Companies have been continuing to shift injection molding in Mexico since 2021. The shift is often done to reduce costs, shorten lead times, and strengthen their supply chains. However, many discover an unexpected challenge only after their customer-owned mold reaches the border.
Contrary to what many manufacturers assume, transferring an injection mold into Mexico isn’t simply a matter of shipping it to your new supplier.
Depending on how the tooling enters the country, it may become subject to Mexico’s 16% Value Added Tax (IVA) before production even begins. This article explains why that happens and how the IMMEX Program helps avoid it. We also share the steps you should follow to transfer your tooling into Mexico without unnecessary customs delays.
Why Are Some Companies Charged a 16% Tax When Moving Injection Molds to Mexico?
When an injection mold enters Mexico, Mexican Customs generally treats it as imported capital equipment. Unless it qualifies for a temporary import program, the tool may become subject to Mexico’s 16% Value Added Tax (IVA) before it can be released. That can become an expensive mistake.
For example, if your mold is valued at $100,000, you could face a $16,000 VAT simply to bring it into the country. The mold may even remain in customs until the issue is resolved. That is especially true if the required customs documentation is incomplete, or the receiving manufacturer isn’t properly prepared. Such holds can delay production, disrupt deliveries, and increase overall project costs.
Many OEMs assume the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) automatically eliminates these charges. However, that’s a common misconception. Although the USMCA removes many tariffs on qualifying goods traded between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, it doesn’t automatically exempt imported tooling from Mexico’s 16% VAT.
Fortunately, there is a legal way to avoid this tax. The next section explains how the IMMEX Program allows companies moving injection molding in Mexico to import customer-owned tooling without paying the 16% VAT.
How the IMMEX Program Helps You Avoid Mexico’s 16% VAT
The IMMEX Program is the legal framework that allows companies to avoid Mexico’s 16% VAT when moving injection molds to Mexico. Instead of being treated as a permanent import, the program helps molds enter the country under Temporary Importation status.
This allows manufacturers to import customer-owned tooling without paying the 16% VAT, provided the mold is used to manufacture products that will later be exported. For companies investing in injection molding in Mexico, the IMMEX Program helps reduce upfront costs while supporting efficient cross-border manufacturing.
However, IMMEX certification alone doesn’t guarantee a smooth transfer. The temporary import process must also be managed correctly. Missing documentation, inaccurate customs declarations, or poor asset tracking can still delay the release of your tooling at the border.
That’s why a successful injection mold transfer to Mexico requires more than arranging transportation. You also need the right documentation, customs procedures, and ownership records in place before the mold reaches Mexico.
How to Transfer an Injection Mold to Mexico Without Customs Delays
Successfully moving injection molds to Mexico requires more than transportation. You also need the right customs approvals, documentation, and ownership records before the mold reaches the border. Missing even one of these requirements can delay customs clearance and postpone production.
Here are the three most important steps to help complete an injection mold transfer to Mexico without unnecessary delays:
Step 1: Verify That Your Manufacturing Partner Is IMMEX-Certified
Your first step is confirming that the manufacturer can legally receive your tooling under the IMMEX Program. Never assume every company offering injection molding in Southern Mexico operates under IMMEX. So, always request proof of the manufacturer’s IMMEX certification before signing any agreement.
If the company operates through a third-party shelter provider, clarify who is responsible for customs compliance, temporary importation, and inventory control before the mold is shipped.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Customs Documentation
The next priority is preparing the paperwork needed for customs clearance. One of the most important documents is the Pedimento, the official customs declaration prepared by the Mexican customs broker. It confirms that your tooling entered Mexico legally under Temporary Importation while remaining a customer-owned production asset. Before shipping your injection mold to Mexico, make sure you have:
- A completed Pedimento for temporary importation.
- Import and shipping documentation.
- Tool ownership records.
- Engineering drawings and tooling documentation.
- Customs clearance paperwork prepared by the customs broker.
Having these documents ready before shipment helps prevent unnecessary customs delays while making future audits or supplier transitions much easier.
Step 3: Establish Clear Tool Ownership and Asset Tracking
The final step is making sure your tooling remains identifiable throughout its entire production life. So, every mold should carry a permanent asset tag or engraved identification linked to your company’s inventory records. The same identification should also appear in the manufacturer’s inventory control system and all supporting customs documentation.
Clear asset tracking protects tool ownership, simplifies future audits, and makes any future tooling transfer to Southern Mexico or injection mold relocation far easier to manage.
Injection Mold Transfer to Mexico Checklist
Before relocating your production tool, confirm that you have completed the following:
| Checklist | Completed |
| IMMEX certification verified | ☐ |
| Temporary Importation process confirmed | ☐ |
| Pedimento prepared | ☐ |
| Tool ownership documentation collected | ☐ |
| Engineering drawings and CAD files secured | ☐ |
| Asset tag and inventory records verified | ☐ |
| Customs broker assigned | ☐ |
| Shipping documentation completed | ☐ |
Have you completed everything on this checklist? That’s great, but you still need to ensure that you are choosing the right manufacturing partner for injection molding in southern Mexico. Let’s see how you can ensure that.
Choose a Manufacturing Partner That Understands Cross-Border Tool Transfers
Successfully moving injection molds to Mexico requires more than customs expertise. Your injection mold manufacturing partner should also understand tooling, engineering, documentation, and production startup. Those capabilities help ensure your transfer stays on schedule while minimizing unnecessary risks.
When evaluating companies offering injection molding in Mexico, look for a manufacturer that provides:
- IMMEX-certified manufacturing operations.
- Experience with cross-border tooling transfers.
- Strong engineering and customs coordination.
- Complete tooling documentation support.
- Clear communication throughout the supplier transition.
At Craftech Plastics, we combine engineering expertise with cross-border manufacturing experience to simplify every injection mold transfer to Mexico. From customs preparation and documentation to production startup, our team helps you relocate your tooling with confidence while supporting reliable injection molding in southern Mexico.
FAQs
Can I move my injection mold to Mexico?
Yes, you can move an injection mold to Mexico. However, the transfer must follow Mexican customs requirements. Proper documentation and the correct import status help prevent delays and unexpected costs.
Do I pay tax when moving a mold to Mexico?
No, you don’t always have to pay tax when moving a mold to Mexico. Molds imported under the IMMEX Program may qualify for temporary importation without paying Mexico’s 16% VAT.
What is the IMMEX Program?
The IMMEX Program allows eligible manufacturers to temporarily import foreign-owned tooling without paying Mexico’s 16% VAT. The tooling must be used to manufacture products intended for export.
What is a Pedimento, and why is it important?
A Pedimento is the official Mexican customs declaration for imported goods. It proves your mold entered Mexico legally under the correct import status. You should always keep a copy for your records.
Can I bring my mold back to the United States?
Yes, molds imported under Temporary Importation can usually be returned to the United States. Your customs broker must complete the required export documentation.
Does USMCA eliminate Mexico’s 16% VAT?
No, the USMCA doesn’t automatically exempt imported tooling from Mexico’s 16% VAT. The IMMEX Program is generally used to avoid this tax.
