BajaNomad - mexican custom rules

mexican custom rules

torch - 1-30-2010 at 08:24 AM

firstly this my first post. I'm glad to have found this site. my question is about bringing stuff into mexico. I was turned around for 2 pieces of 2x4x8. it was a pain in the ass especially because i had booze eggs and other items to cross back in to the usa with then throw away the 2x4's and go back through the border (mex). is there a definitive list of banned items and items you can declare (pay tax). I've been taking lumber (small amounts) every trip for years without a prob except my last trip. I have herd all sorts of conflicting info about this and would like to hear what the NOMADS have to say about this. thanks

DENNIS - 1-30-2010 at 08:30 AM

Hi Torch. Welcome to BajaNomad.
You were turned back for two 2x4s? Doesn't sound right. At any rate...couldn't you have discarded the two boards at Mex Customs and continued south?
Did you happen to have a verbal disagreement with the inspectors?

torch - 1-30-2010 at 08:36 AM

The only choice was to turn around . I asked the inspector about throwing them away at the inspection area and was told my only option was to turn around. he was friendly but firm with me turning around. wierd

DENNIS - 1-30-2010 at 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by torch
The only choice was to turn around . I asked the inspector about throwing them away at the inspection area and was told my only option was to turn around. he was friendly but firm with me turning around. wierd

Which crossing were you at?

torch - 1-30-2010 at 08:38 AM

I very very rarely have a bad attitude even when I should lol

torch - 1-30-2010 at 08:39 AM

san y. after the new look

monoloco - 1-30-2010 at 08:46 AM

What is the big deal about bringing lumber? I would like to bring down a load of hardwood and wonder what it takes to do it legally.

k-rico - 1-30-2010 at 08:48 AM

This is bad news! I live in TJ, carpentry is my hobby, and I frequently buy lumber at the Chula Vista Home Depot.

Three years ago I brought pickup truckloads of lumber into Mexico to build an addition on my house. I had to make several runs. No problems. I'm planning another addition this summer.

But, the Mexicans have really tightened up things at the border and there have been several posts about building materials being tough to bring in.

Yikes, Mexican lumber here I come. They sell some real junk down here. Good stuff is available but you need to be careful when selecting the pieces.

[Edited on 1-30-2010 by k-rico]

DENNIS - 1-30-2010 at 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
What is the big deal about bringing lumber? I would like to bring down a load of hardwood and wonder what it takes to do it legally.

Although they don't have much hardwood here, you'll have to import it. They're trying to protect the businesses that do import wood to sell, like Home Depot and other lumber yards.

monoloco - 1-30-2010 at 08:52 AM

Can you import lumber if you go through a broker?

shari - 1-30-2010 at 08:55 AM

heya torch...I'd like to extend a hearty nomad welcome to you...nice to have new blood...er flames! and very glad to hear you have a positive attitude. You will find lots of great info here....enjoy amigo...we look forward to your posts.
it's always nice to know a bit about our new brothers and sisters here....where they are from and where they hang in baja etc.

torch - 1-30-2010 at 08:55 AM

I had a nieghbor tell me they wanted him to turn around for firewood and booze(1 bottle and 1 30pack) but he told them no way because his wife and kids were in front of him (driving to the toll road) and they told him not next time but go ahead. I also had another nieghbor pull a trailer enclosed with all kinds of suff motor cycles, lumber, construction materials etc.. every trip. he says he pulls into the declare lane, opens the trailer and is told to have a good trip every time.

DENNIS - 1-30-2010 at 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico
Yikes, Mexican lumber here I come. They sell some real junk down here. Good stuff is available but you need to be careful when selecting the pieces.

Home Depot is your best bet. Doug Fir #2, straight, and the prices arn't that bad.
You're right about the trash, tho. Hemlock Fir seems to be the best of the bad and it falls apart with time. Even sooner.
I always pick my own. If I don't have time, I find the yard jefe and give him 20 bucks to do it for me. That has always worked for me.

monoloco - 1-30-2010 at 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
What is the big deal about bringing lumber? I would like to bring down a load of hardwood and wonder what it takes to do it legally.

Although they don't have much hardwood here, you'll have to import it. They're trying to protect the businesses that do import wood to sell, like Home Depot and other lumber yards.

I don't have a problem with that. Where do you find out what the requirements are for importation?

[Edited on 1-30-2010 by monoloco]

DENNIS - 1-30-2010 at 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by torch
I had a nieghbor tell me they wanted him to turn around for firewood and booze(1 bottle and 1 30pack) but he told them no way because his wife and kids were in front of him (driving to the toll road) and they told him not next time but go ahead. I also had another nieghbor pull a trailer enclosed with all kinds of suff motor cycles, lumber, construction materials etc.. every trip. he says he pulls into the declare lane, opens the trailer and is told to have a good trip every time.

Well, they are nothing else if not inconsistant. But, two 2x4s? That's ridiculous.
Firewood has been on the shtlist forever.

torch - 1-30-2010 at 09:02 AM

thanks shari, I have checked out your site before and am planning a trip with my son down that way this summer . I have a place at cuatro casas (colonet). My son thatcher 16 really wants to check out scorp bay but I would rather surf less crowded breaks but we will see

DENNIS - 1-30-2010 at 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
Where do you find out what the requirements for importation?

I think you'll have to ask or, if it's inconvenient, have someone ask for you. The world is still searching for those written, detailed rules.

How much hardwood are you talking about?

[Edited on 1-30-2010 by DENNIS]

k-rico - 1-30-2010 at 09:04 AM

I'll try to find out the rules about importing lumber. I need to go to the border next week to find out about importing my truck, so I'll add lumber to the list and post what I find out.

Anybody seen 3/4 T&G or shiplap cedar siding in Mex? I've seen the T&G used as roofing in a couple houses in La Mision. Wonder where they got it.

shari - 1-30-2010 at 09:07 AM

wooo hooo, your son will totally dig hangin with the local surf club kids here while we suck back Tecates together! check your U2U box, which is in the upper right hand corner.

torch - 1-30-2010 at 09:07 AM

funny thing they didnt care about my firewood in the same load. the reason I always take a little bit of lumber and other building materials is I get them for free from friends in the trades.

DENNIS - 1-30-2010 at 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico
I'll try to find out the rules about importing lumber. I need to go to the border next week to find out about importing my truck, so I'll add lumber to the list and post what I find out.

Anybody seen 3/4 T&G or shiplap cedar siding in Mex? I've seen the T&G used as roofing in a couple houses in La Mision. Wonder where they got it.

Might be best to know the specifics about the wood. Type...size..etc.

The only TG panels I've seen here are OSB. Never have seen Shiplap Siding in 3/4 inch. Ask customs about that too.

monoloco - 1-30-2010 at 09:12 AM

Quote:

Thanks, I'd really like to know, I have a bunch of cherry and quilted maple that I want to bring down and make cabinets out of. I am really surprised that nobody carries cedar here with the termite/polillo problems we have. Maybe that's a good idea for a business. I did build some things out of some national cedar that I thought was Spanish cedar but it was a bug magnet.

DENNIS - 1-30-2010 at 09:15 AM

Sure would like to find an array of Redwood down here. But.........

k-rico - 1-30-2010 at 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Might be best to know the specifics about the wood. Type...size..etc.

The only TG panels I've seen here are OSB. Never have seen Shiplap Siding in 3/4 inch. Ask customs about that too.

I'm looking for 6" x 16' T&G cedar boards, maybe 4/4, not panels. I know, good luck.

[Edited on 1-30-2010 by k-rico]

Pacifico - 1-30-2010 at 09:29 AM

K-Rico,

See this post:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=39270#pid4245...

DENNIS - 1-30-2010 at 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico
I know, good luck.

That pretty much says it all. :lol:

k-rico - 1-30-2010 at 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pacifico
K-Rico,

See this post:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=39270#pid4245...

thanks!

torch - 1-30-2010 at 09:37 AM

yea there are some good lumber yards down there. but I already have alot of free wood on the side of my house that I'd like to take down but dont want to get turned around again.

Pacifico - 1-30-2010 at 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by torch
yea there are some good lumber yards down there. but I already have alot of free wood on the side of my house that I'd like to take down but dont want to get turned around again.

To lessen the chance of being turned around you would have to use a broker for the wood. I've heard that they require a "fumigation certificate" for imported wood. You can do it, it's just a bit of a hassle.

torch - 1-30-2010 at 09:50 AM

yea the fumigation cert would be classic for my stack of wood (all different sizes and lengths colors etc.. (free) I wish I had a ton of $ I'd just hire a local builder and get going, but I'm an electrican by trade and like doing things myself because i can but I might have to get over it and just buy new or used lumber down there

monoloco - 1-30-2010 at 10:39 AM

I can't see why they would need a fumigation certificate in a country with about every known wood boring insect.

DENNIS - 1-30-2010 at 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
boring insect.

The "Boring Insect" is the customs agent that insists on spraying your load of wood with water.

fuelpusher2 - 1-30-2010 at 11:39 AM

The Mexican Customs Rules & Regulations, have been in effect for a very long time. They are not new.

However - inforcement is something else all together.

We have "danced" with Mexican Customs for some 20 years and enforcement has been different every time.

Here is a good website for Mexico Customs Info.........

http://www.aduanas.sat.gob.mx/aduana_mexico/2008/pasajeros/1...

The limit per person is still only $300.00 if anyone exceeds $1000.00 you need a broker. Anything less you pay there at the border. The above link is still current.

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

The $75 is extra duty free allowed in your luggage...............So It's $300.00 + $75 with luggage or $375 per person. or $850.00 a couple.

Hope that helped clear up the $75.

That being said, in August 2009 there was an Associated Press article stating that all Mexican Customs inspectors had been replaced by a new, highly educated staff to better enforce Customs rules & regulations.
I would be happy to post it if anyone wants to read it.

A posting on Baja Pony Express last fall...can't remember who posted it... spoke of being turned around at TJ because they had "too much stuff" - they had receipts for everything. They were told to go cross at Otay - the commercial port of entry. They entered back into the US,went to Otay and went in the declare line - with their receipts - were inspected, paid the required duty and they were on their way. They didn't go through a broker.

Would like to hear of any recent - in the last month or so - TJ, Otay or Tacate border crossings, with the "new" Mexican Customs inspectors.

Or should the subject of "border crossings" be in a different thread...Dennis?

DENNIS - 1-30-2010 at 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fuelpusher2
$375 per person. or $850.00 a couple.

Or should the subject of "border crossings" be in a different thread...Dennis?

I'm pretty much a slob when it comes to posting in the proper place so, I don't know. Ask David. David knows everything about thread etiquette. :lol:

Anyway....I'm just wondering if the extra hundred dollars is a tip for enduring the nagging wife. :lol: