Amazon FBA Mexico 2026: Customs, RFCs & Seizures

https://www.zbaologistics.com/contact-usIf you are an Amazon seller shipping from China to Amazon Mexico (FBA), the rules of the game have fundamentally changed.

For years, sellers relied on a "Grey Market" strategy: shipping goods via "Global Courier" services, declaring artificially low values (under $50), and bypassing formal import registration.

In 2026, that era is over.

Mexico’s National Customs Agency (ANAM) has launched a massive crackdown on "undervalued e-commerce cargo" to stop triangulation from Asia.

• The Result: Thousands of containers are currently stuck at Manzanillo and Lazaro Cardenas ports.

• The New Law: As of January 1, 2026, penalties for false value declarations have increased significantly, and the Manifestación de Valor (MV) is now mandatory electronically.

At Zbao Logistics, we help sellers transition from risky "smuggling" channels to 100% Compliant IOR Solutions. This guide explains exactly why your cargo is getting seized and how to fix it.

Part 1: The "Triangulation" Crackdown (Why Cargo Gets Seized)

The Core Problem: Undervaluation

ANAM is targeting shipments where the declared value is implausibly low (e.g., declaring a $20 Bluetooth speaker as $4).

• Reference Price Mechanism: Customs computers now compare your declared HS Code value against a database of "Reference Prices."

• The Red Flag: If your declared value is significantly lower than the reference price (often <60%), the shipment is automatically flagged for a "Value Challenge."

• The Consequence: You have 10 days to provide original factory invoices and bank proof of payment. If you can't (because you undervalued it), the cargo is seized.

The New 2026 Penalty:

Starting Jan 1, 2026, the fine for false value declarations has increased significantly, with administrative fines now commonly exceeding MXN 50,000 per infraction, and additional penalties that can reach well over 100% of the declared value in severe cases.

Zbao Strategy: We use a transparent Landed Cost Model. We declare the true transaction value, protecting your inventory from seizure and your Amazon account from blacklisting.

Part 2: The RFC ID (Tax ID) & IOR Requirement

"Does Amazon require an RFC ID?"

Yes. Since 2024, Amazon Mexico has made a valid RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) mandatory for FBA inventory.

• The Risk: If you ship without a linked RFC, Amazon will likely reject the shipment at the fulfillment center dock. Even if accepted, they will withhold 36% of your sales (20% Income Tax + 16% VAT) instead of just the standard 16% VAT.

How to Ship Without Your Own RFC:

Most foreign sellers (US/China) do not have a Mexican branch.

The Solution: Zbao IOR Service.

• We act as your Importer of Record (IOR).

• We use our compliant Mexican entity’s RFC to clear your goods.

• We file the official customs documents required for Amazon to legally receive the stock.

Together, the RFC requirement and Pedimento type (see below) determine whether your shipment is legally recognized as commercial inventory or treated as undeclared e-commerce cargo.

Part 3: Pedimento A1 vs. T1 (The "Courier Trap")

This is the technical detail that separates professional sellers from amateurs.

The "Courier Trap" (Pedimento T1):

• Designed for personal gifts or samples <$2,500.

• Risk: If a forwarder uses T1 for commercial FBA stock, it is considered Customs Fraud. You face back-duties, fines, and potential criminal liability.

The "FBA Standard" (Pedimento A1):

• Mandatory for commercial resale inventory.

• Requires a licensed Customs Broker and Formal Entry.

• Zbao Standard: We ONLY use Pedimento A1 for FBA shipments. This generates the legal proof of import you need if Amazon ever audits your inventory.

Part 4: NOM Standards (The Electronics Killer)

Shipping electronics (Chargers, Lights, Kitchen Appliances)? You need NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana) compliance.

The 3 Critical NOMs:

1. NOM-001 (Safety): For any device plugging into a wall (Chargers, Adapters). Requires lab testing.

2. NOM-024 (Labeling): Requires a Spanish Manual and specific packaging labels (Voltage, Frequency, Importer Info). English-only manuals are one of the most common seizure triggers during NOM-024 inspections.

3. NOM-208 (Wireless): For Bluetooth/WiFi devices. Requires IFETEL certification.

Can I label in Mexico?

Don't risk it. Customs checks for NOM compliance at the port. In practice, relabeling inside the customs zone is extremely limited and rarely approved, making pre-labeling in China the only reliable option.

• Zbao Solution: We apply correct NOM labels and insert Spanish manuals at our Shenzhen Warehouse before the cargo ever leaves China.

Part 5: Manzanillo Port Crisis (Why Your Cargo is Stuck)

Manzanillo is Mexico's busiest port, and in 2026, it is facing a perfect storm:

• PAMA System: A new automated system that flags even tiny weight discrepancies (e.g., 0.5% error) for reinspection.

• Delays: Average customs inspection time has jumped significantly.

• Textile Restrictions: Note that Textiles/Footwear CANNOT enter via Manzanillo; they must use authorized ports like Mexico City (AICM).

Rescue Service: If your cargo is currently held at Manzanillo or flagged for undervaluation, [contact us immediately]. We can assess whether recovery is still possible before seizure escalation.

Part 6: The "California Transit" Shortcut

Why risk your cargo in Manzanillo?

Zbao Logistics offers a strategic alternative that 90% of forwarders can't provide: The US-to-Mexico In-Bond Route.

Instead of shipping directly to chaotic Mexican ports, we ship your goods to Los Angeles/Long Beach, and then truck them across the border.

How it Works (The "T&E" Advantage):

1. Fast Sea Freight: We use premium vessels (like Matson or EMC) from China to Los Angeles (12-14 days).

2. In-Bond Transit: We file a T&E (Transportation and Exportation) entry in the US. This means your goods travel through the US "In-Bond" without paying US duties.

3. Land Border Crossing: We cross via Laredo or Otay Mesa, where customs processing is often faster and more predictable than sea ports.

4. Final Delivery: Trucking directly to Amazon MEX fulfillment centers.

Why Choose This Route?

FAQ: High-Intent Questions

1. Can I ship to Amazon Mexico DDP without an RFC?

No legitimate forwarder can offer "True DDP" without an IOR/RFC involved. If a forwarder offers this, they are likely using a "Grey" channel that risks total seizure. Use Zbao's IOR service instead.

2. What happens if my product doesn't have a Spanish manual?

If it falls under NOM-024 (most electronics), it will likely be detained at the Mexican port. Since relabeling at the port is rarely permitted, the cargo may be returned or destroyed. It must be labeled in China.

3. What is the "US Transshipment" route to Mexico?

This is a Zbao specialty. We ship cargo to Los Angeles, then truck it to Mexico "In-Bond" (tax-free in the US). It is significantly faster than direct sea freight and avoids the congestion at Manzanillo port. It is ideal for urgent FBA restocks.

4. How long does shipping from China to Amazon Mexico take?

• Direct Sea Freight: 25-35+ days (highly variable due to port delays).

• Zbao US-Transit: 20-22 days (Stable).

• Air Freight: 5-8 days.

Conclusion

The "Wild West" of shipping to Amazon Mexico is closed. The new 2026 Customs Law, Mandatory MV, and RFC requirements mean you must professionalize your logistics.

Don't let your investment get stuck in Manzanillo.

Switch to a compliant, IOR-backed logistics strategy—or bypass the ports entirely with our California Transit Shortcut.

Ready to Ship Safely?

Get a quote for IOR Service + Pedimento A1 Clearance from Zbao Logistics.

[Get Your Mexico FBA Quote]