All ActivityMost RecentMost LikesSolutionsRe: Forum deadI haven't posted on this forum for a long time and not sure I should now. I do not want to argue. This used to be a very good forum with lots of useful advice. Now it has deteriorated to a small handful of people posting things that have nothing to do with RVing and often nothing to do with Mexico or SA. Last year I was trying to help with the questions about pickup trucks that were not being allowed into Mexico. Lots of people wanted to know. I contacted many Mexican gov't agencies and was getting some responses about the rules. I posted as I learned. Someone said they were sick of it and the moderator closed the thread. There was still lots of useful info I was getting but I quit posting and will not be back. If you are sick of a topic all you have to do is not read it. Why a topic which seemed to have great interest to forum readers was cut off by the moderator was never explained. I broke no rules. The information was requested by many and was current. So I - like so many others - am done with this forum and the many useless posts that continue to plague this forum. Sad that a once very good forum is now of little or no use due to being taken over by a small handful of posters. It is supposed to be a forum about RVing - by and for those who are current RVers in areas south of the US border. That is no longer the case.Re: PICKUP TRUCKS DENIED ACCESS TO MEXICO I wouldn't worry about it at all. It appears that the issue is with pick up trucks, because they are considered in Mexico to be cargo haulers. There was a post in one of these recent topic threads where someone with an E350 was denied - but I am not sure what an E350 is I think it is a van. It seems they are looking at the tag on the door frame which shows GVWR and GAWR but not CCC which I think is what is meant by Capacidad de Carga. So if the GVWR and the door frame is higher than 7,700 lbs then they may see it and deny access until someone finds a way to get someone in Mexico to take notice of what is happening.Re: PICKUP TRUCKS DENIED ACCESS TO MEXICOHere is another photo of a door sticker where Ford shows GVWR as well as GAWR but nothing about load capacity. This seems to be at least part of the problem. They seem to be using GVWR as Capacidad? Click For Full-Size Image.Re: PICKUP TRUCKS DENIED ACCESS TO MEXICOHere is another article about all this...... http://www.truckcamperadventure.com/2017/10/truck-campers-banned-in-mexico/ Truck Campers Banned in Mexico? CONFUSION AT THE BORDER October 26, 2017 You may have heard by now that truck campers are being turned away at the Mexico border. Is this true? In many cases, yes. But the reason appears to be a misunderstanding of Mexican law by certain Mexican customs officials. Here’s what we’ve learned here at Truck Camper Adventure after investigating the matter further. A recent Mexican law, enacted in November 2015, states that commercial vehicles with a cargo capacity (“capacidad de carga”) or payload of 7,716 pounds or greater are prohibited from entering the country and will not be granted a temporary import permit (TIP) (as far as we can determine, the law applies only to mainland Mexico and not to the state of Baja). Unfortunately, Mexican customs officials at certain checkpoints—El Paso, Laredo, and la Paz (ferry from Baja)—have misunderstood the term “cargo capacity” to mean Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (officials, apparently, are referring the GVWR number located on the truck’s door pillar). The 3.5 ton figure is supposed to apply to the payload/cargo capacity of the pickup truck, NOT to the GVWR, which, as we know, is an entirely different number (the GVWR includes both the payload and the weight of the truck). This gross misunderstanding and application of the law means that only half-ton pickup trucks with a GVWR less than 7,716 pounds are granted entry by these officials. Truck camper owners with one-ton and 3/4-ton trucks are being turned away at the aforementioned checkpoints. Furthermore, this restriction is supposed to apply to commercial vehicles only NOT to private vehicles. What can be done? Avoid the aforementioned checkpoints. If you own a one-ton or 3/4-ton truck, we recommend that you obtain your permit ahead of time online rather than at the border. We also recommend that you bring a printout of the statute (in Spanish) with you in case you encounter any problems. Another solution to the problem is to have your truck camper rig reclassified as a motorhome here in the United States. Apparently, motorhomes are exempt from this new Mexican law. Unfortunately, having this done to your rig is a difficult, very lengthy process here in the U.S., but it might be worth the effort since motorhomes are granted a 10-year permit to freely enter and leave Mexico. If you are a frequent traveler to Mexico, this might be the way to go. In the meantime, it’s hoped that the word gets out on the true application and intent of the law. As it stands right now, too many U.S. tourists with truck campers (and those with trucks towing travel trailers and fifth wheels) are being turned away at the border, leading to frustration and changed plans. This can’t be good for Mexico’s struggling economy. It’s in Mexico’s economic interest to get this issue straightened out as soon as possible.Re: mexicoI did not "write" any of the regulations - I just do a Copy & Paste of what I find online. I do not "know" what the laws are - only what I read and have heard from others. I have GOOGLED to find the actual law from a Mexican Gov't website but have not found it. Easy to get one online at the website at the bottom of this post. https://www.bajabound.com/before/permits/visa.php https://espanol.bajabound.com/before/permits/visa.php What is the tourist card / tourist permit? According to the National Immigration Institute, a tourist card (FMM) is an "admission document" issued to vacationers of certain nationalities. US and Canadian citizens who travel to Mexico for vacations can obtain the Tourist Card (FMM) in a few minutes at a Mexican immigration office at the border with a passport or a passport card. The tourist card (FMM) can be issued for up to 180 days and is issued per person including minors. When do I need a tourist card / tourist permit? People entering Mexico as tourists need the tourist card (FMM). It is important to note that in Baja, although you can take your vehicle to the end of the peninsula without a vehicle permit (see import regulations for vehicles ), you must have the tourist card (FMM). Who can get a tourist card / tourist permit? If you are a US citizen or Canadian citizen traveling to Mexico for tourist reasons, you may only need a tourist permit (FMM). For citizens of other countries it is better to contact the Mexican Consulate for information on documentation requirements. You can see a list of countries that require and do not require an official Visa here What kind of documentation do I need to obtain a tourist card / tourist permit? If you are a US citizen or Canadian citizen, you will need to have a valid passport to present to Mexican immigration officials to obtain the tourist card (FMM). Lots of Govt stuff about FMM at this website....... https://www.gob.mx/busqueda?utf8=%E2%9C%93&site=inm&q=Forma+Migratoria+M%C3%BAltipleRe: PICKUP TRUCKS DENIED ACCESS TO MEXICOHere is another website where the term "capacidad de carga" is clearly used. This is the Banjercito website where you can apply for the TIP online. https://www.banjercito.com.mx/registroVehiculos/ . . . . . . . https://www.gob.mx/banjercito/ INFORMACIÓN IMPORTANTE ANTES DE INICIAR • Puede solicitar el permiso en un plazo de entre 11 y 60 días antes de su ingreso a México. • Una vez aceptado el pago, el permiso es enviado a su domicilio en un máximo de 11 días hábiles. • No está permitido solicitar un permiso de un vehículo que no esté a su nombre o bien a nombre de su cónyuge, hijos, padres o hermanos. • No está permitido solicitar un permiso para un vehículo que exceda las 3.5 toneladas (7,716.17 libras) de capacidad de carga. • En caso de que usted sea extranjero, antes de iniciar el trámite del permiso deberá ingresar a la página http://www.inm.gob.mx/pae para tramitar su pre-autorización migratoria. El permiso del vehículo se le otorgará por los mismos días autorizados en dicha pre-autorización. Adicionalmente, en el momento que ingrese a territorio mexicano deberá presentarse ante las autoridades migratorias, a fin de que se le cambie la pre-autorización por la forma migratoria definitiva que le permite el ingreso a México. • En caso de que la información que ingrese sea falsa, puede hacerse acreedor a sanciones por parte de las autoridades Mexicanas. GOOGLE TRANSLATE IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE STARTING • You can apply for the permit within 11 to 60 days before your entry to Mexico. • Once the payment is accepted, the permit is sent to your home within a maximum of 11 business days. • It is not permissible to request a permit from a vehicle that is not in your name or on behalf of your spouse, children, parents or siblings. • It is not allowed to apply for a permit for a vehicle that exceeds 3.5 tons (7,716.17 pounds) of load capacity. • In case you are a foreigner, you must go to http://www.inm.gob.mx/pae to process your immigration authorization before you start the permit process. The vehicle's permit will be granted for the same days authorized in said pre-authorization. In addition, upon entering Mexican territory, he / she must appear before the immigration authorities, so that the pre-authorization can be changed due to the definitive immigration form that allows him to enter Mexico. • In case the information you enter is false, you may be liable to penalties by the Mexican authorities.Re: mexicoZona Libre Internacion de Vehiculos Extranjeros http://www.sat.gob.mx/aduanas/vehiculos/importacion_temporal/Paginas/solo_sonora.aspx Click For Full-Size Image.Re: mexicoFound articles online........... https://www.mexpro.com/blog/mexico-free-border-zone What is the Mexico Free/Border Zone? Posted August 1, 2017 by Roxanna Brock McDade & filed under Border Crossing, Driving to Mexico, Free Zone. The Mexico Free or Border Zone was designated by the Mexican government to make it easier for travelers to enter Mexico and improve tourism along the U.S. border. Vehicles driving in these zones do not need a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP). And, for stays less than 72 hours in the Free Zone, a tourist visa is not required. Additionally, goods—with the exclusion of alcohol, cigarettes, cigars and race horses—can be imported into Mexico duty free, as long as within these boundaries. This way resources can be moved easily across the border for manufacturing and assembly plants. And, once produced, the items can be exported outside of Mexico duty free, giving companies incentive to produce in Mexico, and in turn, creating more jobs for Mexicans living there. The ‘Free zone’ designation is actually short for ‘Hassle Free Zone,’ but the area has many other names including: Border Zone, Perimeter Zone, Liberated Zone and the Free Trade Zone. What are the free zone perimeters? The Mexico Free zone encompasses areas along Mexico’s northern border. Yet, the entire Baja peninsula and a large portion of Sonora are included in the free zone. For all other Mexican border states, it is the area between 20 and 26 km (12 to 16 miles) from the border. The Sonora designation is important, because it’s illegal to cross out of the Free Zone without a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit. The free zone in Sonora lies to the northwest of Mexico Federal Highway Number 2, starting at Agua Prieta. It extends through Cananea, to where it intersects with Mexican Federal Highway 15 in Imuris. From Imuris, all of the areas to the north and west of Mexico Federal Highway 15 are included. Kilometer 98, southeast of Empalme, is where the free zone ends. Mexico makes it easier for those traveling outside the Free Zone in Sonora by offering the Sonora-only Temporary Importation Permit. What are the benefits of traveling in the free zone? The primary benefit is you do not need a TIP, which saves time and money. Quick and last minute trips to Mexico are faster and easier, as a TIP requires time at the border or online to obtain the permit. You will need proof of citizenship, proof that you own the vehicle and a Mexican tourist card (Forma Migratoria Múltiple or FMM), a refundable deposit and a fee. All requires some preplanning. What if I accidentally travel outside the free zone without a TIP? It is illegal to travel outside the Mexico free zone without a TIP. Your vehicle could be confiscated and you could be escorted back to the border or taken to jail. Do I need Mexico Insurance if I travel in the Free Zone? Absolutely. Liability insurance provided by a Mexican insurer is required to drive your vehicle in Mexico. Without liability insurance, you could be detained until you can prove the ability to pay damages in an at-fault accident. Mexico laws continue to get stricter, so be prepared with Mexico insurance. Do I need a passport to travel to the Free Zone? Yes, a passport or passport card is required to travel anywhere in Mexico. It is possible you will not be asked to present it, but it is the law. If you’re on the fence about where to travel in Mexico, you may want to consider the free zone for the ease of access, quick border crossings and loads of fun! https://www.mexpro.com/blog/mexico-hassle-free-vehicle-zone Mexico Hassle Free Vehicle Zone Posted February 14, 2014 by Mike Mercer & filed under Baja, Driving to Mexico, Free Zone, Sonora, Vehicle Import Permit. Mexico’s Hassle Free Vehicle Zone or “Free Zone“ The Hassle Free Vehicle Zone, which is also sometimes referred to as the Perimeter Zone, the Liberated Zone or the Free Trade Zone, are areas along the international border that have been designated by the Mexican government to have reduced customs requirements. The free zone initiative was begun to help promote Mexico tourism and create greater economic growth for the areas along the U.S. border. Within the free zone, customs importation requirements are essentially removed, allowing goods from other countries to enter Mexico duty free. The Mexican customs checkpoints have been moved further into the interior of Mexico, typically 20 to 26 kilometers, to create a zone that extends along the entire northern border of Mexico. A few Mexican states have extended free zones All of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, including the states Baja California and Baja California Sur are inside the free zone. Also, the northwest portion of the state of Sonora, where the zone is delineated by a couple of Mexican Federal Highways. The Free Zone includes the portion of the state of Sonora that lies to the northwest of Mexico Federal Highway Number 2, starting at Agua Prieta, extending through Cananea, up to where it intersects with Mexican Federal Highway Number 15 in Imuris. From Imuris, the free zone is again all of the areas to the north and/or west of Mexico Federal Highway Number 15, which runs south through Magdalena, Santa Ana, Casa Blanca, Benjamin Hill and Hemosillo. Just north of Guaymas, Highway 15 splits with the Libramiento Guaymas portion extending towards the southeast. Here the free zone encompasses the areas to the south and to the west of Highway 15, to include the areas of Santa Clara, Hacienda El Pardo, Guaymas, and Empalme. The end of the free zone is marked on Mexican Federal Highway Number 15 at kilometer 98, southeast of Empalme. Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit not required Within the free zone, the temporary import permit is not required. However, if you travel outside of the free zone, you will have to pass through the customs checkpoint, and will need to pay a deposit to obtain a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit Sticker, which you will need to display on your windshield. Temporary vehicle import stickers must be returned at the border. If you do not return the sticker, not only will you forfeit your deposit, but you also will not be allowed to apply for any future Temporary Vehicle Importation Permits. So, until you return the sticker, you won’t be able to bring any other vehicles into Mexico. Once you return the importation sticker, then your deposit can be returned. For more information about obtaining Temporary Vehicle Importation Permits, you can contact the Banco Nacional del Ejército, Fuerza Aérea y Armada, a.k.a. the Banjercito. Even in the free zone, you still need to purchase insurance If plan to drive your car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle or motorhome across the border, even if you will be staying inside the free zone the entire time, you will need to have a valid in-force policy that includes Mexican liability insurance coverage. It does not matter if you are only driving a few feet across the border, you are required to have Mexican liability coverage anywhere inside of Mexico. It is also important to remember that by Mexico law, no U.S. insurer can sell Mexican liability insurance, and the mandatory coverage may only be obtained from an actual Mexican insurance company. So, even if your U.S. insurance includes an extension of physical damage coverage for Mexico, you still must purchase a separate policy that includes liability coverage from a Mexico insurance carrier. If you would like to learn more about what is included in Mexico Liability insurance policy, as well as the other coverage items that are available, please visit the Mexico Insurance Professionals website at: https://www.mexpro.com/mexico/coverage.html. The page also has links to an online form where you can get quick and easy comparative quotes for Mexico Tourist Auto Insurance from all “A rated” Mexican Insurance Carriers. You can even purchase and print your policy, right from your own computer, anytime, day or night. If you have other questions about the Mexico free zone, temporary vehicle importation permit requirements or about Mexico Tourist Auto Insurance in general, you can call to speak with a Mexico insurance specialist agent at 888-467-4639. Also Lewis and Lewis for insurance online https://www.mexicanautoinsurance.com/Re: PICKUP TRUCKS DENIED ACCESS TO MEXICOPart of the instructions for Annex 1 I posted above... 3.- Descripción de la mercancía.- En este recuadro anotará la descripción, naturaleza, estado, origen y demás características de la mercancía, así como los demás datos que permitan la identificación de las mismas, o en su defecto las especificaciones técnicas o comerciales necesarias para su identificación, tales como marca, modelo, tipo, número de serie, tamaño, color, etc. GOOGLE TRANSLATE SAYS...... 3.- Description of the goods.- In this box, enter the description, nature, state, origin and other characteristics of the merchandise, as well as other data that allow the identification thereof, or failing the technical or commercial specifications identification, such as brand, model, type, serial number, size, color, etc. So apparently they want the make, model, serial number, etc of the camper?Re: PICKUP TRUCKS DENIED ACCESS TO MEXICONot everyone wants to or can go to Nogales. There must be some other solution to all this. What I was told by SAT via email is you are supposed to have a temporary import permit for the camper which apparently is a form you fill out they refer to a Anexo 1 which can be found online with instructions at the following address........ http://www.sat.gob.mx/informacion_fiscal/normatividad/Paginas/reglas_comercio_exterior_2017.aspx Scroll down to......on the right side Annex 1 General Rules of Foreign Trade. (1) ANEXO 1 DE LAS REGLAS GENERALES DE COMERCIO EXTERIOR PARA 2017 Formatos de Comercio Exterior Contenido There are a lot of forms....... A1. Temporary import authorization. A2. Authorization of temporary importation of boats. A3. Temporary importation of goods, intended for the maintenance and repair of temporarily imported goods. A4. Authorization to import merchandise once only without completing the registration process or being suspended in the register of importers, (Rule 1.3.5.). A5. Authorization for natural persons to import merchandise once only without being registered in the register of importers, (Rule 1.3.6.). A6. Enrollment authorization for the sectoral exporter register (Rule 1.3.7.). A7. Authorization for the importation of specially constructed or transformed vehicles equipped with various devices or apparatus to comply with a contract derived from public tendering (Rule 4.2.9). A8. Authorization for the return of foreign vehicles (Rule 4.2.20.). A9. Authorization of rectification of pedimentos. A10. Authorization to import goods for national security purposes. The first form I think is the one you want "Autorización de importación temporal" This is a form that is filled out with/by aduana when you cross the border. Apparently they are not doing this but this is what SAT told me by email they are supposed to do - they say the camper is "carga" and this is the form for that. This law or whatever you call it is dated Jan 27, 2017 and was posted online Feb 10, 2017. Maybe not all people at the border are aware of this form. If you know about it and they stop your camper you might tell them about this and ask them if this is what you are supposed to do. But the problem with all of this seems to be the terminology they use to classify pickup trucks. In some cases they use "capacidad de carga" and in others they use terms such as "capacidad maximum" which in some cases the still qualify "capacidad" as being the weight of the carga but in others they interpret it to mean maximum allowed weight of the total vehicle or GVWR. I have many emails - most of which I have posted all over this forum - from SAT and ADUANA etc where they define the word "capacidad" as meaning the load or cargo. BUT they are supposed to be seeing the cargo weight allowed by the manufacturer on the door frame - apparently this is not there - so they see GVWR and use this number. No one will clarify all of this. Someone who understands Spanish at a much higher level than my ability might look into these laws to figure out what they mean or are supposed to mean. I have no idea what is supposed to be meant as there are several laws or regulations and they seem to make new ones all the time.
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