BajaNomad

Duty free allowance with an FM2?

oladulce - 4-12-2011 at 03:30 PM

When entering Mexico by vehicle, is it true that the duty free allowance is greater with an FM2 or 3 than the $50 you get with a tourist card? If so, how much can I deduct from the my importation total?

wessongroup - 4-12-2011 at 03:40 PM

What total .... :lol::lol:

oladulce - 4-12-2011 at 03:51 PM

I'm trying to keep the "value" of the items we'll declare to less than $1000, so the "total" we will claim will depend on how much we can lop off the top (if any). ;)

I haven't imported anything since I've had an FM2 and didn't know if the rumor was true that the allowance is greater than with a FMM

$400 for Items for Personal Use

Gypsy Jan - 4-12-2011 at 04:04 PM

That's my understanding.

No need to declare. Take everything out of boxes and bang it up a little bit to make it look used.(Just kidding.)

vandenberg - 4-12-2011 at 04:07 PM

We're in the same boat. Will return from Sacramento shortly with "some goodies":biggrin:
Somehow I was under the impression that the allowance was $300.00 per person.:?:
Tell me it is so, someone.:saint::biggrin:

And your traffic report from the 5 and 405, has me again convinced to go the Bakersfield, 395 & 15 way, to get to the line. Thanks.:P

[Edited on 4-12-2011 by vandenberg]

GC - 4-12-2011 at 04:08 PM

We just brought some patio furniture down through Otay and they took $75 off each for my wife and I. I thought it was supposed to be $150 each with an FM-2, but failed to convince anyone. Still think it should be $150--be sure to point out that you are a legal resident with an FM-2 to the person who values your goods and you might get the greater amount deducted. They charged us 16% duty on the ajusted total.

DENNIS - 4-12-2011 at 04:14 PM

I believe the decision to give allowances is arbitrary. I've been told two or three amounts by the Mex inspectors, but came away with the conclusion the allowance is for everybody, FM or not.

There's also an allowance for US bound traffic. Nothing new.

akshadow - 4-12-2011 at 04:42 PM

I think there is a different amount for FMM if you fly compared to driving. Lower if driving. I have had them "exemp" nothing, $75 for each my wife and I, and one time $450 each when we brought back a washer and a dryer. I have never gotten a definitive answer that I could reference back to a regulation.

What ever the inspector and or the supervisor say it is, is what the regulation is for that time and trip.

vandenberg - 4-12-2011 at 04:53 PM

So it seems that the way to go is, send some scouts out ahead of you, to get the rate for the day, report by cell ( hope it works that day), and, if it doesn't suit you, wait for a better day. Then, better be fast, before it changes.:lol::lol:

Dave - 4-12-2011 at 05:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
I believe the decision to give allowances is arbitrary.


Of the same opinion. I'm constantly told there are increased limits for FM3/2 holders yet can find no evidence to support it. Neither can I find exceptions for Mexican citizens other that typically around Christmas where there's usually an increase.

mtgoat666 - 4-12-2011 at 05:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by vandenberg
So it seems that the way to go is, send some scouts out ahead of you, to get the rate for the day, report by cell ( hope it works that day), and, if it doesn't suit you, wait for a better day. Then, better be fast, before it changes.:lol::lol:


actually, the solution is smuggling. everyone does it, so it must be OK!

Smart

Dave - 4-12-2011 at 05:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by oladulce
I'm trying to keep the "value" of the items we'll declare to less than $1000, so the "total" we will claim will depend on how much we can lop off the top (if any). ;)


Typically, anything over 10,000 pesos and Aduana strongly suggests you use an importer. They have redirected me to Otay on several occasions.

oladulce - 4-12-2011 at 05:10 PM

The bed of our truck looks loaded because of a bunch of small and bulky items like glass block and buckets of concrete color even though the actual value of the items isn't huge. The chauffeur doesn't want to risk getting redirected to Otay Mesa from the San Ysidro crossing since we're towing a travel trailer, so we'll just start off at Otay. I'll let you know what the personal-allowance-of-the-day is for tomorrow and whether it made any difference to present our FM2's.

marv sherrill - 4-12-2011 at 05:28 PM

how do they know if its a "one time " declaration?

DENNIS - 4-12-2011 at 05:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Dave
Neither can I find exceptions for Mexican citizens other that typically around Christmas where there's usually an increase.


Contrary to the Urban Folklore that says the rules are relaxed...in the interest of Christmas Spirit.
yuk yuk yuk

DENNIS - 4-12-2011 at 05:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by oladulce
The bed of our truck looks loaded because of a bunch of small and bulky items like glass block and buckets of concrete color even though the actual value of the items isn't huge.


Unfortunately, building materials [not only wood] are high on the sht-list. Hope that doesn't affect your crossing.

tiotomasbcs - 4-12-2011 at 05:39 PM

Look for this on previous posts. Many of us have come thru Otay with trailers full of used goods, ie furniture, etc. Make up your own invoice! They were impressed with Chico's Used Furniture- East LA, and I valued allmy own stuff down to 1/4 it's value: I mean Chico?! They were satisfied and didn't leave the office to inspect my goods. Unless they look real shiny/new, you put the value! Nothing new: beat it up, scratch it up, throw dirt on it! Just appear ready to pay your taxes but on one quarter the value. Drive away smiling and you actually did pay for your import of goods!! Tio

MitchMan - 4-13-2011 at 12:47 PM

I crossed two times at TJ with household goods, one of which I was also pulling my boat across on the way to La Paz

The first time, everything that was new, I put on the bottom under all the used stuff and out of sight. I covered most stuff completely with used bath towels that were of faded and different colors. Just for good measure, I threw several rolls of unwrapped toilet paper indescriminately about, but made sure they were in plain view. Made sure that all my windows were dirty and the car was obviously unwashed. I wore beat up old ragged clothes. They asked me what I thought the overall value of everything was. I told them that everything was used and old and not worth more than $300 total. (Actually, the value of the new and used stuff together was probably closer to $3,000.) He waved me on after looking at the "mess" in the back of the dirty SUV.

The next tme thru I was pulling my boat. They waived me over and the only problem they had with me was the fact that I had my kicker out boar hp motor in the bed of the truck (and not on the boat itself) in the original box that the 8 hp motor came in. They said the problem was that it looked like I was hauling the 8 hp motor into Baja to sell it, otherwise, they said, it would have been mounted on the boat and not in the box. They let me get through only because the manager was too busy to come over to my truck to assess the value of the motor. I lucked out.

[Edited on 4-13-2011 by MitchMan]

Duude!

Dave - 4-13-2011 at 01:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MitchMan
Just for good measure, I threw several rolls of unwrapped toilet paper indescriminately about, but made sure they were in plain view. Made sure that all my windows were dirty and the car was obviously unwashed. I wore beat up old ragged clothes.


Too funny. :lol:

You don't have to work that hard...really. Mexican customs agents didn't just fall off turnip trucks. You're not pulling a fast one. People get away with stuff either cause they're not worth messing with or they have bigger fish to fry.

toneart - 4-13-2011 at 01:17 PM

If you get the green light, sometimes they will pull you over anyway. That has happened to me at San Ysidro. At Tecate, most of the time they want to inspect. But sometimes they are not even looking at the vehicle as I cross.

They have never asked me for my immigration documentation. They are only interested in what you are carrying on which they can charge duty. So, my point is, whether you have an FM2, FM3, or FMM it doesn't seem to matter.

If you do have an FM2 or FM3, you might pull that card to see if they are any more lenient. If you are actually importing anything of value it is best to make an invoice of your own and actually declare before the inspection begins.

Again, consistency is not a Mexican virtue. Can you spell w-h-i-m?

MitchMan - 4-13-2011 at 01:22 PM

Well, Dave, I just may start cleaning up a bit.

DENNIS - 4-13-2011 at 02:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Dave
You don't have to work that hard...really. Mexican customs agents didn't just fall off turnip trucks. You're not pulling a fast one. People get away with stuff either cause they're not worth messing with or they have bigger fish to fry.


I wish I'd said that. In fact, I have in the past. It couldn't be more factual.

Follow up

oladulce - 4-15-2011 at 08:13 AM

We crossed at Otay Mesa a couple of days ago. We were given a duty free exemption of $75 dollars per person for a total of $150 off the top of the total importation. We paid 16% duty tax on the load.

Sorry, we're not very good investigative reporters. Bigwooo did not ask if the duty free allowance was any greater if you have an FM2/3 because when things are going smoothly, sometimes the less chit chat the better.

When we are declaring items , I've found it works well to have a list of the items in the format they use on their import form:

"Mercancia"
"Cantidad"
"Valor total"

BigWooo presented our list of declared items and opened the truck shell for her to inspect. She went directly to the travel trailer and asked to look in.

Tip- They have always looked in our camper or travel trailer even when our declarables are in a utility trailer or in the truck bed and will often open the bathroom door. This must be a hot spot for transporting flat screens (?)

Then to the truck bed. While referring to our inventory list, she called off the items and Wooo pointed to where they were located. This is why I like to have a list made up for them- makes their inspection job easier if they're looking for specific items rather than digging through every thing you own.
She gave him an OK and he was off to the bank.

Luckily Dennis, she wasn't prejudiced by this building material importation. My concern wasn't the value of the items, but it appeared like we had a
boat-load of stuff and it would have been a nuisance to unload if they wanted a closer inspection.

Last step, to the exit booth and push the button. We got a green light and the girl says with a straight face "No, you have to push it 3 times". Ha Ha-
aduana humor!

Dave - 4-15-2011 at 08:34 AM

Aduana at Otay can be a pain. Once, they didn't believe a valuation for an item. They actually called the company. I was sweating bullets as the phone rang. Luckily, they had already closed for the day.

DENNIS - 4-15-2011 at 08:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by oladulce
Luckily Dennis, she wasn't prejudiced by this building material importation.


I'm not a bit surprised. The whole Aduana Plaza is like one big Craps Table. One day you're lucky...the next day you lose.

Thanks.

karenintx - 4-15-2011 at 11:36 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Dave

Of the same opinion. I'm constantly told there are increased limits for FM3/2 holders yet can find no evidence to support it. Neither can I find exceptions for Mexican citizens other that typically around Christmas where there's usually an increase.


Would never think a FM2/3 holder be allowed to bring in more than Mexican citizens. Here is Mexico's "Customs Declaration for travelers arriving from aboard".

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

When claiming your "one time" exemption...we were told by the Mexican Consulate in Houston that it has to be done within a certain period of time after getting your first FM3 (or FM2 now that you can do that without getting a FM3 first) then you have to have an itemized list. Everything will be unpacked and checked at the border and compared to your inventory list. They are suppose to put it in the computer you have used your "one time" pass. I have forgotten what that "certain period of time is" but I don't think it is over 6 months...could be shorter.

When a friend brought her stuff in through TJ, she confirmed that is what they did. She said they unpacked and unwrapped everything then allowed her to rewrap and repack everything.

Who knows if they still following this procedure or any procedure. Just glad we have gotten all of our crap in that we wanted here!

.

[Edited on 4-15-2011 by karenintx]

BajaBlanca - 4-17-2011 at 11:46 AM

we have brought so much stuff thru, we always get pulled over even with a green light because our Titan does not even look like a Titan after we have packed all our stuff. Most of the time, and I can't explain why, except that I always engage the inspector(s) in conversation, we get thru just fine. The one time we wanted to import, we went thru Otay. We had 2 cases of wine once and they asked me WHY SO MUCH WINE ??

funny look on my face ..... how do you answer that one ????


well....

IT'S GOOD AND I LIKE IT !!!

ok, she said. have a good trip.