BajaNomad

importing

MICK - 2-13-2005 at 10:42 PM

I know this has been anwsered but I can't remember. I am taking some building supplies down thru Mexicali and was wondering what is the best way to do it? How much will I pay? What is the best time to hit the border?
Thanks Mick

150 freedom

yankeeirishman - 2-14-2005 at 02:27 AM

I was recently told that you can have $150.00 duty free to cross over with. If you cross over with MUCH more, I was "told" to cross in the old Mexicali gates, and have a few bucks on hand. Did you know that there is a Home Depot right beyond the gates, about a mile, in Mexicali? Be looking on your left as you drive.

MICK - 2-14-2005 at 07:28 AM

I have stopped at theat Home depot a few times. there wood is much more and very spotty on what they have. Thanks
Mick

Dave - 2-14-2005 at 10:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by yankeeirishman
I was recently told that you can have $150.00 duty free to cross over with.


It's $50.00 per person. Duties are app. 19%.

I stand corrected

yankeeirishman - 2-14-2005 at 10:52 AM

From: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/regional/regional_1174.h...


What You May Bring Into Mexico

Customs Regulations

Tourists should enter Mexico with only the items needed for their trip. Entering with large quantities of an item a tourist might not normally be expected to have, particularly expensive appliances, such as televisions, stereos or other items, may lead to suspicion of smuggling and possible confiscation of the items and arrest of the individual.

Mexican regulations limit the value of goods brought into Mexico by U.S. citizens arriving by air or sea to $300 U.S. per person and by land to $50 U.S. per person. Other travel-related items may also be brought in duty-free. Amounts exceeding the duty-free limit are subject to a 32.8 percent tax.

Unless you prepare ahead, you may have difficulty bringing computers or other expensive electronic equipment into Mexico for your personal use. To prevent being charged an import tax, write a statement about your intention to use the equipment for personal use and to remove it from Mexico when you leave. Have this statement signed and certified at a Mexican consulate in the United States and present it to Mexican customs as you enter Mexico.

Land travelers should verify from Mexican customs at the border that all items in their possession may be legally brought into Mexico. You will be subject to a second immigration and customs inspection south of the Mexican border where unlawful items may be seized and you could be prosecuted regardless of whether or not the items passed through the initial customs inspection. Guns and ammunition cannot be brought into Mexico without a permit from a Mexican Consulate in the United States.

Bruce R Leech - 2-14-2005 at 01:02 PM

Shop in Mexico you can find anything you need . you will pay a Little moor but really more than the cost of importing. and you save a lot of head aches. if you are going to live here support the economy here also. every one will appreciate it . If you cant find what you want just post here and you will git more help than you want from all the Nomads.

With the exception

jrbaja - 2-14-2005 at 01:11 PM

of tools. There isn't much of a selection down here and they cost a lot more than the states.

azusa_bob - 2-14-2005 at 01:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by jrbaja
of tools. There isn't much of a selection down here and they cost a lot more than the states.
Reason enough for a P-nche GRINGO like you to smuggle 'em down, eh JR? :lol::lol::moon::moon:

bajalou - 2-14-2005 at 02:25 PM

Building materials are NOT considered personal effects that fall under whatever dollar value is allowed.

:biggrin:

MrBillM - 2-14-2005 at 08:41 PM

The deduction is $50.00 or $150.00 per FM3 holder. It does not apply to construction materials, however the duty is currently only 17 percent on those. The one thing I've never found in Baja are Premium 2x4s. I can buy them at Home Depot in El Centro, pay the duty and they are still cheaper than the "culls" at Home Depot or anywhere else I've shopped in Baja.
As already stated, Tools are another item either not available or overpriced in Baja. I've purchased many such items for Mexican friends.

Dave - 2-14-2005 at 09:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MrBillM
The deduction is $150.00 per FM3 holder.



Where did you find this info? It's not on the Aduana site.

Occasionally, there will be an increase during the months before Christmas however this is only for residents. An FM3 holder is not a resident.

$!50 Deduction for FM3

MrBillM - 2-15-2005 at 10:40 AM

I've NEVER seen this in writing because I've never LOOKED. However, it was originally pointed out to me a couple of years ago by a Mexican Inspector and I have been given said deduction NUMEROUS times by DIFFERENT inspectors, all at different times of the year.

As a part time resident, My FM3 describes me as a "Rentista Visitante" which gives me the right to lease land and maintain private property in Mexico. I've never been interested in purchasing the FM2 because it is roughly double the yearly cost for the five years so it would take me 10 years to break even. This year it would have been even more since they raised the required amount on deposit in the bank for FM2s, but not FM3s. The only thing I might do someday that I'm not doing now is get a Mexican Drivers License and register cars there, all of which can be done with an FM3.

One amusing (to me) aside is that I once pointed out to a Customs Inspector that I had an FM3 and asked about the deduction he had not written down. He then asked me the value of EVERYTHING I had on board, added $300.00 of value to the declaration and then DEDUCTED my $300 exemption. A great example of how Mexican law is whatever they say it is.

Dave - 2-15-2005 at 12:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MrBillM
it was originally pointed out to me a couple of years ago by a Mexican Inspector and I have been given said deduction NUMEROUS times by DIFFERENT inspectors, all at different times of the year.


Great! where do you cross?:biggrin:

Bruce R Leech - 2-15-2005 at 12:49 PM

Quote:

An FM3 holder is not a resident.


sense when is this true David? it is news to me .

Bruce R Leech - 2-15-2005 at 12:55 PM

the last I herd you needed to be a resident to git an FM 3.

Dave - 2-15-2005 at 05:30 PM

Quote:
Quote:
Originally posted by Bruce R Leech

An FM3 holder is not a resident.


sense when is this true David? it is news to me .


Look at the first line of your FM3.

Visitor for 365 days.

yankeeirishman - 2-15-2005 at 06:17 PM

So who here have ever been "caught" taking in building materials through the inspection booths? What happened to you?

Bruce R Leech - 2-15-2005 at 07:42 PM

Look at the first line of your FM3.

Visitor for 365 days.

It has been Meany years sense I had an fm3 but when I did it didn't say that . maybe they have changed it sense then. but If you need to have an address it seams like you are a resident.

Jeez !!

MrBillM - 2-15-2005 at 07:53 PM

You guys argue over who is a resident as if it means something. The only thing it means is that you paid more to get your FM2 than you did to get the FM3. You don't get any special points and NOBODY gives a damn whether you are or aren't. Anything that's important (other than working in Mex), you can do with EITHER FM2 or FM3.

The import info that was posted from a government website is probably a little dated. The current import duty on most goods is 17 % or 19 % from most Asian Countries. I've got current import slips. As far as HOW MUCH you can bring South, the limit without an import license is $1000.00 per person or $4000.00 in computer equipment. This is listed right on the back of my importation declaration. The amounts above $50 or $150 are subject to the 17 / 19 % import duty. Subject, of course, to the whims of the Aduana you are dealing with.

As far as being CAUGHT taking in materials, etc., I have been a number of times. Fortunately, for the most part it was in the good, old days when you simply paid Mordida. Since they have started enforcing the rules, I have made it a point to only "not declare" when I had a plausible explanation for my failure to declare. It doesn't save you from paying, but it keeps them from seizing your vehicle and belongings. I have a neighbor who went up to El Centro and purchased a New Honda Genset. He then drove across the border through the No Declaracion line, the genset still in the box.
He was caught, the generator confiscated along with his truck and it took $1200 to get the truck (but not the genset) back. The regulations state that the fine is 120 % of the value of the smuggled goods.

As far as where I cross, I ALWAYS cross at the New (Garita Oriente) Mexicali crossing in both directions. I do have a friend who does a lot of Solar work south of the Border and he always goes South at the Old crossing in downtown Calexico. His theory is that they are less inclined to Red Light your vehicle. Since he does NOT declare thousands of dollars in merchandise and has never been caught, I guess he could be right. I Hope for his sake that he's never wrong.

Lastly, I have noticed that all of these people who opine that you can get anything you need in Mexico and you should be supporting the local economy tend to be living well into the interior of Baja where it is not so convenient to buy in El Norte. I wonder how true they would be to that philosophy if they were up in my area ?

As far as I'm concerned, I support the economy by complying with the laws and paying the duty (most of the time). I can say for certain that my presence benefits Mexico because every month I spend at least $500 there (not counting my lease) and I do NOTHING that burdens their infrastructure. Nobody owes them anymore.

yankeeirishman - 2-15-2005 at 09:04 PM

Well....I do indeed plan to hire labor, buy Mexican, and lease land....BUT....there are some items that I am not able to find in Baja for construction of a home. I agree with you, on supporting the Bajian market system, but There will be a few items brought across by me.

Dave - 2-15-2005 at 09:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MrBillM
You guys argue over who is a resident as if it means something. The only thing it means is that you paid more to get your FM2 than you did to get the FM3. You don't get any special points and NOBODY gives a damn whether you are or aren't. Anything that's important (other than working in Mex), you can do with EITHER FM2 or FM3.


It does make a difference if you are arguing (at the border) whether a regulation posted by aduana about 'residents' applies to an FM3 holder or only to a national.

Couple of points:

An FM3 holder can work. I have an (actividad lucrativa) FM3. I used to have an FM2 but traded down because legally I would have to notify Mexico when leaving or returning. I also have permits which allow me to legally import without using a customs agent. I deal with Aduana on a regular basis and am pretty familiar with their BS. That's why your $150 figure surprised me. I will ask next time I'm at the office in TJ.


[Edited on 2-16-2005 by Dave]

Dave - 2-15-2005 at 09:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by yankeeirishman
Well....I do indeed plan to hire labor, buy Mexican, and lease land....BUT....there are some items that I am not able to find in Baja for construction of a home.


I know builders down here who will import enough lumber, or other materials to build your entire home. I have yet to find a 2x here that was worth using except for burning.:biggrin:

Bruce R Leech - 2-15-2005 at 09:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MrBillM
You guys argue over who is a resident as if it means something. The only thing it means is that you paid more to get your FM2 than you did to get the FM3. You don't get any special points and NOBODY gives a damn whether you are or aren't. Anything that's important (other than working in Mex), you can do with EITHER FM2 or FM3.

The import info that was posted from a government website is probably a little dated. The current import duty on most goods is 17 % or 19 % from most Asian Countries. I've got current import slips. As far as HOW MUCH you can bring South, the limit without an import license is $1000.00 per person or $4000.00 in computer equipment. This is listed right on the back of my importation declaration. The amounts above $50 or $150 are subject to the 17 / 19 % import duty. Subject, of course, to the whims of the Aduana you are dealing with.

As far as being CAUGHT taking in materials, etc., I have been a number of times. Fortunately, for the most part it was in the good, old days when you simply paid Mordida. Since they have started enforcing the rules, I have made it a point to only "not declare" when I had a plausible explanation for my failure to declare. It doesn't save you from paying, but it keeps them from seizing your vehicle and belongings. I have a neighbor who went up to El Centro and purchased a New Honda Genset. He then drove across the border through the No Declaracion line, the genset still in the box.
He was caught, the generator confiscated along with his truck and it took $1200 to get the truck (but not the genset) back. The regulations state that the fine is 120 % of the value of the smuggled goods.

As far as where I cross, I ALWAYS cross at the New (Garita Oriente) Mexicali crossing in both directions. I do have a friend who does a lot of Solar work south of the Border and he always goes South at the Old crossing in downtown Calexico. His theory is that they are less inclined to Red Light your vehicle. Since he does NOT declare thousands of dollars in merchandise and has never been caught, I guess he could be right. I Hope for his sake that he's never wrong.

Lastly, I have noticed that all of these people who opine that you can get anything you need in Mexico and you should be supporting the local economy tend to be living well into the interior of Baja where it is not so convenient to buy in El Norte. I wonder how true they would be to that philosophy if they were up in my area ?

As far as I'm concerned, I support the economy by complying with the laws and paying the duty (most of the time). I can say for certain that my presence benefits Mexico because every month I spend at least $500 there (not counting my lease) and I do NOTHING that burdens their infrastructure. Nobody owes them anymore.

I dont have a fm2 or a fm3 so what is the point?

Dave - 2-15-2005 at 09:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
I dont have a fm2 or a fm3 so what is the point?


Bruce, don't you have a business in Mulege?

MICK - 2-16-2005 at 07:41 AM

I agree with mrbillm I have a mexican contractor building my house. even he goes to El centro to buy building materials. I'm only taking about 400.00 worth if stuff across this weedend so I'll report back. Thanks to the ones who anwsered my question I don't know how the rest of this has anything to do with the question I asked but whatever. By the way try and buy a dual pane window in baja. at least in mexicali home depot they looked at me like I was crazy. They do have great looking doorss there thou.
Mick

Bruce R Leech - 2-16-2005 at 07:50 AM

Bruce, don't you have a business in Mulege?

yes

now are you going to tell me I need one of those to do business?

[Edited on 2-16-2005 by Bruce R Leech]

Bruce R Leech - 2-16-2005 at 08:04 AM

if you do some research on mat?riels available in Mexico you will find that steel pollens are manufactured here in Mexico and are widely available . they are cheaper than wood 2x4s, twice as strong and will last twice as long. they are available in all dimensions that you can git lumber or timber.I use them exclusively in any and all construction.you also save because there is no wast when you cut them. they are always strait and wont warp or change when they git wet.

many people think it is the only way to build a house with lumber .this is wrong and expensive. lumber lasts about 10 to 15 years here in Mulege.

yankeeirishman - 2-16-2005 at 08:21 AM

Hey Bruce..
I need steel beams ( I or Channel ) to lay across the centro room. 25 footers. 7 of them. Can you help me with locating for the San Felipe area?

yankeeirishman - 2-16-2005 at 08:30 AM

quote "I don't know how the rest of this has anything to do with the question I asked but whatever"

Chill dude, chill! This is a very active, lively and sometimes most serious chatter board here. Now have a beer, sit back, and enjoy the conversation. You got helped, didnt you?!

Bruce R Leech - 2-16-2005 at 08:58 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by yankeeirishman
Hey Bruce..
I need steel beams ( I or Channel ) to lay across the centro room. 25 footers. 7 of them. Can you help me with locating for the San Felipe area?


I don't Know San Felipe at all but any material store should be able to git them for you if they don't have them. I git them easy here in Mulege.

yankeeirishman - 2-16-2005 at 09:48 AM

thanks Bruce. I will try that.

Speaking of Importing .........

MrBillM - 2-16-2005 at 10:20 AM

I have a neighbor who just imported a BIG Diesel Backhoe. He contacted a broker in the U.S. who handled all of the paperwork. The broker's cost was around $250.00 plus the duty paid at the border. He said the whole process went very smooth. The only difficulty was maintaining the schedule mandated by customs in the U.S. He said that you have to be ready to go within a short time of approval.

Dave - 2-16-2005 at 11:28 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
now are you going to tell me I need one of those to do business?


Nope, it's none of my business.

So, just what is your status? Naturalized? Related to someone in Migra? ;D

Bruce R Leech - 2-16-2005 at 01:16 PM

Immigrant

clevenhagenjs - 2-21-2005 at 07:05 PM

One trick a few people did in Rosarito was to get business cards with there names on it and advertising them as Handyman...when they bought some supplies over from the USA to MX they were stopped at the Aduana . When asked where they were going with the supplies..they simply stated they are handyman in the USA and live in San Diego are were going down to TJ to get some Beers and returning...the Aduana let them buy with NO taxes paid on the building supplies they took!