Mexico Car Import
Pedimento A1: what it is, what it does and how to get one for your car
Updated
The pedimento A1 is the customs document that proves a car's definitive import into Mexico. "A1" is the declaration code in Appendix 2 of Annex 22 of the General Foreign Trade Rules: it means definitive import or export. If your car entered the country legally and was nationalized, the pedimento A1 is its Mexican birth certificate: it is used to obtain plates, register in REPUVE and sell the car.
What the A1 code means
Every pedimento has a two-character code in field 3 indicating the type of operation. The codes that matter for a car:
| Code | What it covers | When you see it |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Definitive import | Car nationalized for the whole country |
| VU / VF | Definitive import of used vehicles (special cases under rule 3.5.1) | Variants depending on the case; these are also definitive declarations |
| A3 | Regularization of goods | Cars regularized under earlier decrees; no longer applies to "chocolate" cars from January 1, 2026 |
| F5 | Change from temporary to definitive regime | Car that entered with a temporary permit and was subsequently nationalized |
| R1 | Amendment | Correction of an already paid declaration |
If someone sells you an "American" car and the paper they show you is not a paid declaration with code A1, VU, VF or F5, the car is not nationalized.
What information the pedimento A1 contains
- Declaration number (15 digits: year, customs office, license and reference number)
- A1 code and IMD regime (definitive import)
- Importer's details: name, RFC or CURP, address
- Vehicle details: make, model, model year, VIN, tariff classification
- Customs value and exchange rate
- Taxes paid: duty (IGI), IVA, DTA and ISAN where applicable
- Payment date and SAT digital seal
The VIN on the declaration must match the car exactly. A single different digit invalidates the document before Customs and the vehicle registration office.
Who can obtain a pedimento A1 for a car
Under the current decree (DOF November 4, 2024, extended through November 30, 2026):
- Any individual can import one used car every 12 months without joining the Importers Registry.
- The car must be manufactured or assembled in Mexico, the United States or Canada (VIN starting with 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5).
- In Baja California, Baja California Sur and the northern border strip: cars 5 to 9 years old pay 1% duty; those 10 years old pay 10%. Elsewhere in the country: cars 8 to 9 years old pay 10%.
- The car cannot be reported stolen or have a title with a restricted legend (parts only, junk, flood, etc.).
- The filing is presented at an authorized customs office: Tijuana, Tecate or Mexicali for Baja California.
Documents you need
- Original U.S. title (clean, rebuilt or salvage without a restricted legend)
- Official ID and CURP (or passport and residency for foreign nationals)
- Proof of address in Mexico
- Invoice or bill of sale if the title is not in your name
- Export filing with CBP in the United States (72-hour notice)
- The car physically at customs for inspection
How much a pedimento A1 costs for a car
| Item | Basis |
|---|---|
| Duty (IGI) | 1% or 10% of customs value depending on zone and model year |
| IVA | 16% on customs value + duty + DTA |
| DTA | Current fixed SAT fee |
| Filing fees | Vary; request a written quote |
| Inspection / NOM | Depends on the customs office and vehicle type |
How to verify that a pedimento A1 is real
- Visit the SAT portal's Consulta de pedimentos section with the declaration number.
- Confirm that the VIN, customs office and payment date match the physical document.
- Check REPUVE using the VIN: a nationalized car should appear registered.
- If the seller only has a "letter" or a receipt from an association, it is not a pedimento.
FAQ
Is the pedimento A1 the same as an invoice? No. The invoice proves the purchase; the pedimento proves legal presence in Mexico. You need both for plates.
Can I file the pedimento A1 myself? No. Customs law requires filing by a licensed agente aduanal.
I lost my pedimento. What should I do? Request a certified copy from whoever filed it, or look it up on the SAT portal using the declaration number or VIN.
Can a Baja California pedimento A1 be used to drive in Guadalajara? If it was imported into the border region, no. To take it to the interior, it must be reissued and the tax difference paid.
Need to nationalize your car in Tijuana or Tecate?
Send us a photo of the title and the VIN. We'll tell you within one business day whether it qualifies, how much tax is due and the next step to nationalize it. Get your pedimento A1 quote →
Sources:
- Joffroy — The declaration code, decoded: https://joffroy.com/blog/clave-de-pedimento-decoded
- Trade & Law College — decree summary: https://www.tradelawcollege.edu.mx/single-post/extienden-la-vigencia-del-decreto-para-la-importaci%C3%B3n-definitiva-de-veh%C3%ADculos-usados
- SAT — Vehicles that cannot be imported: http://omawww.sat.gob.mx/aduanas/vehiculos/importaciones_autosusados/Paginas/vehiculos_no_importados_definitiva.aspx
Sources for corrected age and tax information: sidof.segob.gob.mx · www.diputados.gob.mx