insurance
Online vs. In-Person: USPS Click-N-Ship® is the most efficient method, allowing you to enter information, generate compliant customs forms, pay discounted Commercial Rate postage, and print complete shipping labels from home.
Additional Insurance for Mexico: Additional insurance provides financial protection for lost or damaged packages but is limited to specific services.
Eligibility: For Mexico shipments, additional merchandise insurance can only be purchased for Priority Mail Express International. It’s not available from USPS for Priority Mail International or First-Class Package International Service.
Process:
- Determine total replacement value (up to $5,000 maximum for Mexico PMEI shipments)
- When creating PMEI labels online, add extra services and enter declared value for insurance coverage
- At Post Offices, inform clerks you want additional insurance and declare value on PS Form 2976-R
- Retain mailing receipts as proof of insurance until delivery confirmation
Mailing Options
Post Office Drop-off: Hand packages to retail clerks at any Post Office. Clerks scan packages and provide acceptance receipts confirming USPS possession—the most secure method.
Free Package Pickup: Schedule pickup online for PMEI, PMI, and FCPIS shipments. Regular mail carriers collect packages during normal routes.
Collection Box Drop-off: Only for packages with pre-paid, computer-generated customs labels weighing under 10 ounces and less than 1/2-inch thick. Given strict limitations, Post Office drop-off or scheduled pickup is safer for most shipments.
Tracking Your Package
After mailing, you can track your package’s journey to Mexico using the tracking number provided with PMEI, PMI (excluding Flat Rate Envelopes and Small Boxes), and FCPIS services.
Tracking Process
Universal tracking numbers beginning with letters like ‘C’, ‘E’, or ‘L’ comply with Universal Postal Union standards and work on both USPS Tracking® and Mexico’s Correos de México tracking systems.
Use USPS Tracking® for the initial journey from acceptance in the United States until dispatch from U.S. international service centers and departure for Mexico.
Customs Processing
The most confusing period occurs after USPS tracking shows “Processed Through Facility, MEXICO CITY, MEXICO.” This typically means packages have landed at Mexican airports and been transferred to Mexican customs authority (SAT) for processing—not yet in Correos de México possession.
Customs clearance can take days to weeks depending on mail volume, package contents, and customs declaration accuracy. During this period, tracking updates may disappear into a “customs black hole”—this is normal. Packages aren’t lost; they’re waiting in inspection queues.
Tracking in Mexico
Once Mexican customs clears and releases packages, they’re transferred to Correos de México for final delivery. New tracking scans begin appearing on the Correos de México tracking website.
Enter your original USPS tracking number in the “Ingrese el número de guía” field and select the correct mailing year from the dropdown menu. Common Mexican tracking statuses include “En tránsito a destino” (In transit to destination) or “Con mensajero para entrega” (With courier for delivery).
While third-party tracking sites can aggregate information from both carriers, always consider official USPS and Correos de México websites as primary, most accurate tracking sources.
Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.
