Does anyone have any experience or recommmendations about wether or not to declare a large item I am bringing Puerto Penasco? I just bought a dishwasher and am bringing it down to install in my remodeled kitchen. I have been back and forth 6 times since Thanksgiving and never been stopped or questioned, but am a little nervous having read they can confiscate or fine you twice the value.
I would declare it, only because if you dont they have you over a barrel if they see it and will probably milk it to the max, because it is legally considered contraband until it is declared. The tax is probably cheap anyway. I had one of Roberto and Dee's customers call me about 9 oclock one night he had tried to cross a generator for a small house without declaring it, when they had him for that, they found a check to me when they searched his pickup. They took the pickup and were taking him to jail when I got to the border. They let him go after paying the tax on the generator, a fine and tax on the check. It's not worth it. By declaring it, it levels the playing field and its a negotiation, by not declaring it, it is 100% in their favor what they do to you.
That's good advice. The probability of getting stopped may be low but the severity of the consequences can be very high. I believe that the Mexican customs have become much more vigilant. Make a hard left at the border, cross the outgoing lane and park. Go into the small building between the lanes, smile and show a reciept, pay the tax and relax. US folk are accustomed to crossing with whatever they want and no problems, it's sort of a game. Even if you manage to sneak by at the border they might get you as you exit Sonoita where they have been operating an inspection point more frequently. That has happened to 2 people I know recently who had to return to the border. One was crossing 2 bags of dog food and she had to turn around go back to the border and leave it at Gringo Pass, then recross.
They are getting tougher, I got to the border one morning with a trailer load of fence pipe, because of the quantity they wouldn't let me pay the tax, so I tried it the other way and that didn't work so I wound up driving to San Luis and crossed it there.
Yea I had a guy try to cross my pool table and he got the red light, I was running about 5 min behind him. I had some stuff I was going to declare so i pulled to the side and went into the shack. He said he's the guy that sold me the table I had given him a receipt for 5 hundred bucks and he pulled it out and said he did not know
the import laws. They were going to keep his truck and keep the table. So he was lucky he only paid 25% on $350 after some begging. I slipped the guy a fifty and we
were shooting pool the next day.
Yea I had a guy try to cross my pool table and he got the red light, I was running about 5 min behind him. I had some stuff I was going to declare so i pulled to the side and went into the shack. He said he's the guy that sold me the table I had given him a receipt for 5 hundred bucks and he pulled it out and said he did not know
the import laws. They were going to keep his truck and keep the table. So he was lucky he only paid 25% on $350 after some begging. I slipped the guy a fifty and we
were shooting pool the next day.
Believe it or not they sometimes do have a full impound yard, I asked them one time if they auction the vehicles, they dont, they crush them.
Bill what I can't hide I declare and i am glad to pay the fee's. Since I am a national I pay less than norte americanos. Hey you remember when tom's daughter got
thrown in the pokey?
Bill what I can't hide I declare and i am glad to pay the fee's. Since I am a national I pay less than norte americanos. Hey you remember when tom's daughter got
thrown in the pokey?
Yeah, for checks that weren't her's. That would screw up a mail pickup service.
Lagrimas sez : Believe it or not they sometimes do have a full impound yard, I asked them one time if they auction the vehicles, they dont, they crush them.
As you approach Sonoita from Pensco look ahead,to your left on the side of the hill you will see what appears to be a large junk yard. When Ana and I were searching for an engine for her brother we went there to inquire. That's an Aduana storage and no they don't sell stuff from there.
isn't there a junk yard on the right as well, on your passenger's side? going towards the border, leaving mexico, just after that last hill and the speed limit drops dramatically? i can't see the one on the opposite side (driver's) of the road in my head, though at that point i'm usually looking out for speed traps.
I have declared dog food for many years as "personal use for my animals" and also as charitable donation to caregivers of animals. Learn a little spanish and be very polite and usually there are not any problems.
Lannette got stopped because some of the mail she had contained those bogus checks that the finance companies mail and the total was more than twenty thousand dollars. It was cleared up very quickly.
Thanks for all the good advice! I went ahead and declared the dishwasher and some other stuff and showed the receipts. It was after 8PM so the bank was closed and the agent took me into the office, did a calculation and said I owed $36. She gave me a receipt and I drove thru with out a second look.
Thanks for all the good advice! I went ahead and declared the dishwasher and some other stuff and showed the receipts. It was after 8PM so the bank was closed and the agent took me into the office, did a calculation and said I owed $36. She gave me a receipt and I drove thru with out a second look.
One advantage of declaring things like your dishwasher, is at times they break or something happens, you can return it to the U.S. for warranty work and with the receipt from Mx. customs you can cross it again with no tax, as it is imported now. So it has its advantages.
PP- You did the correct thing. NEVER try to bribe anybody! You have to know your duty-free importation limits. They can be between $50 and $150 per person, depending on your immigration/resident status. I believe the maximum is $400 per car.
I recently found out after 20 years of bringing in appliances and praying I didn't get the red light that I can buy them cheaper in RP and not have to deal hauling them and with customs.
I bought a new stove at the store (Colonials Muebles?) for $350, it is next to the bus station 6 blocks past the Super Ley.
We went to the Walmart de Penasco and found the prices to be anywhere from really inexpensive to Phx like and more (electronics were crazy expensive).
I still prefer to buy from the local businesses there. I only use Super Ley (Safeway) to buy something for a few $$ give them a $50 bill and get the change in Pesos (better exchange rate)
to use for gas purchases. My water guy told me about that trick.
I need to bring down two ceiling fans for our condo, they were $100.00 each. Do I need to declare them at the border? Someone had told me that you are allowed
$100.00 in merchandise per person in the vehicle, any advice would be appreciated.
Everything is sufficiently confusing right now about all this that I would just stop, park and go into the little office in the center, show the reciepts and ask. I think it used to be $75 in permitted items. There used to be a list of permitted items that required inspection and one that did not require inspection. There are definately items not permitted under any circumstances irrespective of value, and there has been a total limit of $1,000 you could import without using a broker. Yeah, stop and ask !!
Here are the official rules of what you can and cannot bring into Mexico as a tourist, from the Sonora Tourism web site.
2.5 What is customs and what do I have to do?
In Mexico, customs is the authority responsible for the tax payment of goods and vehicles that enter and exit the country, and one of their duties is to inform you about the taxes you must pay in order to bring goods, money, or vehicles inside the country. As you go through customs, you must declare if you bring with you any goods other than your personal belongings so you can pay the resultant taxes. 2.6 Which goods are part of my personal belongings?
Your cloths, shoes, personal hygiene products new or used, a camera, a video camera with batteries, 12 films or video cassettes, binoculars, cell-phone, pager, typewriter, computer new or used (laptop, notebook, omni book, or similar), and portable printer, new or used. You may also bring in as part of your luggage a camping tent and gear, 4 fishing canes with accessories, two used sports equipments that you can carry on your own, a water surf board with or without sail, a portable or mixed sound reproduction equipment, 5 laser discs, 5 DVD and 20 CDs or audio tapes.
Also considered part of your personal luggage are a music instrument that you can carry by yourself, books and magazines in such a number that it would not seem they are for sale, 5 toys that you can carry, pharmaceuticals for your personal use (in case you need psychotropic drugs a written medical prescription is required).
Handicapped individuals may bring any personal goods they use to help them diminish their disability; adults 18 years old and older may also bring up to 20 cigarette cartons, 25 cigars, 200 grams of tobacco; as well as 3 liters of wine, beer or liquor. 2.7 What is a “franchise” and how much am I entitled to?
Is the benefit free of taxes for goods you introduce into the country. If you arrive to Mexico by plane or ship, you may introduce one or several articles apart from your luggage, up to 300 U.S. dollars, or its equivalent in other currencies. If by car or bus, the franchise is of 50 U.S. dollars per person, including under age, as long as they travel in the same vehicle. This franchise does not include additional alcoholic beverages, tobacco or additional gasoline for your vehicle. 2.8 How much do I have to pay for goods additional to the personal belongings and franchise?
If the cost of your goods exceeds the franchise but is under 1000 U.S dollars or its equivalent in other currencies, you must pay 17% of the total value, and fill in the “foreign commerce contribution payment” form. If the cost of your goods excluding the franchise is over 1000 U.S. dollars or its equivalent in other currencies, you must hire the services of a custom broker, for the importation procedures. (ask at customs where to find it).
2.9 How do I go by inspection at customs?
Not relevant to drivers. 2.10 What is not allowed to bring into Mexico?
You must not bring into the country, in your vehicle or among your personal belongings, fire weapons, bullets, explosives, and related chemical substances. Also forbidden are recreational drugs, narcotics, psychotropic and other illegal substances or vegetables.
You must be aware that the elaboration, preparation, sale, purchase, supply, transportation, introduction or removal from the country of any of the previous products is a crime punished with 10 to 25 years in prison. 2.11 What is forbidden to remove from Mexico?
Removing archeological treasures, documents, and historic objects belonging to the national patrimony, and wild plant and animal life without the appropriate authorization is forbidden. 2.12 How much money in cash or checks can I bring into Mexico?
Bringing any amount of money is not a felony, and you do not have to pay any taxes. However, if you bring more than 10,000 U.S. dollars, but under 30,000, or its equivalent in other currencies, you must declare it at customs. If you neglect this action, you will be penalized by paying 20% to 40% of the amount in excess of 10,000U.S. dollars; if the amount not declared is over 30,000U.S., dollars you will be turned to the appropriate authorities.
I didn't see anything about the meat & dairy products they've been confiscating recently, but I don't expect a government-run website to have been recently updated either. Could be months before they get that sort of information up.
I have a sony 32 inch flat screen that has to come off the wall as well as a surround sound in my fifth wheel ! its 3 + years old ! do i have to declare that ?
Roberto said:
Here are the official rules of what you can and cannot bring into Mexico as a tourist, from the Sonora Tourism web site.
2.5 What is customs and what do I have to do?
In Mexico, customs is the authority responsible for the tax payment of goods and vehicles that enter and exit the country, and one of their duties is to inform you about the taxes you must pay in order to bring goods, money, or vehicles inside the country. As you go through customs, you must declare if you bring with you any goods other than your personal belongings so you can pay the resultant taxes. 2.6 Which goods are part of my personal belongings?
Your cloths, shoes, personal hygiene products new or used, a camera, a video camera with batteries, 12 films or video cassettes, binoculars, cell-phone, pager, typewriter, computer new or used (laptop, notebook, omni book, or similar), and portable printer, new or used. You may also bring in as part of your luggage a camping tent and gear, 4 fishing canes with accessories, two used sports equipments that you can carry on your own, a water surf board with or without sail, a portable or mixed sound reproduction equipment, 5 laser discs, 5 DVD and 20 CDs or audio tapes.
Also considered part of your personal luggage are a music instrument that you can carry by yourself, books and magazines in such a number that it would not seem they are for sale, 5 toys that you can carry, pharmaceuticals for your personal use (in case you need psychotropic drugs a written medical prescription is required).
Handicapped individuals may bring any personal goods they use to help them diminish their disability; adults 18 years old and older may also bring up to 20 cigarette cartons, 25 cigars, 200 grams of tobacco; as well as 3 liters of wine, beer or liquor. 2.7 What is a “franchise” and how much am I entitled to?
Is the benefit free of taxes for goods you introduce into the country. If you arrive to Mexico by plane or ship, you may introduce one or several articles apart from your luggage, up to 300 U.S. dollars, or its equivalent in other currencies. If by car or bus, the franchise is of 50 U.S. dollars per person, including under age, as long as they travel in the same vehicle. This franchise does not include additional alcoholic beverages, tobacco or additional gasoline for your vehicle. 2.8 How much do I have to pay for goods additional to the personal belongings and franchise?
If the cost of your goods exceeds the franchise but is under 1000 U.S dollars or its equivalent in other currencies, you must pay 17% of the total value, and fill in the “foreign commerce contribution payment” form. If the cost of your goods excluding the franchise is over 1000 U.S. dollars or its equivalent in other currencies, you must hire the services of a custom broker, for the importation procedures. (ask at customs where to find it).
2.9 How do I go by inspection at customs?
Not relevant to drivers. 2.10 What is not allowed to bring into Mexico?
You must not bring into the country, in your vehicle or among your personal belongings, fire weapons, bullets, explosives, and related chemical substances. Also forbidden are recreational drugs, narcotics, psychotropic and other illegal substances or vegetables.
You must be aware that the elaboration, preparation, sale, purchase, supply, transportation, introduction or removal from the country of any of the previous products is a crime punished with 10 to 25 years in prison. 2.11 What is forbidden to remove from Mexico?
Removing archeological treasures, documents, and historic objects belonging to the national patrimony, and wild plant and animal life without the appropriate authorization is forbidden. 2.12 How much money in cash or checks can I bring into Mexico?
Bringing any amount of money is not a felony, and you do not have to pay any taxes. However, if you bring more than 10,000 U.S. dollars, but under 30,000, or its equivalent in other currencies, you must declare it at customs. If you neglect this action, you will be penalized by paying 20% to 40% of the amount in excess of 10,000U.S. dollars; if the amount not declared is over 30,000U.S., dollars you will be turned to the appropriate authorities.
I also found this link and wonder how much confusion it will add, it states i can bring up to $3000 US without "customs broker" and tax is 16%. Thought about filling it out and presenting it at the border. (need to bring furniture down this weekend), Thoughts??
I just feel buy local if you can (now with Sam's some of the stuff that wasn't available might be ...though not truly local but keeps it open and the locals jobs) if not then just declare and avoid any hassle. #2cents
I don't mind paying the taxes, just want to make sure what is required up front. Do i need to hire customs agent if imports are greater than $1000 or $3000?
I'd go with printing out the PDF at the link you posted and going with that if the value isn't over 3k. It is from the official Adauna site so hard to argue with, but be sure to pull over and park on the left right after you cross and just go talk to one of the Adauna people. There is a tall young guy (can't remember his name) who speaks english and is a cool guy, if you see him just show him the paperwork from the Adauna site. And remember to smile.
If it's slightly used stuff they will take a look and depends on the personal that is working that day. You can cross sofas and love chairs no problem, now a whole house you might have to park the trailer in the lot at the gas station overnight if the customs office is not open. What i do is a print out out on my home computer what the stuff I think is worth, not let them price it, big deal you pay under 100 bucks most the the time. The other day they let me cross a 42 inch lg hdtv
no charge but it was out of the box.
I crossed on June 15 @ 9PM with a load of 15 new windows. I had a receipt with the itemized list of windows and their cost from my buddy's wholesale supply shop. (He gave them to me at cost.) I went to the declaration side and took the receipt to the Aduana agent who spoke great english was very polite and told him what I had to declare. He walked to the truck, compared the receipt with the load and said "OK this looks fine". I said let me pay the tax and be on my way, and he says, I'm not allowed, I need my partner to do that. Well, his partner is a complete jackass, speaks no english and decides that my receipt is no good. Thru translation he said "these windows are very, very expensive, they are electric" I replied "what do you mean electric windows? He pointed at the energy star rating and said "see, they are electric". I replied, "Let me see your boss". That was a mistake! Out waddled a short, wide nazi-like lady who spoke good english and she agreed that my receipt was too low and no good. She explained that it does not matter what you pay for an item, you owe import taxes on the commercial value of the item. I replied, OK how are we going to determine the commercial value of these windows? She replied, I will look it up on the internet! 45 minutes later she came out with a number in mind and I ended up paying $420 and being delayed for an hour and 20 minutes. What a hassle. I know she did not find the true commercial value for the windows since it is not quoted anywhere on the WWW. So I guess it's up to their discretion. My suggestion is to make your furniture look dirty and used and tell em it's not worth crap and let them value it for you, pay the tax and boogie. Good Luck!;-)
i came through yesterday at 3:30 with TVs and a cooktop and had the form posted earlier completed. my receipts totaled 1800 dollars and, after a few questions and asked to open one box, was assessed a 3970 peso tax bill. this was about what I had expected. The total process took ten to fifteen minutes....no hassles, no problem just peace of mind.
I also found this link and wonder how much confusion it will add, it states i can bring up to $3000 US without "customs broker" and tax is 16%. Thought about filling it out and presenting it at the border. (need to bring furniture down this weekend), Thoughts??
What I saw there says the $300 (note that it isn't $3000, but yours might just be a typo) limit is for those entering Mexico via air or sea. People crossing into the country by land are limited to $75 usd unless it's a holiday season.
$3000 is what it says below from the pdf link. Thanks for clearing this up. No more smuggling, since bringing in $3000 of merchandise never happens for me.
According to the Tijuana Blog at the end of this the exemption is $3000 per vehicle family member.
Passengers may import merchandise other than their personal baggage without hiring a customs broker, paying the general tax of 16%, provided that the value of merchandises,excluding duty-free allowance, doesn’t exceed 3,000 USD or the equivalent in MXN currency, and provided that the passenger has the invoice, sale receipt, or any other document expressing the commercial value of merchandise.Taxes may be paid by Internet at Banco Nacional del Ejercito Fuerza Aérea y Armada S.N.C. or www.aduanas.gob.mx, completing the form “Payment of Foreign Trade Duties”, or through the automatic centers. Value of computer equipment, together with the rest of merchandise, must not exceed 4,000 USD or the equivalent in other currencies. From the TijuanaBlog:
What Can I bring in Duty Free
* The items allowed in your personal luggage, according to the length of your trip.
* Up to 75 USD per person in permitted goods, or its equivalent in other currencies. Passengers traveling with family members (spouse and children) may combine their personal exemptions only when arriving together on the same vehicle. In order to claim this additional exemption, passengers must have the corresponding commercial invoices or receipts available. There is a total combined exemption amount that is not stated. It used to be $400 per vehicle.
* Beer, alcoholic beverages, manufactured tobacco and motor vehicle fuel (except for the fuel contained in the vehicle’s fuel tank) may not be included in this additional exemption.
* If the value of the goods surpasses $3000 dollars (per family member) after subtracting the US$75 exemption, or if any of the goods is subject to non-tariff regulations or restrictions, you must hire the services of a customs broker.
* Beer, alcoholic beverages, manufactured tobacco and motor vehicle fuel (except for the fuel contained in the vehicle’s fuel tank) may not be included in this additional exemption.
* If you bring a desktop computer, you may pay duties and taxes by filling out a payment form as long as the value of the computer and its peripherals and accessories do not exceed US$4,000. If the total value of the computer and its peripherals and accessories exceeds US$4,000 you must hire the services of a customs broker.
* The import tax rate is 16% on the amount of items you import, after exemptions
* If the value of the items that you are importing are less than you exemption amount, you can proceed via the 'nothing to declare lanes'
* If the value of the items that you are importing is more than your exemption amount, you must proceed to the declaration area. A customs officer will get the value of your items (have receipts if new, helpful to have documented estimates for used items) and subtract your exemption amount. You then pay 16% import tax on the balance. You pay at the bank at customs. You can pay in pesos or dollars.
Items that can be 'in your luggage' that are exempt from importation:
1. Goods for personal use, such as clothing, footwear and personal toiletries and beauty products, as long as they are appropriate for the duration of the trip, including wedding party items. Baby travel accesories, such as strollers and baby-walkers.
2. Two photographic cameras or video recorders, 12 rolls of film or videocassettes; photographic material; three portable cell phone or other wireless networks; global positioning equipment (GPS); a portable typewriter; an electronic calendar; a portable computer (laptop), notebook, omnibook or similar items; a copier or portable printer; a portable projector, and their accessories.
3. Two sports equipment, four rods, three speedboats with or without sails and their accessories, trophies or recognitions, provided that they can be transported normally and commonly by the passenger, one stair climber and bicycle
4. A portable radio for the recording or reproduction of sound or mixed tapes; or a digital sound reproducer or portable reproducer of compact discs and a portable reproducer of DVD’s, such as a pair of portable speakers, and their accessories.
5. Five laser disks, 10 DVD disks, 30 compact disks (CD) or magnetic tapes (audiocassettes), for the reproduction of sound, three software packages and five storage devices or memory cards for any electronic equipments.
6. Books, magazines and printed documents.
7. Five toys, —included those that are collectible— and a video game console and five videogames.
8. One device that permits measurement of blood pressure and one for glucose, as well as medications of personal use; in the case of psychotropics the medical prescription should be shown.
9. One set of binoculars and a telescope.
10. Overnight bags, trunks and suitcases necessary for the movement of goods.
11. Passengers over 18 years of age, may introduce a maximum of up to 20 packs of cigarettes, 25 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco and up to three liters of alcoholic beverages, and six liters of wine; in excess of the above, cannot be imported without complying with applicable regulations and restrictions.
12. Two musical instruments and its accessories.
13. A camping tent and camping equipment, as well as their accessories.
14. A set of tools including its case, it might have a hand drill, wire cutters, wrenches, dices, screwdrivers, current cables, among others.
15. Up to two dogs or cats, maybe introduced as well as their accesories, provided that the corresponding zoosanitary import certificate issued by (SAGARPA) is presented to the customs officials.
Getting out of bed, is a life adventure,
I am sure the next time I have 20 gallons of paint or a TV in my car and get the red light, I will whip out the Customs declaration showing
the $3000 valuation exemption and I will get a Aduana agent who "knows nothing" about $3000. And I will go merrily over to pay the tax.
It doesn't say you don't have to pay tax on less than $3000, it just says you don't have to pay for the customs agent, tax is 16% on everything over personal exemption X persons traveling in car.
"without hiring a customs broker, paying the general tax of 16%, provided that the value of merchandises,excluding duty-free allowance, doesn’t exceed 3,000 USD or the equivalent in MXN currency,"
It doesn't say you don't have to pay tax on less than $3000, it just says you don't have to pay for the customs agent, tax is 16% on everything over personal exemption X persons traveling in car.
"without hiring a customs broker, paying the general tax of 16%, provided that the value of merchandises,excluding duty-free allowance, doesn’t exceed 3,000 USD or the equivalent in MXN currency,"
LOL! In addition to not scrolling down to read the entire pdf file, I jumped to the same mistaken conclusion...that we were discussing paying taxes. Doh! here it is quitting time and the little light bulb over my head is just now lighting up? Geez...
You're right, Roberto. Maybe I've had a heatstroke and just haven't realized it yet.
Ok, so to sum all this up:
1. If not bringing anything over $75 per person in vehicle=No tax and may use nothing to declare lane.
2. If bringing in things that exceed the $75 per person but under $3000 per family member=Use the declare area and have credible receipts to show value and pay tax.
3. Or use the nothing to declare lane, pray to the light gods for a green light, but if you get the red light plead ignorance and go pay the tax and hope they play nice.
4. If bringing in over $3000 per family member hire a Import/Customs broker and pay the tax and broker fee.
5. Get a boat and load it to the gills with everything you own, load up in LA, cruise around Cabo and pull it in at night in RP to off-load it
and pray you don't get to see where the new jail is.
Some folk down in San Carlos told me they bought an old bread truck and put in furniture and appliances, cabinets etc to make it look like ad RV. Cross over, empty the van into the house and make a return trip for more later. They claimed that worked.
Get to border, go left, no one around, have to go find someone to try and pay. Have receipt totaling $1850, agent says $348, me, "is that with personal exemptions?", her "yes, is that to much? Do you want to pay less?", me "yes" ok how about $200 with receipt?" and away we went. No water at detour but roadwork replacing washout road.
11. Passengers over 18 years of age, may introduce a maximum of up to 20 packs of cigarettes, 25 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco and up to three liters of alcoholic beverages, and six liters of wine; in excess of the above, cannot be imported without complying with applicable regulations and restrictions.
Does anyone know anything about this mention of being allowed SIX liters of WINE?
I want to bring down a case of champagne for my birthday week, but I thought we were only allowed 3 liters per adult, which would total eight 750 ml bottles.
Thoughts anyone?
We were once over on liquor as they had a copy of our receipt from duty free ( i guess it transmits over) so we got red light and had to go in and pay 100% duty!
Yep, wildtoucan, that's why I'm trying to be careful about going over the limit. We usually just buy our beer and tequilla in PP, but they don't have my favorite peach champagne down there! Don't say yuck until you've tried it! It is amazing over ice, oh boy am I looking forward to sipping iced champagne on the playa. :razz:
brokenwave, did you send me a private reply to my message to you? The forum will not let me view your private reply until I have posted at least five times.
brokenwave, did you send me a private reply to my message to you? The forum will not let me view your private reply until I have posted at least five times.
brokenwave, I got the link from your private message in my regular email. Thank you for your help!
I brought the 5 litre boxes of wine down many times and got the inspection with no problem. If you are still worried about it and have other folk coming down you could spread it out among them.
Thanks Roberto, that is good news about your wine getting through inspection!
It is just the hubby and me going, so we have no extra people to divide our stuff.
TerryC, if I drink it all before the border, there will be no champagne on the playa! Oh no! :hateit: