Start with distribution rights
National brands such as Corona, Modelo, Pacífico, Victoria, Tecate, Dos Equis and Sol belong to large brewing groups with appointed importers in most countries. Buying those brands outside the appointed channel can be restricted and may deliver the wrong label for your market. We check the legitimate channel first. Independent breweries — like Cervecería de Colima, Hércules or Baja Brewing in our catalog — are often more open to new importers, but may have limited export capacity.
Export and domestic versions differ
Research notes record that some beers are brewed in Mexico specifically for the US market, while domestic products with similar names can differ in name or formulation. Ask for the exact SKU, label and ABV that will ship, and do not assume a Mexican retail pack is the same product as an export pack.
Freshness and storage
- Confirm production and best-before dates at loading; agree a minimum remaining shelf life on arrival.
- Keep hop-forward, unfiltered and unpasteurised beers cold; consider refrigerated containers for long routes or hot seasons.
- Protect beer from light: cans and brown glass are more forgiving than clear or green bottles.
Formats and container planning
The most common published format in our data is the 355 ml bottle or can, often in 12- or 24-packs. Beer is heavy, so containers frequently reach their weight limit before they are full; road weight limits at origin and destination can also apply. Ask for case weights and dimensions and a pallet pattern with every quotation so freight can be estimated realistically. Mexico's domestic returnable bottles are not used for export.
Paperwork
Exporters of beer must be registered in the beer sector of Mexico's Padrón de Exportadores Sectorial, and your importer will handle label approval, licences and excise in the destination. See the export documents overview and browse the Mexican beer catalog.
General information only, not legal, tax or customs advice. Requirements change; confirm current rules with the relevant authorities and your customs broker.