BajaNomad

Anyone ever pay import tax at Loreto Airport?

BigWooo - 1-8-2011 at 08:15 AM

Has anyone claimed anything on the customs form that they've had to pay duty (import tax) on at Loreto Airport? I'm flying to the U.S. and back soon and would like to bring back a solar charge controller that's about the size of a shoe box. I don't want to chance not claiming it as they're pretty strict there, but if the custom's procedure at the airport is a royal pain, I'm going to bring it some other time when I drive up and back.

Can you pay the import tax at the airport, or do you have to find a bank then return with a receipt to pick up the import item?

Loretana - 1-8-2011 at 11:20 AM

BW...
From my two recent experiences flying into Loreto, you will pick up your luggage from the carousel, if any, and that luggage and your hand carry bags will be sent through a large scanner. (Why? who knows.)

If they see something interesting, like your controller, they will want to pull it out to "inspect" it. And then you will also need to "push the big button".

I saw a couple there recently arguing with Aduana over a computer hard drive that they were bringing back home from the US where they had it repaired. They had not declared it. The new Aduana agents are a far cry from the old crew and their haphazard inspections. This new team is educated, observant and motivated. They are looking for revenue and will tag you if they can.

I would bury it in a box of stuff and drive it in at Tecate. :smug:

bajaguy - 1-8-2011 at 11:28 AM

I crossed at Tecate recently with a clothes washer. I had the original dated sales receipt and the recent repair receipt. I showed the Aduana agent both receipts and was passed through.....no problems.

Big Woo.....are you sure the item is new????.........maybe it was taken north for repairs and you have the repair receipt?????........I'm just saying.......

flyfishinPam - 1-8-2011 at 01:37 PM

don't you get to bring in $400US value of personal items per person when flying in? what's the thing worth? bring a "reciept" for it that is less than that value to cover yourself just in case. if they inspect and see it they won't know the value of the thing but just say it is for your personal use not a gift, or for a friend or otherwise.

BigWooo - 1-9-2011 at 07:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by flyfishinPam
don't you get to bring in $400US value of personal items per person when flying in? what's the thing worth? bring a "reciept" for it that is less than that value to cover yourself just in case. if they inspect and see it they won't know the value of the thing but just say it is for your personal use not a gift, or for a friend or otherwise.


I have an FM2 and can't seem to find anything definitive about how much can be brought in with that verses an FMT, which I think you're right is around $300-$400 dlls. I agree, I'll just bring a "receipt" to cover myself just in case and see what happens.

I've talked to some other people who say that if I do wind up having to pay duty, it's a pretty easy process.

karenintx - 1-9-2011 at 08:12 AM

Here is a copy of the Custom Form. It says $300 by air/maritime...$50 by land.


http://www.aduanas.gob.mx/aduana_mexico/2007/RCGMCE/2007/dec...

BigWooo - 1-17-2011 at 05:55 AM

Just thought I'd update on my experience. Total value of what I brought: solar charge controller and parts to fix my transmission was just under $300.00 USD. Decided to declare it just in case. Probably a good thing that I did. They X-Rayed my bag and put them aside.

The customs guy asked if I had receipts, which I did. He looked at them, patted me on the back, thanked me for declaring, then directed me to push the red button...darn, Red light. They opened my bags, Compared the items to the receipts. Once they were satisfied they sent me on my way.

Very professional and no hassles whatsoever.