Do I have to declare narcotics and psychotropic substances at Mexico customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to Mexico customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare narcotics and psychotropic substances in Mexico?

Under Ley Aduanera, artículo 88, primer párrafo, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. Under Ley Aduanera, artículo 178, fracción I, segundo párrafo, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Ley Aduanera, artículo 151, fracción III: the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship narcotics and psychotropic substances to Mexico instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead.

Can I take narcotics and psychotropic substances out of Mexico?

Mexico publishes no separate rule for taking narcotics and psychotropic substances out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Mexico limit for narcotics and psychotropic substances apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Agencia Nacional de Aduanas de México (ANAM) states it in Ley General de Salud — artículo 289. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Mexico compare with other countries on narcotics and psychotropic substances?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 12 prohibit narcotics and psychotropic substances, 8 limit it and 0 let it through. Mexico is among the strictest.

Can I bring narcotics and psychotropic substances to Mexico?

Official classification: Narcotics and psychotropic substances

Restricted

You can bring narcotics and psychotropic substances into Mexico only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Ley General de Salud — artículo 289 Orden Jurídico Nacional, Secretaría de Gobernación (México)

Questions about Narcotics and psychotropic substances in Mexico

Do I have to declare narcotics and psychotropic substances at Mexico customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Mexico customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare narcotics and psychotropic substances in Mexico?: Under Ley Aduanera, artículo 88, primer párrafo, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. Under Ley Aduanera, artículo 178, fracción I, segundo párrafo, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Ley Aduanera, artículo 151, fracción III: the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship narcotics and psychotropic substances to Mexico instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead.
Can I take narcotics and psychotropic substances out of Mexico?: Mexico publishes no separate rule for taking narcotics and psychotropic substances out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Mexico limit for narcotics and psychotropic substances apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Agencia Nacional de Aduanas de México (ANAM) states it in Ley General de Salud — artículo 289. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Mexico compare with other countries on narcotics and psychotropic substances?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 12 prohibit narcotics and psychotropic substances, 8 limit it and 0 let it through. Mexico is among the strictest.

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