Wholesale guide1. Who can import
In Mexico, goods are imported by an individual or company registered in the SAT importers registry (padrón de importadores). If your business isn't registered, you can work with a trading company or an importer that imports on your behalf.
At customs, a licensed customs broker (agente aduanal) files the customs entry (pedimento) and the permits the goods require.
2. The prior sanitary import permit (COFEPRIS)
Food supplements are overseen by COFEPRIS. Importing them requires a prior sanitary import permit, filed through VUCEM (the single foreign-trade window) and attached to the pedimento.
According to the procedure page published on gob.mx, the documents include, among others, proof of fee payment, a certificate of free sale and product analyses. Timing depends on COFEPRIS and on the file being complete.
Your customs broker will also tell you whether your company must file a notice of operation (aviso de funcionamiento) with COFEPRIS before importing.
3. Spanish labelling
Before sale in Mexico, products must carry the Spanish-language information Mexico's health rules require for food supplements. Many importers apply a supplementary label in Mexico before sale.
Check with your broker or a regulatory consultant which statements each product needs.
4. Duties and the USMCA (T-MEC)
Products that qualify as originating in the United States can pay reduced or zero duty under the USMCA. That requires a valid certification of origin.
Not every supplement sold in the US is made there. Ask us about the products you want and check with your customs broker whether they qualify.
5. What we do from Miami
We prepare the commercial invoice and packing list for your order, by the case or pallet, and hand the goods to your freight forwarder or warehouse in Miami or anywhere in the US, including warehouses on the border. You arrange the freight to Mexico.
If your customs broker needs a specific detail on the invoice, tell us before dispatch. We don't file Mexican permits or act as the importer in Mexico.
Every product is genuine, bought in the U.S. through established supply channels, and ships sealed in its original packaging, with a purchase record for every shipment.
Checklist before your first order
- Your company or your importer is in the SAT importers registry.
- You have a customs broker who knows food supplements.
- Your broker has confirmed the COFEPRIS prior sanitary permit for each product.
- You know how you will label in Spanish before sale.
- Your broker has checked whether your products qualify under the USMCA.
- You've chosen a freight forwarder in Miami or at the border.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a COFEPRIS permit to import supplements?
Importing food supplements into Mexico requires a COFEPRIS prior sanitary import permit, filed through VUCEM. Your customs broker confirms what applies to each product.
Can I import if I'm not in the importers registry?
To import in your own name you need to be in the SAT importers registry. If you aren't, you can import through a trading company or an importer acting for third parties.
Does Legacy Supplements import into Mexico for me?
No. We sell wholesale from Miami, ship within the US only, provide the commercial invoice and packing list, and can deliver to your forwarder or warehouse. The import into Mexico is done by your importer with their customs broker.
Do US supplements pay duty in Mexico?
It depends on the product. Those that qualify as US-originating can get preferential duty under the USMCA with a valid certification of origin. Check each product with your customs broker.
Ready for your first order?
Tell us which brands you want to sell in Mexico and we will send case and pallet pricing.