The majority of the people coming to visit Mexico either arrive by plane or by driving across the border. After filling out the correct documentation for yourself, your family and friends (SEE POST ON WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED WHEN TRAVELLING TO MEXICO), your next decision ischoosing the lane to DECLARE ITEMS being imported into Mexico or choose the lane of NO DECLARATION .
What does this mean
In the lane of NO DECLARATION, you will be asked to press a button, if the green light turns on, you will pass on through into Mexico, if the red light turns on, a physical inspection will be realized by the customs officer on your luggage and carry on items. The majority of the time, the inspection is quick and efficient, and then you will proceed on into Mexico.
If you choose to DECLARE ITEMS, then please read the last paragraph on how much you will need to pay in duties on your excess items being brought into Mexico.
WHAT ITEMS CAN WE BRING INTO MEXICO WITHOUT PAYING DUTIES
Basically the items that can fit in your luggage and which are listed below are duty free when travelling into Mexico.
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.
2. Two photographic cameras or video recorders, 12 rolls of film or videocassettes; photographic material; two cellular telephones or radio phones; a portatil 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 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 videogames.
8. One device that permits measurement of arterial 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. Valises, 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. Baby travel accesories, such as strollers and baby-walkers
13. Two musical instruments and its accessories.
14. A camping tent and camping equipment, as well as their accessories.
15. Handicapped or old travelers may introduce items for personal use, useful to have a better performance of their activities, such as walkers, wheelchairs, crutches and canes.
16. A set of tools including its case, it might have a hand drill, wire cutters, wrenches, dices, screwdrivers, current cables, among others.
17. Beddings, that will be able to include a set of matching sheets and pillowcases, a set of towels, a set of bath, a set of table linen and a set of kitchen.
18. 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.
What if I Bring an Item That is Not Within the Luggage and Not Outlined in the List Above
Up to $75 USD per person is permitted on 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 or same plane In order to claim this additional exemption, passengers must have the corresponding commercial invoices or receipts available
If the amount is greater than the $75 exemption permitted yet less than US$3,000, you must pay duties and taxes. There is a flat 15% rate of duties and taxes and you must fill out the payment form intended for it, which is available at the Customs counter.
If the amount of the goods is over the US$3,000, then you must hire the services of a customs broker, who will present the legal forms to pay the duties and taxes (you can ask where to reach one at the Customs Office).
If you are driving your Canadian or American automobile, then check out this POST on HOW TO OBTAIN A MEXICO TEMPORARY IMPORT PERMIT ON VEHICLES.
Thomas Lloyd www.TOPmexicorealestate.com