Short answer. Ground capsicum (0904.22), spice blends (0910.91) and mixed seasonings (2103.90.90) enter the EU today at 0% from Mexico under the EU-Mexico agreement in force since 2000, when the product meets the agreement's rules of origin and is shipped with valid proof of origin. Without that preference, the EU's general duty applies: 5% to 12.5% depending on the code.
What tariff do Mexican seasonings pay to enter the EU today?
We checked each code in Access2Markets, the European Commission's official database, with Mexico as origin and Spain as destination. All three headings show a 0% tariff preference for Mexico, with legal base D0415/00 as shown by Access2Markets (the EU-Mexico agreement of 2000). That 0% applies when the product meets the agreement's rules of origin and is shipped with valid proof of origin. The third country column shows what is at stake if it does not.
| Code | Description (Access2Markets) | Third country duty | Mexico preferential | Consulted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0904.22.00 90 | Capsicum, crushed or ground, other | 5% | 0% (with origin conditions) | Oct 29, 2026 |
| 0910.91.90 | Mixtures of Note 1(b) to Chapter 9, other, crushed or ground | 12.5% | 0% (with origin conditions) | Oct 29, 2026 |
| 2103.90.90 19 | Mixed condiments and seasonings, other, containing tomato | 7.7% | 0% (with origin conditions) | Nov 1, 2026 |
| 2103.90.90 89 | Mixed condiments and seasonings, other | 7.7% | 0% (with origin conditions) | Nov 1, 2026 |
Source: European Commission, Access2Markets, origin MX, destination ES. Your exact code depends on how your product is classified; confirm it with your customs broker.
Is the tariff different in Spain, Germany or the Netherlands?
No. We ran the query with Spain as destination, but customs duties are the same in every EU country because the EU applies a common customs tariff. VAT is different: each member state sets its own rate, and VAT is outside the scope of this article. (Access2Markets, results page FAQ)
What does a shipment need to get the 0% rate?
The 0% rate applies only when the product meets the agreement's rules of origin and is shipped with valid proof of origin. For products from Mexico, Access2Markets states that importers must hold either an invoice declaration made by the exporter or a movement certificate EUR.1 issued by the competent public authority (Access2Markets, origin documentation, consulted Nov 1, 2026). To check whether a specific blend qualifies, use the EU's Rules of Origin Self Assessment tool (ROSA).
What does the modernized EU-Mexico agreement change?
The Council of the EU describes the new Interim Agreement on Trade this way: "The agreement will improve market access by eliminating most remaining customs duties, expanding opportunities for services, investment and public procurement, and reducing barriers to trade." (Council of the EU, Jul 14, 2026)
For the codes in the table above, the 2000 agreement already provides 0% with Mexican origin.
Interim trade agreement or global agreement: what is the difference?
There are two separate agreements:
- Interim Agreement on Trade (ITA). It covers the trade parts that fall under exclusive EU competence. In the Council's words: "As the ITA falls within the EU's exclusive competence, it does not require ratification by individual EU member states." The Council gave final approval on Jul 14, 2026. (Council of the EU)
- Modernised Global Agreement (MGA). It needs more than EU approval: "Ratification by all EU member states will also be needed for the MGA to fully enter into force." (Council of the EU, May 11, 2026) The ITA "will cease to apply once the full EU-Mexico Modernised Global Agreement enters into force." (Council, Jul 14, 2026)
Is the new agreement in force yet?
Not as of November 2026. Mexico's ratification is pending. The Council states: "Mexico is expected to conclude its internal ratification process after the summer." The ITA enters into force "on the first day of the second month following the date on which the EU and Mexico have notified each other of the completion of their respective internal procedures." No entry into force date has been published. Until then, the 2000 agreement applies. (Council of the EU, Jul 14, 2026)
How does FISA Lab support EU importers?
FISA Lab manufactures seasonings in Monterrey, Mexico, for food makers and importers. For EU buyers we offer:
- Certificate of origin when the blend qualifies
- COA with every batch
- Minimum order of 1 metric ton
- FOB Mexico or CIF to your port
See how we work with importers and distributors
FAQ
Do Mexican seasonings pay import duty in the EU?
For ground capsicum, spice blends under 0910.91 and mixed seasonings under 2103.90.90, Access2Markets shows 0% for Mexico under the agreement in force since 2000, when the product meets the agreement's rules of origin and is shipped with valid proof of origin. Without the preference, the general duties are 5%, 12.5% and 7.7%.
Is the EU tariff the same in every member state?
Yes. The EU applies a common customs tariff, so the duty is the same whether the goods enter through Spain, the Netherlands or Germany. VAT is set by each country and is not covered here.
Does the modernized EU-Mexico agreement lower these tariffs?
These codes already show 0% with Mexican origin under the 2000 agreement, when the product meets the agreement's rules of origin and is shipped with valid proof of origin. The Council says the new agreement eliminates most remaining customs duties overall. It is not in force yet because Mexico's ratification is pending.
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