Mexico Plastics: USMCA 0% Duty vs 6.5% MFN (2026)

USTradeStack

Effective Duty Rate

0% USMCA for qualifying plastics

Estimate — verify by HTS code

Compliance Risk

Low

Relative to other import corridors

Regulatory Agencies

EPA/TSCA, FDA, CPSC

Primary oversight bodies

OVERVIEW

Importing Plastics, Polymers & Plastic Articles from Mexico

Importing plastics from Mexico into the United States carries low compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 0% USMCA for qualifying plastics. The USMCA agreement provides significant tariff advantages — qualifying goods may enter at preferential or zero-duty rates, making this a cost-efficient import corridor.

Plastics imported from Mexico to the United States is subject to CBP entry requirements, applicable HTS-based duty rates, and agency compliance clearances. This guide covers the complete import process for 2026.

⚠ Key Trade Intelligence — Mexico Origin

Mexico has a large plastics industry serving the US automotive, packaging, and consumer goods sectors. USMCA provides zero-duty access. Proximity enables just-in-time delivery for automotive plastic components.

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Get an Exact Duty Estimate

Enter your product value and origin country to get the exact duty stack including MFN, Section 301, Section 232, and applicable FTA rates.

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SAMPLE LANDED COST — $50,000 SHIPMENT

Estimated Landed Cost: Plastics from Mexico

Based on a representative $50,000 CIF shipment value. Actual costs vary by HTS code, entry type, and port of entry.

Cost Component	Amount	Notes
Cargo Value (CIF)	$50,000.00	Reference shipment value
MFN Base Duty (0.0%)	$0.00	USMCA preferential / ITA zero-rate
Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464%)	$173.20	Min $31.67 / max $614.35
Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125%)	$62.50	Ocean freight only
Total Duties & Fees	$235.70	Effective rate: 0.5%
Estimated Landed Cost	$50,235.70	Cargo + all US duties/fees

✓ USMCA preferential rates reduce base duty to 0% for qualifying goods. MPF and HMF still apply on all entries.

Excludes freight, insurance, broker fees, warehousing, and AD/CVD duties. Use the Duty Calculator for a precise estimate on your specific shipment.

APPLICABLE HTS CODES

HTS Codes for Plastics Imports

The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to plastics imports. Exact classification depends on the specific product — misclassification is one of the most common CBP compliance errors.

HTS Code	Product Description	MFN Base Duty Rate
3901	Polyethylene in Primary Forms (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE)	0%–6.5% MFN
3902	Polypropylene & Other Propylene Polymers	0%–6.5% MFN
3907	Polyacetals, Polyesters & Polycarbonates (PET, PBT)	0%–6.5% MFN
3920	Plastic Plates, Sheets & Film (not reinforced)	3.1%–6.5% MFN
3926	Other Articles of Plastics (industrial/consumer)	3.4%–5.3% MFN

MFN rates reflect base tariff. Additional duties (Section 301, Section 232, AD/CVD) may apply on top of MFN rates. Use the AI classifier to get the exact 10-digit HTS code and all applicable rates for your specific product.

DUTY STACK — MEXICO ORIGIN

Total Tariff Cost for Mexico-Origin Plastics

Duty Layer	Rate / Status	Applies To
MFN Base Rate	Varies by HTS code	All Mexico-origin goods (baseline)
USMCA Preferential Rate	Reduced / 0% (qualifying goods)	Goods meeting USMCA rules of origin
Section 301	Not applicable	Mexico-origin goods are not subject to Section 301
Section 232	Exempt under USMCA	Steel and aluminum imports from Mexico

Precise Duty Calculation

Get Your Exact Total Duty Rate

Our calculator handles all duty layers — MFN + Section 301 + Section 232 + FTA rates — for any HTS code from any origin country.

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COMPLIANCE — EPA/TSCA / FDA / CPSC

US Compliance Requirements for Plastics Imports

Regardless of origin country, plastics imports must satisfy the following US regulatory requirements before or at the time of CBP entry filing:

TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) compliance — all chemical substances in plastics must appear on the TSCA Inventory; new chemicals require EPA premanufacture notice (PMN)
FDA Food Contact Notification (FCN) required for plastics intended for food packaging or food-contact applications (21 CFR Parts 174–186)
CPSC testing requirements for plastic consumer products — lead and phthalate limits for children's products under CPSIA Section 101/108
California Prop 65 compliance for plastics containing listed chemicals (BPA, phthalates, cadmium, lead)

Compliance Check Tool

Run an automated compliance check for your plastics import — identifies all applicable agency requirements, flagging issues before your shipment departs Mexico.

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REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Documentation Checklist for Plastics from Mexico

Prepare all documents before the shipment departs Mexico. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of CBP holds and customs delays.

1

Commercial Invoice with polymer type, grade, and end-use application

2

Packing List

3

Bill of Lading

4

TSCA Certification (EPA Form 7710-56) — required for all chemical imports

5

FDA food-contact compliance documentation (if applicable)

6

Country of Origin Declaration

Document Generator

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ESTIMATED TIMELINE

Import Timeline — Plastics from Mexico

20–35 days (ocean from Asia); 10–18 days (ocean from Europe); 5–10 days (truck from Mexico/Canada)

Supplier Preparation

Allow 1–2 weeks for production documentation, certificates, and packing lists

Transit Time

3–7 days truck freight from border

CBP Clearance

1–3 days standard; 5–15 days if examination or AD/CVD review required

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs — Importing Plastics from Mexico

What is the effective US tariff rate for importing plastics from Mexico?

The effective US tariff rate for plastics from Mexico is: 0% USMCA for qualifying plastics. Mexico has a large plastics industry serving the US automotive, packaging, and consumer goods sectors. USMCA provides zero-duty access. Proximity enables just-in-time delivery for automotive plastic components.

What compliance agencies regulate plastics imports from Mexico?

Plastics imports require compliance with: EPA/TSCA, FDA, CPSC. Specific requirements include: TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) compliance — all chemical substances in plastics must appear on the TSCA Inventory; new chemicals require EPA premanufacture notice (PMN) and FDA Food Contact Notification (FCN) required for plastics intended for food packaging or food-contact applications (21 CFR Parts 174–186).

What documents are required to import plastics from Mexico?

Required documents include: Commercial Invoice with polymer type, grade, and end-use application; Packing List; Bill of Lading; TSCA Certification (EPA Form 7710-56) — required for all chemical imports. Additional: FDA food-contact compliance documentation (if applicable); Country of Origin Declaration. Ensure all documents are prepared before the shipment departs Mexico.

How long does customs clearance take for plastics from Mexico?

Typical timeline: 20–35 days (ocean from Asia); 10–18 days (ocean from Europe); 5–10 days (truck from Mexico/Canada). CBP clearance typically takes 1–3 business days for compliant entries. Complex entries (AD/CVD, formal entry review, or examination) may require 5–15 additional business days.

Are there Section 301 or Section 232 tariffs on plastics from Mexico?

No Section 301 or Section 232 surcharges apply to Mexico-origin plastics. Only base MFN rates (or FTA preferential rates where applicable) apply.

What HTS codes and duty rates apply to plastic goods imports?

Plastics are classified under HTS Chapters 39 (plastics and articles thereof). Raw plastic materials (resins, polymers): HTS 3901–3914, typically 3.4%–6.5% MFN. Plastic articles: HTS 3916–3926, varying from 0% to 6.5% MFN. Plastic bags and film (3923–3924) face 3%–6.5% MFN. China-origin plastics add 25% Section 301 for most HS codes. Anti-dumping orders exist on certain plastic bags from China and Vietnam — verify via CBP ADD/CVD portal before importing packaging products.

What TSCA and EPA regulations apply to imported plastic products?

TSCA Section 13 requires that imported chemical substances, including plastic resins, comply with TSCA regulations — importers must certify compliance or non-coverage at entry. EPA restricts certain chemical substances in plastics, including phthalate plasticizers in children's products (CPSC/TSCA). California Prop 65 requires warnings for plastics containing listed chemicals (lead, phthalates, bisphenol A). Single-use plastics may face state-level restrictions. Maintain SDS (Safety Data Sheets) and chemical composition records for all imported plastic products.

How does Section 301 affect plastics importers sourcing from China?

Most plastic articles from China are subject to 25% Section 301 tariffs under List 3 or 4A (many List 4A products at 7.5%). This stacks on MFN base rates of 3.4%–6.5%, creating effective duties of 10.4%–31.5% on Chinese plastics. Importers have responded by shifting sourcing to Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Mexico. However, CBP enforces anti-circumvention rules — plastic goods with Chinese-origin resin that undergo only minor processing in a third country may still be classified as Chinese origin.

How do I claim USMCA preferential tariff treatment for goods from Mexico?

To claim USMCA preference, you (or your customs broker) must have a valid Certificate of Origin from the Mexican exporter at the time of entry. The certificate confirms rules of origin compliance and must be retained for 5 years for CBP audit purposes. You do not need to transmit it to CBP at entry, but it must be produced immediately upon request.

Are goods manufactured in Mexico from Chinese components eligible for USMCA?

Not automatically. USMCA requires sufficient transformation in North America — simple assembly of imported components without a qualifying tariff shift or meeting RVC thresholds generally does not qualify. The specific rules vary by HTS code under USMCA Annex 4-B. Consult a licensed customs broker or trade attorney to evaluate whether your specific product meets USMCA rules of origin.

What are the IMMEX program implications for importing manufactured goods from Mexico?

Mexico's IMMEX program allows manufacturers to temporarily import inputs duty-free for incorporation into export goods. IMMEX-manufactured goods exported to the US may qualify for USMCA preferential rates provided rules of origin are met. CBP expects importers claiming USMCA to verify that foreign inputs were either North American origin or sufficiently transformed — IMMEX manufacturing records are key supporting documentation.

TRADE INTELLIGENCE TOOLS

Free Tools for Plastics Importers

Run these tools before your next shipment from Mexico — all free, no account required.

🔍 AI HTS Classifier

Get the exact 10-digit HTS code for your plastics. Identifies Section 301/232 exposure.

🧮 Landed Cost Calculator

Calculate total duty including MFN + Section 301 + Section 232 for Mexico-origin goods.

🛡️ Supplier Screening

Screen your Mexico supplier against OFAC, BIS Entity List, and denied parties databases.

✅ Compliance Check

Verify EPA/TSCA/FDA/CPSC requirements and identify documentation gaps before shipment.

📊 Trade Research Hub

Deep-dive on tariff policy changes, Federal Register notices, and regulatory updates for Mexico.

🔔 Tariff Alerts

Get notified when duty rates or compliance requirements change for your product corridors.

Ready to Calculate Your Exact Import Costs?

Get precise duty calculations, landed cost estimates, and compliance flags for your plastics shipment from Mexico.

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View full Mexico tariff profile → Browse all import guides → Calculate landed cost →

Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-05-16 and are subject to change. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or customs brokerage advice. Verify rates with a licensed customs broker before importing.

How to Import Plastics from Mexico to the US