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
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.
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 |
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
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
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.
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RELATED IMPORT GUIDES
Also Importing Plastics From Other Countries?
Other Products from Mexico?
Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-04-06 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.