We have a friend who is doing a remodel of his house here in Calif and he has available small scraps of wood, we would like to use as kindle for our
firepit SOB. Most are less than 8" long and about 2-3" wide.
Is it legal to bring into Baja (we have a place in Rosarito)? Or would we risk being sent back across the border?
Any info and first hand experience will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Ron and Mary AnnSFandH - 2-15-2016 at 04:53 PM
I think you'll be risking being turned back. We'll see what others say.DENNIS - 2-15-2016 at 05:02 PM
Can't say on "small scraps," but a friend tried to bring down a truck load of construction site scrap, obvious firewood , and was turned back.
I think the amount has something to do with it.
.
[Edited on 2-16-2016 by DENNIS]AKgringo - 2-15-2016 at 05:07 PM
Put a point on one end and call them survey stakes! I don't think you would fool anybody, but they may appreciate your boldness....or not!BajaBlanca - 2-15-2016 at 06:15 PM
it all depends on the day and the side of the bed the inspector woke up on, that is my conclusion.
I have seen folks with a LOT of wood beams and they went thru while my jaw dropped.
we tried once and were told that they would let us through that time (it was not a big amount) but that it was not permitted.
go figure.Maron - 2-15-2016 at 06:54 PM
Many thanks for the responses thus far, please keep them coming.
Peace to allbajaguy - 2-15-2016 at 06:55 PM
Use some creative packing and loadingUdo - 2-15-2016 at 08:46 PM
That's what I generally do.
This morning I went through Mexican secondary after getting the green light.
My back seat had a 48" wide by 20" tall and 24" deep stainless steel professional range hood. It was covered with a large black cloth.
The inspectors opened 3 of my sealed boxes on top and around the hood.
Went through OK. I think it may have helped to speak fluent Spanish, however.
How about a parquet floor on the bed of your truck or SUV? You don't have to glue it down until you figure out if the look works for you. If not,
burn it in your fire pit!WestyWanderer - 2-15-2016 at 11:29 PM
I have been stopped trying to bring firewood into Mexico (Mexicali West Crossing) but was able to talk my way through. That being said, there have
been many more times that I have gotten away without being stopped because of some creative packing as many other nomads have mentioned. Bajavanadu - 2-16-2016 at 08:43 AM
Almost every trip I bring scrap wood packed into plastic storage bins as firewood. Sometimes they open it up and point and shake their heads but have
not had it confiscated or turned around. I usually just play dumb, look confused and they give up and waive me through. I would definitely agree that
creative packing of the wood will help.chuckie - 2-16-2016 at 09:13 AM
My opinion is that, like many other things in Mexico, a lot depends on the person checking you. If he/she is having a good day, Vaminos...if not?
Problema. I came through Tecate with a truckload of not quite scrap...Pieces left over from a new shop we built at the ranch, mostly odd length usable
stuff, and chipboard etc. Pulled over, was asked what I was going to do with it....Por Mi Casa in Mulege....visited a bit, then was sent on my
way...Ya never know...bigzaggin - 2-16-2016 at 04:47 PM
Been bringing firewood down for 20+years...never once had an issue. I usually pack deep in my shell (typically chunks of oak) but even when it has
been found, nobody cared. That said, it wasn't anything that hinted at construction. Even still, if it's just some job site scrap, I think you'll be
fine. dizzyspots - 2-17-2016 at 04:39 PM
Ive tried the creative truck bed flooring..I got scolded and a finger shake but was allowed to pass
on the other hand...northbound I was stopped and sent to secondary after saying that I had nothing to declare...after a 45 min wait, the Customs guy
asks me again and I said no again...he asks about the "still wrapped in plastic bag with wire tie $5 bundle of wood from the Yuma Circle K"...
I replied I didnt declare it because it started in the US of A and was headed back to the US of A...he scolded me and handed me a Zerox copy of the
rules and their potential penalties and told me not to do that again.....
search for my story about my near conviction for a single unlabeled yet unopened Del Monte fruit cup....
A probable answer
John M - 2-17-2016 at 04:55 PM
Who knows?
Last month at Mexicali/Calexico west the fellow challenged my having a second spare tire - Never heard that before. What about those race team guys
with spares everywhere?
