Gypsy Jan - 11-29-2012 at 03:24 PM
From San Diego Red
By Eduardo Flores
"Since last September pedestrians walking into Mexico via San Ysidro have a new crossing route. The new turnstiles at the U.S. - Mexico border were
inaugurated as part of a bigger bi-national effort to make a more efficient border crossing experience into both countries.
Located just east of the San Yisidro port of entry, it replaced the pedestrian crossing that was at the port's western end, near the UETA duty free
shop.
The soon to be ex-president of Mexico Felipe Calderon officially inaugurated El Chaparral entrance on November 1st, which is a new facility that has a
22 gate port, an X-ray machine, and vehicle scales designed to uncover any smuggling of drugs, money, and weapons to Mexican cartels.
With the exception of when CBP would do random checkups at the end of the I-5 freeway, driving into Mexico from San Diego was a mostly a hassle-free
experience for many years: There were few customs inspectors, fewer gates, and most of the time, no questions asked, but that all changed a few weeks
ago.
"They have all kinds of personnel checking cars; they have customs officials, agriculture inspectors, and the military. From planning to execution
this is Mexican bureaucracy at its best." said Doctor Linda Avena, who is from Tijuana.
Mexican Custom officials that were interviewed by the Zeta weekly journal, stated that they were trained by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection
agents, but since Mexico lacks the legal frame work for inspecting certain items, and lack of information of what can be allowed to be introduced into
the country, many times these decisions are only based on the criteria of the Mexican Customs agent.
There is a big gray area that exists in this matter, plus the lack of information from authorities and government officials, many people don't know if
what they are taking with them can put them in some sort of either small or big legal risk.
The team of SanDiegoRed did some research to find more information regarding this issue, and put together a list that is not official but helps you to
get an idea of what options you have.
According with the Mexican Customs official website, aduanas.sat.gob.mx, this items are restricted: Firearms and ammunition. In order to import
firearms and cartridges you must secure an import permit from the Ministry of Economy and from the Ministry of National Defense.
In accordance with the Law of the General Taxes of Import and Export, the following products are prohibited: Alive predator fish, Tatoaba fish, turtle
eggs or any class, flour of poppy seeds, drugs, stamps or printed transfers in color or in black and white, displayed for their sale in envelopes or
packages, even when they include chewing gum, candies or any other type of articles containing drawings, figures or illustrations that represent
childhood in a degrading or ridiculous way, or attitudes of incitement to violence, to self-destruction or in any other form of antisocial behavior.
Also the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food, better known as SAGARPA, a unit of the federal executive, which
has among its objectives the inspection policies and regulations don't have a list posted on their website, www.sagarpa.gob.mx
Asking around we found that fresh meat, frozen or in a can along with dog food, beans and rice are items that are prohibited to cross to Mexico.
Prepare yourself before you go south; be aware of products that have safety requirements. Don't forget that new ports of entry mean new personnel,
which makes border crossing inspections stricter than ever."
eduardo.flores@sandiegored.com
[Edited on 11-29-2012 by Gypsy Jan]
nbacc - 11-29-2012 at 04:04 PM
has this happened to anyone in the last few weeks? Eggs, chicken and milk in your cooler going into Mexico? If so , were they taken away and were you
fined? I cross at the East gate and would like to know. Nancy
Jack Swords - 11-29-2012 at 06:31 PM
Crossed 6 AM Monday, easy, no checking, wished a nice trip. Had "stuff".
nbacc - 11-29-2012 at 08:03 PM
thanks. We have never had a problem and always stop and get our first dinner meal in El Centro so we don;'t have to shop when we first get there.
Just normal stuff like chicken, salad and eggs. nancy
Ken Cooke - 11-29-2012 at 08:34 PM
Great, now I can't wear my Suicidal work shirt! That stinks!
