MontyF - 5-30-2024 at 07:59 AM
May 21 I crossed into Mexicali via west entrance with $7,000 of new solar equipment. I went straight to declare folks and paid duty. I presented my
detailed sales invoice and received an invoice for my customs fee.
Tomorrow I will cross back to US via Mexicali. With me I have one of the new batteries (out of 4 total) which were part of the above invoice. It is
the wrong size.
So I am anticipating that I can to Mexican customs, present my documentation and get "proof" that I am taking a battery out of Mexico. I additionally
anticipate that when I return in 4 weeks with a different battery, an invoice that says "no charge" will allow me to avoid duty
Does this sound like how it will go? Additionally I am crossing at Mexcali East. Do I go to the "Aduana" building right at the gate or is there
another customs office as I approach the Sentri line entrance?
thanks
RFClark - 5-30-2024 at 10:55 AM
You can try, your results may vary! I have been told in the past that if you take something out of Mexico you must pay again when you return.
AKgringo - 5-30-2024 at 11:06 AM
Any chance of finding someone near you in Baja that wants your new battery?
Bob and Susan - 5-30-2024 at 12:12 PM
if you just paid the "duty" you really didn't import it...
you need a "pidiimento de importation" to return goods and not pay on reentry....there is a process
you need to contact the Aduana BEFORE you arrive at the border and get a notarized letter from them
imagine going to the border right now 115f walking around with a heavy battery and trying to save a few bucks... not worth it
crossing with batteries to the USA may be a problem too as they are considered hazardous and can only be transported across the USA border by licensed
carriers
leave it in mexico for your next trip
MontyF - 6-1-2024 at 07:27 AM
OK, I passed northbound through Mexicali East customs yesterday with my solar battery for which I paid $225usd duty the week before. I am returning
it to the US for a refund and get the correct battery. Same price, same duty if I just declare it. Instead...
At Mexicali East border road I turned a hard left at the Sentri entrance (one lane to the west of Sentri lane) and continued towards the border
crossing point (with Sentri, Ready and Regular lanes to my right).
There were two lanes to my left. These are the people having just cleared entry to Mexico.
At the stop sign, I turned left. Ahead were two groups of buildings, one group on the left and the customs office on the right.
I was directed by very nice mexican customs officials to the right building. Explained my interest in obtaining documentation verifying
that I was taking the item to US
Official came to my car and photographed the battery (model, S/N, etc). I assume it was useful to have original packing materials as well as receipts
from prior border crossing.
Left with my paperwork showing I was taking battery out of Mexico.
Whole thing done in less that 20 minutes with utmost courtesty and expertise.
Upon return with new battery, my original customs receipt, invoice for my new battery showing a returning and ZERO cost and today's paperwork should
do the trick!
That's what I plan, at least.