Mexico info needed

[Matt Johnston]

Last minute shoot in Mexico. Yucatan region. Been there before but not with gear. Im bringing camera kits and an expensive rc helo. Anyone have any advice on customs or otherwise. Leave tomorrow.

 

[Tom Hamilton]

As long as you have all of your carnets and gear insurance together, shouldn't be a problem. Local guidance is good too, steer you away from the bandido hot spots.

 

[NormLi]

I've shot there before from Canada. You need to have all carnet and insurance together as Tom says. They really took their time checking every piece of gear one item at a time when we showed up.

Norm

 

[Matt Johnston]

As long as you have all of your carnets and gear insurance together, shouldn't be a problem. Local guidance is good too, steer you away from the bandido hot spots.

There is some indication that gear coming from USA does not require a Carnet as it is in the NAFTA zone. I'm looking into it now, but don't have a straight answer. Looks like I may be past the Carnet timelime.

Did they check your gear insurance, or insurance for the production?

 

[sergio arguello]

id say at least have someone with you that is rather fluent in language and culture. if things get sticky, and they can, its usually because immigration officer is looking for grease. And that my friend is a delicate dance...believe me i know!! the lovely thing for the future is EPIC as its a DSLR to them.Anyhow best of Luck!!

 

[Tom Hamilton]

Without a carnet, you're in double jeapordy. The Mexicans can charge you import duties on your gear, and US/Canada customs can then do the same on re-entry. And that's big $$$. Carnets can be done same-day, strongly suggest you get one.

 

[Paul Nordin]

While I don't disagree with Tom. I shot a feature in Baha a few years ago, got all the permits and carnets beforehand. Crossing the boarder into Mexico from US, nobody knew what I was talking about when I asked for an inspection. They looked at me like I was nuts and waved me through. Coming back from Mexico to US, I asked the US imigration official if he was going to inspect the contents of my heavily loaded van (lights, camera, grip). He also looked at me like I was nuts and said "What for, its not like you go to Mexico to buy contraband film equipment". Then waved me on. Nobody cared.

That said, I would never risk it without proper docs.

 

[Johnny Friday]

Gents: Mexico is a NON CARNET country. I live here and fix permits ALL the time. It can be HUGE trouble if you don't do this right. I've had to bail out CNN with their gear in lockup at customs in a small city where you CAN'T argue with a guy that knows very little about the law himself. Now...that said, much depends WHAT you are brining, where you are going---national park; monuments etc....they will NOT let you shoot without all the necessary paperwork.
...also, you can't just get this in one day....30 working days before the office called Oficina de Juridico will even take your paperwork to work on it....Anyway, there is always more than one way to skin a cat here.

....biggest question is this....is it worth it to take the chance? if so, you can lie your ass off and tell them this is just your home movie camera and you are taking video as a hobby. If you mention professional or even hint you are working....to customs at the airport---adios. your done.

 

[Johnny Friday]

While I don't disagree with Tom. I shot a feature in Baha a few years ago, got all the permits and carnets beforehand. Crossing the boarder into Mexico from US, nobody knew what I was talking about when I asked for an inspection. They looked at me like I was nuts and waved me through. Coming back from Mexico to US, I asked the US imigration official if he was going to inspect the contents of my heavily loaded van (lights, camera, grip). He also looked at me like I was nuts and said "What for, its not like you go to Mexico to buy contraband film equipment". Then waved me on. Nobody cared.

That said, I would never risk it without proper docs.

Paul, things have changed DRAMATICALLY in mexico now. They even have computers......and in Baja believe it or not. I recently brought something across the border and I ALWAYS declare an pay my import fees/taxes....so i can have that piece of paper if i get stopped later down the line...anyway, they did not believe my prices--of course we all lower the value. So, they got on their computer and checked the prices....and dared me to show them where i got it...luckily they could not read english too well....so i went to used on amazon....and got it through. BUT, i've also had my VAN confiscated years ago for not declaring boating equipment etc...let me tell you, YOU DON'T want to get caught.....it takes lots of time and $$$$ to get out of it...and i'm mexican...and that doesn't help a whole lot.....but would not want to be gringo in that case.

 

[Matt Johnston]

Thanks guys. I am meeting up with a production that has been ongoing for a few weeks already. They have told me they have "gotten a way for me through customs" but I am double-checking for myself.

Some others have said to bring receipts of all my gear to the local US border and customs and have my forms stamped and checked so I don't pay duty on the way back into the US. I have actually gone through this coming from Canada without a problem.

I am more worried about getting INTO Mexico. I'm not bringing a ton of expensive cameras, just a TM700 and a couple DSLRS. But I am bringing a complete aerial RC helicopter rig with two "expensive" looking Pelican cases. The production manager says it will be taken care of, but I'm a little stressed about it. Specifically since I am "working"

It appears Mexico HAS become part of the Carnet system as of May 2011. So I am trying to go that route. Does anyone have a recommendation of a broker for a same-day Carnet?

 

[Tom Hamilton]

I use http://www.roanoketrade.com, don't know if they service Canada, but they are very good.

 

[Johnny Friday]

They are getting wiser in Baja and mainland Mexico is completely ready for you.....they know what to ask and what to look for. And gear gets locked up and in some cases NEVER returned since they consider it smuggling of equipment. Not so different in US.....getting caught brining in foreign gear and Mexico has caught on to doing biz this way....

....xlnt Tom....

 

[Johnny Friday]

I use http://www.roanoketrade.com, don't know if they service Canada, but they are very good.

Nobody in US can help you with Mexico....i've had to bail far too many folks out using an USA agent......have to go right to the birds nest in Mexico.....deal with them direct; pay at local mexican bank, fill out papers & hand deliver etc....

 

[Johnny Friday]

Thanks guys. I am meeting up with a production that has been ongoing for a few weeks already. They have told me they have "gotten a way for me through customs" but I am double-checking for myself.

Some others have said to bring receipts of all my gear to the local US border and customs and have my forms stamped and checked so I don't pay duty on the way back into the US. I have actually gone through this coming from Canada without a problem.

I am more worried about getting INTO Mexico. I'm not bringing a ton of expensive cameras, just a TM700 and a couple DSLRS. But I am bringing a complete aerial RC helicopter rig with two "expensive" looking Pelican cases. The production manager says it will be taken care of, but I'm a little stressed about it. Specifically since I am "working"

It appears Mexico HAS become part of the Carnet system as of May 2011. So I am trying to go that route. Does anyone have a recommendation of a broker for a same-day Carnet?

.....on the mainland SOME of the customs know what a CARNET is....in Baja---not yet. BUT as i said....you have to get Mexican permits...that is all they know....if you are working---you need an FM3 from Immigration; then you need a letter of invitation from the local film commision; then if in a park or protected area---another permit...etc.....ALL gear MUST be temporarily imported.
Good luck with all the bad info that pollutes the air.....and most of the worst info comes from whoever is running the production.

 

[Matt Johnston]

Just an update, since I hate un-resolved threads.

I got through customs fine. Production did indeed have it handled with the help of a very friendly and efficient local. I had a government provided temporary importation permit for my Helicopters. If I did not have that I would not have gotten in with my gear.

Before I left I also made a comprehensive itemized gear inventory, and had it stamped and inspected by U.S Customs. This also seemed to help quite a bit on the Mexico end, and should insure I get back through the US well.

Apparently CARNETS are not the best bet for Mexico travel, as mentioned earlier in this thread by others - Many officials here are not familiar with them, and if they are not handled/stamped properly, getting home could be a real bitch.

So all is well. Thanks for the info!

 

[Tom Hamilton]

Glad to hear it Matt.

That's quite a rig, got a link to some video taken with it?

 

[Leslie August]

This is an update to some of the Mexico information posted here. As of May 16th, 2011 Mexico began issuing and accepting ata carnets into 12 ports. The list can be found here: Mexico Advisory. Also, Mexico has a requirement that you submit a registration form prior to departure if you are going to use a carnet. And they limit the length of the carnet to 6 months although extensions can be requested. For additional details you can contact the CIB Carnet HelpLine at 800-ATA-2900. FYI, so far the most use of the carnet into Mexico has been film and video production crews and they have been doing it successfully.

 

[Peter Strietmann]

I use customs form 4457. You should fill it out with the gear you will be taking, include serial numbers and go to your local customs office where they will verify you indeed have said items. They will sign off on it with customs stamps and signatures. Then laminate it as it is good for at least a year. They use to be good indefinitely. I usually take a copy to keep in my luggage as well. I've never had a problem with these forms. This form is available online. from US customs.

 

[Leslie August]

Form 4457 is a CBP form for registering personal effects so that when you return to the US they will not be dutiable. You can do the same for commercial goods with a CBP form 4455. However, these forms are not meaningful to any foreign (non-US) Customs officer. While they might recognize it, it's not a form they use. If the gear you are taking could reasonably be considered personal effects and would not likely be used for commercial purposes then it's probably fine. If you enter goods into a foreign country as personal effects and then conduct commercial business there, it is technically considered smuggling. It's all about how much risk you want to take. Form 4455

 

[Leslie August]

Here are the Mexican ports that can accept carnets and that have been trained:

• Tijuana
• Juarez
• Nuevo Laredo
• Altamira
• Veracruz
• Manzanillo
• Monterrey
• Guadalajara
• Cancun
• Mexico City Airport
• Cabo San Lucas - eff. Oct. 14, 2011
• Santa Rosalia- eff. Oct. 14, 2011