BajaNomad

Used Small Outboard

hermosok123 - 9-20-2018 at 05:22 PM

As it can change from port of entry to port and I understand this. Has any Nomad had experience with bringing a small outboard (used 10hp) across? No boat must the motor.

woody with a view - 9-20-2018 at 05:41 PM

Bury it in back and dont go TJ.

chuckie - 9-20-2018 at 06:42 PM

what woody said...

SFandH - 9-20-2018 at 06:47 PM

I got turned around on a Sunday and sent back to the US at TJ with an outboard in the trunk. They said I needed to go to Otay, M-F, during business hours.

bajarich - 9-20-2018 at 07:02 PM

We got turned back at both San Ysidro and Otay Mesa three years ago. We ended up burying it in the back inside the camper and crossing at Tecate. We have since bought a roll up boat and sold the boat we were leaving at Los Frailes.

freediverbrian - 9-20-2018 at 09:29 PM

Years ago got turned around in Mexicali. Wrap in a blanket and bury it.

Rossman - 9-21-2018 at 05:05 AM

I'm not sure I understand why they are turning you folks around at the border. I bought a used 20 hp in the states a year ago and had it in my truck bed on a pad but not wrapped and was not given a second look when I went through Mexicali. What is the difference between having one in your trunk or on on the transom of a small boat or RIB. There are certainly hundreds of those that cross the border every week. Are there rules against bringing outboards into Mexico?

Bob and Susan - 9-21-2018 at 05:40 AM

I've imported 2

if something comes across like a boat
both motor AND boat have to be in the SAME trailer or car
no splitting loads when importing

a boat on a trailer has to have the motor attached or its not for that boat or look like it attaches easily

you have to import ALL motors at otay mesa during business hours
cars trucks boats small engines

make sure you have proof of value if their estimate is too high

even though a unattached boat motor is for a boat that is returning to the usa or Canada it HAS to be imported


[Edited on 9-21-2018 by Bob and Susan]

Rossman - 9-21-2018 at 05:45 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan  
I've imported 2

if something comes across like a boat
both motor AND boat have to be in the SAME trailer or car
no splitting loads when importing

a boat on a trailer has to have the motor attached or its not for that boat or look like it attaches easily

you have to import ALL motors at otay mesa during business hours
cars trucks boats small engines

make sure you have proof of value if their estimate is too high

even though a unattached boat motor is for a boat that is returning to the usa or Canada it HAS to be imported


[Edited on 9-21-2018 by Bob and Susan]



Hmmmmm. Thanks for the info. I did not know that.

Rossman - 9-21-2018 at 05:49 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan  
I've imported 2

if something comes across like a boat
both motor AND boat have to be in the SAME trailer or car
no splitting loads when importing

a boat on a trailer has to have the motor attached or its not for that boat or look like it attaches easily

you have to import ALL motors at otay mesa during business hours
cars trucks boats small engines

make sure you have proof of value if their estimate is too high

even though a unattached boat motor is for a boat that is returning to the usa or Canada it HAS to be imported


[Edited on 9-21-2018 by Bob and Susan]



So when you import it, do you pay 16% of the value?

bajapedro - 9-21-2018 at 06:29 AM

Brought down a 7.5 honda. No one cared.

imlost - 9-21-2018 at 06:41 AM

What about motorcycles and quads? Are those also subject to importation?

hermosok123 - 9-21-2018 at 07:26 AM

No you just have to have current registration.

SFandH - 9-21-2018 at 08:21 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan  
I've imported 2



Did you do it yourself at Otay or did you use an agent? What percentage did they charge for an import duty?

pacificobob - 9-21-2018 at 08:44 AM

just tell them it's your "stuff" that you will use while vacationing in mexico. also remember, if they start talking duty, you are allowed $300 worth of stuff duty-free, and if you have a companion, it's $600. i also use a bit of spray paint on some gear to make it look very used. also, it will make it less attractive to thieves. a 10hp O/B with the rattle can treatment will certainly look less that $600 worth. good luck.

SFandH - 9-21-2018 at 10:15 AM

Outboard motors not attached to a boat seem to be in a different class than other things. When I got turned around at San Ysidro I actually stopped to declare the motor and pay, I thought, a 16% duty. They said no, I have to import the motor at Otay during business hours and made me go back to the US. BTW, it was an obviously used motor, 40 hp. I had just bought it from a mechanic in the business and had a receipt.

[Edited on 9-21-2018 by SFandH]

Bob and Susan - 9-21-2018 at 11:20 AM

you go to otay for all motors...they will turn you around at tj
they open a gate and you get in line to return to the usa
you will have to wait for a "guide"

16% is the tax on the approved value

the value is your receipt or the estimate of the agent
they check their cell phones and use the internet for a value
pretty accurate

no need for a broker

you park...talk to the agent...go to the outside office and pay...show the paid receipt to the agent and drive ahead

there is a booth at the exit that you have to push the green/red button

if you get a red...they get to check the truck/car

a green light and you drive away
again

Alm - 9-21-2018 at 12:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Rossman  
I'm not sure I understand why they are turning you folks around at the border. ...What is the difference between having one in your trunk or on on the transom of a small boat or RIB. There are certainly hundreds of those that cross the border every week. Are there rules against bringing outboards into Mexico?

1) Because somebody has to estimate the value and tax, in TJ they don't want to work and pass it over to Otay.

2) The difference is that motor on the boat is easier to explain as a vacation stuff that you'll bring back. Without a boat it is presumed for sale in Mexico.

3) Yes, hundreds cross every week, some are get lucky when motors are hidden and not found. You were, I was.

4) The "rule" against bringing motors is - you have to pay for any stuff over $300 per person. Most gringos don't want to.

AKgringo - 9-21-2018 at 12:57 PM

I have a spare tire mount on the back of my Kia. If I was to hang an outboard motor on it, do you think it would pass through as an 'auxiliary propulsion system'?

woody with a view - 9-21-2018 at 02:41 PM

I was under the impression it's $150/person when driving or walking. $300 is for flying.

I've been wrong before. A long time ago! LOL

Alm - 9-21-2018 at 03:03 PM

Quote: Originally posted by woody with a view  
I was under the impression it's $150/person when driving or walking. $300 is for flying.

I think you're right.

SFandH - 9-21-2018 at 08:42 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Alm  
Quote: Originally posted by woody with a view  
I was under the impression it's $150/person when driving or walking. $300 is for flying.

I think you're right.


According to: http://www.bajainsider.com/article/mexicos-import-duties-and...

"Duty-free allowance: Merchandise additional to the baggage, which monetary value Maybe proved by invoice or sale receipt and such value doesn’t exceed $300 USD, or the equivalent in MXN currency when passenger entries to Mexico by maritime or air or $75 USD when the passenger entries to Mexico by land."

Also:

"As of January 1, 2014, you may now complete importation forms and submit them on imports of less than $3000USD, without a broker."

[Edited on 9-22-2018 by SFandH]

pacificobob - 9-22-2018 at 06:04 AM

that has been my experience SF&H

woody with a view - 9-22-2018 at 06:26 AM

Me and the wifey get $150 together. That’s what I was thinking so 1/2 right!

Alm - 9-23-2018 at 09:29 AM

Woody, - thanks. Another reminder not to believe unconfirmed statements by expats.

Years ago I had an encounter with TJ aduana and was given an official booklet where it said $150 air, $75 land. Then somebody told me that it was increased and now it's $150 land. This was quite a while ago, so they might have increased from $75 land... but you know "messico" - interpretation of the rule varies.

weebray - 9-23-2018 at 09:54 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajarich  
We got turned back at both San Ysidro and Otay Mesa three years ago. We ended up burying it in the back inside the camper and crossing at Tecate. We have since bought a roll up boat and sold the boat we were leaving at Los Frailes.


The beauty and at times frustration of Mexico is it's flexibility. This importation policy is actually designed to prevent exactly what you did - smuggle in goods and sell them in Mexico. This is why you will see adverts in Baja for "trade for bananas, coconuts etc. Crossing the border is a crap shoot. Anything can and does happen. There is no absolute.

Maderita - 9-23-2018 at 10:42 AM

I seem to recall that approximately 2 years ago, the limit was increased to $300 USD per person when traveling by land. The BajaInsider article (linked above) was from 2015 (old news).
Have not found an official site to confirm the new $300 limit, but there is this from BajaBound:
https://www.bajabound.com/before/permits/customs.php

"What may I bring driving into Mexico?
Your personal luggage
Other merchandise up to the allowed exemption - US $300.00 per person."