BajaNomad - what to do in the declare lane?

what to do in the declare lane?

fandango - 8-14-2007 at 09:35 PM

i went through the declare lane with a screen door that was visable in the back of my truck. went up to the desk and the agent said if that was all i had, to go ahead. so i drove out slowly.
second time thru the declare lane with carpet and the agent pointed out the red/green light. i pushed the button and got a green light. off i go. the first time i never saw the red/green light.
so, what is the procedure? when i drive thru the declare lane, do i need to speak to the agent or just go to the red/green light? and if i talk to the agent and he says go ahead, do i need to play the lights? and if i get red, what happens?

Bob and Susan - 8-15-2007 at 06:00 AM

you need to push the light button AFTER you talk to the agent

it you get a red he'll pass you thru...no problems
IF you declared everything...if you didn't...problemos

if you push the button FIRST and get a red the inspector will "inspect"

San Ysidro-The good old days

Dave - 8-15-2007 at 08:15 AM

Used to be you could pull into declare, get out and stretch your legs, get back in your car and drive off...and If you were questioned about it just say, "they checked and said I could go".

Someone got wise. :rolleyes:

wilderone - 8-15-2007 at 11:39 AM

Once I got red, and there was nobody around, nobody even paying attention. The declare lane is for goods that you're more or less importing, exceeding a certain value (you need to check the regs). Just play the lights.

JZ - 8-15-2007 at 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
Used to be you could pull into declare, get out and stretch your legs, get back in your car and drive off...and If you were questioned about it just say, "they checked and said I could go".

Someone got wise. :rolleyes:

Seems it is still the good old days at San Luis Colorado. I just went through there and that's about how it went.

Don Alley - 8-15-2007 at 12:27 PM

We got the red light once after declaring and paying. The woman on duty had us open the back of the car (stuffed with stuff), took a short cursory look, asked about alcohol, we showed her a case of two buck chuck and she sent us on our way.

So the way it works is you declare what you're going to pay duty on but there is still a light to keep you honest.

CaboRon - 8-15-2007 at 04:37 PM

Dave,

So you're saying my plan of getting out of the vehicle and doing a little dance might not work.? :lol:

Does this mean that I should get the Manaja de Casa ?

I had entertained the idea of just going for the red llight/green light ... and taking my chances ......... :lol:

Although the queen sz box spring and mattress set on the roof might just set off flags !!

Had hoped not to attract too much attention.

- CaboRon

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danaeb - 8-15-2007 at 05:25 PM

What are the rules for declaration? Are they published anywhere? Is it only new stuff? Is it just items related to construction? Does the holding of an FM3 visa determine what should be declared?

I'll be driving to La Paz in October with a few things for my house. Mostly used, nothing for construction. I imported most of my household items under a menaje de casa a few months ago, but there are a few items that I realized I needed after I got there.

bajadock - 8-15-2007 at 05:42 PM

Cabo Ron,
That looks very much like the segunda truck that I'm hiring to bring my stuff across. ILIKEIT!

Yikes!!!!!!!!!

bajaguy - 8-15-2007 at 05:50 PM

THAT IS the segunda truck that I hired for the trip on the 27th..............

Don Alley - 8-15-2007 at 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by danaeb
What are the rules for declaration? Are they published anywhere? Is it only new stuff? Is it just items related to construction? Does the holding of an FM3 visa determine what should be declared?

I'll be driving to La Paz in October with a few things for my house. Mostly used, nothing for construction. I imported most of my household items under a menaje de casa a few months ago, but there are a few items that I realized I needed after I got there.

There is a very specific list of things you can bring but I can't remember where to find it. But its not enforced to the letter; for example, I think you can only bring in 20 CDs with your car stereo. Mostly it's stuff that a normal tourist would take on a trip.

This is discussed many times here on bajanomad. What I would suggest is that you drive in the declare lane and just tell them you have a few used items for your home in Mexico, or, as an alternative, make a list with estimated values and pay the duty. Your FM3 will get you a $150 discount, plus another $150 for a spouse's M3.

bajalou - 8-15-2007 at 07:23 PM

If you're bringing used furniture, it's hard to convince them you're a tourist on vacation.

Alan - 8-15-2007 at 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by danaeb
I imported most of my household items under a menaje de casa a few months ago, but there are a few items that I realized I needed after I got there.

There will ALWAYS be a few items you later realize you need or can't get there or are ridiculously expensive if you do find it there.

I guess the basic question is how obvious is it in your car?

Dumb tourist routine can work. Pull into the declaration area but park along the curb to the right near the bus lane. If someone approaches explain you are getting your FMT. Go pickup and pay for your FMT. Get back in your car a drive straight forward (away from the red/green light that is on your left). Stop before leaving the area (but just out of position to get over to the light) and look over at the officer with a confused look. They will usually just wave you ahead - No Light = No Worries!

[Edited on 8-16-2007 by Alan]

toneart - 8-15-2007 at 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Alan

Quote:

Originally posted by danaeb
I imported most of my household items under a menaje de casa a few months ago, but there are a few items that I realized I needed after I got there.

I had one at San Ysidro make me get out of the vehicle after I told her I had nothing to declare and just got in the wrong lane by mistake. I was pulling a trailer and thought I had to go through that lane. She said for me to push the red/green light button. It was green and I was on my way.

Bob and Susan - 8-16-2007 at 05:19 AM

what you take in to baja that you are
NOT taking back you declare

used furniture
mattresses
chairs
washer dryer

if you get caught you CAN lose your truck or car
you'll have to pay a "bond" to get it back and the other stuff is theirs

the tax is small on used stuff not for resale
pay it

CaboRon - 8-16-2007 at 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
what you take in to baja that you are
NOT taking back you declare

used furniture
mattresses
chairs
washer dryer

if you get caught you CAN lose your truck or car
you'll have to pay a "bond" to get it back and the other stuff is theirs

the tax is small on used stuff not for resale
pay it

Is paying and declaring cheaper than the Manaje de Casa ??

- CaboRon :?:

Bob and Susan - 8-16-2007 at 06:35 AM

what i hear a "Manaje de Casa" is a pain...

importing is MUCH easier and quicker

i'll bet cost is almost the same

CaboRon - 8-16-2007 at 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
what i hear a "Manaje de Casa" is a pain...

importing is MUCH easier and quicker

i'll bet cost is almost the same

Thanks,

That was my take on things also. The Manaja is 139 US which would cover a lot of duty.

- CaboRon