Is there a free trade agreement between the EU and Mexico?

Yes. The EU and Mexico have a modernised Global Agreement that significantly expands on the original 2000 agreement. It eliminates or reduces duties on the vast majority of goods traded between the EU and Mexico, covers services and investment, and includes updated rules of origin. Spanish importers can benefit from preferential or zero duty rates provided the goods carry valid Mexican origin documentation.

What are the main goods imported from Mexico to Spain?

Mexico's main exports to Spain and the EU include vehicles and automotive parts, electronics and machinery, avocados, tomatoes and other agricultural produce, tequila and beer, chemicals, and medical devices. Mexico is a major manufacturing hub for global automotive and electronics brands, making it a significant source of industrial goods for European importers.

How long does sea freight from Mexico to Spain take?

Sea freight from Veracruz (Mexico's main Atlantic port) to Spanish ports takes approximately 15 to 20 days. Shipments from Pacific coast ports such as Manzanillo or Lázaro Cárdenas take longer — typically 22 to 28 days — as they may route via the Panama Canal or tranship in a Caribbean hub. Air freight from Mexico City to Madrid takes approximately 11 to 13 hours direct.

What import documents are required in Spain for goods from Mexico?

Standard import documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, and — to claim preferential duties — an EUR.1 or origin declaration. A DUA de importación must be filed with AEAT in Spain. Depending on the product, additional documents may be required: phytosanitary certificates for agricultural goods, health certificates for food products, and CITES permits for protected species or derived products.

Importing from Mexico to Spain: EU-Mexico Agreement, Duties and Customs

Q: What origin document is needed to claim preferential duties from Mexico?

To claim preferential EU-Mexico tariff rates at Spanish customs, the Mexican exporter must provide either an EUR.1 movement certificate issued by Mexican authorities, or an origin declaration on the commercial invoice. The origin declaration can be made by any Mexican exporter for shipments below the applicable value threshold, or by an approved exporter for shipments of any value.

Mexico is one of Spain's most important trade partners outside the EU. The two countries share not just commercial ties but a modernised EU-Mexico Global Agreement that eliminates or significantly reduces import duties on the vast majority of goods. For Spanish importers, that means lower costs at customs — provided the goods arrive with the correct Mexican origin documentation.

The EU-Mexico Global Agreement

The original EU-Mexico Free Trade Agreement dates to 2000. The modernised EU-Mexico Global Agreement substantially expanded its scope, covering a wider range of goods at preferential or zero duty rates, as well as services, investment and public procurement. For industrial goods, duties are largely eliminated. For agricultural products, the agreement also offers meaningful reductions, though some sensitive categories have longer phase-out periods.

The practical result for Spanish importers: goods originating in Mexico typically enter Spain at 0% or significantly reduced duty rates, rather than the standard EU MFN rate for each product category.

The agreement only applies if the goods truly originate in Mexico. Many goods manufactured in Mexico contain components from the USA, Asia or elsewhere. The rules of origin define how much processing must take place in Mexico for the goods to qualify. Your Mexican supplier can confirm whether their product meets the origin criteria.

Origin Document: EUR.1 or Invoice Declaration

To claim preferential duty rates at Spanish customs, the Mexican exporter must provide proof of origin. The two options are:

EUR.1 movement certificate — issued by Mexican customs authorities (SAT) at the time of export. Required for higher-value shipments or when the exporter is not approved to self-declare.
Origin declaration on the invoice — a statement added directly to the commercial invoice by an approved Mexican exporter, or by any exporter for shipments below the applicable value threshold.

Ask your supplier to confirm which option they use and ensure the document is included with the shipping papers before the goods arrive in Spain.

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What Spain Imports from Mexico

Mexico is a major manufacturing hub for global automotive and electronics brands, and this shows in the product mix arriving in Spain. Common imports include vehicles and automotive parts, electronics and machinery components, avocados, tomatoes and other agricultural produce, tequila and beer, chemicals and pharmaceutical raw materials. Industrial goods from the automotive and electronics sectors tend to dominate by volume.

For agricultural and food products — fruit, vegetables, meat, processed foods — additional documentation is required: phytosanitary or health certificates issued by Mexican authorities, which are checked at EU border inspection posts on arrival in Spain.

Shipping from Mexico to Spain

Veracruz on the Atlantic coast is Mexico's main container port and the most direct departure point for Spain. Sea transit from Veracruz to Valencia, Barcelona or Algeciras takes 15 to 20 days. Shipments from Pacific coast ports — Manzanillo, Lázaro Cárdenas — typically route via the Panama Canal and take 22 to 28 days. Air freight from Mexico City (MEX) to Madrid (MAD) takes approximately 12 hours on direct services.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The modernised EU-Mexico Global Agreement eliminates or reduces duties on the vast majority of goods. It replaced the original 2000 agreement and offers broader coverage of industrial and agricultural products. Spanish importers can claim preferential rates provided the goods carry valid Mexican origin documentation.

Either an EUR.1 movement certificate issued by Mexican customs (SAT), or an origin declaration on the commercial invoice. Approved Mexican exporters can use the invoice declaration for any value. Below a set threshold, any exporter can self-declare. Above that threshold, an EUR.1 is required if the exporter is not approved.

From Veracruz (Atlantic) to Spanish ports: 15 to 20 days. From Pacific coast ports (Manzanillo, Lázaro Cárdenas): 22 to 28 days, routing via the Panama Canal. Air freight from Mexico City to Madrid is approximately 12 hours direct.

Yes. Fruit, vegetables, meat and other food products require phytosanitary or health certificates issued by the relevant Mexican authority. These are checked at EU border inspection posts on arrival in Spain. Failing to include the correct certificates can result in the goods being held or refused entry.

Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, and — to claim preferential duties — an EUR.1 or invoice declaration. A DUA de importación must be filed with AEAT. Food and agricultural imports also require phytosanitary or health certificates.