vandy - 11-8-2009 at 05:08 PM
I've never bothered to hide anything I bring down to Baja, but 120 pounds of malted barley and a trash bag full of fresh hops might draw a little
attention.
The man at the brew supply place in Mesa, AZ, told me that I should declare the stuff on the way down...would that just be drawing attention to a
restricted hobby?
David K - 11-8-2009 at 05:45 PM
I once brought a big Costco bag of beans into Mexico (donation for a orphanage)... and later learned that was illegal... but, no problems at border. I
am just telling you since any bulk food/ grain that isn't for personal use on your vacation could be suspect. Bringing used clothes for orphans is
also illegal... etc.
If you have a home in Mexico and naturally an FM-3 visa, that may not be a problem at all... But how many tourists make beer on their vacation?
vandy - 11-9-2009 at 08:32 PM
Thanks David. I never bothered with an FM-3. Just FMT. Despite being almost permanent...
Even when I get The Red Light, they don't usually search me. I think I'll declare it as "soup ingredients" if they ask me.
Taco de Baja - 11-10-2009 at 08:28 AM
"A trash bag full of fresh hops....."
Let's hope they don't think that's some other green flower. 
Barley soup is good cover for the grain though; especially if you have a 7 gallon stockpot for cooking the mash.....I mean, "soup". 
gatopelon - 11-23-2009 at 07:56 AM
I've learned in my travels to Beautiful Mexico on hauling items in and avoiding duty charges. I was hauling a large quantity of surfboard wax in for
the kids of the San Blas surf team. I was going around and around with this lady customs inspector for an hour as to the value of the surfboard wax.
When a male customs inspector who had been watching this go on I guess long enough walked over and whispered in my ear If you say the items are for a
donation, you will always run into problems. But if tell them...... "It's a gift".
It works every time!
Bajajorge - 11-23-2009 at 09:14 AM
If you're going into competition with Tecate and Modelo, you'll probably have a problem.
gatopelon - 11-23-2009 at 09:24 AM
No competition here, I'm a die hard Pacifico guy.