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The U.S. sources most of its avocados from Mexico. Our neighbor south of the border is known for growing this fruit in large quantities. We also share a free trade agreement (FTA) with Mexico that makes importing avocados an efficient process. Before shipping your goods from Mexico to the U.S., there are a few things you should know.
Key takeaways:
I’ll show you how to ship avocados from Mexico to the U.S. and provide you with other useful information.
Table of Contents
The most popular avocado exported from Mexico worldwide is the Hass avocado. It’s characterized by its dark-green color and bumpy-skin.
Part of the reason behind the desire for this particular avocado is its year-round availability and tough exterior. Mexican Hass avocados have thicker skin, a longer shelf life, and ripen more slowly. The color of this variety will also change as it ripens.
Other kinds of avocados produced in Mexico include:
There are about 264,860 hectares in Mexico dedicated to growing avocado. Mexico produces 3 billion total pounds of avocados each year. Most of the production is located in Michoacán, which has fertile volcanic soil conducive to growing this popular fruit.
Unfortunately, avocados from this state are currently banned due to an incident that occurred with some United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) agents. Therefore, you’ll need to find other states that can provide you with this fruit.
The U.S. is the primary destination for Mexican avocado exports. I’ve provided some data to further demonstrate the U.S.’s dependence on Mexico for this delicious fruit.
| Year | Amount Imported |
| 2023 | $475,216.0 Million |
| 2022 | $452,032.2 Million |
| 2021 | $382,569.3 Million |
| 2020 | $323,476.9 Million |
| 2019 | $356,093.6 Million |
Provided by U.S. Census Bureau
As the data shows, the U.S. has been steadily importing more avocados from Mexico over the past five years to meet the consistent demand of the American consumer. Both countries also share an FTA that provides preferential tariff treatment on numerous products.
Thanks to United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), importing avocados is easier and cheaper than ever. This makes sourcing the fruit from Mexico, instead of another country, more appealing to U.S. citizens.
How Are Avocados Transported from Mexico?Most freight that travels from Mexico into the U.S. is transported by truck. Avocados are perishable products, which means they’ll have to travel in reefer trailers. Rail and air transport are also viable ways to move your avocados into the country.
If your fruit is traveling by rail, they’ll be transported in a reefer car. Cargo planes utilize insulated boxes and refrigerated systems to keep produce at the right temperature. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), produce like avocados should be pre-cooled before being loaded for transport.
After being pre-cooled, your avocados should be kept at a specific temperature and relative humidity based on their variety. I’ve provided USDA’s recommended conditions for these products.
Some avocado varieties, like Fuerte, are best transported at 45℉. It’s also essential your fruit isn’t kept at a temperature that’s too cold. Avocados are especially sensitive to freezing and chilling injury. Make your carriers know the variety you’re importing from Mexico to ensure they receive the appropriate treatment.
Related: How To Ship Freight To Mexico
To ship avocados from Mexico to the U.S., you’ll need to follow a variety of regulations that are enforced by multiple federal agencies. In the following sections, I’ll take you through the requirements that must be satisfied.
First, avocados must meet the USDA grade requirements. There are three grades, only two of which qualify the fruit for human consumption:
Both Grade 1 and 2 avocados are allowed for human consumption. Getting your shipment through U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) is the biggest hurdle to jump. You’ll also need to meet the USDA’s maturity requirements for avocados.
This includes:
Your Mexican avocados can be imported if the skin of the fruit has changed to its normal color. Except the Linda variety, most avocados change to a shade of red or purple once they’re mature.
Avocados that haven’t met color maturity requirements can be imported if they abide by USDA’s minimum weight and diameter requirements. These can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
Your Mexican avocados will need a phytosanitary certificate and a declaration that says they were produced in accordance with requirements found in 7 CFR 319.56-4. USDA also has specific packaging requirements for this fruit.
Avocados must be packed in the following:
Your boxes and crates should have markings that indicate the following information:
Avocados traveling from Mexico into the U.S. should be kept in a sealed and refrigerated container or trailer.
Related: Shipping Vegetables from Mexico To USA
Avocado imports from Mexico must also abide by the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulations. There will be a few requirements that you’ll have to satisfy.
A prior notice must be sent before your avocados come into the country. Mexico is very close to the U.S., which means it won’t take long for your fruit to arrive. Therefore, you should submit your prior notice to the FDA as quickly as possible.
Next, you’ll need to make sure your domestic food facility and the one in Mexico you’re importing from is registered with the FDA. You can do this online by accessing the FDA Industry Systems (FIS). The final step will be completing requirements in the FSMA. There are numerous parts of the FSMA that you’ll need to follow, including the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP).
Other requirements include:
Following these requirements will ensure your avocados are safe for consumption when they reach their final destination.
CBP doesn’t have specific requirements for importing avocados. However, they will want you to provide documentation for your shipment.
This includes:
Other documents might be required depending on the specifics of your avocado shipment. For example, customs bonds are needed for goods with a value over $2,500. If you’re applying for preferential tariff treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), then you’ll need a certificate of origin.
There isn’t a specific certificate of origin format for this FTA, but you will need to provide nine essential data elements. Be sure to research the specifics of your shipment to determine if other documents are needed for your Mexican avocados.
Related: Shipping Shoes To Mexico
On June 17th, 2024, USDA suspended the importation of avocados from the Mexican state of Michoacán. The suspension took effect after a security incident involving USDA staff occurred.
USDA will continue to halt avocados from this state for as long as necessary. Michoacán accounted for 75.77% of Mexico’s avocado production in 2023. As a result of the suspension, you’ll need to look for suppliers elsewhere in Mexico.
Other states that produce avocados include:
While there’s no indication when the suspension of avocados from Michoacán will be lifted, you should be aware it could end at any time.
While Mexico Cross Border Freight doesn’t transport avocados from Mexico for various reasons, we can provide you with the assistance you need to import your goods. Our logistics specialists know a considerable amount of information regarding customs clearance.
During a consulting session, they can guide you through the regulations you’ll need to follow when importing avocados. Schedule your consulting session by calling us at (866) 335-0495 or contact us through the site.
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Helw i hope your doing well ,am justin from Tanzania Njombe region , i am the the farmer of avocado, can i be the broker of collecting those avocado and export to you also need to know if there any condition. Thank you.
How long does it take to import avocados??
I lived in St. Louis, MO. I have grocery shop and coffee shop in a strip mall. The area Large concentration of Latino population. I want to import avocado, raw coffee beans, etc from Mexico time to time. Can you help me? Let me know.