Shopping on AliExpress is a popular option among users looking for international products at good prices. However, Mexicans often wonder, “How much can I import without paying taxes on packages?”

This question arises because customs and tax regulations previously allowed a tax-exempt limit for low-value purchases. But recently, changes in the tax regulations have done away with this exemption. This leads to another question: Should I pay taxes when ordering from AliExpress?

The simple answer is yes, but if you want all the details and wish to avoid any unpleasant surprises when buying on AliExpress, keep reading.

AliExpress in Mexico: How Much Can You Spend Without Paying Taxes?

Do I Have to Pay Taxes When Buying on AliExpress?

Yes, you have to pay taxes when buying on AliExpress.

It’s true that Mexican consumers were previously exempt if the shipment value did not exceed 50 USD.

However, things changed when the SAT detected some improper practices by certain platforms to avoid paying taxes. As a result, new and stricter tax regulations were established in October 2024, including:

• RFC Registration: International e-commerce sites like AliExpress, Temu, or Shopee must be registered with Mexico’s RFC to operate legally in the country.

• Tax Withholding: AliExpress is now required to withhold the corresponding VAT (16%) for each transaction and report it to the SAT.

• Audits: The courier and shipping companies associated with international e-commerce sites will be subject to a stricter monitoring program.

All this is to prevent irregular practices, such as under-declaring shipment values to facilitate tax evasion.

How Will VAT Withholding Work on Your AliExpress Purchases?

The rules imposed by the SAT aim to ensure proper VAT collection while also promoting fair competition between national and international stores.

Under these regulations, the company must apply VAT to its products. In other words, starting in 2025, value-added tax will be included in the total purchase amount.

The positive side is that there will be no additional tax charges when you receive the product. However, it’s best to stay alert and, for example, compare Amazon vs. AliExpress. This way, you can determine which platform offers more economical prices once shipping costs and taxes are factored in.

Can I Avoid Paying Taxes When Buying on AliExpress?

Now, you must pay taxes on AliExpress purchases, regardless of the amount. But before the SAT’s new restrictions, buyers had their tactics to avoid paying VAT.

Here are some of those strategies:

Splitting Purchases into Multiple Small Packages

Not all packages are held by customs, and when they were, you’d know by tracking your AliExpress order.

To avoid this, one commonly used strategy was to divide orders into multiple small packages. Since the 2024 customs allowance for international shipments allowed products worth up to 50 USD without paying taxes, each small package had a declared value under that amount. This way, they leveraged the tax exemption for low-value shipments.

Choosing Specific Shipping Methods

Opting for shipping methods with a lower chance of being inspected by customs was another common trick. For example, using standard shipping via regular postal services instead of private courier companies.

Declaring Lower Values

The platform itself, along with associated courier companies, also implemented their own strategies. For instance, adjusting the shipping costs to take advantage of the 50 USD limit. This action facilitated tax evasion.

However, with the current tax reform by the SAT, none of this will be possible. Neither consumers nor sellers will escape paying the corresponding VAT amount.

Conclusion

By eliminating the 50 USD exemption, the SAT aims to combat tax evasion and ensure that foreign companies contribute to the country’s tax system.

As a buyer, it’s important to stay informed about the SAT’s new regulations on e-commerce to avoid surprises. Whether you choose AliExpress or similar companies like Shein and Temu, all of them are subject to VAT payment and will be on the SAT’s radar.

The advantage is that in 2025, you won’t have to worry about VAT when the package passes through customs. Now it will be included in the total amount of your purchase, and the platforms will be responsible for declaring it to the SAT. However, they may adjust their product prices accordingly.

You can still integrate DolarApp as a saving strategy. How? By using the DolarCard we offer for your international purchases.

DolarCard is designed for consumers in Latin America, especially Mexicans, Colombians, and Argentines. Backed by Mastercard, it can be used at numerous e-commerce stores, including AliExpress.

Of course, you must have USDc in your DolarApp digital account. If you don’t, that’s not a problem. You can convert MXN to USDc within the same app without paying any commission for it. We always provide a fair exchange rate.