CUSMA Duty-Free Imports: How to Save on US & Mexico Tariffs in 2026
By TariffCalc Editorial Team
The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), also known as USMCA, replaced NAFTA in 2020. It continues to provide duty-free or reduced-duty access for qualifying goods traded between the three countries. It's one of 20+ trade agreements supported by TariffCalc.
Key Benefits
- Zero duties on most qualifying goods from the US and Mexico
- Streamlined rules of origin for easier compliance
- Digital trade provisions eliminating duties on digital products
Rules of Origin
To qualify for CUSMA preferential rates, goods must meet specific rules of origin:
- Wholly obtained: Goods grown, harvested, or extracted in a CUSMA country
- Substantial transformation: Goods that undergo significant processing
- Regional value content: Meeting minimum value for duty thresholds
Important: US Retaliatory Surtaxes
Even with CUSMA, certain US-origin goods are subject to retaliatory surtaxes on steel, aluminum, and motor vehicles. These surtaxes apply on top of any CUSMA preferential rate.
How to Use CUSMA with TariffCalc
- Enter your HS code in the calculator
- Select US or Mexico as the country of origin
- The calculator automatically shows the CUSMA preferential rate
- Compare with MFN rate to see your savings
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CUSMA and NAFTA?▼
CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement) replaced NAFTA on July 1, 2020. It includes updated rules of origin (especially for automotive), new digital trade provisions, and stronger labor and environmental standards.
How do I prove my goods qualify for CUSMA duty-free treatment?▼
You need a certification of origin from the exporter, producer, or importer. Unlike NAFTA, CUSMA does not require a specific form — the certification can be on any document (invoice, letter) as long as it contains the required data elements.
Does CUSMA apply to all goods from the US and Mexico?▼
No. Goods must meet specific rules of origin to qualify for CUSMA preferential rates. Some products have regional value content requirements, tariff shift rules, or specific process rules. Goods that do not qualify are subject to MFN duty rates.
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